Whether you’re cooling one room or you’re cooling your whole home, window unit air conditioners can do the trick. But before you buy, be sure to find the right one, because there’s a greater diversity of window units than you might think.

General Knowledge

The first and most important factor to consider when buying a window unit the size and strength. Window unit air conditioners are rated with British Thermal Units, or BTUs, and they generally range from 5,000 to 12,000. The rule of thumb when assessing how many BTUs you’ll need in your unit is that you’ll want 20 BTUs for every square foot you cool. You’ll also want to consider factors such as the amount of shade or sun that a room receives, and if the room is a kitchen. You’ll want about 4000 more BTUs if the room is a kitchen. Finding the right size to meet your needs is important because a unit too small won’t cool the space, and a unit too large won’t remove enough humidity and leave the air feeling damp.

Features

Window units these days are loaded with features that you should know about before making a purchase. For example, while some units have timers, which allow users to set times for the unit to turn on and turn off, others have temperature regulators, which keep your space at your favorite temperature all day and all night, regardless of temperature changes outdoors. Other units may include remote controls, which allows the user to control the temperature from their smartphone or tablet, while some may even include electronic ionizers, which remove impurities like pollen from the air.

Installation

The last thing you’ll need to consider when purchasing a window unit air conditioner is its installation. It’s important to read the manufacturer’s manual to understand the details of your unit’s power supply, so you don’t have to worry about blowing a fuse or causing a fire. Additionally, you’ll want to choose the right window for the installation, because to get the most out of your unit, you’ll want to install it in a shady area.

You don’t need a full central air conditioning system in your home to be able to feel comfortable in the summer! Follow the guidelines listed above, and you’ll have no problem making yourself a comfortable climate for your home.