We live in a 260sf tiny house. Currently we are running a 5k btu and an 8k btu and they are not cooling well enough. Both A/C's are about 3 years old. This is only 1 room + a bathroom so only a single wall dividing. I clean the filters every week with soap to make sure nothing is blocking. That's about how often the filter light comes on.
Is this really not enough strength? Or do I just need to replace the units with a new 10k? From everything I've looked at the 8k alone should cool for this sq ft
Yes, very small. When I say tiny home, I mean literally the definition of tiny home (1 room plus a bathroom). I know there is a humidity issue as we are just outside Houston. I've noticed the smaller one, which is a 5050 btu, even though it is blowing cold it isn't putting out much force. The larger one never cycles off even during the mornings. The Windows are double paned. Door is sealed.
In the morning it is cold as it should be inside, but by noon it's pushing 80°. By 5pm, it can be close to 90° and God forbid I'm cooking anything.
In the winter it stays perfectly warm with an oil heater even during freezing temps. I'm not trying to make it walk in cooler temperature. I'm wanting it to be a decent 73°-75°. I'll see about the temp output on the larger one. Seems pointless on the smaller if it doesn't seem to put out much air flow
Best Answer
260 Sq Ft? Are you sure, lol. Many variables are missing here. I have cooled 500 sq ft with an 8k window shaker in northern calif. So maybe you can tell where you live. Phoenix? lol. So let's check the units. If you can measure the air coming out of the unit with a thermometer that would be the first clue. It should be in the low 40s or high 30s. Three yrs old is not very ole. Second is insulation and air gaps. Get those two out of the equation and you should be cool as a cucumber.