It can be confusing when you begin your search for the best air conditioner for your needs.  This is an expensive purchase, and you will want to take into consideration some air conditioner buying tips before you make that investment. Be sure you know what type of air conditioner filters you need.

Air Conditioner Buying Tips – Deciding on the Type of Air Conditioner

There are a variety of types of air conditioners you can choose from, such as:  window air conditioner, wall air conditioner, portable air conditioner, and central air conditioning unit.  Each of these types of air conditioners has advantages.  The type you choose to buy will depend on your home’s needs and your budget.  Most people would love to have a central air conditioning unit, but this type of air conditioner costs more initially.  Therefore, there are other options to cool your home that will work for you that can be more affordable.

You may not have a window in the room that you would like to cool.  If this is the case, you can buy a portable or wall air conditioner.  If you do not have an outside wall you can cut into because it is made of cement, stone, or brick, then a portable will be more up your alley.   The point is there is always an option.  You do not have to suffer during the hot months.  Choose a type that works for you and your circumstances.

Air Conditioner Buying Tips – Cooling Capacity

You will want to know how big the area you want to cool is so you can determine the cooling capacity of the unit you will need.   A room air conditioner, no matter what type, is rated on BTUs.

Here are some simple guidelines based on an average room without any other factors taken into consideration.   For a room that is 100 to 300 square feet, you will want to choose an air conditioner that is 5,000 to 6,000 BTUs.  A medium sized room will require BTUs of 8,000 to 9,000.  Larger rooms that are 600 to 1,000 square feet, consider an air conditioner with BTUs of 10,000 to 15,000.

You will need to take into consideration a few other factors, such as if the room has poor insulation or the air conditioner will be mounted on the hottest wall or window.  If this is the case, you will want to increase the BTUs.  If possible, try not to mount it on a south facing wall or window.  If the room is taller than an average room, increase the BTUs about 10 percent.

While you may need to increase BTUs due to these factors, it is important that you do not purchase an air conditioner that is too big.  It will cycle on and off too quickly, which will result in more energy and will not remove as much humidity from the air.  However, it is also important not to purchase an air conditioner that is too small, as it will run constantly and not work as well to cool the room.

Air Conditioner Buying Tips – Features

Air conditioners come with many features depending on the type of unit it is.  Look for an air conditioner that is no-drip, acts as a dehumidifier, and can purify the air.  Choose one that has a HEPA filter.  These are the major features.  Some other features to consider are:  timer capabilities, fan settings, oscillation, and if it has a remote control.  For central air conditioning units, choose one that is energy efficient with a SEER of at least 13.

These air conditioner buying tips are designed to help you make a knowledgeable choice for your home.

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Comments (1)

• |2011-10-20 01:13:58 A  - Thanks
  Great info!
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