Best Air Conditioners for Windows
Summer heat can make it hard to sleep, cook, or do much of anything! If you don't have central air, an air conditioning unit can make your life a lot easier. Fortunately, you have a wide selection of affordable home air conditioners that can cool your house without a sizable increase in energy costs.
The two main types of air conditioners are standalone and in-window. You can put a standalone unit anywhere in the house within reach of a window. Standalone units connect to an attachment that fits into and seals the window, drawing in and cooling outside air. Window units use the same technology, but are placed directly in the window. They can also be installed into a wall. You will need to install a support bracket for an in-window air conditioner. Standalone units are advantageous when it comes to portability and ease of installation, while window units tend to take in a lot more air and cool a greater area.
Regardless of your preference in air conditioner type, there are a few universal factors you should look out for. First and foremost is the power of the air conditioner, measured in BTUs. Air conditioners tend to range from 5000-12000 BTUs/hour. More BTUs means more cooling power, so consider the size of the room or area you intend to cool with the unit. To save money and the environment, look for a unit that is energy star certified, an indication of a more efficient machine that is generally cheaper to run.
