Room Air Conditioners
Room air conditioners are used for cooling rooms, rather than entire houses or business premises. These units provide users with cool and comfortable atmosphere where it is needed and they are less expensive to operate than central units, even though their efficiency is generally lower.
A room air conditioner's efficiency is measured by the energy efficiency ratio (EER). The EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity (in British thermal units [BTU] per hour) to the power input (in watts). The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the unit is. National appliance standards require room air conditioners to have an energy efficiency ratio (EER) ranging from 8.0–9.8 or greater, depending on the type and capacity, and ENERGY STAR qualified room devices have even higher EER ratings.
The required cooling capacity for a room air conditioner depends on the size of the room that needs to be cooled. Room appliances generally have cooling capacities that range from 5,500 Btu per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour.
Choosing the right size of an air conditioner is very important for efficient performance. Purchasing a bigger unit not necessarily presupposes better results, because a unit, that is too large, will not cool an area evenly. A small unit, which runs permanently, operates more efficiently and is more effective at dehumidifying, than a large unit that cycles on and off too frequently. If to rest upon size only, then an air conditioner generally needs 20 Btu for each square foot of living space. Choosing an appliance, you should take into account other factors, like room height, local climate and shading.
A little planning before installing your air conditioner will save you energy and money. Room unit shouldn't be installed near lamps or TV sets, because the thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause an air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Also set your air conditioner's thermostat as high, as it is comfortably possible in summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall electricity bills will be. Set the fan speed on high, except on very damp days. When humidity is high, set the fan speed on low for more comfort. During humid days, air conditioner at low speed will cool your home better and will remove more humidity from air, because of slower air movement through the cooling equipment.
Room Air Conditioners