news 03 February 2022
The position of your air conditioning unit can make a real difference to its efficiency, running costs and comfort levels. In this article we take a look at the best locations to position your unit.
Where Best to Position an Air Conditioning Unit
The position of your air conditioning unit can make a real difference to its efficiency, running costs and comfort levels. When you consider that your AC unit can account for about 27% of your electric bill when you use it, it’s important to make sure that your air conditioner is placed in a prime position.
Some locations are far better than others for an air conditioning unit. Positioning in the best possible way is crucial for the following reasons:
- The first and most obvious is because it will improve the efficiency of your unit, and this will ultimately save you money. If your unit is placed properly, it won’t have to work as hard to cool the space. Less work means less energy used.
- The second reason is simple: comfort. We use air conditioners to make indoor climates feel more comfortable, so if your AC unit is properly positioned then your space will feel more comfortable quicker.
Good Locations for Your AC Unit
- It’s always best to place your AC unit in an area where the natural air flow of the space is going to work with the air conditioner, not against it. For instance, if your air conditioning unit is facing an often-used door, it must work twice as hard every time the door opens.
- If you are using a window air conditioner, a good way to get more out of your unit by simple placement is to put it in a shaded window, or to build a shade to prevent the unit sitting in direct sunlight. A window AC that is shaded can run at 30% less electricity to cool down a space, compared to a unit that is placed in direct sunlight.
- Place your unit where the air flow can move about freely. In other words, don’t install your unit behind a piece of furniture or place anything directly in front of it. All air conditioning units should have a free flow of air surrounding them. If you block the air exchange, you can burn out your unit more quickly.
- You always need a power source, so make sure there is a plug socket nearby. It’s always best to avoid running extension leads to your air conditioning unit if possible.
- Portable units (not window units) work best if they are as close to the centre of the room as possible. With portable air conditioners you will be limited by the ability to place the vent pipe out a window, however placing these units toward the centre of the room, where possible, can help to radiate the cooling effects.
- In rooms with ceiling fans are a great place for your unit because the ceiling fan will help to circulate the air in the room and make you feel cooler overall. This will result in you relying less on your air conditioner.
Poor Locations for Your Air Conditioner
Anywhere near an appliance that generates heat is a poor place to position your air conditioner; avoid placing AC units near heat generating devices such as stoves, freezers, or a hot water heater.
Air conditioning units have an internal thermostat that should shut the air conditioner off when the space reaches a certain temperature. If you position your air conditioner near a device producing heat, your AC unit may constantly run, since it will be detecting the heat from the other nearby appliance.
Quick Hints and Tips
There are other quick steps that you can take to help get the best out of your AC unit. For instance, try room darkening drapes in the room. Sunscreens can keep out up to 70% of the sun’s heat.
Make sure the unit is installed correctly and that there are no gaps around the window when using a window AC unit. With portable AC unit, any gaps around the air conditioner duct should be sealed to keep out any drafts of warm air (check out our Trotec Window Kit to seal the vented exhaust duct). Check the doors and other windows in the room to make sure that they are adequately sealed against the weather. Doors and windows that allow heat in defeat the purpose of the proper placement of the AC unit.
Try and limit the use of lights in the room where the air conditioner is located. Light bulbs generate heat, and this can affect the performance of your AC unit.
Our expert team are on hand to answer any of your questions!
At Sunbelt, we offer a wide range of air conditioning units and our experts can offer a wealth of advice about the best models to suit you. Contact us today for further information.
Table of Contents
1
- What is a Window Air Conditioner?
- What Should I Do First?
- Size the Room
- What is the Best Height to Install My Window AC?
- General Types of Room Layout and Preferable Locations for Window Air Conditioners
- Longer Wall Rooms
- According to Furniture Layout
- Should a Window Air Conditioner be Level?
- Final Note on the Proper Position of Window Type Aircon
One of the biggest questions in AC installation is determining the proper position of window type aircon because it influences the overall cooling capacity of the unit.
If you’re looking for an air conditioning unit that is capable of cooling small floor spaces for a prolonged period of time, then window types are the answer to your problem. In the previous blog, we talked about how to properly install a window-type aircon in your room. This is a crucial piece of information because it can guide you on how, when, and where to choose a window-type AC to match your everyday preferences.
However, if you’re still unsure of what to do with your window AC, then we got the right information just for you. In order to fully optimize the location of an AC unit, here are some tricks and tips you can use to step up your cooling experience to the next level.
But before diving into further details, let’s take a quick recap about window ACs and their differences from wall-mounted and split AC units.
What is a Window Air Conditioner?
The continuous increase of humidity is gradually making ACs a need rather than a luxury appliance in tropical countries. While there are those who can find alternatives to stay cool despite the immense heat, some are slowly saving money to afford an AC unit.
When we talk about a window AC, picture out the simplest and the most classic type of AC unit you can remember. As the name suggests, it is mounted on a window frame and is supported with railings to prevent it from crashing down on the wall. It has a simple air inlet and air outlet mechanism, wherein the airflow is controlled by letting the hot air out while maintaining the cooled and fresh air in.
It’s easily the most affordable if you compare it with a split type and a wall-mounted AC unit. While window types have an external exhaust fan to let the heat and other undesirable components of indoor air pass through, the split-type air conditioner has dual components which house the traditional cooling capacity of old ACs. The outdoor section comprises the condenser and the compressor, while the indoor handles the distribution of filtered cold air. On the other hand, a wall-mounted AC unit is simply a type of air conditioner that is being placed on the highest location of your house’s wall, which can cover a wide range of space and can distribute airflow effectively.
