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Indoor air conditioning is a great way to beat hot temperatures during summer. Because many people cannot afford to install a central air system, they have to choose an AC window unit. But the models available nowadays on the market have all the features a homeowner would want. They remove humidity, save energy and provide relief from the summer heat.
Finding the right window air conditioner for your bedroom can be difficult. Some specs come on certain products, and if you don’t buy the right one from the start it will prove difficult to return it. However, it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant task, you can buy and install the air conditioner with no fuss if you do your homework.
Here is how to choose the right one for your bedroom.
In This Post:
1. Measure the Bedroom and Its Window
To find an air conditioner fit for your bedroom you have to measure the size of the window where you install the AC unit. Powerful ACs are also large so they do not fit in small windows. Once you know the size of the window, you should measure the room and write down its width and length, but also the height of the ceiling.
Do not forget to check if the bedroom is exposed to the sun and for how long. A room that gets a lot of sun during the daytime is hotter than the ones North-oriented.
2. Now You Have to Calculate
Homeowners state that this is the worst part of buying an AC. You have to determine the power of the AC unit according to the number of thermal units it outputs. Let’s say that your bedroom is small, 11 feet by 11 feet, with a 9-foot ceiling. Then you have to opt for a system with sub-5000 TU. As you can imagine if you double the size of the bedroom you also have to double the number of thermal units. And because it’s pretty difficult to calculate it, or to read a chart, it’s recommended to use an online calculator that will offer you the result immediately. They all do the same thing, so no matter which one you choose, the result will be the same.
3. Do You Plan to Use It Permanent or Temporary?
You should decide if you want to use the air conditioner the entire year or you want to use it only during the hot season. There are different models suitable for different purposes. If you choose a permanent one you don’t have to reinstall it every year. Sometimes, even if the air conditioner unit is well-insulated, it isn’t draft-free similarly to a quality window that’s perfectly shut. You will experience this issue only if you are living in an area where the temperatures are near or below-freezing point. When living in a mild-winters area you don’t have to worry about these problems.
Sometimes, homeowners choose a portable air conditioner for their bedrooms, especially for small spaces. The drawback is that portable air conditioner units are pricier than the other models. You can move them from a room to another, but you will do it at a cost.
4. You Should Also Consider Condensation
The biggest disadvantage when installing air conditioning is that you can deal with condensation that can dramatically affect your comfort. While it runs, the AC unit is pulling moisture from the air because it works similarly to a dehumidifier. All the water the system collects has to go somewhere, and most of the times it’s directed to an internal drip tray. Depending on the model you choose, the manufacturer may recommend drilling a small hole in the drip, and hooking a drain hose from that point to an exterior one. This way you can remove the excess water and prevent condensation.
5. Do Not Forget About Power and Electricity
Even if you are installing the air conditioner in your bedroom, it will still drain power from the house’s energy system. However, it’s important to note that the latest models of AC are more effective than the old ones that needed high-voltage electrical outlets. Some of them can even function at 120V, the average voltage for home appliances.
Before choosing a model, you should check the situation for your house. The AC unit may need only 120V, but it has to share the circuit with many other appliances you are using around the house, so it’s important for you to ask for an electrician’s recommendations. Some of the devices you have installed in your house are more power-hungry than others are, so you should know from the start what the maximum voltage should be. The electrician may recommend you to have some work done and some circuits changed, before installing the AC.
6. The Final Step – You Are Buying the AC
Now that you know what factors should influence the purchase, you can start looking for different models. Alongside the above factors that reflect the condition of the house and the bedroom, you need to consider your budget and other requirements you may have. Let’s say that you want the AC unit to be quiet because you want to keep it turned on during the nighttime, then you should check the list with the quietest air conditioner window systems. Look for the models insulated for sound, they will allow you to sleep peacefully at night. However, if you are limited by your budget, then your list of choices will be shorter. If you don’t have to worry about the budget then you can install a low profile device because it’s perfect for a room with a small window.
On the market, you will also find smart air conditioners, but as you can expect they are sold at premium prices. The average under 6000 TU is great for you because it’s programmable and you can set it to turn on and off according to the time of the day. Or you can set it to run when the internal thermostat registers a certain temperature. This being said you should browse the internet for a new AC unit to make your bedroom a comfortable and cool sanctuary.