Small Room Air Conditioners: How to Cool a Small Room Posted on June 21, 2017 It’s summertime, which means balmy temperatures for many areas throughout the US. At home, small rooms can be particularly vulnerable to uncomfortable heat. A smaller square footage means there’s less room for airflow, so your small room may feel more like an oven than a place to rest and relax. Fortunately, there are some solutions if you need to cool a small room, whether it’s a bedroom, home office, or cozy living space. In this guide, we explore various cooling methods, examine the best types of small room air conditioners, and provide tips to improve overall cooling and ventilation for your small room. Fans If you’re lucky enough to have a ceiling fan, make the most of it by running it counter-clockwise. This effectively pushes air down towards the floor to create a wind chill effect. During the winter, you can switch the fan to a clockwise rotation to pull warm air upward. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, there are plenty of household fans on the market that can circulate air in your room and help you feel cooler. Traditional tabletop and pedestal fans are a good start, but be sure to look for an oscillating model to maximize airflow. Oscillating tower fans and bladeless fans are also great options for cooling a small room. Keep in mind that fans don’t actually cool the air — rather, they help you feel cooler by evaporative cooling your sweat. If you want to enhance that feeling, place a mixing bowl filled with ice in front of the fan. This will cool the air before it hits you. However, note that fans may be ineffective if you live in a very hot and humid environment. The circulating air will remain warm and heavy and will do little to lower the room temperature. In such cases, a small room air conditioner may be more practical. Small Room Air Conditioners If you don’t have central AC, installing an air conditioner may be a great option. Here are some popular small room air conditioner options: 1. Portable Air Conditioner A portable air conditioner is a compact and inexpensive way to cool a small room. They are only marginally more expensive than a fan while actually cooling the air instead of merely circulating it around. As a bonus, their portable nature also allows them to be moved where needed. Pros: Easy to install and move from room to room. Ideal for renters or those who need temporary cooling solutions. No permanent installation required. Cons: Generally the least efficient type of AC unit Requires venting through a window or wall, which can be cumbersome. Takes up floor space, which can be limited in a small room. Can be noisy due to the compressor being inside the room. Best For: Those who need flexibility in cooling multiple small spaces or who cannot install a permanent unit. Recommended Portable Air Conditioner for Small Rooms: GE APFD05JASW 5000 BTU Class Portable Air Conditioner This portable air conditioner from the renowned GE brand provides three distinct functions in one convenient, portable unit: air conditioning with 2 fan speeds, dehumidification, and fan only operation. It is designed for cooling smaller spaces up to 150 sq. ft. It features 5,100 BTU cooling capacity, with 2 cooling modes, 2 fan speeds and dehumidifier function. Other features of this portable air conditioner unit include 24 on/off timer, auto restart after a power outage. It includes easy-roll casters for portability. A gravity drain hose is also included for continuous draining while in dehumidifying mode. This portable AC does need to be vented to an outdoor space such as out a window. An extendable window panel kit and an extendable (up to 5′ / 60″) exhaust hose are included. The window mounting kit includes a center panel and several extension pieces to accommodate windows from 20″ up to 48″ using different combinations of extension panels. The minimum window opening height is 5.9″. The window installation kit easily installs in a double hung or sliding window. Price: $319.00 GE APFD05JASW 5000 BTU Class Portable Air Conditioner As efficient in cooling as any other GE products, this portable air conditioner provides three distinct functions in one convenient, portable unit: air conditio... View Product 2. Window Air Conditioner Next up on the list is the window AC. One of the cheapest AC units apart from the portable air conditioner, it offers better efficiency and permanent installation. Pros: Typically more efficient and powerful than portable units. Relatively easy to install in standard windows. Frees up floor space in the room. Cons: Requires a window cutout. Can block the view and natural light from the window. Not ideal for windows that are frequently opened or closed. Best For: Small rooms with compatible windows where a permanent or semi-permanent solution is acceptable. Recommended Window Air Conditioner for Small Rooms: Friedrich CCV08A10A 8000 BTU Chill Premier Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner – 115V – Energy Star – R32 Refrigerant The new Chill Premier Inverter Series is Friedrich’s Premium Line of “smart” room air conditioners now with variable comfort / inverter technology. This makes it well-suited for smaller rooms as the inverter can dynamically adjust its output to meet the cooling area, making it more energy- and cost-efficient. This model has 8,000 BTUs of cooling capacity and a CEER rating of 15.0. It uses the newer, efficient R-32 refrigerant that is up to 12% more efficient than R410A and has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). This makes it friendlier for both your wallet and the environment. It comes with a window installation kit with solid side flaps (vs accordion-style). Designed with the homeowner in mind, the SimpleSill Design allows the window to be opened and closed after the unit is installed! The three-step installation kit includes a one-piece frame, included hardware and expandable side panels to lock the unit in place. Price: $499.00 Friedrich CCV08A10A 8000 BTU Chill Premier Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner - 115V - Energy Star - R32 