Question:
My apartment has a 10000 BTU thru-the-wall air conditioner which is too
small to cool adequately. The only bigger one I have been able to find that
will fit into the hole in the wall is 12500 BTU. Is the increase of 2500 BTU
likely to result in a noticable change in cooling ability, or at least
enough to make it worth the expense and trouble of buying and installing
one?
Answer:
Difficult to say not knowing the size and heat loads, but in general, the
10k unit will do about two average rooms. Before upgrading just a tad, look
at other options. That would solve the problem.
As an example, my lower level is a very large family room, hallway,
bathroom, small office. The utility area is closed off from the AC. A
14,500Btu unit keeps it comfortable, but no margin on a hot day. My upper
level is larger. I use a 12k unit at one end, a 6k unit at the other end and
it is comfortable. Air circulation between bedrooms is more of an issue
that actual cooling capacity. The larger AC is in the dining room and it is
very cook in there.
This means keeping out the sun, turning off lights and TV's not being used, computers, etc.
They all add up. One burner (on high) of a stove top will give off about the same heat as
the AC can remove. Cooking is going to be marginal at best. Think microwave
or crock pot.
