Determine the exact cooling capacity in BTUs and tonnage for window AC units, portable air conditioners, and mini-splits.
Yes! Oversized ACs cool the room air too quickly and shut off before running long enough to condense humidity out of the air. This creates a cold, clammy room and increases mold risks.
One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. A 2.5-ton central air conditioner delivers 30,000 BTUs of cooling capacity.
Window units are affordable, self-contained DIY units (typically 5,000 to 12,000 BTU) mounted on a windowsill. Ductless mini-splits mount on interior walls with an exterior compressor, offering whisper-quiet operation and 30-50% higher energy efficiency (SEER 20+).