Learning Center / Indoor Air Quality / How to Find the Best PTAC Unit For You [Buyer’s Guide]How to Find the Best PTAC Unit For You [Buyer’s Guide]Subscribe in a reader Enter your email address:Delivered by FeedBurner Book of the Week: The Millionaire Next Door More Bad News on Retirement What's the Top Financial Stress in Your State? You Can Retire Early on an Average Income Star Money Articles for Week of September 19 Save a Ton by Having Your Wedding on a Thursday Why People Quit Their Jobs Star Money Articles for Week of September 12 Any information shared on Free Money Finance does not constitute financial advice. The Website is intended to provide general information only and does not attempt to give you advice that relates to your specific circumstances. You are advised to discuss your specific requirements with an independent financial adviser. Per FTC guidelines, this website may be compensated by companies mentioned through advertising, affiliate programs or otherwise.

All posts are © 2005-2012, Free Money Finance.How to Choose an Air Conditioner Buying a room air conditioner: How big? One Size Doesn't Fit All Matching the air conditioner to the room you want to cool is your first consideration. high efficiency ac unitIf it's too small, it simply won't cool the space. air handling unit profileIf it's too large, it will cool the space so quickly that the thermostat will shut the unit down before it can lower the humidity level in the space. ac unit covered with iceThe result is a cool room that feels damp and clammy. Room air conditioners are "sized" according to their cooling capacity, expressed in Btu per hour. You'll find the rating on packaging or in product literature; it typically ranges from 5,000 to 25,000 Btu.

Units below 12,000 Btu start at $250 to $300. Those in the 12,000- to 15,000-Btu range cost from $450 to $600, while large units go up to $1,200. Air conditioners rated at 15,000 Btu should be enough to cool most rooms up to about 875 sq. ft. How do you get more precise than that? There are several different formulas. Most of the ones you'll see in stores simply compare the square footage of the room to Btu capacity. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), a Chicago-based industry trade group, offers a more complete formula that includes window area, sun exposure, insulation levels, how the room is used and other variables. How Much Do You Need? For a calculation of the cooling capacity your space requires, use our Air Conditioning Calculator. You can get a free copy of the formula from the AHAM fax-on-demand service or through the organization's site on the Web. Although the form looks daunting, it takes only a few minutes with a calculator and tape measure to figure out the square footage of the room and measure a few other variables.

Whichever way you determine the size you need, remember that for the 115V circuits typical of bedrooms and living rooms, you'll have to stay below 15,000 Btu; units above 15,000 Btu usually require a 230V circuit. And if you want to cool a large, open L- or T-shaped space, you're better off with two smaller units rather than one large one. "The goal is to keep the cold air from pooling on the floor," explains Hank Rutkowski, director of technical affairs for the Washington, D.C.-based Air Conditioning Contractors of America. "Two units prevent cold spots in front of the air conditioner and warm spots around the corner." Where to Find It Amana Home AppliancesAmana, IA 52204800-843-0304 The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers 20 N.Wacker Dr.Chicago, IL 60606312-984-5800 Box 4808Syracuse, NY 13221 Emerson415 Walbash Ave.Effingham, IL 62401800-332-6658 Fedders North America415 Walbash Ave.Effingham, IL 62401800-332-6658 Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.Box 1540San Antonio, TX 78295-1540800-541-6645

Whirlpool Corp.Consumer Assistance CenterBenton Harbor, MI 49022800-253-1301 2 Additional Years of Protection 2-Year Housewares Extended Protection Plan 26 used & new from Store Card. Learn more Honeywell MF08CESWW 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control - WhiteDetailsM-D Building Products 2311 High Density Foam Tape, 1/2-by-3/4-Inch by 10 feet, Gray FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Buy "Honeywell MF08CESWW 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditi...” from Amazon Warehouse Deals and save 41% off the $399.99 list price. The Honeywell MF08CESWW 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, in white, is smart with a modern design, cooling and dehumidifying areas up to 250/300 square feet. With 3-in-1 technology and an environmentally friendly compressor, this portable air conditioner delivers optimum cooling and dehumidification. It also has a fan-only function. The full-function remote control allows you to operate each feature from across the room and can be stored on the unit when not in use.

Unlike a fixed AC, this unit requires no permanent installation and four caster wheels make it easy to move from one room to another. Plus, the auto-evaporation system allows for hours of continuous operation with no water to drain or no bucket to empty. This model comes with everything needed including a flexible exhaust hose and an easy-to-install window venting kit. The window vent can be removed when the unit is not in use. Package Content: air conditionerremote controlflexible exhaust hosewindow venting kitmanualwarranty Automatic shutoff timer from 1-24 hours Powerful air flow (147 cfm) Quiet operation (54 dbA) Washable slide-out filter (side access) Caster wheels easily rolls unit from room to room Height 24.40 Width 19.49 Depth 14.17 Weight 52.03 Color White Operating System Batteries Included Batteries Required Number of Batteries 2 Battery Type AAA Alkaline (NOT included) Language English Assembly Required 14.2 x 19.5 x 24.4 inches 61 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

2 AA batteries required. 3.5 out of 5 stars #51,400 in Home and Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home and Kitchen) #22 in Home & Kitchen > Heating, Cooling & Air Quality > Air Conditioners & Accessories > Air Conditioners > Portable The MF08CESBB offers a flexible air-conditioning solution which can be easily set up and put into operation anywhere. It comes with everything needed including an easy-to-install window venting kit. The only requirements are an electrical plug and an outlet for the flexible air exhaust hose. 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control - Black 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner The Honeywell MF08CESBB Portable Air Conditioner, in black, is smart with a modern design. With 8,000 BTU capacity and a powerful 147 CFM air flow, it delivers optimal cooling to spaces up to 300 square feet. This portable air conditioner delivers optimum cooling, fan, and dehumidification features with quiet operation at 54 dB. The filter is accessable on the side of the unit and is a washable slide-out filter, offering easy maintenance.

The MF08CESBBis a multi-function air conditioner which can also work as a dehumidifier, up to 61 pints per 24 hours. The Auto-Evaporation System allows for hours of continuous operation with no water to drain. Unlike a fixed AC, this unit requires no permanent installation and four caster wheels make it easy to move from one room to another. See all 166 customer reviews See all 166 customer reviews (newest first) This unit cools the air sufficiently. Sure blows hot air out of the tube! I have two complaints: I bought this refurbished and it was supposed to come with all original parts. Works great, but remote has to be held is specific area for device to recognize. Given as a giftIt cools well and its not heavy so I can move it from room to room as needed. The only issue I found is that its out blow is designed for windows that open up... I am satisfied with this item. It does the job Small room capacity, not the most efficient unit, pulls water out of the air so fast I thought I was a dehumidifier, simple single hose design.