WHICH WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER IS BEST?
Central air conditioning isn’t an option for everyone. Sometimes, you need a good window AC unit to keep you cool. A window AC unit might not be as expensive as central air, but it’s an investment nonetheless. To get the most for your money, what features should you look for when shopping for a window air conditioner?
In the following guide, we explore the features you’ll find in both budget AC units and high-end appliances. There’s something for everyone in the world of window AC units; read on to learn what’s right for you.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER
BTU rating and energy efficiency
BTU rating is a good measuring stick for an air conditioner’s total power and cooling ability. Notably, 5,000 BTUs or less can be anemic for larger spaces. You want to make sure you select an appliance with the appropriate BTU output for your space. That said, you should also know that an AC unit with a higher BTU rating consumes more power and will likely result in a higher energy bill.
But an air conditioner’s BTU rating alone doesn’t complete the picture of how efficient it is. To find that out, you’ll need to determine its EER, or energy efficiency ratio. An AC unit’s EER factors in both BTU output and wattage. When considering products, look for the EER number on the package or in the product specs. The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner; some of the best window air conditioning units have an EER of at least 12.
Cool window AC features
In addition to energy efficiency and cooling power, you may wish to seek a window AC unit with some other handy features. For instance, a unit with a timer can help save you cash because you won’t have to leave the unit running from the moment you leave for work until you’re ready to go to bed at night. You can preprogram the air conditioner to activate at a certain hour, thereby maximizing your energy dollars. A unit with a sleep timer is nice, too, because you won’t have to worry about turning off your window unit before hitting the sack each night.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER
Other desirable features in a window AC unit include variable fan speed, a remote control, and quiet operation.
Variable fan speed
Variable fan speed allows you to tailor how quickly (or slowly) a room fills with cool air. Sometimes you want your space cooled off immediately, but other times, you might prefer a more gradual cooldown.
Remote control
Lots of today’s window AC units come with one or two small remote controls you can use to turn the appliance on and off from a distance. If you intend to place your AC unit in a high window — or if you simply like the idea of activating the air from the comfort of your seat on the couch — a window AC unit with a remote control could be right for you. Bear in mind, however, that these remotes are usually pretty small … and easy to lose.
Quiet operation
Perhaps this goes without saying, but most people prefer appliances that don’t make a lot of noise. Unless you’re looking for a window appliance to create some ambient white noise, we suggest an AC unit with a reputation for quiet operation. This holds especially true if you intend to install the unit in a bedroom or a spot where you’ll be watching TV or studying.
WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS FAQ
Q. Should I invest a little more money in a window air conditioner with a digital thermostat?
A. That depends on how much control you want over the temperature of your room. Many high-end air conditioners have programmable digital thermostats that allow you to fine-tune the temperature of your space. If you’re looking for a budget model, however, you can still get an AC unit with a good thermostat. However, it will probably be a mechanical thermostat that doesn’t offer quite as much precision as a digital model.
WHAT WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS ARE BEST TO BUY?
Top window air conditioner
Frigidaire FHWW185WE2 Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
What you need to know: This window air conditioner is an absolute powerhouse.
What you’ll love: Powerful and efficient at 18,000 BTUs. This ENERGY STAR product can cool an area of over 1,000 square feet without a problem.
What to consider: It’s pricey.
Top window air conditioner for the money
LG Window-Mounted Air Conditioner (12,000 BTU)
What you need to know: This air conditioner from LG is powerful enough to cool a large common room or even a small apartment.
What you’ll love: It has useful features such as auto restart, a timer, and a remote control, and it offers 12,000 BTUs of cooling power.
What to consider: The unit itself may be too large for some windows. We recommend that you take measurements before placing your order.
Worth checking out
Toshiba 12,000 BTU 115-Volt Smart Wi-Fi Touch Control Window Air Conditioner
What you need to know: This AC unit works as a an AC but also as a dehumidifier, keeping your home cool and dry in the warmest weather.
What you’ll love: With the Toshiba AC app for smartphones you’ll be able to control the unit so your home will be nice and cool by the time you get there.
What to consider: Some users find it too loud.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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