Designed to be built into the wall, these GE Air Conditioners do not have the side or top vents that are typical for window air conditioners. Built-in units offer a better weather barrier than standard window air conditioners and keep windows free of obstructions. Built-In Wall Air ConditionersGE window air conditioners are designed to fit traditional-style windows and come with our EZ-mount installation. Measure the square footage of the room or rooms to be cooled. If an exact match of cooling capacity is not possible, it is preferable to select a unit which is slightly undersize in BTUs, rather than oversize. If the area to be cooled includes a kitchen, add an additional 4000 BTU/hr. When sizing larger living areas, it is usually better to use at least two air conditioners rather than one large unit. Doing so offers better air distribution which reduces the likelihood of hot and cold spots. The cooling capacity of window air conditioners is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs.

The air BTU rating refers to the cooling power of the product. It is critical that the capacity of a room air conditioner be the right size for the room being cooled. An improperly-sized air conditioner can result in a cold, clammy environment or an inadequately cooled room. What size GE room air conditioner is right for you? * Based on an 8-ft. ceiling height. Size requirements will vary based on other factors. Shopping TipsIf your current air conditioner is more than eight years old, it's time for a new one. Over the life of the product, the amount you'll save in energy bills will more than likely exceed the cost of the new unit.The following are basic criteria to use when choosing a new system:BTUs: The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr). To find the best BTUs needed to cool your room, multiply the square footage of the space by 10 and then add 4,000.Energy Star rating: The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star ratings indicate that an appliance is at least 10 percent more energy-efficient than the minimum federal standards.

EER: A room air conditioner's EER, or Energy-Efficiency Ratio, is the ratio of the cooling output divided by the unit's power consumption. The higher the EER, the more efficient the model.Most room air conditioners come with reusable electrostatic filters, which may be treated with triclosan. If purchasing a unit with an antimicrobial filter, ask the retailer to replace it with an untreated electrostatic filter.outside ac unit fan not turningCheck if your state energy office or local utility offer rebates and trade-ins of older models to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient units. water coming from ac indoor unitYou could end up saving $75 or more on your purchase.ac power supply worldwideIf you live in a very humid climate, look for models that are good at removing moisture;

ask about the rate of water removal (in pints per hour).At the store, compare the energy consumption and usage costs of one model to another using the yellow "EnergyGuide" label on the product. Air Conditioner Buying Guide Energy Meter Buying Guide Laptop Computer Buying Guide Paper Products Buying Guide Rain Barrel Buying Guide Solar Charger Buying Guide Washing Machine Buying Guide Water Filter Buying Guide Water Heater Buying GuideSelect the right air conditioner to cool off and save on energy costs with this buying guide.Air Conditioner TerminologyChoosing the right air conditioner is easy with the right information. The first step, before you go shopping, is to learn to speak the language.BTU: The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the international measurement of energy. A BTU is the amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water 1ºF Fahrenheit. In air conditioner (AC) jargon, a BTU measures the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from the room.

As the BTU rating increases, so does the size, weight and cost of the AC. Room ACs are generally 5,000 to 24,000 BTU. Matching BTU requirements to room size is important. The room(s) won't cool efficiently if the BTU rating is too low or too high for the size of the room.EER: The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is calculated by dividing the BTU by the number of watts. The higher the EER number, the more efficient the unit should be. A higher EER-rated AC will also be more expensive, so decide if the higher price tag is worth the energy savings you may be getting. The ratings range from 8 to 11.5. If it's really hot where you are, go for a rating of 10 or higher.Thermostat: The heat-sensing thermostat adjusts the temperature of the air coming from the AC unit. They can be programmable or manual. An adjustable thermostat combined with a variable-speed fan is an effective cooling machine. AC units are available with a remote control, 24-hour delay timers and digital temperature readouts.Filter: Clean air is essential for efficient operation.

Look for units with filters that can be easily cleaned or replaced.Fan: The fan moves the air. A variable-speed fan combined with an adjustable thermostat is an effective cooling machine. Look for louvers that adjust up / down and right / left.Chassis: The chassis is the frame that supports the main parts of an AC.Packaged Terminal Heat Pump / Air Conditioner: This type of large heating or cooling unit, installed through the wall, is used in hotel and motel rooms.Shop Air ConditionersMeasurements to ConsiderMeasure the RoomDetermine the square footage of the room (multiply length x width).There are lots of variables to consider when choosing a room AC: number of windows, number of people in the room, which direction the room is facing, ceiling height, etc.This chart can help you find the right size room air conditioner to meet your needs. Area to Be Cooled(square feet)Capacity Needed(BTU per hour) You may need to adjust the BTU rating needed based on whether the room to be cooled is sunny or shaded.  

Measure the Window DimensionsMost window air conditioners are designed to fit double hung windows. Measure the inside dimensions. Take an exact measurement, not just an estimation.Take your room dimensions and window measurements with you when you go shopping.Check the Power SupplyWhat kind of plug does the unit have? What kind of plug is your wall outlet? Make sure the circuit can handle the operation of the unit. Smaller ones work with a standard 115-volt outlet. Larger 115-volt units may need a dedicated circuit. The largest AC units require a 230 / 208-volt circuit.Safety Considerations for Your Air ConditionerWeightHow heavy is it? Get some help when carrying and installing the unit. An AC unit can easily weigh over 100 pounds.NoiseAlthough newer units are much quieter than older models, be prepared for some additional noise in the room.InstallationFollow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing a window unit. It's essential that the unit be stable for safety reasons.

It's also essential that the unit be tightly sealed to keep the cool air inside where it belongs. Apply weather stripping as needed to prevent airflow around the unit. Put the AC in a shaded window if possible for added cooling efficiency.MaintenanceAC problems can be easily avoided with simple maintenance. Keep the filter and coils clean or replace them as recommended by the manufacturer. Don't need a new AC just yet? Here's some preseason maintenance advice for your old unit:Remove the inside grill. Carefully take out the foam filter. Wash in warm soapy water. If the filter's extremely dirty, wash it a few times. Rinse and allow the filter to dry before replacing. Filters that are beyond the reusable state can be inexpensively replaced.Filter maintenance alone will increase your AC's efficiency. Get the most from your unit by cleaning it thoroughly.  Take the unit from the window and remove the outside housing. Vacuum the interior to remove dirt, bugs and leaves. Cover electrical parts with plastic, and then wipe the interior with a damp cloth.