How Many Window Air Conditioners Do I Need?

The number of window air conditioners you choose will depend on the size of your space. If you live in a single floor plan, you may only need one window air conditioner. However, the larger the living space, the more likely you will need another unit.

To help find the best size for your space, you can follow these steps:

1. Measure the room
2. Find the appropriate BTU within the room’s square footage
3. Other Factors (Sun Exposure, Insulation, Room Location and Room Traffic)

Choosing the right size window AC is important for a room. If you choose a window unit that is too small, cooling the room will take much longer. An oversized window unit may decrease energy efficiency, drive up costs, and not remove enough humidity from the air.

It is also important to consider ceiling height. The height of the ceiling will determine how long it will take to cool the room.

To prevent these issues from happening, you should measure the length and width of the room to find the square footage. For example, a room in a single-family home might have a length of 15 feet and a width of 20 feet. In this case, multiply 15 feet by 20 feet and get 300 square feet.

While most people will only measure the room, it is also important to measure your window opening. After measuring the room, find the measurements of the window opening where the window air conditioner unit will go.

After calculating the measurements, you can compare the room size to the BTU rating. The BTU rating determines the amount of heat that an A/C can remove from an area. Units with higher BTU ratings will cool larger rooms.

Different room sizes require different BTU amounts to maximize comfort. The general guidelines for appropriate BTUs include:

Use this chart to help you choose the best window air conditioner for you. The most common window air conditioners have a BTU between 5,000 and 12,000 BTUs.

Small window air conditioners can cool areas between 100 and 500 sq. ft. A 12000 BTU window air conditioner usually can cover a larger room.

To increase energy efficiency, look for important factors that can increase or decrease the temperature of your home.

Sun Exposure

One of the factors to consider is the amount of sun exposure a room receives. For example, a room that gets a lot of sunlight will have a higher temperature. On the other hand, a room with more shade will have a cooler temperature.

Knowing the amount of sun exposure can help you determine where to put the window unit. It also helps you see how long your system may need to operate.

Insulation

Insulation is also a factor when thinking about a window unit. Insulation helps to regulate the temperature in a room. Having proper insulation with a window AC can help you save costs. Savings happen because the window AC does not work as hard to cool the area.

Room Location

The room location in the house is also important. If the sun directly shines on the room, it will take longer than if the sun did not set on the house. Rooms that are next to or above garages are also likely to become hotter. If this is the case, you should consider putting a window unit in those rooms and running it longer.

Occupants in the Room

Another factor to consider is the amount of occupants in the room. More occupants in your room increases the heat load of the space. Spaces with high traffic, like living rooms, may require a window unit with more BTUs. A smaller room, that will host less people, can have a window unit with less BTUs.

Be mindful that a higher energy-efficiency ratio means the home is energy efficient. Look to increase the energy efficiency ratio in your home by considering the important factors of the home.

There are several features that you can have with your window AC. These include:

• Remote Controls: Allow you to change the settings and turn the air conditioner on and off from across the room. Some remotes have portable temperature sensors that help them keep the temperature in the room cool.
• Mechanical Controls: Give you the option to manually adjust the fan speeds and cooling levels.
• Programmable Timer: This timer allows you to set specific times when the AC comes on and turns off. Set the programmable timer to turn the system on/off, based on working periods away from your home. Use sleep mode to adjust temps for improved efficiency while overnight.

Having regular maintenance checks on your air conditioner keeps the unit efficient for a longer duration. One of the ways to maintain the unit is by cleaning the window air unit.

When cleaning, make sure to unplug the unit to avoid safety hazards. Follow the unit's user manual for directions on removing and cleaning the air filters. Vacuum or wash the filter using a spray bottle of cleaning solution. Having a clean air filter ensures the AC unit is efficient and dust free.

Another way to clean and maintain your conditioner is by wiping down the cabinet. Cleaning the cabinet prevents dust buildup and other harmful particles.

The amount of window air conditioners depends on the size of your room, most rooms being small enough to only need one. Before assuming, you should always check the measurements to help guide you in the correct direction. Find a variety of Air Conditioners today at HomElectrical!