Finding the right size of window air conditioner can make a difference of comfort in your home. Picking the wrong size can lead to a less cooling effect.
Does size matter?
When shopping for a window air conditioner, the first thing you need to do is measure the room size where the window air conditioner is to be installed. In order to find out what the most effective size window air conditioner you will need, this measurement is crucial if you want to avoid having an air conditioner that runs constantly or a room that feels clammy. After taking the measurements, a good tool to use is this sizing worksheet that will help you determine what size of window air conditioner you will need.
Another thing to consider on getting the right size of window air conditioner is the room it will be installed in. Areas of your home where there is a lot of direct sunlight hitting the outside walls will require a larger unit. If your home is well insulated then a smaller unit may be enough to cool the room. Take these variables into consideration when shopping for an air conditioner because making the wrong choice will lead to an uncomfortable room, which will lead to returning it to the store from where you bought it.
Once you determine the correct size of window air conditioner, your next step is to go shopping for one. There are a few ways to go about this, and it’s your choice of what works best for you.
Finding the best deals
You can shop at your favorite home improvement store or go online and do some price comparisons and read some reviews from others that have bought a particular unit that you may interested in. When doing price comparisons online, don’t just go to one website because you may find a better deal elsewhere if you take your time and do more research. Once you’ve nailed it down to two or three brands or models, we’ll give you some advice on what to choose in the next segment of this article.
Which brand do I choose?
When choosing brands, there are only a few companies that manufacture window air conditioners today. Frigidaire, Fedders, Haier and LG are just a few brands you can choose from when shopping. Most of these companies make other home products and have been around for decades, so if reliability is a concern then you may want to read what others are saying before you make a purchase online or at a local home improvement center. One company may have made great products years ago, but today they aren’t as good, so it’s recommended that you ask about them wherever you decide to shop.
After sale support
Be sure to check what the warranty is and what support the manufacturer supplies for the product. Most companies offer a one-year warranty on window air conditioners, so look at getting an extended warranty if you want more support and peace of mind. Window air conditioners have about a ten-year life span with yearly summertime use, so don’t expect it to last forever. With proper care and maintenance, you may be able to squeeze another few years out of one.