Room Air Conditioner Sizing Guide
| AIR CONDITIONER QUESTIONS |
What factors should I consider when selecting a window air conditioner
?
Room size, BTU rating, window dimensions, window style, and type of electrical outlet (i.e. voltage capacity). Click here for a step-by-step guide to buying an air conditioner.
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If I buy a smaller unit model than recommended, won't it cool just as well if I run it longer? No. Especially on those extra hot days, it is important to have the unit sized correctly. A unit that is too small will not be able to handle the heat and humidity load. It will run constantly and still not cool enough. This may also cause excessive wear and tear on the unit and increased electrical bills.
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So the more BTUs the better?
No. An oversized unit may cool the air too quickly and not remove enough humidity. The end result would be a cold and clammy environment.
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What exactly is a BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is the internationally agreed upon standard for measuring heat. The room size that correlates with each BTU size air conditioner is stated with each product listing in the product pages. Keep in mind this is the recommended room size under average conditions. Warmer climates, houses with less insulation, cinder block construction, kitchens, and vaulted ceilings all increase the needed BTUs. Click here for more information on room sizing.
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What does EER mean?
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a US standard for rating the energy consumption of an air conditioner. The higher the number, the more energy efficient it is. In other words, the higher the better.
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Why are the electrical plug ends different for different models?
First, most room air conditioners use standard 115 volt plugs. If you have an unusually shaped outlet, it is probably intended for a larger appliance. The different plug and outlet shapes and sizes are designed to avoid mismatching voltages and overloading your home's electrical system. Never use adapters or modify the plug to fit your home's outlet. Call a professional electrician when the voltage requirement of a unit is different than what is available.
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Will my window air conditioner fit in any type of window?
Pay close attention to the height and width requirements for each air conditioner. The specifics are stated on each product listing. Vertical sliding windows and crank-out casement windows require air conditioners specifically designed for those applications.
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Are window air conditioners difficult to install?
No. Generally a window air conditioner can be installed and running in about 15 minutes. The only tools normally needed are a screwdriver, ruler, pencil, and level. A complete set of installation hardware (brackets, screws, etc.) and instructions are included with each air conditioner. We recommend two people for the installation because of the weight and size of the units.
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Why would I need a dehumidifier if my air conditioner already removes moisture?
While air conditioner systems do dehumidify... basements, bathrooms, and closets are often not well ventilated. In addition, dehumidification is often needed during the spring and fall months, when air conditioners are turned off. If there is a musty smell, it is likely you need a dehumidifier to avoid mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew spores are a common household allergen, often causing watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.
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Is room size important when choosing a dehumidifier?
Yes and no. What is most important is the amount of water you need to take out of the air. The more water in the air, the larger the capacity you will need. A small room with a lot of moisture may need as much dehumidification as a large room with average moisture content. When in doubt, it's always better to oversize a dehumidifier.
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Why would I need to purify the air when I have a filter in my central air system?
Those 1" filters are generally designed to protect the inner-workings of your central air system. They do not filter the air efficiently enough to reduce indoor air pollution and to alleviate allergy symptoms. Trion by Fedders Electronic Air Purifiers pull dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, and mold spores out of the air. In addition, duct-mounted filters only work while the central air system is running. During the spring and fall months, allergy seasons, the central system is often shut off.
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What advantages does the Forever Filter have over HEPA?
The Forever Filter cleans your air instead of cleaning out your pocket book! HEPA filters must be replaced 1 to 2 times a year (depending on the model). The Forever Filter should last the life of the unit! When there is a build up on the filter, you can simply wash it off in the sink. The savings over 5 years can be as high as $400!
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What does CADR mean?
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. It is a standard set by AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) to measure the efficiency of air purifiers. "The higher the CADR rating, the faster the unit filters the pollutants out of the air (source: AHAM 2000 Directory of Certified Room Air Cleaners, Edition 4, 10/00)
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What does CFM mean?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It is a measurement of how much air is flowing through an air purifier.
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How important is it to match an air purifier to the room size?
We recommend you choose an air purifier with a room size rating at least 3/4 the size of the actual room. If you choose a unit that is too small, it will not clean the air as fast. There is no problem with over sizing a unit.
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