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Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy many of your favorite activities. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, spending a Saturday at the lake, or having a cookout with friends and family, the warmer weather brings about a lot of fun outdoor activities. However, once you’re done being outside in the heat, you want to come home and cool off.
If you don’t have a properly working air unit or if the unit you have just can’t pull a heavy load when it gets very hot outdoors, you may dread the summer and the hotter temperatures. Don’t sweat away the summer when you can easily cool down with a quality window air conditioner.
Guide: What is a Window Air Conditioner?
Contents
A window air conditioner is a cooling unit that is placed inside of a window. It works similar to other cooling units in that it draws out warm air from the interior and dispenses it back into the atmosphere. Outside air is then sucked in, cooled through a compressor and released back inside the interior of the home, making the room much cooler.
These units can be installed in almost any window, can be moved as needed, and are ideal for cooling off smaller spaces, whether it’s a small home or an upstairs room that doesn’t get enough cool air from your central cooling system.
What are the different types of Window Air Conditioners?
The primary difference in window units is the size. You’ll want a larger unit to cool a bigger room or multiple rooms at once, or a smaller one for tighter spaces. However, there are a few differences that will affect the functionality, price, and convenience, which is why these units are separated into two separate categories, basic and high-end units.
Basic units can efficiently cool a room, but they don’t have all of the bells and whistles you’ll find on other models. These are usually the most affordable and have basic settings, like High, Low, and Fan.
High-end units have many more features, but they also come at a more expensive price. These may have digital controls that allow you to set a specific temperature and may even have a remote control.
What are the Advantages of Owning a Window Air Conditioner?
If you don’t have an adequate cooling system in your home, a window unit (or several placed throughout your home) can keep you cool all summer long. These are also great for use in upstairs rooms that may get stuffy. Because heat rises, it is difficult to keep your second story rooms as cool as the first.
However, with the addition of a window unit, you can help keep the temps cooler in any room. These are affordable and most homeowners or renters can have them installed and running in an hour or less.
Who are the contenders for Best Window Air Conditioner?
Frigidaire FRA052XT7 5,000-BTU Mini Window – This is the perfect unit for smaller spaces that need a boost of cool air when your regular unit just isn’t working as it should. It’s also a great choice for dorm rooms and other small living spaces that just aren’t cool on the hottest days. This small unit features easy-to-use rotary controls, two-day airflow directors for even cooling throughout your room, and a filter that helps keep airborne particles out of your room, making it a great choice for those who suffer from allergies. This model is easy to install, small enough for most windows, and comes at a very affordable price.
LG Electronics LW8014ER Energy Star – Cool off on even the hottest days with this great unit, which is great for large and medium rooms. It has three different cooling speeds, three fan settings, and a 4-way deflector so you can get the most air right where you need it. For your convenience, it comes with a remote control and a digital display that allows you to adjust the temperature to the perfect setting.
hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner – If you have a larger space that needs extra cooling power, this powerful model does the trick with ease. This high-end unit comes equipped with various settings that are easy to control, an efficient display that shows the temperature, and a remote control for convenience. It is easy to install, has multi-directional deflectors to make the most out of all of the cool airflow, and it is extremely efficient and inexpensive to operate, despite its larger size.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Window AC Unit
Now that you’ve decided to cool off your home with a window unit, it’s time to pick out your product. With so many different options on the market, you may not know which is best for you, and the process can be quite frustrating. Instead of losing your cool, relax and evaluate each model that you think will be best for your home. You can begin by looking at these four features, but feel free to set your own criteria for your new cooling unit.
Price
A small, basic unit may cost around $100, while a larger top-of-the-line unit may cost closer to $1,000 or more. While it’s important to get a great deal on your purchase, you don’t want to buy a unit that is too small or won’t cool efficiently just to save a bit of money on the initial purchase price. Make sure to look at other features to make sure that they all fit your needs as opposed to just looking at the price tag.
Warranty
Your air unit should cool your home for several summers, so if something goes wrong, you know it’s due to a defect. If you use your window unit as instructed and you encounter an issue, a warranty will allow you to receive repairs or a full replacement in the case of manufacturer’s defects.
