Updated at: 06-03-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

Air conditioners are hefty, but how much weight do they take up? It’s a good thing you brought it up. As you may well know, air conditioners come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

You should also be aware of the things that contribute to their weight if you are interested in their weight. Along with the unit’s capabilities, this is an important consideration when purchasing a device.

As a result, customers will be better prepared after making a purchase. So don’t be concerned; we’ll provide you with all the information you require about air conditioning system weight.

How Heavy Is Your Air Conditioner – Depending On Its Type

The condenser and evaporator coils comprise the bulk of the AC’s weight. Additionally, its compressor is composed of steel, which adds to its weight.

The weights of the most prevalent types of air conditioning systems are discussed in detail in this subsection. So, how much does it weigh to run an AC unit?

#1. Window AC system

The window air conditioner has evolved over time, becoming increasingly high-tech and efficient. However, its weight has remained almost unchanged. Due to the fact that a large number of its heavy components are important ones.

Or to put it another way, it is impossible to get around the weight of an effective and useful unit. Also, keep in mind that the weight of window air conditioners varies widely.

Naturally, the greater the size of the unit, the greater the weight. You’ll have a hard time finding a device that weighs less than 40 pounds. Even the heaviest models can reach 120 pounds.

Keep in mind that the size of your residence should be taken into account when selecting a storage unit. When it comes to supporting the unit, the window frame must be strong enough. As a result, you’ll need help moving it into position.

It’s also important to remember that if the unit starts to tip, it’s difficult to stop it from collapsing on your own because one side is often heavier than the other end.

#2. Portable AC system

Window air conditioners are lighter, but portable AC units typically weigh more. This is due to two factors. For starters, this sort of air conditioner has a greater cooling capacity.

Additionally, portable air conditioners offer a few features that window AC units don’t, like short legs and wheels.

Most 12,000 to 14,000 BTU portable air conditioners weigh between 70 and 80 pounds. It’s possible to get heaters with larger BTUs than 400 pounds, though.

Because portable air conditioners are wheeled, you may move them about with relative ease, despite their weight. It was specifically developed for portability in mind. Additionally, it eliminates the need to manually raise it onto your window.

Why Are Air Conditioners Heavy?

The appliance’s weight is largely due to the fact that it is made of copper. The compressor, evaporator, and condenser are the three most important parts of both window and central air conditioning units.

The evaporator cools the air; the condenser prepares the refrigerant during the cooling process, and the compressor moves the refrigerant between those two components.

Copper is used in both the condenser and evaporator, as previously stated. Copper, which is a heavy metal, is also found in the compressor. Every cubic foot of it weighs 558 pounds.

As much as 60% of the smallest air conditioners are made of copper. However, as the weight of the unit increases, that proportion decreases. A large portion of this unit’s weight is accounted for by the structural steel that serves as the unit’s primary support. The compressor is also protected and housed in this unit.

Aluminum can also be used in place of copper. Copper, on the other hand, weighs around 169 pounds per cubic foot. Copper, on the other hand, is a greater heat conductor than aluminum. The air conditioner removes heat from the air, hence this quality is critical. With the addition of additional equipment and employee training, the cost of the unit will also rise if aluminum is used.

In addition, the unit’s thickness necessitates a significant amount of aluminum. If this isn’t done, the refrigerant won’t be able to pass through them at high pressure. For the most part, the unit will remain the same weight.

Furthermore, mechanical engineers aren’t interested in making lighter air conditioners because they’re more concerned with building a system that is more environmentally friendly.

It’s A Wrap!

A quick recap: how much does an air conditioner weigh? It all depends on the nature and size of the object. Obviously, the weight varies from model to model.

A typical air conditioner can weigh anywhere from 60 to 180 pounds, but that’s around the range. The power or BTU of the device has a direct correlation to this.

How Much Do Air Conditioners Weigh? Averages from 99 Models

The weight of an air conditioner is considerable.

But how much weight do they have?

Is your moving truck, window sill, or floor going to be able to handle the extra weight?

This question occurred to me on a peaceful Sunday morning. Consequently, in order to discover the solution, I carried out a thorough investigation, examining 99 various air conditioner types.

No, I’m not that guy.

Air conditioners typically weigh between 60 and 180 pounds [27 and 82 kg]. Windows, portable, ductless, and whole-house air conditioners are the heaviest. In direct proportion to its output power, an air conditioner’s weight rises (in BTU or tons).

Here are the averages for each type of air conditioner:.

Image
Type of Refrigerator
Wt. Percentage (lbs)
The average weight (kg)
64 29 Window Air Conditioner
66 30 Portable Air Conditioner
Air Conditioners Without Ducts (Indoor Unit Only)
26\s12

If you’d like more information, I’m here to help.

All of the air conditioners reviewed will be represented graphically in the following pages.

Start with the smallest and lightest items first.

How Much Do Window Air Conditioners Weigh?

The most prevalent type of air conditioner is a window unit, and I have data on 35 of them. Below is a graph of their weights and BTU outputs.

Graphs showing weights of Window Air Conditioners

From 39 pounds to 130 pounds, a window air conditioner can be found in the market (59Kg).

Additionally, I inserted the average weight per BTU class as orange markers, along with a data label to display the actual value.

Your regular window air conditioner isn’t going to weigh you down. You don’t have to be concerned about damaging your window frame even though it’s a headache to lift.

