How to Choose an Air Conditioner

Type
Capacity
Features

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are convenient and easy to install. They're compatible with most types of windows but take up floor space and can run louder than window air conditioners. Built-in wheels make them easy to move, plus they're allowed in most buildings.

A NOMA iQ™ SACC Portable Air Condtioner, 8,000 BTU, white.

Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are smaller, quieter, and more affordable than similar capacity portable air conditioners. Plus, they don’t require any floor space. However, they can only be installed in sliding windows that can allow for the size of the air conditioner. Some buildings won't permit window air conditioners, so check if your building has any restrictions to decide if this type is right for your space.

Smart Air Conditioners

Smart portable and window air conditioners allow you to control your temperature from the convenience of your smartphone. Using a compatible smart system on your phone or a few voice commands, you can quickly turn your air conditioner on or off, change the temperature, and more.

A NOMA iQ™ SACC Smart Portable Air Condtioner, 8,000 BTU, white.

How to choose the right capacity

An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the cooling capacity of the unit. Please follow the below steps to measure, calculate, and choose the right BTU rating for your air conditioner.

A couple uses a tape measure in an empty room.

Step 1: Determine your square footage

In order to determine what BTU capacity you need (see chart below) you need to measure your room. Here’s how:
• For square or rectangular rooms, multiply the length by the width.
• For triangular areas, multiply the length by the width and divide by two.
• For unconventional room shapes, divide the room into triangles and squares and measure areas to get total square footage.

A Moffat G60SDEB-30 3000W 182-L Bottom Entry Electric Water Heater.

Choosing the right BTU rating

Use the charts below to determine the cooling capacity you need for portable and window air conditioners.

Portable Air Conditioner Room Size Guide
Capacity (SACC BTUs)	Area to be cooled (single hose)	Area to be cooled (double hose)
5,000	Up to 150-sq ft or 10 x 15-ft room
6,000	Up to 250-sq ft or 10 x 25-ft room
7,000	Up to 300-sq ft or 15 x 20-ft room
8,000	Up to 350-sq ft or 10 x 35-ft room	450-sq ft or 30 x 15-ft room
9,000	Up to 400-sq ft or 20 x 20-ft room	500-sq ft or 25 x 20-ft room
10,000	Up to 450-sq ft or 15 x 30-ft room	550-sq ft or 10 x 55-ft room
12,000	Up to 550-sq ft or 10 x 55-ft room	600-sq ft or 20 x 30-ft room

Window Air Conditioner Room Size Guide
Capacity	Area to be cooled
5,000	Up to 150-sq ft or 10 x 15-ft room
6,000	Up to 250-sq ft or 10 x 25-ft room
7,000	Up to 300-sq ft or 15 x 20-ft room
8,000	Up to 350-sq ft or 10 x 35-ft room
9,000	Up to 400-sq ft or 20 x 20-ft room
10,000	Up to 450-sq ft or 15 x 30-ft room
12,000	Up to 550-sq ft or 10 x 55-ft room

Step 2: Make any adjustments for room circumstances

There are a few rules that can be helpful for adjusting your idea BTU rating:
• For well-shaded rooms, reduce capacity by 10 percent or opt for the next smaller unit.
• For very sunny rooms, increase capacity by 10 percent or opt for the next larger unit.
• Add 600 BTUs for each additional person that regularly uses a room.
• For kitchens, add 4,000 BTUs to your desired capacity or opt for the next larger unit.
Finally, consider where you’ll install the unit. If you’re setting an air conditioner up in the corner of a room, look for a unit that will send the airflow in the right direction. For portable air conditioners, the flexible exhaust hose allows placement of the unit at least 2 inches from the window or door.

Step 3: Pick the right air conditioner for you

Now that you've figured out the capacity you need for your space, you can decide what type of air conditioner is right for you.

Portable air conditioners are easy to install but take up floor space. Window air conditioners are quieter, but not always permitted and require sliding windows that can allow for the size of the air conditioner. For window air conditioners, you'll want to measure your window to make sure a unit will fit.

A NOMA Portable Air Conditioner in a living room setting.

Other features to consider

Air conditioners include everything from basic mechanically-controlled models to modern units with convenient features such as timers, remote controls, power saving modes and more. When choosing the right air conditioner, you’ll want to select a model that suits your needs.

Voice assistant compatibility

Offers the convenience to control the unit with voice commands through Alexa or Google Home.

Sleep mode

A sleep mode can be helpful to automatically increase or decrease the temperature for a perfect night’s sleep.

Super quiet and noise control

Some units offer noise level control that’s less disruptive and brings extra comfort to your space.

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How to choose an air conditioner

Portable Air Conditioners

Window Air Conditioners

Smart Air Conditioners

How to choose the right capacity

Step 1: Determine your square footage

Choosing the right BTU rating

Step 2: Make any adjustments for room circumstances

Step 3: Pick the right air conditioner for you

Other features to consider

Shop all air conditioners

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