Refrigerant The new Chill Premier Inverter Series is Friedrich's Premium Line of "smart" room air conditioners now with variable comfort / inverter technology. The... View Product 3. Through the Wall AC Through-the-wall air conditioners are self-contained air conditioners that are installed directly into the wall, in contrast to window ACs. They are a great option for small rooms that don’t have a window for a window unit, or for owners who don’t want an AC obstructing the view out the window. Pros: Permanent installation frees up window space and does not block natural light. Generally more energy-efficient and powerful than portable units. Ideal for rooms without suitable windows for a window AC. Cons: Requires professional installation and cutting into an exterior wall, but after the initial installation, they are very easy to replace in the future. Less flexibility in moving or removing the unit. Installation costs can be high. Best For: Homeowners looking for a permanent, unobtrusive cooling solution. Recommended Through-the-Wall AC for Small Rooms: GE AJCQ06LWJ 6100 BTU Through-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner – 115V – WiFi Enabled – Energy Star – R32 Refrigerant This thru-the-wall air conditioner features 6100 BTU cooling capacity, 11.0 CEER, 11.1 EER – ENERGY STAR Certified – and 115 Volt electricity. It is finished in a clean white color and offers a true built in look with only a minimal 5″ extension into the room with front. Competitor units require a 7.5 minimum extension into the room with front. It is WiFi enabled with a built-in GE SmartHQ communication card built right in. WiFi lets you communicate with your AC unit, allowing you to monitor and control it from your phone! A full function remote is also included. As part of the new J series, it uses R32 refrigerant that is more efficient and eco-friendly than the older R410-A refrigerant. Price: $649.00 GE AJCQ06LWJ 6100 BTU Through-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner - 115V - WiFi Enabled - Energy Star - R32 Refrigerant GE is acclaimed in the household air conditioner and appliance industries for building products that last. As a leader in the appliance indu... View Product 4. PTAC A packaged terminal air conditioner or PTAC is a viable option for small rooms — in fact, it’s the type of AC frequently used in hotel rooms and hospital rooms. PTAC units are installed into the wall via a wall sleeve and do not require an external condenser or ducts to operate. Pros: Does not require ductwork Emits less noise than window ACs Also available with heat pump function Cons: Requires professional installation and cutting into an exterior wall. Placed lower near the floor, and must not be obstructed. Best For: Small rooms with available space near the floor. Recommended PTAC for Small Rooms: Friedrich PVH09K3FC 9000 BTU Class FreshAire Series with Inverter Technology PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – 20 Amp – 230 Volt – R32 Refrigerant Friedrich’s FreshAire line of PTACs features a fully integrated make-up air system. They are the only PTACs that meet ASHRAE 62.1-2013 requirements delivering up to 52 CFM of conditioned, MERV 8 filtered make-up air. This particular model offers 9,800 BTUs of cooling (4,400/12,000 BTUs {min./max.}) with 8,500 BTUs reverse cycle heat pump (5,606/11,475 BTUs {min./max.}) as well as back-up electric resistive heat. Additionally, it boasts an EER of 12.4, making it an efficient system to cool your smaller areas. It comes with a 20 Amp power cord which provides 3.5 kW of electric heat. A 15 Amp cord (PXPCFA23015), providing 2.5 kW of electric heat is sold separately. Other features include inverter technology for efficient and silent operation, R32 refrigerant standard, and Friedrich’s DiamonBlue Advanced Corrosion protection for improved protection in coastal areas. Price: $1,499.00 Friedrich PVH09K3FC 9000 BTU Class FreshAire Series with Inverter Technology PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - 20 Amp - 230 Volt - R32 Refrigerant Friedrich FreshAire Series PTAC units are the most advanced PTAC units. The FreshAire line features a fully integrated make-up air system while still offering... View Product 5. Mini split A mini split system lets you control the small room’s temperature separately from the rest of the house. You can choose either a single zone system (ideal if you just want to control the temperature of one room) or a multi zone mini split system, which is ideal if you want to control the temperature of multiple rooms apart from the small room. Pros: Most efficient type of AC unit Allows for single or multi-zone cooling with just one outdoor compressor Also provides heating function Cons: Relatively more expensive Best For: Multi-zone cooling beyond the small room. Small rooms that require silent operation, such as bedrooms and workspace area. Frequently used small rooms that require constant cooling. Recommended Single-zone Mini Split for Small Rooms: MRCOOL DIY-12 12000 BTU DIY 4th Gen Energy Star Series Single Zone 22.5 SEER Mini Split with Heat Pump This is a DIY mini split system that can be installed by homeowners without special training or tools; everything needed for installation is already included. With a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs, it will cool a space that is about 500 sq. ft. or a small room up to about 22′ x 23′. It is Energy Star Certified boasting high ratings including 22.5 SEER and 11.5 HSPF4. Its Cooling Operating Costs average around $72/year and heating operating costs average about $254/year (as provided by AHRI). Features include WiFi control, SmartHVAC app that works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and variable speed DC inverter compressor technology that helps cut energy costs. The whole system ships in two packages. The indoor unit ships with all the required hardware needed for installation including a wall template and mounting plate, wall sleeve (to send the piping and line set through), a remote and the SmartController. A 25′ line set and 25 ft. Pro-Cable is included in the box with the