It may be necessary to do an inspection before purchasing a heavy-duty model. It is possible for an ancient window frame to crack if a constant weight of more than 100 pounds is placed on it (and could compromise the seal around your windows).

The raw data:

How Much Do Portable Air Conditioners Weigh?

Portable air conditioners are the next most popular type of air conditioner.

In the past, I discovered that portable air conditioners consume more BTU per square foot than window units, which are often smaller and lighter in weight. It’s not surprising that their heavier weight comes from their higher BTU production.

Orange markers with data labels show the average weight for each BTU range.

Between 53lbs and 77lbs, portable air conditioners are available. It’s important to keep in mind that I only had access to portable units of 14,000 BTU or less.

Here, it’s interesting to see how much the weight of a portable air conditioner increases compared to the 14k and 18k BTU window units. According to my theory, it’s possible that portable manufacturers are increasing their output a little, but that their internal compressors aren’t significantly larger.

The raw data:

How Much Do Ductless Air Conditioners Weigh?

Next, we’ll take a look at some of today’s most cutting-edge technology.

Modern apartments all around the world are being outfitted with ductless air conditioners, and for good reason. With their simple set-up, multi-zone management, and ductless operation, they’re an excellent option for the entire house.

Ductless air conditioners now come with two separate units for cooling and heating. The compressor, which does the real cooling and is located outdoors, and the air mover, which is located within your home.

Air mover weight is more significant to me than any other consideration. This is the one we’ll put on a wall bracket, so it’s the obvious choice. However, I’ve supplied statistics for all three just to be sure.

Graphs showing weights of Ductless Air Conditioners

Ductless systems (interior units only) range in weight from 17 pounds to 40 pounds, with an average of 26 pounds.

The raw data:

How Much Does A Whole-House Air Conditioner Weigh?

Alright. To the big ones.

These are some of the largest units on the market, making them difficult to move, transport, and install. Here is the chart.

Graphs showing weights of Whole House Air Conditioners

Rather than using BTUs, we’re now using tons. Simply put, manufacturers prefer to list their products at this power level.

1 BTU = about 12,000 BTU = 1 ton of refrigerated space.

It’s impossible to show excellent averages because there are so many distinct ‘ton’ ratings (such as 1.5, 2, 2.5, etc.).

There are whole-house air conditioners that weigh between 112lbs and 258lbs, with an average weight of 179lbs in this category.

In order to move one of these units, you’ll need a team and a vehicle that can handle the weight.

The raw data:

Air Conditioner Weight FAQ’s

Where Does All That Extra Weight Come From?

Air conditioners are made up of a variety of components, many of which are hefty. These are some examples:

  • In the same way that an air compressor is made up of hefty metal components and a strong tank, so is this device (like pistons and a crankshaft).
  • Coolant in a bottle. Refrigeration systems employ a thick liquid refrigerant also known as Freon.
  • Coils for evaporation. Condenser coils are often constructed of copper, which is a heavy metal. They receive the cool refrigerant and convert it into gas.
  • The coils of the condenser unit. What’s this? We need even more powerful coils! Heat is removed from the room by these coils, which are also heavy.

Air conditioners may appear to be lightweight, but the metal components that make them up are substantial.

How Much Damage Can My Windows Take From An Air Conditioner?

The weight of a window air conditioner can range from 39 to 130 pounds. Of course, units on the lower end of the spectrum aren’t anything to be alarmed by. There is no comparison to the strain on your walls from holding the weight of your entire home! However, if you have a window air conditioner with a capacity of 14,000 BTU or more, you may want to see a specialist. It is possible to break a window sill by placing more than 100 pounds on it.

What Is the Best Kind of Air Conditioner?

Air conditioners of all kinds are amazing at keeping us cool in this day and age. As far as I know, all of the decent models are.

“Which type is best?” isn’t the question, but rather, “Which type best fits your home?” Here’s a quick rundown of when each kind should be taken into consideration:.

  • The use of air conditioners mounted on windows. The most cost-effective option without taking up any additional floor space overall. If you have a tiny home or only one room that needs cooling, this is a good option.
  • Air conditioners that may be taken anywhere. Because you may use them in numerous rooms, portable units are great for tiny apartments. cooling the living room during the day and the bedroom at night, for example. These are also an excellent option for apartments when the Homeowner’s Association prohibits the use of Window ACs.
  • Mini Split / Ductless Air Conditioners. Ductless systems, the most cutting-edge version, are ideal for both huge modern apartments and more modest single-family homes. Smart home apps work best with them because of their superior multi-room control. For the most part, they’re less expensive to run than whole-house systems.
  • Air Conditioners for the Entire House. Larger homes are best suited for these massive, classic units. The ducting required for their installation makes them more difficult to install, despite the fact that they often have the highest power.

What Is The Cost Of Running An Air Conditioner?

When it comes to window air conditioners, my study has led me to believe that they are the most cost-effective option for cooling a room.

This is what I discovered:

Running a window air conditioner can cost between $40 and $100 per year, on average, The BTU and wattage ratings of the air conditioner play a large role in this. The cost of running an air conditioner is also influenced by how efficiently it is used and the amount of cooling it is required to provide. Check out our calculator to learn more!

More information can be found by reading the entire post.

Watch this area for more information about other air conditioners that I’m likely to investigate in the near future.

Conclusion

Powerful air conditioners are major home appliances.

With any luck, you now have a better understanding of how much an air conditioner will weigh. As well as of all kinds of force and size!

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