Room size
You need to measure the space of the room or rooms you plan on cooling with your new unit and make sure that you select one that is designed to efficiently cool this space. Buying a unit that is the incorrect size results in rooms that are not adequately cooled and increased utility bills.
Settings
Having a lot of different settings allows you to always be comfortable, no matter how it feels outside. Being able to adjust the unit to specific temperatures is a handy feature, while fan settings circulate the air without making you too cold on cooler days.
Warranty
Frigidaire FFRE053WAE
There is a 1-year parts and labor warranty on this model, as well as a 5-year sealed system warranty.
LG Electronics LW1216ER
This model comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty that covers parts and labor.
hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner
This model comes with a limited 2-year warranty.
Room size
Frigidaire FRA052XT7
This unit efficiently cools smaller rooms up to 150 square feet.
LG Electronics LW1216ER
This model can cool up to 550 square feet.
hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner
This heavy-duty unit can cool multiple rooms up to around 650 square feet.
Settings
Frigidaire FRA052XT7
This unit has dials that let you change between seven different temperature settings, as well as High Cool, Low Cool, High Fan, and Low Fan options.
LG Electronics LW8014ER
This model has three fan speeds and three cooling settings. The temperature can be adjusted via the buttons on the front panel or from your remote control.
hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner
This unit has three unique modes and several other features that allow you to customize your cooling experience. Adjust the temperature via remote control or a free mobile app.
Best Window Air Conditioner Reviews Are In
Frigidaire FRA052XT7 – Best Cheap Window Air Conditioner
Small, simple, and easy to control are just three words that can used to describe this window unit. This is the perfect cooling device for smaller rooms, including upstairs bedrooms or living spaces like dorm rooms. This small unit uses 5,000 BTUs to cool smaller spaces with ease without dramatically raising your electric bill.
The 2-way deflectors allow you to control the flow of air for the most efficiency. It has an anti-bacterial filter that captures airborne particles to make your space cleaner and healthier than ever. It is very easy to control and offers several settings to control just how cool you get your room. This unit is easy to install and comes with a window installation kit.
LG Electronics LW8014ER – Best Window Air Conditioner for the Money
Rid your large or medium room of heat and humidity with this great window unit, which packs 12,000 BTUs that helps cool and dehumidify over 550 square feet. You can change the settings easily with the push of a button, so your room can always be cool and comfortable. If you don’t feel like getting up, just change your settings or turn it on or off with your remote control.
This unit has a 4-way deflection function so you can adjust the air as needed and multiple speed and fan settings for the most cooling power you need on the hottest days. It has a timer that can be used to turn the unit off automatically, helping you save more energy and money. Plus it has an anti-corrosion design so it’s meant to last for years to come, and it’s backed with a warranty. The unit fits in smaller windows, and it also fits in large ones. It comes with an installation kit for fast and easy installation.
hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner – Best Window Air Conditioner Overall
If you want to cool larger spaces but you don’t want to dramatically raise your electric bill, this unit is just what you’ve been looking for. It can cool multiple rooms up to around 650 feet and is Energy Star verified. This unit has multiple modes and speed settings, so you can always stay cool, even when the outside temps are unbearable.
This unit comes with a remote control as well as a mobile app, and the front panel controls are easy to use. You can adjust the thermostat easily or choose from multiple modes, including an energy saving option that keeps you cool more efficiently. This model operates at up to 14500 Us, providing you with plenty of power on hot summer days. It is very easy to install, and it comes with a full installation kit. Despite its power, it is not overly loud while in operation, a problem that many people find with larger window units.
Conclusion
No one should have to suffer through the hot summer heat, and even if you have a central cooling system, you may need a boost on those really hot days. A window unit is a great way to cool off hot rooms without adding a lot of extra charges to your utility bill, they’re easy to install, and when you choose a high-quality model, they are very efficient at cooling your home. For the most cooling power, consider the hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner. This unit has enough power to cool larger spaces but is efficient enough to barely put a dent in your power bill. It is easy to operate, comes with a remote, and has multiple modes to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.