What You Need to Know About Window Air Conditioners

Posted on: 13 January 2017

The best way to enhance the comfort of your home especially in the hot months is to invest in an air conditioning unit. However, the effectiveness of your air conditioners to help you achieve the indoor temperatures you desire only depends on the type of unit you choose. Split system and window air conditioning units are usually the common types you will find. Window units are often affordable and easy to install. If you decide to invest in this type of air conditioner, here are a few things you may want to learn about it.

You Must Be Keen When Choosing a Window to Install the AC Unit

Just because they are window units doesn't mean you can have them installed on any window in your home. Window air conditioning units usually work well on double-hung types of windows with lower sashes that you can easily raise or lower.

The Room in Which You Want to Install the AC Unit Matters

When deciding on what window to install your window AC unit, look at the room itself too. Usually, window air conditioning units are better suited for smaller areas with a door that you can close. If the room is part of a larger living area such as your kitchen or living room, your window unit may not be as effective or it may have to work harder to achieve your desired indoor temperatures.

The Orientation of the Window On Which You Intend to Install the Unit Is Important

Where does the window face? Placing your window AC unit in a shaded window ensures that it functions optimally. This is because if you install your unit in a window on the east-west axis, heat from the direct sunlight means the unit will have to work harder to achieve the indoor temperatures you want. For this reason, you want to look for north-facing windows. Such windows usually have the most shade.

Unless Your Window Unit Has a Dual Heat Function, Leaving It Installed in the Cold Months May Not Be a Good Idea

Dual heat functions mean you can use your unit even in cold temperatures to supplement heating in your home. Unless yours has this function, leaving it installed can damage it because it might not withstand the cold temperatures. However, even if you have a dual heat function system, make sure you cover it to keep moisture at bay during those cold months. Durable plastic covers should do the trick.

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