Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners? Do people still buy window air conditioners? Yes, they do, and the window air conditioner market is alive and well, although the units barely resemble the models of old. Also called room air conditioners, today’s window air conditioners are sleek, and compared to the ones of just a couple of decades ago, they’re lightweight and small. Even if you're renting your home, there's no reason to suffer through the heat of summer. A window unit air conditioner can keep you cool and comfy, night and day.

Modern window unit air conditioners

Modern room air conditioners are a far cry from the obsolete energy monsters that people used to have in their homes. Today’s units are very energy efficient and are also more capable of cooling. Many models of window air conditioners also have extra features like air purifiers and voltage sensors that can adjust for periods of low voltage. Some models can even be operated by remote control. To really save on energy costs, choose a window air conditioner with an Energy Star rating.

Low profile window air conditioners

One of the most popular types of window air conditioners is the low profile model. These are small window air conditioners that take up little space. Some of these are only twelve inches tall, so they don’t block out a lot of window. They’re also very lightweight, so they can be moved from room to room with little fuss or bother. These units don't overpower or overwhelm a room like many models of the past did.

The vertical window air conditioner

Another popular type is the vertical window air conditioner. These are made to be used in windows that slide open from side to side instead of opening by pushing the window up. Since more new houses are built with the sliding windows, the vertical window air conditioner is gaining steadily in popularity. This wasn't usually an option with room air conditioners of the past.

Mini window air conditioners

There's also something referred to as a mini air conditioner or a mini window air conditioner. As the name implies, these units are small and lightweight. They're available in different BTUs. As an example, a 5,000 BTU mini window air conditioner can effectively cool 150 square feet. That's about the size of an average bedroom. Some of these mini air conditioners come with special features like anti-bacterial filters and air-direction controls.

Why a window air conditioner?

You might be wondering why someone would purchase a window air conditioner when most people have central heat and air. For one thing, not everyone can afford to have a costly heat and air central system and ductwork installed, so a cheap window air conditioner can offer them some relief from sweltering summers.

Even homeowners who have central heat and air often purchase cheap window air conditioners to boost their cooling in extra-warm rooms in the home. Room air conditioners might also be used in newly added rooms instead of buying a larger central unit and having additional ductwork installed.

Renters frequently purchase window air conditioners for their apartments, condominiums, or rental houses. Some landlords are notorious for not keeping their cooling and heating systems up to date, and renters can enjoy inexpensive comfort from a cheap window air conditioner.

How much space can a window air conditioner cool?

An air conditioner’s power is measured in BTUs. The more BTUs an air conditioner has, the larger the area it can cool. Here’s a general rule of thumb for the cooling capability of window air conditioners:

5,000 BTU air conditioner – 150 square feet

6,000 BTU air conditioner – 200 square feet

8,000 BTU air conditioner – 300 square feet

10,000 BTU air conditioner – 350 square feet

12,000 BTU air conditioner – 500 square feet

15,000 BTU air conditioner – 700 square feet

18,000 BTU air conditioner – 1,000 square feet

24,000 BTU air conditioner – 1,500 square feet

Remember, this is just a general guideline. Depending on your unique situation, you may need a smaller or larger unit to effectively cool your room or rooms. If you use more than one window air conditioner, you can adjust different ones in your home for the comfort of different members of your family. If you like to sleep in cool conditions, but your kids prefer their rooms to be warmer, window air conditioners can easily handle the job.