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Air Conditioners Buyer's Guide
Air conditioners can greatly improve the comfort level of your home. They lower the air temperature, remove moisture from the air and filter air.
Cooling Down
The first step in selecting an air conditioner is to make sure the air conditioner is proportional to the room in which it will be installed. There are many different types and sizes of air conditioners available, but the right choice for you will greatly depend on room size, frequency of use and installation ease.
Choosing Sides
There are three main types of air conditioners. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Window units can be installed in most single or double-hung windows. These are fairly simple to install but do require some support. They can be removed and stored in the winter, but block the window in which they are installed during the summer.
Portable units can be rolled from room to room and can be used to cool a specific area. Since these units do not require any installation, they are very simple to use. Most portable units come with a window venting kit for the exhaust hose. Some of these units will need to be periodically emptied, but otherwise require little maintenance.
Built-in units are permanently installed in a wall. They often have both cooling and heating functions and are popular for rooms that are not connected to a central ventilation system. Wall units require more difficult installation, but are permanent and do not block a window.
Calculate your BTUs
You’ll need to select an air conditioner with the proper amount of BTUs for your space.
- 100-150
- 150-250
- 250-300
- 300-350
- 350-400
- 400-450
- 450-550
- 550-700
- 700-1,000
- 1,000-1,400
Area in square feet
- 5,000
- 6,000
- 7,000
- 8,000
- 9,000
- 10,000
- 12,000
- 14,000
- 18,000
- 24,000
BTUs needed
Our website is allows you to sort by the amount of BTUs needed, so you can easily find the air conditioner to fit your needs. Filter by 10,000 and under BTUs, 10,001 – 12,000 and 12,001 - 16,000 depending on the table from above.
Know Your Outlets
Since air conditioners use more volts than standard appliances, you may need a specialized outlet. Carefully check which type your air conditioner will require and make sure you have those capabilities.
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