Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are ideal when you just need a small area to be cold.
A window air conditioner unit is made small enough to fit into a standard window frame. You close the window down on the unit, plug the unit in and turn it on to get the cool air. If you take the cover off of an unplugged window unit, you will find that it contains: a compressor, an expansion valve, a hot coil or condensing coil (on the outside), a chilled coil or evaporating coil (on the inside), two fans, and a control unit. Window air conditioners work by removing the present humidity and the hot air.
Size matters in choosing the best window air conditioners. A unit that is too small will run continually without cooling the room effectively. On the other hand, a unit that is large enough than the space to be cooling will be less effective in removing humidity. A good air conditioner will remove humidity effectively as it cools.
Larger unit of air conditioner is not needed for a small room to effectively cool it. Operating with a small air conditioner at an extended time period is more cost effective than availing of a bigger model to run for half the time. A unit small enough for a space is running nonstop and cannot completely cool the room effectively. As a result, the machine (compressor) will be short-lived.
Window air conditioner installation is a bit drafty. However, it is simple than installing a central air conditioning unit. Installing the latter already needs an expert.
The window air conditioner cover constitutes the filter, the vent, the switch and the thermostat. Most air conditioning brands integrate the switch and the thermostat for simplicity and convenience.
How is the cooling capacity of air conditioners expressed? Technically, British thermal unit is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound (0.45 kg) of water 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.56 degrees Celsius). Specifically, 1 BTU equals 1,055 joules. In heating and cooling terms, 1 ton equals 12,000 BTU.
A typical unit of window air conditioners might be rated at 10,000 BTU. This air conditioner can cool a room with an area of 400- 450 square feet. A consultation from an HVAC contractor regarding the size of air conditioner to cool an area is recommended. All new units sold in the US must clearly display the EER. The higher the EER, the more efficient the model is. For example, a model with an EER of 10 should use about 20% less energy than one with an EER of 8.
Window air conditioners are one of the appliances given the Energy Star ratings. These ratings will guide the consumers as to how much energy one can save and will also present and explain the special features of an air conditioner.
Energy Star window air conditioners are among the favorite because of their cost cutting features. One would definitely save a bundle with these models.
How do you help in making sure your window air conditioners are in top shape? Check the filters because they must be vacuumed and be rid of dust, from time to time. These filters are found in the covers. Cleaning them will save energy costs. Modern technology has modified the filters in window air conditioners. Filters have now the properties to kill bacteria, germs and dust mites making the air emitted by the air conditioner cooler and cleaner.
In opting for a window air conditioner, select the one with an Energy Star rating. Brands of air conditioner with Energy Star rating are GE, Panasonic, Frigidaire, Kenmore, LG, Haier, Sharp, Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Whirlwind and Friedrich. Compare the best prices among these brands. Window air-conditioners can be featured in manual or in remote control.