Choosing the right air conditioner for your home or office can be difficult. With so many different models, features, and price points to pick from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Our Devola air conditioner buying guide will make you an expert in finding the right air conditioner that fits your needs and budget.
BTU
What are BTUs?
BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. The higher the BTUs, the more powerful and larger the room it can cool.
When determining the right BTU for your space, consider factors such as room size, ceiling height and insulation.
At Devola, our portable air conditioning units range from 5,000 to 16,000 BTU, so you can easily find the right one for your space.
Room Size
Measuring your room is essential to picking the right air conditioning unit. Make sure to measure the length, width, and height of the space, accounting for any alcoves, windows, and doors. This will help you determine the power you need from your unit.
Undersized
An undersized air conditioner won't have enough BTUs to cool your room properly. It will run constantly, putting a strain on the system that could lead to a breakdown. For this reason, it's better to choose a slightly larger, more powerful unit than a smaller, cheaper model. While it might cost more initially, it will be more effective and last longer.
Oversized
On the other hand, a unit that's too large for the room will be unnecessarily expensive. It will also be more cumbersome, taking up valuable floor space. Because they are physically bigger, they are also heavier and less portable, making them difficult to move around your home or store away when not in use.
See the chart below to help you choose the right BTU size for your air conditioner.
Room size and BTU calculations
|
Room Size |
|
BTU** |
|
Sq. ft. |
Sq. m |
|
|
<97 |
<9 |
up to 7,000 |
|
97 |
9 |
7,000 |
|
172 |
16 |
9,000 |
|
269 |
25 |
12,000 |
|
388 |
36 |
17,000 |
|
>388 |
>36 |
17,000+ |
BTU Calculator
Use our handy BTU calculator to find the specific BTUs required for your air conditioner based on your room size and how you use the space.
When calculating the BTUs required, you should also consider other factors that generate heat. These include the number and type of windows (especially if they're south-facing or in a conservatory), the number of people typically in the room, and the number of electrical appliances. All these factors can increase the BTU requirement beyond just the room's size.
Use our BTU calculator to work out which sized unit is best for you.
What if I can't find an air conditioner with the exact BTU I need?
We advise choosing the more powerful unit available.
For example, if the calculator suggests you need 8,000 BTUs, but the available models are 7,000 BTUs or 9,000 BTUs, you should choose the 9,000 BTU air conditioner. This will ensure the room is cooled effectively without putting a strain on the unit.
Don't worry about extra running costs; the unit's thermostat will shut off the motor once the room reaches the desired temperature.
Now that you know the BTUs you need, you can move on to choosing the right air conditioner.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable Air Conditioners units are the most popular type of air conditioner used in UK homes. They are versatile, cost effective and great for the British weather – just get them out when needed, and then store them away again when the temperature drops. These units offer a fantastic way to cool rooms down quickly and effectively, right from the box.
A portable AC unit allows you to cool any room in your home quickly and easily. They offer an efficient and convenient way to keep your house comfortable, even on the hottest days of the year.
The Devola Range of Air Conditioners
Devola Air Conditioners are designed to provide you with the ultimate comfort during hot summer days. With advanced technology and innovative features, our air conditioners ensure that you stay cool and comfortable all day long.
Our Range
Key Features of Devola Air Conditioners
-
Wi-Fi & App Control
-
Window Kit Included
-
Multi use - use as a dehumidifier, cooling, heating and fan
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24-hour timer
-
Sleep mode
-
Easily portable with castor wheels
-
Water tank full auto stop
What to Consider Before Buying an Air Con System
How Are You Able to Vent the Air Con Unit?
Most portable air conditioning units require some form of venting, whether through a window, or patio doors. Consider the layout of your space and choose a unit that can be vented in a way that works for you.
Devola air con units come fully equipped with two window kits, a drainage hose, a remote control and an adhesive Velcro coil, ensuring the kits can be securely fitted regardless of your window type. This makes installation simple and effective, so you can enjoy efficient cooling without any unnecessary hassle.
