In most homes, especially during the summer, window air conditioners have evolved into a necessary device. Little to medium-sized rooms can be effectively and affordably cooled using these units.
Everything you need to know about window air conditioners, from their types and installation procedures to their advantages and disadvantages, will be covered in this article.
What is a Window Air Conditioner?
An independent unit positioned in a window or wall opening to chill a single room or area is a window air conditioner, sometimes called a room air conditioner.
These units are a well-liked option for people seeking to chill in small to medium-sized areas because they are made to be portable, reasonably priced, and simple to install.
Benefits of Window Air Conditioners:
Given the wide range of other air conditioning choices on the market, you may be unsure about the benefits of a window air conditioner. We’ve put up a list of advantages you should anticipate from a window air conditioner to assist you in determining what kind of AC unit would be the most excellent option for you.
Low Cost:
The first significant benefit of window air conditioners is their inexpensive and reasonable price. In addition to being reasonably cheap to buy, they are also incredibly economical to run every month.
Compared to other air conditioners, the initial cost of a window air conditioner will still be relatively affordable. Our following topic is related to the expense of operating your device.
Extremely Energy Efficient:
This is the most significant advantage a window air conditioner can offer you. A window AC unit can be ideal for staying cool without spending much money.
A more significant idea of how well window air conditioners cool relative to how much energy they use to operate comes from their excellent energy efficiency ratio (EER), which is present in most window air conditioners. Searching for a window unit with a high EER rating would be best to maximise your energy savings.
Easy to Install:
The ease of installation is another advantage of a window air conditioner. Although the procedure may vary slightly depending on the type you purchase, it is relatively simple and can be completed even by those who don’t consider themselves handy.
Your window unit will come with all the necessary parts and installation instructions when you purchase. After that, all you must do is adhere to the step-by-step instructions. Having installed this air conditioner before, you should have at least one other person to assist you. Though not necessary, it is undoubtedly beneficial.
Great for Supplemental Cooling:
Homeowners frequently utilise supplemental cooling to reduce energy costs while maintaining the appropriate temperature in a single area.
The rationale behind this tactic is that you can use a supplemental air conditioner to cool the room you’re in right now, such as your bedroom at night or your office or playroom during the day, instead of using a central air conditioner to cool your entire house, including rooms that aren’t being used.
Types of Window Air Conditioners:
Many different kinds of air conditioners are available, including split systems with parts inside and outside the house, such as central air conditioners, ductless mini-split air conditioners, and stand-alone systems, like portable or evaporative air conditioners.
1. Central Air Conditioner:
The central air conditioner is one of the most often used air conditioners. Similar to how a furnace forces hot air through ducts and out of vents to heat the property during colder months, this system is intended to force cool air through the home’s ducts and out of openings.
2. Window Air Conditioner:
If the excessive expense of a central air conditioner scares you away, window air conditioners, which cost between $100 and $1,100 to buy and install, are a more affordable alternative. These more compact gadgets are made to fit in windows, with the front-facing inside and the back-facing outside. The air conditioner can push heat and condensation outside using an integrated fan.
3. Smart Air Conditioner:
Smart home or innovative system compatibility enables the user to view and modify the air conditioner settings remotely, a novel feature increasingly prevalent with many air conditioner types. You may quickly turn the air conditioner on or off, change the temperature, set a cooling schedule, and more by using the associated app on a phone or tablet.
4. Portable Air Conditioner:
An excellent substitute is portable air conditioners. They are less expensive than window air conditioners and don’t carry the same dangers. Simply place a portable air conditioner near a window and a working electrical outlet in the proper area. To vent, the air conditioner has an exhaust tube that connects to an open window.
5. Geothermal Air Conditioner:
An alternative to a central air conditioner is a geothermal air conditioner. This cutting-edge system lowers the temperature throughout the building by pumping cool air via the home’s existing ducts and vents. It typically uses less energy than a regular furnace or central air conditioning system and can heat a home during winter.
Drawbacks of Using a Window Air Conditioner:
- Window air conditioners might pose a security issue when installed on the ground level. Some steps can be taken to increase security, but if you leave town for a few days, you’ll probably want to remove the unit.
- Windows must have an electrical outlet nearby and be the right size to suit the AC unit. This can occasionally present a severe obstacle.
- Directing where the water drains are challenging. There are many other solutions if water drains in an awkward place besides choosing a different window.
- Some people may think they’re ugly. Window air conditioning units, at the very least, don’t improve the aesthetics of a house.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Window Air Conditioner:
When looking for a window air conditioner, numerous factors exist, including size and upkeep. Here are 5 things to think about while looking for a window air conditioner to learn more:
1. Cooling Power:
Before purchasing a window air conditioner, cooling capacity should be your top priority. British Thermal Units, or BTUs, quantify cooling power per hour. Stick with a unit that has a BTU level tailored to meet your space for the highest efficiency and efficacy.
A window air conditioner with insufficient BTU power will run continually while attempting to chill the area, using up your energy budget and wearing out the device unnecessarily in the process.
2. Installation:
Pay close attention to the breadth while measuring the interior window frame proportions. Under the AC’s specifications, you can see the minimum and maximum window width measurements.
Don’t be concerned if your model doesn’t match your window frame. Installation kits for all window air conditioners include side drapes to close off extra space on each side of the AC.
3. Electrical Requirements:
Since window air conditioners are more potent than standard household equipment, check to see if your current electrical system can support the unit’s electrical needs. Most room air conditioners use 115V, 125V, or 220V circuits.
- 115-125 Volts: Standard household (115V to 125V) circuits are typically used to power air conditioners with a cooling capacity under 15,000 BTU.
- Window air conditioners with a cooling capacity greater than 15,000 BTU typically operate on 220V circuits. You might need to install special electrical wiring for some devices or hire an electrician to help you.
4. Energy Efficiency:
Often consume around 10% less energy than equivalent models, saving money on operational expenses. For clients who buy an Energy Star model, most states give refunds.
This information reveals how many BTUs the appliance consumes per watt of power. Generally, the air conditioner is more effective the higher the EER.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely, but to be sure it can manage the size of the room, you should pick a unit with a higher BTU rating.
To protect it from the weather during the winter, it is preferable to take the unit apart and store it in a dry, cold location.
To guarantee optimal airflow, you should clean the air filter at least once a month.
No, a window air conditioner must be installed in a wall opening or a window.
A cracked or loose fan blade, a clogged air filter, or an issue with the appliance’s compressor could all be to blame for the noise.
Conclusion:
A single room or small area can be comfortably cooled for a reasonable price using a window air conditioner. Consider room size, BTUs, EER, noise level, and air filters before selecting a unit. Proper installation and routine maintenance are crucial for your window air conditioner’s operation.
