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Which Window AC Unit Is Right For Your Space?

When a fan won't do it, sometimes you need a window AC unit. Consumer Reports looks at the different models to help you figure out what you need to stay cool.

CONSUMER REPORTS-- Just in time for the thermometer to hit 80, Consumer Reports is testing window air conditioners. Most range in price from $150 to $550.

The pros - they're relatively low prices, easy to install and the ones tested all had good cooling performance.

The cons - the larger units are heavy, up to 85 pounds and can be noisy.

Let's take a closer at the info from CR: How To Size An AC Unit.

Window units are sized according to their cooling capacities measured in British Thermal Units or BTU’s. And they typically range in cooling power from 5,000 to 12,500 BTU’s.

5,000-6,000 btu’s: 100-300 square foot room

7,000-8,500 btu’s: 250-400 square foot room

9,800-12,500 btu’s: 350-650 square feet

But you need to factor in more than the room size to get the perfect temperature. Ask these questions:

How many windows in the room?

Is the ceiling high?

Is the ac in a window that gets direct sunlight?

Is the room on a top floor?

Are there a lot of open doorways?

Any or all of these may mean you need a more powerful unit.

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