Buying Guide - Air Conditioners

Low prices and high efficiency make room air conditioners an inexpensive alternative to central air for cooling one or two rooms. Many 5,000- to 6,000-Btu units now cost less than $150. Our air-conditioner guide will help you choose what's right for you.

Size it correctly

An air conditioner that's too small won't do a good job cooling a room. One that's too big cools the area so quickly that it doesn't have time to remove enough moisture, so it leaves you with a clammy room and extra energy costs.  Also please keep in mind that these are designed to cool one room not multiple rooms - you may get some cool air in a second room but only if that room is in the direct path of the air flow from the air conditioner.  The fans in most of these units are not strong enough to push air beyond the room they are installed in and they definitely cannot move the air around a corner.

To determine the proper size, measure the square footage of the area you want to cool. Add extra capacity for a kitchen or a room usually occupied by more than two or three people. The climate, room construction, and side of the house the unit is installed in dictate the size of air conditioner you need.   Click here to use Whirlpool's Cooling Capacity Calculator to determine your recommended size.

Electrical Requirements

Room air conditioners should be on their own circuit, particularly anything over 10,000 BTU's.  If that is not possible you should absolutely make sure the unit is not plugged into an outlet with another high draw machine.  Air conditioners should not be used with an extension cord but if you must please use a heavy duty appliance cord.  Most models under 15,000 BTU's run off 110/125 volt 15 amp circuit.  Typically anything larger will require 230/208 volt 15 amp or larger circuit.  There are some smaller through-the-wall units that operate on a 230/208 volt line.  If you're replacing an existing unit and are unsure of the circuit type please use the following as a guide:

Ability to direct airflow

Air conditioners generally have louvers you can adjust to direct airflow vertically or horizontally. But most are better at directing air toward one side or the other. Consider your room layout, and look for a model that can direct the airflow where you need it.

Controls

Many air conditioner controls use touch pads with large LED displays, large not crowded buttons, clear labeling, and digital temperature readouts.  Raised buttons with different shapes let you identify functions by feel. And digital temperature readouts provide a more precise reading than the traditional "warmer" and "cooler" settings.  Many models are also available with full function remote controls.

Efficiency aids

An air conditioner with a timer can be turned off when you're out and set to turn on just before you expect to get home. An energy-saver setting stops the fan when the compressor is off. These features save energy.

Dehumidifying mode

Fresh-air intake or exhaust setting

Efficiency

Types to Choose From

Most room models are designed to fit double-hung windows. Some fit casement or slider windows, some are made for through-the-wall installation, and others are actually portable units designed to move from room to room as needed.  Double-hung models are typically taken out in the Fall and then re-installed each Spring.  Casement models are typically installed permanently but may be removed annually depending on your situation.  Through-The-Wall units are permanently installed and need to be covered on the outside each Winter.  Most portable models require an exhaust hose to be vented out a window much like a clothes dryer.  These also act as dehumidifiers and must either have drain hoses attached to them or require you to empty a water tank periodically.