Do Air Conditioners Require Maintenance?
Maintaining your air conditioner is essential for your health and safety. The filter is a critical component, ensuring the air you breathe is clean. A dirty filter makes your unit work harder, which can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs. To avoid this, clean or replace your filter regularly, always following the manufacturer's directions.
Safety is a top priority with air conditioning units. Keep the surrounding area clear of obstructions like furniture or plants, and ensure your unit is installed correctly. Following these tips will keep your air conditioner in optimal condition and provide safe, pleasant air quality.
Are Air Conditioners Safe?
Yes, air conditioners are safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular servicing is crucial to ensure all parts are in good working order. Many units also include safety features like auto shut-off and built-in sensors that turn the unit off if the temperature drops to a certain level.
Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Air Conditioner
Keep a room cool and use less energy by doing the following when using a room air conditioner:
- Turn off any incandescent lights that are not needed, since these generate heat. Also, turn off any electrical equipment that is not being used.
-
Make sure outside doors and windows are closed to keep the cool air inside the house when using a portable air conditioner.
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Select the highest thermostat setting which is comfortable. Therefore, the unit will not have to work too hard to achieve a lower temperature which may be too low for you.
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If the room will be unoccupied for more than 12 hours, the air conditioner should be switched off.
-
Do not block the air conditioner vent.
-
Use the continuous air conditioner fan operation only when the resulting air movement is required to maintain comfortable conditions in the room.
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The temperature of a heated room in winter should be between 18-21°C while the temperature of a cooled room in summer should be about 23-26°C (remember the humidity indoors will be low, so it will feel cooler).
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If the machine has adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls, hot air rises).
FAQs:
Q - Which Size Air Conditioner Is Best for Me?
A - Before you choose an air conditioning unit you will need to work out which unit is most appropriate for you. The most notably thing to consider are the size of the room, but also location (e.g. office, bedroom, conservatory, etc.), noise generated by the unit and energy efficiency.
As a very broad guide, the following can be used for the air conditioner which is appropriate for the size of your room (this does not apply to conservatories):
|
Room Size (m²) |
Recommended Air Conditioner |
|
<18 |
8,000 - 10,000 BTU |
|
<28 |
12,000 BTU |
|
<35 |
15,000 BTU |
Q - How Do I Get Started with My Air Conditioner?
A - The unit may have been stored on its side in transit or not the right way up so after unpacking the air conditioner, place the unit the right way up for at least three hours prior to turning on the power, to allow all refrigerant to move back to its proper position. Please follow the instructions carefully and set the unit up with the exhaust hose in the correct position you choose.
Q - What Is the Right Way to Use My Air Conditioner?
A - Close all windows and doors if possible. While the exhaust hose should ideally be vented through a hole in the wall, you can also direct it out of an open window. If you do this, place the hose as far out of the window as you can without extending it. Fill any gaps in the open window to prevent the warm exhaust air from re-entering the room.
Q - When Should I Start the Air Conditioner?
A - When the sun rises it immediately starts heating up the brickwork in your building. Therefore, you should start the air conditioner approximately 2 hours before the sun begins to shine into the room. This begins to remove the heat from the brickwork so that when the sun begins to shine into the room, the unit is not struggling to remove heat from both the sun and from the brickwork.
Q - Do Air Conditioners Collect Water?
A - Water is collected in air conditioners as they also act as dehumidifiers. Some units collect water in a tray or container which must be emptied on a regular basis.
Other units collect surplus water which is then removed via a hose with the hot air. These units sometimes also have a small internal container that should be emptied occasionally. All air conditioners need to be emptied before they are put into storage, e.g. at the end of summer.
Q - How Do I Care for My Air Conditioner?
A - Like a boiler or gas heater, your air conditioner should be serviced regularly. An annual service is recommended for frequently used units, while less-used ones can be serviced less often. Servicing involves cleaning filters and checking for blockages to maintain efficiency. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, reduces energy costs, and extends the unit's lifespan.
