Window ACs generally require a large amount of space as the entire appliance is just one unit. This means you need to either designate a full window or make adjustments to a wall to accommodate the AC.
Especially compared to a central AC unit, window units don't use very much electricity. A window AC requires on average 500 to 1,440 watts to run, while a central unit uses upwards of 3,500 watts. If you only need to cool a small space, window ACs are much more cost effective than central AC units.
Window units usually allow the condensation to drip into the ground below your window near the home's exterior. Even a properly functioning unit can cause water damage if there is an issue with your home's siding.
In addition, window air conditioners are often more efficient than portable air conditioners allowing them to cool a larger space at a lower cost.
Energy efficiency and cost of operation: Portable air conditioners can be more expensive to operate than window air conditioners, especially if they are used frequently. Energy-efficient window air conditioners can save money on energy bills in the long run.
If You're Leaving Home for the Day or Weekend ...
"It's more energy efficient to keep the unit on but turn the temperature setting up," she advises. Turning off the AC unit during the day is not necessarily a bad thing — it is a myth that the AC unit has to work extra-hard to cool off a hot house.
According to Consumer Reports, most window units last around 8 to 10 years. How long an air conditioner lasts depends on a few factors, including its quality, model type and how well you maintain it.
We recommend you remove any air conditioner from a window location. During the winter months, heat could escape through the accordion extension panels on the A/C and the chassis; cold air could also infiltrate your home the same way.
If your AC blasts air that is not cool enough, it can be a sign of overworking. Set a schedule with a technician to have it checked thoroughly. If the problem is on the refrigerant, that means you need to get a new AC.
On a summer day in a hot, humid climate, each window air conditioner can drip up to two gallons of water per day. Keep in mind that this water can be collected for use in landscape irrigation.
Lower Cooling Costs
Most central air conditioning systems cost around 43 cents per hour when they're on, which can really add up over time. On the other hand, a ceiling fan typically costs a paltry one penny to run per hour.
What are the safest air conditioning alternatives? There are several options available on the market. Choose among electric fans, swamp coolers, window air conditioners, whole house attic fans, and geothermal heating and cooling.
In general, ducted systems are the most efficient, but that does not necessarily make them the right solution for all situations. Ultimately, it's about selecting the right air conditioner based on your specific requirements.
Verify: Will turning off your air conditioner in the afternoon save you money and electricity? Although keeping your home cool can be a challenge without putting a strain on your unit and racking up a costly energy bill, experts say the answer is no.
In the summer, it's natural to want to protect your air conditioning unit. The last thing you need is for your AC to break down during a major heat wave. Still, covering an air conditioning unit harms it and may not even help protect it from the elements.
Weatherize the Unit
Remove the outside cover from the window AC unit so that the inside components are exposed. Place a thick plastic garbage bag over the unit so it covers it completely and tuck the excess parts of the bag inside so it is fully sealed. Use duct tape to hold the bag in place if necessary.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat When It's 100 Degrees? A good rule of thumb is during the hottest days when the dial reaches 100 degrees it is best to set your AC to somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees.
Luckily, you can prevent mold from settling into your air conditioner by cleaning or replacing the filter regularly. If your air conditioner hasn't been used in several months or you keep smelling a musty scent when it's turned on, it's a good idea to inspect it to determine if mold is growing in the unit.
Studies have shown that, on average, shutting off your air conditioner at night will reduce your total cooling costs by somewhere around 30% compared to leaving it turned on 24 hours a day. However, this depends in large part on how warm it is at night as well as the humidity level.
If you're only going to be gone for a few days, it's best to keep your HVAC around the same temperature you normally keep it at. For longer stints, you can go ahead and set your thermostat anywhere between 85-90 degrees according to the Department of Energy.
The short answer is yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day. But this does not mean that you should leave it on full blast, keeping your home so cold that you need a sweater or jacket to be comfortable.