Window Air Conditioners: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Perfect Unit

by Kim April 14, 2020

written by Kim April 14, 2020

Window Air Conditioners: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal window air conditioner for your space requires considering several factors, including the size of the room, the available window type, and your desired features.

Unit Size and Coverage Area

The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in BTUs. Determine the approximate square footage of the room you need to cool and choose a unit with a BTU rating that matches.

Small rooms (up to 150 sq ft): 5,000-6,000 BTU
Medium-sized rooms (150-450 sq ft): 7,000-10,000 BTU
Large rooms (450+ sq ft): 12,000 BTU or higher

Window Compatibility

Different window air conditioners are designed for specific window types.

Single- and double-hung windows: Slide the bottom sash up and insert the air conditioner.
Slider windows: Tall and narrow, designed for horizontal sliding windows.
Casement windows: Hinged windows that open outward.
Saddle-shaped air conditioners: Over-the-sill design that fits above the window sill and doesn’t block it.
U-shaped air conditioners: Designed for single- and double-hung windows, with a U shape to accommodate the lower window sash.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Star-certified air conditioners meet higher efficiency standards, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on your electricity bill.

Features to Consider

Smart Controls:

Remote control
Wi-Fi connectivity
Voice control integration

Comfort Features:

Dehumidifier function
Sleep mode to reduce noise
Temperature-sensing remote

Noise Level:

Window air conditioners typically operate between 33 and 67 decibels. If noise is a concern, choose a unit with a lower decibel rating or a sleep mode.

Maintenance

Clean the filter regularly.
Drain condensation before storing for the season.

Top-Rated Window Air Conditioners

Best Overall: Midea 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (quiet operation, Energy Star certification, smart features)
Best Value: GE 5,000 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner (easy installation, adjustable controls)
Best for Small Rooms: Toshiba 5,000 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner (compact, lightweight, easy to use)
Best Smart: Windmill Air Conditioner (voice control, dual filters, energy efficient)
Best Design: Soleus 6,000 BTU Saddle Window Air Conditioner (easy installation, saddle shape doesn’t block window)
Best for Sliding Windows: Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (compatible with sliding and casement windows, adjustable louvers)
Best for Large Rooms: Frigidaire Smart Window Air Conditioner (multi-direction airflow, energy saving modes, smart connectivity)

Kim

Nestled comfortably between the bustling art scene and the vibrant scientific community thrives Kim, a multifaceted artist and staff writer at LifeScienceArt. Their path to creative expression wasn't linear. While a degree in social studies equipped them with a keen understanding of human systems and interactions, a deep-seated love for the natural world and a burgeoning desire for sustainable living nudged them in a different direction. This fascination with the delicate balance of our planet blossomed into a multitude of artistic expressions – drawing, sculpting, and capturing the essence of nature through the lens of a camera. Kim's artistic journey is a testament to their boundless curiosity and a rejection of rigid categorization. They seamlessly navigate between mediums, wielding charcoal to translate the intricate details of an ecosystem onto paper, meticulously crafting models that capture the elegance of biological forms, and using light and shadow to sculpt captivating narratives about the environment. Their artistic voice is as diverse as the ecosystems they strive to represent. Kim's passion for environmental stewardship extends beyond the realm of art. Their decision to pursue a career at LifeScienceArt is a testament to their desire to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and artistic expression. They believe that by translating complex scientific concepts into visually compelling narratives, art can become a powerful tool for environmental advocacy. Kim's writing for the art section is infused with this very philosophy. Their words weave together scientific Erkenntnisse (German for Erkenntnisse: acquired knowledge/discoveries) with artistic flair, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the urgent need to protect it. Mirroring their artistic eclecticism, Kim's taste in music reflects a similar disregard for genre boundaries. Their playlists might seamlessly flow from the haunting melodies of Björk to the infectious grooves of Fela Kuti, with a detour into the experimental sounds of Radiohead. This eclectic mix fuels their creativity, offering a constant source of inspiration that transcends categorization, just like their art.