Summer is coming and you might be in the market to replace your old ac unit. So how do you know what to buy? Here are some tips.

Don’t buy a larger air conditioner than you need.

Most people think bigger is better, but that is not always the case. According to Consumer Reports and The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM),   an AC unit too large or powerful for your room will turn off its compressor before it’s had a chance to “lower” the humidity level in the room. The results will be a room that is cold, clammy, and uncomfortable.

To figure out what size air conditioner you need for you room, measure the size of the room first. Then multiply the length by the width and that total is your square footage. You can use a chart or calculation provided by a manufacturer (usually available on their website) to determine how many BTUs (or British Thermal Units) you need your air conditioner to produce.

Consider your climate and other factors when purchasing an air…