HowMuchIt / Video
What size air conditioner do I need? The 10-second version
Ten seconds: measure the room, not two sizes up. Then size your own room with the calculator.
Open the calculator: What size air conditioner do I need?
What the video shows
On a hot afternoon, someone fans herself in a warm bedroom, then measures the room with a tape measure and turns on a window unit. The size of a room air conditioner starts from the floor area, and a bigger unit is not a better one.
Do it for your room
Measure the length and width of the room, or type its area in square feet. Say whether it is heavily shaded or very sunny, how many people use it, and whether it is a kitchen. The calculator reads the ENERGY STAR chart and makes the adjustments, then gives the BTU per hour to look for. Pick the unit closest to that number.
Before you buy
- An oversized unit cools too fast and leaves the room cold and clammy.
- Measure the window opening: the unit has to fit it.
- Read the unit's manual for the plug and circuit it needs.
On screen, word for word
- What size air conditioner do I need?
- Measure the room. Not two sizes up.
- howmuchit.com
- How much do I need?