A mini window air conditioner is a great option if you are looking to cool a smaller area. If your living space does not have or allow for central air, it can be hot and miserable during the summer, but with a variety of window air conditioning units currently available on the market, you can minimize the suffering and agony.
Below we discuss the five factors you need to consider to help you find the best window air conditioner: size, energy efficiency, installation, reviews, and warranties.
WHAT IS A MINI WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER?
Though in the past, window AC units were noisy and inefficient, today’s models operate more quietly while delivering enhanced airflow with improved fan and compressor designs. A mini window air conditioner unit is distinguished from standard window AC units by their size and output potential.
Mini window air conditioners cool areas measuring 100-300 square feet. The energy capacity of these smaller units generally averages 5,000-6,500 BTU (British Thermal Units): the higher the BTU, the higher the cost to run the appliance. Air conditioners typically require 20 BTU per each square foot of living space.
To use a mini window air conditioner, you install the unit in your window and utilize a nearby power outlet for electricity. Small units can be plugged into any 15-20-amp, 115-volt circuit that is not operating other major devices.
5 STEPS TO FIND THE BEST MINI WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER
- Size- First, measure the window to see how much space you have. Then, find the exact amount of square footage you need to cool. Finally, consider how much direct sunlight or shade the room gets. All of these considerations will better inform you on the degree of BTU your space requires.
- Energy-efficiency ratings- Mini window air conditioner efficiency is represented by its energy efficiency ratio (EER). This number is the ratio of the unit’s cooling capacity in BTU to the power input in watts. The higher the EER number, the more efficiency the unit will run with which will help save money on your electric bill.
- Installation- It is important to read through the instructions on the unit to ensure that you are comfortable with installing the unit in your home by yourself. While most mini window air conditioner units can be installed DIY-style, you may find that the process is too grueling and may want to contact a local HVAC professional to install the unit for you.
- Mini window air conditioner reviews- Visit consumer report websites, home improvement store product pages, and other online retail review sites to see what experts and buyers think about different models. Customer satisfaction, ease of installation, reliability, and maintenance are all good factors to consider when deciding on the unit that best suits your needs.
- Warranties- When you make an important appliance purchase, you should be informed of the warranty policies associated with the product. Some companies may provide different levels of protection and replacement should you run into mechanical or parts issues. Though the average lifespan of a window air conditioner is about 10 years, a unit’s longevity can depend on other factors such as degree of use and level of upkeep. Some companies offer warranties that last through the unit’s expected lifespan, while others offer a flat five-year warranty for parts. Be sure to shop around and compare warranty options before making a decision.