You're Getting Warmer: AHAM's Tips On Choosing An Air Conditioner

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Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)

Jun 05, 2017, 09:50 ET

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- You're already behind the cooling curve if you wait until temperatures approach triple digits to shop for an air conditioner. Plan now, before portable and room air conditioners fly off the shelves and you're left overheated and longing for autumn's cool relief.

Choosing the right one involves more than just looking at price and power. Buy too strong of a unit for the room size and you'll use more power than you need. Take home a unit that doesn't have enough capacity, and you may end up sweating while you use too much energy as your unit runs continuously but never quite cools the room. Follow these steps to choose the AC that's best for you:

Check your measurements: Figure out how much cooling power you need by determining the square footage of your room. Measure your window as well and take the measurements with you when you shop. Both portable and room air conditioners need to be connected to a window, and it's important to make sure it will fit before you bring your new AC unit home. Finally, if you're buying a portable air conditioner, consider whether the size of the unit is appropriate for the room.

Choose your capacity: Air conditioner capacity is measured in BTU (British thermal units). Check the unit labeling as you shop. You'll likely see a chart with BTU and the appropriate room size for cooling. Choose a size appropriate for the room or rooms you'll be cooling. If you are placing the unit in a kitchen, sunny room, or room with high ceilings, you may need to size up. Some manufacturers may also have capacity information available on its website.

Frigid features: Smart technology is being incorporated into portable air conditioners. Some units can be turned on or off via smartphone or tablet, so you can come home to a cooler space on a hot summer day. Others offer a "follow-me" function that measures the temperature both at the location of the unit and of the remote control. If you're sitting across the room from the unit and holding the remote control, the unit will take the temperature in the remote into account and adjust its output based on both temperatures. Other features you might find are programmable timers and alerts that tell you when the AC filter needs to be changed.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is a not-for-profit trade association representing manufacturers of major and portable home appliances, floor care appliances and suppliers to the industry with headquarters in Washington, DC and an office in Ottawa, ON. Visit AHAM's website at www.aham.org.

SOURCE Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)