Without central air conditioning running throughout the home, residents may get uncomfortably hot and sticky during the warmer summer months. While fans can be a temporary solution, they won't do much to combat particularly high temperatures or humidity. Installing a window AC unit can be a smart choice for homeowners who are on a limited budget. Use this guide to learn more about the pros and cons of window AC units as well as the various costs associated with buying and installing them. Average Minimum Cost of Window AC Units: $150 per unit Average Maximum Cost of Window AC Units: $750 per unit Advantages of a Window AC Unit The major advantages of having a window AC unit as the primary means of cooling a space include localized cooling, low costs and simple installation. Rather than paying to cool an entire home whenever the resident feels warm, they can turn on a window AC unit and enjoy rapid cooling when and where it is needed. In addition, installing a window AC unit is straightforward, and most homeowners are able to do it themselves or with the help of a friend.

Not needing professional installation can keep costs low. Finally, the expense of buying a window AC unit is marginal compared to the cost of installing an entire whole-home split-system or ductwork to run cool air. Disadvantages of a Window AC Unit While there are advantages to have a window AC unit, homeowners should also be aware of the potential drawbacks. free stand ac unitsThese include noise, uneven cooling in the home, reduced curb appeal and limited views from inside the house.car ac repair price The noise of a window AC unit can be frustrating, especially when used in bedrooms, as it can make it hard to sleep. what is the average life of an ac unitUnless there are window units in every room of the house, they can also result in uneven cooling.

Since window units are visible from inside the home as well as from the exterior of the home, they reduce curb appeal and limit interior views, which can both reduce the total value of the home. Choosing the Right BTU for the Space A primary factor that will influence the cost of the window AC unit will be BTU, or British Thermal Unit, that dictates how much energy is used. To cool a small 200 square-foot room, for example, a window AC unit with just 6,000 BTUs may be sufficient. For a larger space, such as a 900 square-foot room, homeowners will need closer to 15,000 BTUs, which will increase the price of the unit and the user's monthly energy bill. Factors that Affect the Cost of Window AC Units Additional elements that might influence the total cost of a window AC unit could include the following: Size of the window AC unit Quality of the unit Whether the window AC unit is new or used Higher EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratings, increase purchase cost

Multiple settings for cooling and fan function Manual vs electronic control can affect price Last updated on May 17, 2016 Top Articles on AC Window UnitEnergy-Saving Tips: Air Conditioners Buying a bigger room air-conditioning unit won't necessarily make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months. In fact, a room air conditioner that's too big for the area it is supposed to cool will perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. Sizing is equally important for central air-conditioning systems, which need to be sized by professionals. If you have a central air system in your home, set the fan to shut off at the same time as the cooling unit (compressor). In other words, don't use the system's central fan to provide circulation, but instead use circulating fans in individual rooms. Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer.

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense. Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use. Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling.

Look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels. Consider installing a whole-house fan or evaporative cooler if appropriate for your climate. Check out http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver for more information on efficient cooling. The Energy Savers web site shows you how easy it is to reduce your energy use. The easy, practical solutions for saving energy include tips you can use today, throughout your home—from the roof, walls, and insulation that enclose it to the appliances and lights inside. To learn more about U.S. Department of Energy programs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's web site. Get the latest tips and advice delivered right to your inbox!Sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter, NEAchieve!What is the purpose of the vent open or closed on a window air conditioner? An open vent on a window air conditioner allows fresh air from outside to come into the home and circulate along with the cool air produced by the unit.

A closed vent prevents warm, fresh air from entering the home. What is a furnace fresh air intake vent? How can you use a portable air conditioner without an exhaust hose? How do you clean an air conditioner? While an open vent is not ideal for efficiency, since the unit has to work harder to cool down the warm air, it does serve a purpose. Leaving the vent open refreshes stale air and removes odors from the room. Additionally, the vent makes it possible to run the unit on the fan-only setting, which simply pulls in air from outdoors on cool or mild days. How much routine maintenance does a window air conditioner need? At least once a year a window air conditioner must receive routine maintenance, or else the unit's performance and efficiency may degrade while the risk of... What are the steps to install air conditioner window kits? To install an air conditioner in a double-hung window, lift the unit into the window, align the bottom flange with the outside edge of the sill, and then c...