Keeping Cool This Summer

The Problem:

Despite the fact that nearly 90% of American houses have central air conditioning, certain rooms still heat up. Ductwork often doesn’t extend to attics, garages, and home additions. Sunrooms bake in the direct sun, and 5-level-split homes are traditionally hard to cool: that top floor can be quite uncomfortable on hotter days.

The Solution:

Room air conditioners. They come in multiple styles, sizes and prices. Today, systems are more efficient, and there are more options. 4 main types prevail:

1) Window Units. Designed for double hung, casement, and sliding windows. $120-$700.

• Pros: the most affordable option, easily installed, can be removed in the winter. Greatly improved (smaller and lighter): can be a good buy for your money.
• Cons: block a window’s view, can be loud.

2) Wall Units. More or less window units installed in an outside wall. $400-$1000.

• Pros: no blocked window 
• Cons: more expensive, may require professional installation, cannot be removed in the winter (cold air might seep in).

3) Portables. Similar to dehumidifiers. $250-$700.

• Pros: Don’t require installation, can be placed anywhere, and can be moved from room to room. Nice for renters wanting to cool small areas.
• Cons: Less efficient, louder and more expensive than window units. Heavy. Regarded by an editor with Consumer Reports as “the air conditioner of last resort.”

4) Ductless split air conditioners. Two appliances—an air handler installed in the wall and a condenser installed outside and connected to the handler through a 2-3 inch hole in the wall. $1500-$6000.

• Pros: very efficient, quiet, powerful, and unobtrusive. More than one room can be cooled, as one condenser extends to more than one air handler. Individual controls allow you to zone different rooms.
• Cons: The most expensive option, requires professional installation.

Regardless of the type of air conditioner you get, room size is important to consider. Oversized air conditioners can cool a room before they can dehumidify it, making the room clammy and uncomfortable.

BTU (British Thermal Unit) by square foot guide:

100-300 square feet -> 5,000-7,000 BTU model

300-500 square feet -> 8,000-12,000 BTU model

500-1000 square feet -> 14,000-18,000 BTU model

+10% if room is unusually sunny

-10% if room never receives direct sun

Click here for a Btu Calculator