condenser unit. Price: $1,738.00 MRCOOL DIY-12 12000 BTU DIY 4th Gen Energy Star Series Single Zone 22.5 SEER Mini Split with Heat Pump WiFi SmartController 115 Volt - Choice Line Set Length The only do it yourself (DIY), easy to install mini split air conditioner available. Energy Star Qualified System with Wireless-Enabled Smart C... View Product Recommended Multi-zone Mini Split Outdoor Unit for Multiple Rooms: Friedrich FPHMR24A3A 24000 BTU Floating Air Pro Tri-Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump This outdoor tri-zone condenser features Friedrich’s Precision Inverter Technology, which allows it to adjust its output for smaller rooms. As a tri-zone unit, it can be connected to 3 indoor units to cover three different rooms or areas, each with its own temperature zone. It provides 24,000 BTUs of cooling with a connected capacity of up to 33,000 BTUs. A minimum of two units must be connected and the minimum combination or units must be at least 50% of the connected capacity, or 17,500 BTUs for this unit. The efficiency ratings vary based on the indoor units connected: EERSEERHSPFNon-Ducted Indoor Units Only12.522.011.0Ducted Indoor Units Only12.121.010.0Mixed Non-Ducted and Ducted Indoor Units12.321.510.5 It features Low Ambient Operation making it a great year round option for heating and cooling for most of the US. It will operate in the Cooling Mode when outdoor temperatures are as low as 14°F up to 115°F. The range in which this unit will heat is equally as wide and it will heat when temperatures are as low as -13°F up to 75°F. Price: $1,850.00 Friedrich FPHMR24A3A 24000 BTU Floating Air Pro Tri-Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump Base Price shown is for outdoor unit only. You can choose 2 or 3 indoor units below with a total connected capacity of 33,000 BTUs. If you are choosing on... View Product What to Look For in a Small Room Air Conditioner 1. Cooling capacity When shopping for an air conditioner for your small room, it’s essential to keep the capacity in mind. These are measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. Purchasing an air conditioner with more than the necessary BTUs is not only wasteful, but it can also make your room feel uncomfortable and clammy. Use our handy BTU calculator to determine how many BTUs you’ll need to cool your small room. In general, if your room is less than 200 square feet, you’ll want to get an air conditioner with 5,000 to 6,000 BTUs. 2. Energy Efficiency If the small room needs daily cooling such as a bedroom, an energy efficient AC will allow you to save on utility bills in the long run. Choose an AC unit with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating or EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). This not only lowers energy bills but also ensures better performance. An EnergyStar label also indicates high energy efficiency. ACs that are EnergyStar-certified meet stringent standards set by the EPA and US Department of Energy, and are guaranteed to be up to 40% more efficient than non-labeled ACs. 3. Inverter technology Inverters allow AC units to adjust their compressor speed to meet demand, instead of running full-blast. This allows the AC to be more efficient and operate with less noise. Look for an inverter AC if your small room is used often and requires peace and quiet, such as a bedroom. 4. Noise level For bedrooms, you may want a quiet AC unit. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB), with a lower dB signifying less operating noise. In general, portable and window ACs emit the most sound, while mini splits provide the nearly silent operation by splitting off the compressor unit responsible for the noise. 5. Smart home integration If you have a smart home setup or voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home devices, you may want an AC unit that supports smart home integration. This will allow you to control the AC by voice and program routines, schedules and IFTTT functions. Tips for Improving Cooling and Ventilation in a Small Room ✔ Use Insulating Window Treatments Invest in blackout curtains or thermal blinds to reduce heat gain through windows. This can significantly improve the efficiency of any cooling method you choose. Something as simple as closing the blinds or installing blackout curtains can help keep your small room cool. ✔ Seal Air Gaps Ensure that the room is properly sealed by caulking any gaps around windows, doors, and vents. This prevents cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. ✔ Optimize Airflow Position fans strategically to enhance airflow. For instance, place a box fan in a window to expel hot air or create a cross-breeze by using multiple fans. If your room has windows, keep them open at night to help circulate the air in the room. ✔ Limit Heat Sources Avoid using heat-generating appliances like ovens or computers in the room. Switch to energy-efficient lighting, which emits less heat. This includes lighting. Traditional incandescent bulbs give off a lot of heat, so take advantage of the summer’s extended daylight and keep the lights off as long as you possibly can. You should also consider switching to fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, which emit less heat than their incandescent counterparts. ✔ Dehumidify Use a dehumidifier if the room is humid. Lower humidity levels can make the air feel cooler and reduce the workload on your air conditioner. ✔ Use Cooler Sheets If it’s a bedroom, changing your bedding can do wonders for a good night’s sleep. Switch from heavier silk and flannel to lightweight cotton sheets in the summertime. Choose a Small Room Air Conditioner Today! Whether you decide to go with a window unit, a PTAC, or a through-the-wall AC, Total Home Supply has the perfect air conditioner for your small room. We carry AC units with as few as 5,000 BTUs, which are ideal for smaller rooms. Shop our small room air conditioners and enjoy excellent service backed by our years of knowledge and expertise! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
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