How To Use A Window Air Conditioner
There's no simpler, more affordable way to absurd downwardly a room than with a window-mounted air conditioner. These meaty units are reliable, durable, able to cool nigh any size room, and today'south models are exponentially more free energy efficient than units built just 10 years ago. Plus, window air conditioners are like shooting fish in a barrel to install.
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Here, I'll share some tips on what to consider when buying an air conditioner, so how to install it securely and remove it for winter storage.
Size the Room
Window-mounted A/C units come diverse sizes and cooling capacities, ranging from nigh 5,000 BTU to 25,000 BTU (British thermal units). As a general rule, you demand well-nigh 20 BTU of cooling for every foursquare human foot of living space. So, for instance, a 12x16-ft. room would crave an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of approximately 4,000 BTU (12 x sixteen = 192 sq. ft. x 20 = 3,840 BTU).
Here's a simpler, no-math mode to decide which size air conditioner to buy. Listed beneath are the nigh common sizes of window air conditioners for rooms ranging from 150 to 1,600 square feet:
Information technology's critically of import to choose a model with a cooling capacity sufficient to cool the room. If you choose a unit that's too small, information technology'll struggle to keep the room absurd on the hottest days. And choosing a unit that'south too large—a mutual fault—is just as problematic.
An oversized air conditioner will pump besides much moisture dorsum into the room, raising the humidity to unsafe levels, especially for those with animate difficulties. Excessive moisture can also create a convenance ground for dust mites and mold. Plus, a too-big A/C unit is louder and burns more electricity than a properly sized unit.
Buy the Best
If yous're looking for a new window A/C, well, you're in luck.
Summer might be hot, but so is the competition to sell these appliances, with anywhere from 1.74 meg to 5.four meg being sold in whatever given year recently, according to statista.com and U.South. Section of Energy.
That competition helps you, as manufacturers concur downwardly prices and outbid each other to add features such as voice control, app control, hand-held remotes, timers, and features like a dehumidifier setting. Bells and whistles are nice, only more so is the increased free energy efficiency of these appliances.
Bank check Your Window
Most window-mounted air conditioners are designed to fit into double-hung windows, but most units tin also be placed in swing-out casement or sliding windows. (Bank check with the air-conditioner manufacturer for specific installation instructions.) Hither, I'll discuss installation for double-hung windows, which are by far the most pop way of window.
Offset by raising the lower sash, and then measure out the top and width of the opening. Exist sure to have those dimensions on hand when shopping for an air conditioner to ensure it'll fit comfortably into the window. Also, continue burn down safety in mind when deciding where to install the air conditioner: Don't place it in an egress window that serves as the only means of escape should a fire erupt.
Consider Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a room air conditioner is designated past its EER number, which stands for Free energy Efficiency Rating. The EER is calculated by dividing the unit's BTU rating by the wattage of the unit. For example, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner that uses 1,200 watts of electricity has an EER of ten.
⚠️ Don't confuse EER with SEER—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—which is used to summate the energy efficiency of key air-conditioning systems.
Window A/C units typically take ratings between virtually viii and 12. A rating of 10 or higher is considered ideal for saving electricity and lowering your utility bills. And be sure to look for features such as digital temperature controls, variable fan speeds, and sleep settings, which also can help conserve power.
Installation
Installing a window air-conditioner is best washed with 2 people. Even small air conditioners are heavy and awkward to lift. And the last thing yous want is for your A/C unit to fall out window or onto the flooring.
💡 Save the air conditioner'due south original box and packing materials; yous can employ information technology later for storing the unit of measurement.
Start by reading the installation manual and familiarizing yourself with all the included hardware and fasteners. Most units come up with a kit that includes adaptable window extensions and metal mounting brackets. These parts volition ensure a secure and closed fit in the window opening. And for additional support, especially for larger air conditioners, consider purchasing a steel support subclass and mount information technology to the outside house wall, directly below the windowsill.
Raise the window's lower sash and set the A/C unit centered on the windowsill. Almost the weight will exist hanging out the window, then be sure to keep a firm grip on the unit of measurement. At present pull downwardly the lower sash until it contacts the height of the A/C unit directly backside the metal flange running beyond the top of the unit of measurement. Go along downwardly pressure level on the lower sash; it's preventing the unit from toppling out the window. The installation kit typically includes two minor L-shaped metal brackets, which are used to prevent the lower sash from existence raised.
Set one bracket on the far left, height edge of the lower sash. And so, use a cordless drill to screw the bracket to the upper sash. Echo to install the remaining bracket to the far right side of the lower sash. Depending on the A/C unit, you lot may also need to drive short screws through the metal flange running across the top of the unit and into the lower sash. With the brackets screwed in place and the lower sash locked in positioned, and the A/C unit is secured.
Next, attach the ii piano accordion-like extensions, one to each side of the A/C unit of measurement. (Notation that in some cases you must install the extensions prior to setting the unit in the window; check the installation transmission for specific details.) Pull out each extension to close off the space to the left and right of the air conditioner. Screw the vertical mounting flange of each extension to the window jambs. Take the thick foam-condom atmospheric condition stripping and stuff it into the gap forth the pinnacle edge of the lower sash to block out insects and hot air.
When properly installed, the A/C unit of measurement will tip slightly to the outside. This is important to let condensation to baste outside, non into the room.
Power It Up
Air conditioners draw a fair amount of electricity, then be mindful of the circuit into which you lot plug the unit. If the aforementioned circuit powers other high-free energy appliances—refrigerators, dryers, ovens—consider plugging in the air conditioner elsewhere. If you're using an extension cord, it's important to utilize a cord that'due south specifically designed to handle the electric load; these heavy-duty cords are ordinarily labeled as, "air-conditioner cord" or "major-appliance string."
And be sure to check the air filter monthly throughout the cooling flavour to ensure it'south make clean and articulate of obstructions.
Removal for Storage
Removing a window air-conditioner unit can be difficult, and so unless you really demand access to the window or want to create a better seal for winter, it's best to leave it in place and protect it with a sideslip-on cover.
If you decide to remove the air conditioner, again, it'southward best to have two people. Start past reversing the installation steps, but be very careful not to unscrew the two pocket-size L-shaped brackets until y'all've slid the air conditioner into the room far enough and then that it'due south resting securely on the windowsill and not tipping in or out.
Subsequently removing all the hardware, heighten the lower sash and lift the air conditioner out of the window and set up it onto a thick blanket spread on the floor. Vacuum the outside of the unit—especially the louvered vents—and and then wipe it downward with a damp cloth.
Identify the air conditioner dorsum into its original box, using the dumbo-foam packing material to protect it from damage. Put all the screws, brackets and other installation hardware items in a re-sealable plastic bag, and put the bag in the box. Set the box in a cool, dry place for the wintertime. And if the storage room has a concrete flooring, identify two 2x4s beneath the box to enhance information technology upward and protect information technology from wet.
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