If you have already started shopping for a 12000 BTU portable air conditioner, you have probably noticed that there really are a lot of great products to choose from. This is because this is the most popular variety purchased. Most people have a space that is just a little too large for a 10000 BTU model but nowhere near large enough to need a 14000 BTU one.
Is this the Right Size for You?
Before you rush into a purchase, you should make sure that the one you decide on is ideal for your space. If it is not powerful enough, it will end up working overtime, trying to cool the room but if it is too strong, you are simply wasting energy.
Some people assume that if they just buy the most expensive portable air conditioner, it will be the best one but this isn’t always the case. A 400 square foot room just doesn’t need a 14000 BTU model; plain and simple! A 12000 BTU air conditioner is ideal for 450 to 550 square feet. If this is about the size of your space, this is what you need.
Special Considerations
Although going by the room’s size is a good rule of thumb, there are also a few other things to consider as well.
• Shade – Is the room heavily shaded by trees? If so then even one that’s a bit larger than 550 square feet could be comfortably cooled by a 12000 BTU model. As a rule, if a room is heavily shaded, reduce the recommended BTU capacity by about 10 percent.
• Sunny – Do you have hot afternoon sun blasting on that side of your home and pouring through your window? You will need to increase BTU capacity by 10 percent. Therefore, a 300 sq. ft. room may cool off better with a 12000 BTU model while a 550 sq.ft. room may need the extra power of a 14000 BTU variety.
• Kitchen – If the portable air conditioner is being used in a kitchen, you are going to need to increase the BTU capacity. Unless of course your oven is used for storage and you rarely boil more than water, then you can disregard this rule.
• Occupants – Are you adding the unit to an office space where a few people work or a bedroom where more than one person sleeps? If two or more people occupy the space on a regular basis, add 600 BTUs per person. Therefore, once again, a 400 sq.ft. bedroom may benefit from a 12000 BTU variety.
You will find that there really are some exceptional, eye-appealing and even budget-friendly models to choose from in this category. Just take the time to evaluate your needs to make sure that you are buying the perfect one for your space.
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