AC for Bedrooms vs Living Rooms: What Changes?

When the weather's sweltering, the two most AC-necessary rooms in everyone's home are the bedroom and the living room. If you're looking for a new AC for either of these rooms in your home, you might be thinking that all you need to do is figure out the area of each space and that's that, right? Isn't all air conditioning pretty much the same for any room?

It is NOT! There are actually many factors that come into play when determining the best air conditioner for a living room vs a bedroom, and square footage is only the start of it. Here are some typical differences between the cooling needs of a bedroom and a living room that you should take into account when choosing the best window AC, wall AC, or portable air conditioner.

Is the Room on the Ground Floor?

Simply put, the higher up the room, the greater cooling power you'll need. Not only does heat rise, but being closer to the roof means being closer to the heat from the sun beating down. If the room is on the second floor, it's a good idea to increase your AC's BTU level by 10%.

How Many People Does the Room Typically Hold?

Bedrooms are quiet sanctuaries where you go to rest and recharge. Living rooms, however, tend to be a major social hub. If you've got a big family or you frequently have guests over - especially energetic kids running around! - it's worth taking into account the room's average population when choosing an air conditioner. If more than two people are usually in the room, add an additional 600 BTUs per person to the AC power level.

Does the Room Have Electronics in It?

Powered-up electronics usually dissipate some heat into the air. During the summer months, the room they're in will need a little extra cooling in order to keep your space comfortable and keep the electronics in working order. Of course living rooms usually are populated with electronics like a TV, receiver or speakers, but some bedrooms have electronics too. For best cooling results, it's generally a good idea to add 300 BTUs for each electronic device in a room.

Looking for a one-stop way to get an accurate BTU estimate for a room? Try our BTU calculator! Just type in the room size, answer some quick questions, and we'll instantly give you an accurate assessment of your AC power needs for any room. Bringing home the meticulously-correct cooling power for a room is vital to staying comfortable no matter how high the mercury rises outside. Have a great summer, and stay cool!