(CBS) - We were in denial about our air-conditioning needs at first. We've had such an inconsistent spring - it left us wondering if we'll have aMaybe we won't need that portable air conditioner after all? Then, Memorial Day weekend hit. (What was the weather like in your neck of the woods?) In New York City, the temperature went past 80 My boyfriend and I sweltered in our apartment for one night. Then, we tried the Honeywell QuietSet 8 Speed Tower Fan - anything to keep us from those scary summer electric bills after you have the air conditioner blasting for hours on end. high hopes, but found ourselves sweating bullets regardless. sweet as it is, didn't cut it. We decided to surrender to buying an air conditioner, but first, we needed guidance. If we're going to make the investment of $200+, we better get this right. No returns, no regrets, no buyer's remorse, please. The BTU is a number used to describe the energy content of

fuels - how powerful it can heat or cool. Mike Rogers, vice president of GreenHomes America, says, "Taking a bigger is better approach to air conditioner shopping is a common mistake." In order to sufficiently cool a room, your air conditioner has to be strong enough to handle the area. If you buy one that's too strong, you could be wasting money. If you buy one that is too weak, then you won't be cooling efficiently. to estimate your BTU needs. If you're renting, don't get a fancy built-in air conditioner. Instead, go with a window unit. They're cheaper and easier to install. There are also these cool portable air conditioners on the market. They're the ones that come with large tubes but the unit itself stands on its own. They're slightly more expensive because they're even easier to install than window units, and there isn't that fear that your A/C might fall on someone if installed improperly. They're "portable" because you can kind of wheel them around - not too far though.

The tubes aren't that long. They take up valuable space in the room. They're the size of a large garbage can.Thermostats and timers are worth the splurgeAlthough units with temperature and fan speed options might cost more, at the end of the day, you'll get the bang for your buck. "Look for units that allow you to program specific settings for different times of the day or night," advises Rogers. "This will allow you to conserve electricity and fine-tune comfort levels in your home. ... as in, the ENERGY STAR. An ENERGY STAR distinction on air conditioners means the product meets efficiency guidelines by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In other words, that air conditioner will save you money on your utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says Rogers. As always, do your research. Don't forget to visit Consumer Reports for their recommended brands and models. user reviews to see who's happy with their units. So what did we end up getting? After all the research, we

went with the Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (pictured) in white for $299.99. it in the hallway window to cool all 650 square feet of my cozy ManhattanSo far, so good. Now let's just hope that first summer electric billThe city doesn't pick up air conditioners, so residents must either drive to recycling centers, pay for junk removal, sell, donate or leave for scrap collectors. EDGEWATER — My window air conditioner unit is dead.central air conditioning brands best Technically, it still works, but I turned it off over a few cool days, during which it rained and had no cold air working to dry it off.best window ac unit 2012 Let's just say when I switched it back on, it wasn't a pretty sight, or smell.home ac repair kit

Because the unit normally sits just inches from my head while I sleep and was now teaming with what I can only assume to be "Genesis Tub"-level bacteria, it seemed obvious it was time to chuck the thing. What quickly became less obvious was the proper way to dispose of it. After all of this research, Linze explains what she did with her old AC unit. A call to the city's sanitation department prompts callers to hang up and dial 311 for service requests, and a subsequent call to 311 was met with the suggestion to call the sanitation department. General Iron at 1909 N. Clifton Ave. was long a site known for disposing of air conditioners, until it exploded in December. While the site has since reopened, its future is uncertain. That could put a wrench in recycling the units, since there are very few other places to go. A quick search through the City of Chicago's website informs you its Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. Branch St. doesn't accept air conditioners.

Air conditioners contain Freon, a chemical regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act due to its negative effects on the ozone layer. Only licensed technicians are supposed to dismantle units that contain refrigerants like Freon, and those who release the chemical into the environment can be fined thousands of dollars. There are also restrictions on who may buy and sell Freon. In 2010, the EPA banned the production of R-22, a type of Freon used in some air conditioners and other refrigeration appliances. That brought me to option No. 1 — scrappers. The city won't pick up an air conditioner if left in the alley, though Chicago's notorious scrap metal pirates just may. In 1994, air conditioners, among other appliances containing chemicals, were banned from most landfills without their harmful components removed first. In Illinois, the state's environmental agency says the only landfills allowed to take air conditioners are those that participate in its Industrial Material Exchange Service or remove the chemicals from units before sending them to its dump site.

The facility must also have the proper licensure and operating plan in accordance with the Illinois EPA. Since most landfills won't take whole window units as-is, experienced scrappers are often quick to pick up alleyway air conditioners. On Craigslist in Chicago, 30 pounds of R-22 Freon will fetch sellers between about $225-400. My 8,000-btu Frigidaire unit wouldn't net scrappers nearly that much, but an alleyway lined with air conditioners at the end of summer could start adding up. Anecdotal evidence from online forums where residents are seeking advice on how to throw their units away seem to suggest many Chicagoans are indeed just putting air conditioners in the alley, though if the unit is still in fine working condition, your best bet may be selling or donating. Jennifer Martinez, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation, said the city recommends donating units still usable, or taking them to a scrap metal recycling yard.

to find scrap and recycling yards. A search of "air conditioners" shows drop-offs within city limits at a few locations, although most were on the South or West Sides: • Regency Technologies, 11600 S. Burley Ave. in South Deering • Onstate Recycling, 5825 S. State St. in Washington Park • Windy City Metal Recycling, 4617 W. Division St. in Austin About 20 miles northeast of the city, ABT's Recycling Center will take working and non-working air conditioners and dispose of them for free, though it will require a drive to its Glenview facility. ComEd will pick up a still-working air conditioner for free, and give you $10 for the unit, but only if you're recycling a refrigerator or freezer as well. Though most major appliance retailers participate in recycling programs, Best Buy does not take air conditioners. Calling a service like 1-800-JUNK will rid you of the unit for a fee, though movers will do all the heavy lifting. At the end of the day, disposing of an air conditioner just may be one of the most Chicago things ever: no one is really sure what to do, but if you're crafty and cunning enough, you can turn a quick buck before someone else does.