Window air conditioners are cost-effective and can provide relief quickly. Window-mounted air conditioning units are a cost-effective alternative to central air when renting or when installing central air is cost-prohibitive or otherwise inconvenient. A window air conditioner can also provide immediate relief on a hot day if central air installation is in your future plans but not yet a reality. Make sure that your window unit is installed properly, especially when it has the potential to fall from several stories up. Installing these units is not difficult, but there are some common installation mistakes you should avoid. Sizing The most common problem when installing a window air conditioner is often simply installing a unit of the wrong size. To operate efficiently and effectively, a window air conditioner should have a cooling capacity of 20 British thermal units per square foot of space in the room. A unit that is operating in a room with high ceilings or in direct sunlight may need to have a slightly larger capacity, but it is important to understand that bigger is not always better.

An oversized window unit running in a small room will not cool better than a smaller unit. A smaller unit running for a longer period of time is more efficient than a larger unit continually turning itself on and off. The most practical and economical way to stay cool is to make sure the window unit is the right size for the space. what brand ac unit should i buyWeight Distribution When installing a window air conditioner, many people simply open the window, slide the air conditioner into it, and close the window as far as it will go. why does my ac unit iced upThis installation method forces the window itself and the window sash to bear the weight of the air conditioning unit and could potentially damage the window. ac history units year 7This is especially true with vinyl replacement windows, which can be easily broken or warped by a heavy air conditioner.

When installing your unit, take the time to attach a strip of wood to the outside of the house just underneath the window to help support and distribute the air conditioner’s weight. If the unit is extremely heavy, use L-brackets to install a shelf for it to sit on. Make sure the shelf is constructed of expanded metal or another porous material so it does not block the water draining out of the unit. Keep It Level Air conditioners remove water from the air as part of the cooling process, much like a dehumidifier. This causes condensation to collect inside the unit and drain from a hole in the back. Many people incorrectly believe that window air conditioners should be installed at an angle to help facilitate this drainage. In reality, air conditioners are built with gutters and channels that direct the water where it needs to go when the unit is level. Tipping the unit can direct the water away from the proper channels and into parts of the air conditioner where it should not be. This may actually make it more difficult for the unit to drain.

Always make sure that the air conditioner is level when it is installed and allow the internal channels to direct the condensation to the drain on their own. Insulation As is true of all heating and cooling appliances, a window air conditioning unit must work harder when it is located in a poorly insulated room. Unfortunately, placing an air conditioner in a window requires keeping the window open and creates an opening between the inside and outside of the house. Fill the space between the top and bottom window panes with a strip of insulating foam. Most air conditioners come with foam that can be cut to size; if yours did not, or if last year’s foam is worn out, replace it with a new piece of foam from the home improvement store. The plastic curtains that slide out from the sides of the air conditioner will keep insects and animals from entering the open window, but it won’t stop much air. Consider purchasing accordion style insulation panels instead to help create more insulation.

While looking for a way to cool one or two rooms, it's natural to consider a window air conditioner. For decades, window air conditioners have been the solution of choice under such circumstances. They're cheap, relatively easy to install and effective. Lately, however, ductless air conditioners, which are also known as mini split systems, have been giving window units a run for their money. Some people still sometimes rule them out due to the fact that they're more expensive because they don't realize how much they can save in the long run. Should You Buy a Mini Split or Window Unit? If your home is uncomfortably warm, you'd probably like to cool it down as quickly as possible. A window unit is the path of least resistance because it can be purchased locally and installed quickly. Is it really the best option, though? If you own your home and plan to stick around for a while, a mini split system is probably a much better option. Regardless of what you ultimately decide, you should give plenty of thought to the advantages and disadvantages of both units.

The main things you should consider before buying a portable air conditioner or a ductless system include: Security - No matter how it's installed, a window air conditioner reduces the security of your home. While it's significantly safer to install one in an upstairs window, you are still making it easier for burglars to gain entry to your home. With a ductless system, Mitsubishi Electric contractors only need to drill small holes in outdoor walls. Suction lines, refrigerant lines and power cables are drawn through it to link outdoor and indoor units. You can rest assured that the security of your home won't be compromised in any way. Convenience - When you use a window unit, you sacrifice an entire window. The room receives less natural light, and you no longer have the option of opening the window to let in fresh air. You can avoid this problem by opting for a ductless system instead. This option allows you to stay cool and comfortable without having to give up an entire window.

Flexibility - While a window AC unit can effectively cool a single room, it can't do much else. Advanced models sometimes have extra features like multiple fan speeds and digital displays. Some even have remote controls. Many ductless systems have remote controls too, though, and they have additional perks that you won't find with window units. Most notably, mini split systems can be set up for zoned climate control, which means that you can adjust temperatures in specific rooms. These systems are known as multi-split systems. As an added bonus, indoor and outdoor units can be positioned in a variety of ways to achieve optimal comfort, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Efficiency - In terms of energy efficiency, ductless systems are the hands-down winners. Some window units are ENERGY STAR rated, but they still don't come close to achieving the kinds of SEER ratings you'll find with mini split systems. Comfort - Window units often seem to have no happy medium. They make rooms too hot or too cold.

Mitsubishi ductless systems have specialized sensors that detect small changes in temperature and adjust their speeds accordingly. They are able to do this because they have inverter compressors that are capable of operating at various speeds. What's even better is that ductless systems can also provide heat. The most innovative models feature reversible heat pumps that can add warm air from outside just as easily as they can remove warm air from inside. All of this is achieved with a minimal amount of electricity, so energy bills remain reasonable. Noise - Most window AC units are noisy. Some models are better than others, but you're not going to find one that is completely unnoticeable. Ductless systems make noise too, but they operate a lot more quietly. If noise is a big concern for you, you'll be much happier with a ductless system. Price - You may be wondering "How much do mini split systems cost?" and may be dismayed to learn that they are much more expensive than window units.

However, they also last for years and use a lot less electricity. They deliver superior comfort for a lot less money over time, so you should be able to recoup the upfront cost without any trouble. Like many people, your decision may ultimately boil down to how much you have to spend right now. Therefore, the first step is to assess your budget and determine what you can afford. As tempting as it may be to opt for the initial affordability of a window unit, the truth is that you will pay more in the long run. Your electricity usage will soar, so the cost of your energy bills will too. Most window units aren't built to last very long either, so you can expect to replace yours before too long. Where to Buy Multi Split and Mini Split Air Conditioners If you are sold on the idea of ductless air conditioning, take care to find a reliable contractor in your area. Mitsubishi Electric contractors are specialists in the most innovative ductless systems on the market today. Contact one of the contractors on this site to get started.