Window Air Conditioners -Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

In this time when literally every penny counts, nothing beats having all of the right information and facts before making a purchase. So if you have been thinking of buying an air conditioner and considering a window unit, you are at the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know about a window air conditioner.

A window air conditioner is a simple cooling system with all parts and components in one box. As the name goes, this type of conditioner is typically mounted in a window and operates independently by being connected to an electrical outlet. 

A window air conditioner's installation is pretty straightforward and cost-effective, but you must consider a few things before buying one.

1. Cooling Capacity and Size

The cooling capacity of any air conditioner is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). The secret is to pick a window unit with the BTU that suits the space you want it to cool for efficiency and effectiveness. A window unit with less BTU than your space will only struggle continuously to cool the room, while a window unit with BTU larger than your space will find it had to cool your space evenly. The first case will leave you with a tired window unit and a robust energy bill; the second will leave you with uncomfortable cold and hot pockets.  

To find the BTUs you need, calculate your space in square feet, then use the table below to find your match. 

After matching the size of your space with the BTU that is needed, your next step will be to consider other factors to have the most appropriate BTU. 

Ceiling height: If you don't have the standard 8-foot ceiling height, your BTU has to be increased. 

Sunlight: If your room is positioned to get the glare of the sun, increase your BTU by 10 percent. 

Shade: If your room is positioned away from the sun and is shaded for most of the day, decrease your BTU by 10 percent. 

The number of occupants: If there are more than two people in the space the window unit is meant to cool; you will have to add 600 BTU for each person.

Kitchen: If the window unit is for your kitchen, you need to bump your BTU level by 4,000.

All of this might take a bit of calculating time, but you must get the right BTU level needed for your space.

2. Window Size and Shape

The body of a window air conditioner sits partially in and out of your window. To avoid any nasty surprise at the time of installation, measure the space in your window and compare it to the specifications of the unit you are about to buy. Window air conditioners usually come with side curtains to seal off excess space on all sides after installation. So you don't have to worry about a perfect fit. 

3. Channeling the Water from Condensation 

Air conditioners work by pulling moisture from the air. That collected water pools in an out-tray and has to be drained through a hose connected to the outer half of the window unit. It would be best to decide where the water will be channeled to.

Other Consideration

Electrical requirements: Window air conditioners are usually more powerful than the rest of your home appliances. So, you have to check that your existing electrical system can accommodate a window unit's electrical requirements. Check the specifications of the new window unit for voltage, amps, and watts and the appropriate plug type.

Energy efficiency: Check the window unit for its Energy Star status; Energy-rated window units are usually 10 percent less energy-consuming. Also, check the air conditioner for its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to know how many BTU the window unit uses per watt of power. These two features will measure the conditioner's energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.

Sold on window air conditioners but not show which product to get? Here are the top 3choices to consider.

1.    MIDEA MAW05M1BWT Window Air Conditioner

• 2-way air stream for constant and perfect cooling

• 7 temperature settings

• Low noise level

• A wide reach that covers 150 square feet

• Washable mesh filter for easy maintenance

2.   Frigidaire FFRE103WA1 10,000 BTU Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner

• Sleep mode saves energy by increasing the temperature by a few degrees through the evening

• Clean filter alert notifies you when there is the need to get the filter cleaned

• Customizable cooling times and timer

3.   Danby DAC050MB1WDB 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

• Environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant that won't deplete the ozone layer

• Washable filter

• 2 cooling speeds and 2 powerful fan speeds

• cools space up to 150 Square Feet

There you go. You have all you need to make an informed decision.