How do I choose an air conditioner? An AJ Madison appliance expert describes the different types of room air conditioners. Watch and learn which air conditioner type is right for your space. Will an air conditioner with higher BTU cool my room faster? BTUs determine how much cold air comes out of the unit, but problems can occur if the air conditioner is oversized for the space. The more cold air that comes out � the more area it needs to circulate to avoid giving the thermostat a false reading. If the unit is oversized, the cold air bounces off the wall back onto itself giving the thermostat a false reading � causing the compressor to shut off because the thermostat reads that the set temperature has been achieved. While the unit is off � the thermostat is able to read the room�s actual temperature, which kicks the compressor back on. This process will continue, causing the compressor to cycle off and on every two to three minutes, but never staying on long enough to effectively cool the room or remove uncomfortable humidity.

Use AJ Madison�s BTU calculator to find the correct amount of BTUs for the area you would like to cool. This chart can also be used as a general guide. When cooling rooms with poor insulation, great rooms, or southern or western sun exposures, step up to the next BTU size. Manual controls will have a knob where you set the temperature to low, medium, or high. Electronic controls have a touchpad and a digital display which allows you to set the unit to a specific temperature. The unit has to have electronic controls for use of a remote control. When a unit says that there is electric heat there is a heat strip in the unit that uses the fan to distribute the heat. Electric heat is meant to subsidize an existing heat source. A heat pump function is similar to an air conditioner, however, instead of cooling the air like it would in the summer it heats the air and redistributes it into the room. It often will not work when it is colder than 40 degrees (except some PTAC and Ductless Splits) outside, but some units have electric heat backup.

If heat is very important to you a PTAC or Ductless Split unit could be your best choice. 4 ton ac unit vs 5 tonPlease look at the air conditioner description or call us at 1-800-570-3355 to talk with an air conditioning expert.what will make a ac unit freeze up Shop all Air Conditioners with Heat/Coolportable ac units how do they work Energy star is a government backed program that tests products energy efficiency. Products that meet strict energy efficiency requirements determined by the EPA and the US Department of Energy are labeled as Energy Star. Shop all Energy Star Air Conditioners The higher the Energy Efficiently Rating (EER), the more efficient the air conditioner. The EER of an air conditioner is determined by how many BTUs per hour are used for each watt of power.

Air conditioners with a higher EER usually are accompanied by a higher price tag but cost less to run. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is commonly used to measure central and ductless air conditioning. All air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 10 to be sold in the United States. Air conditioners that are Energy Star have higher EERs and SEERs. What is a chassis? What is the difference between a fixed chassis and slide-out chassis? A chassis is the frame that supports the guts of an air conditioner. When the air conditioner is described as a fixed chassis, the chassis does not slide out � these air conditioners are for window installation only. Air conditioners with slide-out chassis can be installed into a window or a wall. They are easier to repair because the inside of the machine is easily accessed by sliding out the chassis. All air conditioners will make some sort of noise however the air conditioners on the market have been engineered to be quieter than older units.

Friedrich air conditioners are known to be the quietest room air conditioners in the industry. Ductless split air conditioning systems are quietest type of air conditioner since the compressor is outside the home. This determines how you can move the vents to determine where the air flows in your room. Air deflection means that you can move the vents to the side and up and down manually. Air swing means that the vents move electronically. Air conditioners come with many levels of setting some just come with two settings (on and off) or with more like low, medium, and high. Your plug type will let you know how many volts you need. You can compare your outlet to see how many volts you need and also what type of plug your air conditioner requires. Next: Window Air ConditionersBuying an Air Conditioner When the temperature starts to rise, keeping your space cool becomes a top priority. The latest AC units have a wide variety of options to cool your home properly. When making a final decision, you should always consider different types of air conditioners and the size of your space.

Here are some factors to think about before your purchase. Window Air ConditionersMounted in your window, this AC model is perfect for cooling a single room or the entire floor of a small home. Browse all window air conditioners Wall Air ConditionersWhether it’s mounted on or through the wall, this unit provides a more permanent cooling solution in a room than other compact options. Less location restrictions - Browse all wall air conditioners Portable Air ConditionersA portable air conditioner is a small unit built on wheels that can roll from room to room. Bring the cool to any room - Perfect for small spaces - Browse all portable air conditioners When searching for the perfect air conditioner for your home, you'll need to consider the various features available. While not every accessory is available on certain models, you can find an air conditioner with essential features that are most useful to your home and lifestyle. Energy EfficiencyEnergy Star® & Energy Guide - These ratings indicate that they meet government standards for energy efficiency, and can show you approximately how much it will cost to run the AC per year.