Staying cool at home during the summer months is essential. No one wants to feel hot and sweaty all summer long, especially in July and August. An air conditioner is an ideal option to stay cool. But not every home is equipped with a central air conditioning system. If you don’t have one already, they can be expensive to install. The good news is there are many types of units to consider – portable air conditioners, through-the-wall air conditioners, and window air conditioners.
Many choose to install window air conditioners. They offer many benefits, including affordability, selection, and simple installation. As window experts, we can speak with you about which windows are ideal for this type of air conditioning unit. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of window air conditioners, key considerations when choosing one, types of window air conditioners and overview of the cost to install them.
What Is a Window Air Conditioner?
Window air conditioners are exactly as they sound. Window air conditioners are self-contained units that are installed in a single window. They can be installed in a number of window types. Window air conditioners work by removing heat and humidity from a room and transferring it through the unit to the outside. They have sections on the side to pull in cooler fresh air. This air runs through coils, which are cooled by a compressor. The unit uses fans to push this cooler air into the room.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Window Air Conditioners?
There are advantages and drawbacks to installing a window air conditioning unit in your home. Here we outline the pros and the cons for your consideration:
The Pros
Window air conditioners offer these benefits:
- They are a more affordable option compared to central air.
- There is a large selection and variety.
- You can choose the right unit to match your room size.
- They could help to cool more than one room if installed in the right window.
- You can place them in almost any area of your home.
- They require minimal maintenance.
The Cons
Window air conditioning units have these potential drawbacks:
- Not all window styles support air conditioners.
- The window in which you install the unit is blocked and cannot be used while the unit is in place.
- There is a potential for water dripping outside, possibly in an area you don’t want it to go.
- There is always a risk of damaging your window when installing and removing the unit.
- It can be a challenge to relocate the AC unit to another window in your home.
- They could pose a security risk if installed on a lower level window.
How to Choose an Air Conditioner
There are many different types and styles of window air conditioning units to choose from. Knowing which one is right for your home can be a challenge to figure out. Before you make a purchase decision, you need to know a few key pieces of information. Here are some of the key considerations to identify the best unit your home:
- Room size: What is the total square footage of the room you want to install the unit? You need to know your room size to ensure you choose the right size unit. Windows units are ideal for rooms between 150 to 500 square feet.
- BTUs: Choosing the right BTUs (British thermal Unit) for your room size is important. You want to choose a unit that has the right number of BTUs for your room. Choose one with not enough power, and the unit may not adequately cool your room. If you choose a unit that is too big for the space, you could be spending more money than you need and wasting energy.
- Power: Do you have an adequate power source that can accommodate the power needs of a window air conditioner?
- Window type: In what type of window do you plan to install the air conditioner? Your window type will dictate the kind of unit you need. Window units are commonly installed in single hung and double hung windows, single and double slider windows and casement windows. All units come with an installation kit to help you block out additional space and gaps not used by the unit.
- Window size: Your window size is a final important consideration. Windows do not all come in a standard size. Their age, style, and other factors affect the size. Make sure you know the exact dimensions. Measure multiple times.
What Is the Cost to Install a Window Air Conditioner?
Like many other home products, cost is variable based on the type of unit you choose and other factors. Window air conditioners are a great cost effective option for people who don’t have the capacity or budget for a full home air conditioning system.
The cost to install a window air conditioner is based on two things – the cost of the unit itself and the installation costs.
The cost of a window air conditioning unit can be as low as $150 and can reach $1000 or more. Labor varies based on the installer, but you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars. Overall, you will spend between $500 to $1000 to install a new window unit.
Window air conditioners are much more cost effective than central air systems. These can cost around $5000 to install in your home.
Should I Install the Window Air Conditioner Myself?
Are you thinking about installing the unit yourself? Many homeowners do. While you may save the cost of labor, if you don’t have experience with air conditioners, it’s best to leave things to a professional. Here are some of the reasons why you should hire a professional:
- You will have peace of mind in knowing the AC unit is installed correctly.
- You don’t have to worry about lifting the unit.
- You never know when an unforeseen issue can arise. A professional can handle it.
- You reduce the odds of installation issues.
- You can ensure it was installed with safety in mind.
- Installation costs are not excessively expensive.
Window AC Features to Consider
Window air conditioners can come with a variety of features to improve efficiency and functionality. Some features are great to have, while others provide you with additional convenience. Here are some of the features you may want to consider:
- Energy Star: Look for window AC units that have the Energy Star rating. These units will operate more efficiently and save you money on your energy bill. Just look for the Energy Star logo on the box.
- Digital thermostat: This allows you to quickly and easily read the temperature and adjust it to your preference.
- Remote: You can control the unit using the remote rather than having to walk over to the window to adjust the settings.
- Energy saver options: This can help you run the unit and save money on your energy bill.
- Adjustable fan: This will allow you to adjust the speed of the fan. This is ideal for times when you want to unit to operate quieter.
- Programmable timer: This is a great feature that allows you to set the time when you want the air conditioner to run.
- Air flow direction: This allows you to choose which direction the air blows out of the unit and into your room.
- Washable filter: These filters are strong and can be used for an extended period of time. You can wash them with water. No need to purchase a replacement.
Window Air Conditioner or Central Air?
Many homeowners debate the pros and cons of a central air unit versus a more affordable option. It really comes down to how much space you need to cool in your home. If you only need to cool a smaller space (less than 1000 square feet), a window AC unit will do the job.
But for larger spaces, you may want to consider a central air system. Alternatively, you can also use a combination of window unit and portable AC to save costs. The type of unit that works best for you really comes down to your space, budget and cooling needs.
Read More From Our Blog
Windows play an important role in your home. Check out these recent posts on our blog to get more insightful tips about home windows:
Stuck at Home? Keep a Window Open for Your Health
Understanding the Top Smart Home Windows Solutions and Smart Windows
