Vertical Window Air Conditioner Facts To Keep In Mind
-These types of air conditioners are meant to be installed in your window in a semi-permanent fashion. They can be mounted in a double-hung window or a vertical slash styled window. Unfortunately, most popular AC units cannot be installed in casement type windows.
-Almost all window air conditioners contain an air filter to remove the large particles in the air and pump back air that is more purified.
-Your average AC unit mounted in your window will contain a compressor, evaporator coil, and a condenser coil. There should also be a thermostat to control the temperature, two motor fans, air filter and an expansion valve.
-In order to provide the cool air you love, air conditioners use something called a refrigerant. This is a compound which helps absorb the heat from its surroundings and release cool air back into the room.
The Pros Of Owning A Window Air Conditioner
As with all household appliances, there are benefits you reap from owning a certain model or type. Window air conditioners are the same way. Why should you own one?
-They are easy to install with minimal tools and manual labor. In lesser terms, anyone can do it, even you!
-If you don't like the location or don't need it there any longer, you can remove it from your window and transfer it elsewhere.
-You are able to cool more than one room if you place the unit in a strategic location.
-You spend less money cooling separate common rooms in your household than if you were to cool the whole house.
-It is not necessary to have a company install a central air conditioning unit which can cost up to thousands of dollars.
A Focus On Energy Efficiency
It is only natural that you want to save money on your summer cooling costs. Most homeowners use vertical window air conditioners in order to cool small spaces and cut down on energy costs, making it ideal for even those who already have central AC. If taken care of, these units will cost you less money to operate and last a long time. Look for these two things when determining the energy efficiency of the unit:
-An Energy Star Seal should be present. Those units that have been labeled with the Star Seal will use 10 percent less energy than their conventional counterparts. These units will also contain extra features that help you regulate the temperature in the room.
-Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER is another popular indicator of a model's energy efficiency. This ratio is calculated in British Thermal Units or BTUs of how much your chosen unit will use for each watt of your household's power. The higher the BTUs of the unit, the less money you will spend cooling your home. You should look at models that use at least 10.00 BTUs according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Keep In Mind The Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity in a given room is measured using BTUs per hour of usage. If your room is too large and the BTU power is not enough, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to cool down the space, costing you extra money. In an opposite scenario, too much BTU power will retain the humidity in the room while cooling it.
In order to find the right window air conditioner for your room, you need to know the square footage of the space you want to cool. Use the list below to determine which amount of BTU you need.
-100 to 300 square feet of space usually require a unit with BTU power of 5,000 to 7,000 per hour.
-Up to 400 square feet of space needs a model that can run with a BTU power of 8,000 to 10,000 per hour.
-450-650 square feet of space will require a unit that uses anywhere between 10,000 to 12,500 BTU power.
Installation Types For Your Unit
There are generally two types of installation options for you when choosing a vertical window air conditioner.
The first option is to install your unit inside of your window. You will need to take care when measuring the amount of space your unit can take up. Your air conditioner will not extend to fit inside of your window; it comes with an easy to assemble installation kit.
Some homes have window sizes that don't make installing a window air conditioner optimal. You can opt for a through-wall installation which requires an opening on your wall in order to install the unit. Keep in mind that you need to be extra careful with your measurements when choosing this method.
Extra Features To Focus On
-Ensure that your air conditioning unit has at least two fan speeds. This can keep cooling flexible and keeps the noise level low.
-All window air conditioners will have a certain amount of noise. Some models tend to be worse than others. Before making your investment, figure out how much noise you can really take.
-Be comfortable with the controls on your unit. Cheaper models will contain manual thermostats and buttons. More luxurious models can sport a digital thermostat, making it easier to handle for some.
-Ensure that your household's electrical system can handle the window AC. These types of appliances require much more electricity than your average household appliance.
Never Forget The Importance Of Safety!
Since most of these units take up space in your window, it is easy for intruders to remove them from outside to get inside of your home. This makes it important that you install your AC unit to fit snugly in your window space. You can purchase extra brackets to ensure that your AC unit is tight and won't budge.
Don't set decorative objects of any sort on top of your unit. Objects such as books, bricks or even bird-feeders can force the air conditioning unit loose.
If you are buying your first vertical window air conditioner, then it is understandable that you be confused. Buying a household appliance you know nothing about isn't easy. Consider what this article discussed to make smart decisions when choosing the perfect unit for you.
