When the summer heat comes pouring in, an air conditioner brings cooling relief. You have a lot of options when it comes to air conditioning.
If you are like many people, you use window AC units. I am here to help you understand the pros and cons of these units. I want to help you decide if they are right for your home.
There are many pros to window AC units.
Chances are you have used one before and know how they operate, so I will not bore you with those details.
Consider the pros below to decide if a window AC unit will be good for your home. If you want to learn more about air conditioners, contact Cool Aid Air Conditioning.
- Window AC units save space inside and outside your home. If you do not have the room for a portable unit, putting an AC unit in your window is perfect for cooling without taking up space you need for furniture and belongings.
- Today, window AC manufacturers make these units to cool your home with much less noise. Some big central air units are noisy and can be disturbing when you are trying to get sleep. The gentle hum of a window AC unit makes me go to sleep the minute my head hits the pillow.
- Window AC units are a lot cheaper than central units, by thousands. You can easily pick up a window unit for $100 to $500, depending on the size. A central AC unit could cost thousands with installation. If you don’t have that kind of money lying around, you might need to consider a window AC unit to cool your home and not put such a dent in your bank account.
- Another pro I want you to consider is the portability of a window unit. Let’s say you are renting an apartment and there is no AC. There’s no way you are going to shell out thousands to install a central air unit in a place you don’t own. With a window unit, you can use it at your rental and then take it with you to your next place.
- These units cool small spaces quickly and are energy efficient. If you need to cool a lot of space, you will need to choose a bigger unit. Look at the BTUs to decide what your home needs.
- If you have an indoor portable unit, you have to deal with that annoying water tray that needs to be drained every day. A window AC unit drains outside and only requires filter cleaning regularly for maintenance. It’s one of the easiest AC units to take care of and operate.
- Another pro of AC window units is that they are easy to find. You can pick up a window unit from big box retailers, hardware stores, and online retailers. If you wait until the end of summer, you can even purchase one drastically reduced in price.
What about the cons of window AC units? You can’t really make a wise decision without weighing the good and the bad.
- Window AC units could pose a security threat to your home. If you live on the first floor, thieves could gain access to your home through the window. If you install a new window AC unit, make sure you secure it in place so it is not easily removed from the outside.
- Window AC units do not offer much appeal for the beauty of your place. They sometimes look like an eyesore. These units also block your view, so make sure you place them in the best window so your view isn’t spoiled.
- There is also a danger of the window unit falling out of the window and becoming damaged or hurting someone. Since the biggest weight of the unit hangs out of the window, there is a chance for it to fall. Make sure you mount the window unit appropriately to avoid any danger. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you don’t experience problems.
- Sometimes, especially if you didn’t install the unit correctly, water leaks can occur. When it rains heavily, water can sometimes leak into your windowsill and home. To stop this problem, make sure to use a silicone caulk. You also need to make sure the unit it tilted outside the window, like the instructions say.
While most homeowners say they would prefer a central AC unit, not everyone can afford these large cooling systems.
If you are on a budget, renting, or limited in space, a window AC unit will keep you cool without the stress.