If you’re living in a space with no central air, a window AC unit is your best option to combat the summer heat. These small units are powerful enough to cool 100-300 square feet of your home, making them ideal for dorm rooms and studio apartments. They can also be used to cool rooms in your home that aren’t reached by your HVAC system.
With so many window AC units on the market, all with their own unique capabilities, finding the right model can be a challenge. Here’s our best advice on finding a window AC unit to fit your needs.
Look at Reviews
Compare different window AC unit models by looking at their reviews online. Home improvement store product pages and consumer report sites are a great place to start. See what customers and professionals have to say about different models and eliminate any that don’t meet your standards. Pay attention to performance details like reliability, maintenance, installation, and overall customer satisfaction. This is a great way to narrow down your list of potential units and eliminate any that don’t offer what you need.
Think About Size
Measure your window to determine your size limitations, and then find the square footage of the room you need to cool. Consider how much sun the room gets and think about whether or not you’ll be using tools like blackout curtains and fans to give your window AC unit a boost. These factors will all help you decide on the ideal BTU (British Thermal Unit) for your unit. You can easily plug your measurements into a free online BTU calculator for the most accurate estimate.
Energy Efficiency
Every window AC unit has its own energy-efficiency rating (EER), which is a ratio of its BTU to its power input in watts. High efficiency systems are better for the environment, and they’ll deliver stronger air conditioning with lower energy consumption. A high efficiency system is more expensive, but it’ll save you more money on your electric bill. Lower efficiency systems cost less upfront, but their higher energy consumption can add up over time.
Installation
Most window AC units are easily installed by the customer, but not everybody is up to the challenge. Try to find tutorial videos and online guides for the system you’re considering and ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the process. You can look around for one with the most straightforward installation process, ask for help from family or friends, or consult an HVAC professional to install the unit for you.
Quality HVAC Services with Ellis AC
If you need HVAC repairs or maintenance, or help installing your own window AC unit, the talented HVAC technicians at Ellis AC are here to help. Our family-owned and operated business is dedicated to quality HVAC services, great prices, and client satisfaction. We work hard to inform our clients on what they can do to get the most out of their HVAC system, including answering any questions you may have about HVAC maintenance. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our HVAC services today!