Central AC units are normally hardwired into the electrical system. Home air conditioners are offered in two styles: a whole home central AC unit that is often combined with a central heating system, and window units designed to cool off individual rooms. The two types of appliances require different electrical voltages to work properly. Even a small air conditioner can put a strain on a home electrical system. Central Air Conditioners Central air conditioners require a 220-volt or 240-volt, dedicated circuit for operation. When a central air conditioner starts up, it may require up to 5,000 watts of electricity, making it one of the largest consumers of electric power in the home. An air conditioner's cooling capacity is measured either in British thermal units (BTUs) or in "tons." The greater the number of BTUs or tons, the greater the cooling power of the unit. A larger unit also requires more electrical power. Buying a unit too large for your home wastes electricity, and causes the unit to wear out faster.

Window Air Conditioners Window air conditioners are offered in either 110/120-volt or 220/240-volt models, depending upon their cooling capacity. how much is a heating and air conditioning unitA unit designed for cooling one small room such as a bedroom normally provides 15,000 BTUs and often works on a smaller, standard 110/120-volt wall outlet. how much do new hvac units costBecause of its large power consumption, you should not have any other appliance on the circuit to avoid an overload. how to install an ac unit in a windowA window unit larger than 15,000 BTUs may require a 220/240 dedicated circuit. Adding Circuits Many homes do not have 220/240-volt circuits as standard equipment in living spaces, and they must be added by a qualified electrician.

This can cost between $500 to $1,500 as of the date of publication, depending on the type of home and its location and the work that must be done, according to Bill Ferrera of Ferrera Electric in San Francisco. All window air conditioners provide the necessary information about the electrical requirements on the unit packaging. As with a central unit, buying a window unit that is too large wastes energy and money. Sizing a Unit The specifications listed for individual air conditioner units state the size of the area they cool. For example, an AC unit that cools a 120-square-foot area would work best in rooms that are 10 feet wide and 12 feet across. By matching your room or home size with the unit's specifications you can select the appropriate size air conditioner. Other factors you might consider are the number of windows and amount of insulation. If more heat comes through the windows, you will need a larger unit. A poorly insulated home will allow cool air to escape faster and might require a larger window unit.

A trained technician can help you determine the proper central AC unit for your needs. References Sylvane: 5 Things To Consider When Buying A Window Air ConditionerDon Rowe: How Many Watts Do You Need?Popular Mechanics: Buying A Central Air Conditioning System Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionAll rooms have extended cable, phone, refrigerator, air-conditioning and heat. Free Wi-Fi (Internet Access) available.  Standard cottage units with double bed, microwave, small fridge, bathroom with shower, and deck. Efficiency cottages with a queen bed and deck.  These units have a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and small fridge.  Unit 3 has a cathedral ceiling and full bath whereas Unit 11 has a bedroom, separate small sitting room area,  and bathroom with shower. Spacious deluxe cottage with queen bed. Each is attractively decorated with cathedral ceiling, sitting area with queen sofa bed, full bath and deck. Kitchenettes have microwave, coffee maker, toaster and small fridge.

Unit 12 has a 2-burner stove. Standard full cooking units having a double bed as well as two twin beds.  They also have a full size sleeper sofa couch in the living area. Unit 7 has two separate bedrooms, electric range and full bath. Unit 8 has one bedroom with two twin beds along with a double bed in an alcove off of the living area, bathroom with shower. Both units have full size refrigerators and screened porches.  These units have a microwave, coffee maker and toaster. Modern two bedroom efficiency cottages. Unit 1 has one bedroom with queen bed and one bedroom with two twin beds. There is a sleeper sofa couch in the living area. It has a small kitchenette, full bath and deck. Unit 6 is slightly larger, has a bedroom with queen bed, double bed in an alcove off of the living area. The living room has a sleeper sofa couch. Kitchenette has a two burner electric combination stove/refrigerator/sink unit, a full bath and deck.  Both units are equipped with microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and small fridge.

Our largest units, each with two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with two twins, living room space with sleeper sofa couch and full bath. Each unit has a full size refrigerator, electric stove top, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. Unit 9 has a small screened porch. Unit 14 has a deck. Suite units that are side by side in one building. Both units have a microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and a small fridge. Unit 5 has a bedroom with queen bed, a sitting room with sleeper sofa couch.   Bathroom is equipped with shower stall.  Unit 4 has two bedrooms each with television, one bedroom with double bed and one bedroom with two twin beds separated by a bathroom with shower.  Both units have decks. Attractive motel rooms, each with two double beds.  All units have small fridges.  Bathroom is equipped with either a bathtub/shower or shower.Click here to see Units Photo GalleryKennebunk Gallery Motel and Cottages, 65 York Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043. For more information or to make a reservation please call John or Katherine Toth: 207-985-4543