Heating and Air Guide

Just about every home in the civilized world has central heating and air conditioning to keep the occupants cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These units, of course, use a series of out-of-sight ducts and unobtrusive vents to get the air to different parts of the home. With that in mind, aren’t window air conditioners obsolete?

The answer is no. Window air conditioners are still in use, even though they’ve evolved over the last few years. These units used to be cumbersome, noisy, and inefficient. They had a voracious appetite for electricity, and they were so large that they often blocked a huge amount of window area. Many of these old units were so heavy that a stout structure had to be placed outside the home just to support the window air conditioner. Things have changed!

The new window unit air conditioners

Today’s window air conditioners are a far cry from the ones of the past. For one thing, the modern version is sleek and efficient. They put out plenty of BTUs while managing to conserve energy. They’re generally much smaller than the old dinosaurs, too. In fact, you can find window unit air conditioners as small as twelve inches in height, which will still allow plenty of sunlight through your window.

Many of the newer window air conditions include advanced technology like touch-button air purifiers and low voltage control features that automatically adjust operations during periods of low voltage and during brownouts. In addition, some of the modern window units can be operated by remote control.

The Low-Profile Window Air Conditioner

This type of window air conditioner is very popular with consumers. These models are available in sizes as small as twelve inches, and they’re also very lightweight. In fact, some homeowners who use this type of air conditioner move it regularly from room to room.
These units cost more, but in the long run, they could actually save you money. Since the low-profile window air conditioner can easily be moved, the same one that cools the living room during the day could be transferred to the bedroom at night. Instead of purchasing two window air conditioners, one portable low-profile model could do the trick.

Cheap Window Air Conditioners

You’ll find that window air conditioners come in a wide range of prices. If your budget is tight, don’t worry – you’ll be able to find several small units for under $200, including some of the top name brands.
Window units are very economical. You won’t have to pay a professional for installation, and there’s no ductwork involved. Just place it, plug it up, and turn it on!

Vertical Window Air Conditioners

Until fairly recently, window air conditioners were designed for traditional windows that open and shut vertically – up and down. More homes today have windows that open from side to side instead, and the air conditioning manufacturers have kept up with this trend by producing vertical air conditioners.

These are also called “slider casement units.” Basically, they have the same features and functions of the standard window air conditioner – they just taller and slimmer.

What Size Window Unit Air Conditioner Will I Need?

The cooling capacity of window air conditioners is rated in BTUs. The more BTUs, the more area the unit is capable of cooling. For a small bedroom, a 5,200-BTU air conditioner should do the job nicely. This size is rated for up to 150 square feet, or a 10 x 15-foot bedroom.
A 6,000-BTU air conditioner can cool about 200 square feet, the size of a larger bedroom or a small living room.

If you have a larger area to cool, like a game room or great room, you’ll need an 8,000-BTU unit. This size is capable of cooling 300 square feet, or a 20 x 15-foot room.

A 10,000-BTU air conditioner can cool 350 square feet, and a 12,000-BTU unit is capable of cooling over 500 square feet.

Even larger window air conditioners are available. For example, one with 15,000 BTUs can cool up to 700 square feet, 18,000 BTUs can cool up to 1,000 square feet, and a 24,000-BTU air conditioner is capable of cooling up to 1,500 square feet.

Why Should I Consider Buying a Window Air Conditioner?

There are lots of reasons people purchase window air conditioners. Perhaps some live in an apartment or rental house with less-than-efficient central air. They can’t very well put in a new central system and ductwork in such a situation.

Homeowners often purchase window units, too. Maybe their central heat and air is old, and they can’t afford to replace it. Or maybe they have just one room that doesn’t get cool enough in the summer heat. This could be a South-facing room or a room with numerous windows.
Homeowners who add a room to their existing homes also buy window air conditioners to cool the new addition instead of replacing their central system with a larger unit and running new ductwork.

Related topics:

1. Vertical Window Air Conditioners
2. Cheap Window Air Conditioners
3. Small Window Air Conditioners
4. Window Unit Air Conditioners
5. Portable Air Conditioners