What Should I Do First?
After learning more about a window AC and its alternative types, you are now prepared to buy and install one. However, when you took another glance at your room or house you noticed that there is an odd design, floor, and location that might hinder the cooling capacity of your AC unit.
Before anything else, you must think carefully what’s the proper position of window type aircon in your home. In technical terms, a window AC unit is only capable of distributing cool air in small spaces. Hence, you must check the complete layout of your home before beginning the installation process of your air conditioner. Not only you will learn more about a window air conditioner, but also get an idea of the proper position of window-type aircon in your respective home.
Size the Room
The reason why certain indoor AC units can deliver a chilling effect while others only bring comfortable and breathable air is that factors like the location, apertures, and wall thickness can influence how much temperature your indoor AC unit can maintain. It will be such a hassle to greatly modify your room just to fit your air conditioning unit. However, make sure that the installation area provides easy drainage for the exhaust pipe and condensed water to be released outside.
To properly size the room where the AC will be installed, you have to consider the different technical aspects of window air conditioners. Generally, a window-mounted AC unit has cooling capacities between 5,000 BTU and 25,000 BTU. Using the layout of your house, estimate how much cooling power your indoor AC unit needs to cover every square foot. As a rule of thumb, 12×16 feet (200 sq. ft.) need at least a 4,000 BTU rating. Not only it’s important to choose the best model of AC units for a proper cooling effect, but it’s also critical to select an indoor AC unit that can adequately cool your room.
What is the Best Height to Install My Window AC?
Biologically, the human body can detect and perceive airflow on the upper section of the body or the torso. When we sense the cool air touch our skin, we feel a type of comfort that is fulfilling. Using Da Vinci’s anthropometry theory, we can deduce that our body can detect the change in air temperature that is 3 to 5 feet above the ground. Hence, it is ideal to install our indoor AC unit at this height to expect better airflow.
For window-type AC units, the installation is usually done on the window sill. This is situated at approximately 3-4 ft from floor level above the ground, to ensure that the air diffuser is situated at the center of the AC, and to promote a straight and proper airflow in the room. Remember that window AC units are also attached to the exterior wall to support its weight. Unlike split AC, a window-type AC unit works best in dissipating hot air if its exhaust pipe is located outside of the room.
General Types of Room Layout and Preferable Locations for Window Air Conditioners
Ideally, your AC unit can give you an optimized cooling experience with its cooling power, modes, and other chilling features. But as mentioned previously, the location where it was installed greatly influences how you can feel the cool air in your place.
Much like all AC units, a window-type needs to be installed in such a way that it will match the layout of your room. In this manner, you can ensure that the AC’s heat dissipation capacity is fully felt, otherwise, you will feel less-to-no changes in temperature at all. More so, choosing the proper installing your window AC to match your room layout can greatly reduce the power consumption, hence boosting the energy-efficient capacity of your indoor unit.
Below are the general types of room layouts you can use as tips to base on when you’re installing a window AC.
Longer Wall Rooms
If your room is rectangular shaped, make sure to install your window AC on the longer wall, to promote the indirect flow of cool air and gradually trap it inside your space. For a room with many window units, it is advisable to install a second AC, preferably a split AC. In this manner, the room air will hit the walls and not dissipate towards the opening of your room. In case your room’s wall length is twice larger than its width, place your indoor unit on the shorter wall to cover wider areas. For a space that’s angular shaped, the ideal height and location are in the wider and larger section of the wall.
According to Furniture Layout
You can optimize the installation of your indoor unit by placing it in an area that will match your furniture layout. As a rule of thumb, the window AC is commonly placed at the center of the room you use, which can cover a lot of floor space. The common mistake that most people do is to set the AC on the central highest part of the wall. Your furniture layout is important because some bulky appliances can hinder the airflow of some units in your space.
For a bedroom furniture layout, the ideal location is to place the window AC unit on the farthest side of the wall. This will prevent you from experiencing the direct air current from the AC unit. Direct airflow from the AC can cause several health-related problems and discomfort. If your bedroom is big enough, you can install a second unit, which includes a split AC or a wall-mounted unit.
Should a Window Air Conditioner be Level?
Generally, the installation tips of an AC unit need to ensure that it is properly leveled on the walls. This will fill the room with cold air instantly. A split AC needs to be placed on the center of the wall that is directly above every piece of furniture. On the other hand, a wall-mounted AC needs to be installed on wider walls to allow cooler air to be trapped inside the room while dissipating heat more evenly.
However, for a window-type AC, the position of its installation must be slightly tilted from the room wall or building. The purpose of this is to make sure that the excess water will drip outside when it condenses. The tilt is approximately 1 ½ inch for every unit. However, this can vary depending on the manufacturer’s guide which comes along with the unit. The installation guide will provide important details which can help you with most of the technical arrangements and jargon regarding your AC unit.
Final Note on the Proper Position of Window Type Aircon
Determining the ideal location to optimize the installation of your window-type AC is crucial because it influences the airflow in your room. The location must cover as many floor spaces as possible, in connection to the AC’s cooling power. Otherwise, your window AC will not be able to fill and maintain the necessary amount of cold air to match your preference. This is also true for most units, whether it’s a window-type, wall-mounted, or split AC.