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For many people without central heating and air, the solution to staying cool in the heat of summer is to purchase a window air conditioner. But which one to buy? This commodity tin can help you decide the answer to this question.

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  1. 1

    Decide which window is the best window for the installation. It should be a double-hung window located about the center of the wall rather than to i side.

    • Yous'll besides want to figure the altitude to the nearest electrical outlet and determine whether other items share the same circuit.
    • Consider whether the room is self-contained with a door that closes or part of a larger area. Window air conditioners work better for small areas. If you need to cool a large surface area that makes up your living room, dining expanse and kitchen, make sure you consider the entire space, as well as the height of the ceiling.

  2. 2

    Measure the square footage of the room.

    • If it'southward a simple rectangular room, this is like shooting fish in a barrel. Measure out the long wall and the wall adjacent to information technology. Multiply the two measurements to get the foursquare footage.
    • For a more complicated area, draw a rough diagram. Divide the area into squares and rectangles. Mensurate the sides of these and multiply to make up one's mind the size of each. Add together each section to go the total.

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  3. 3

    Decide the BTU rating yous'll need.

    • A small viii ten 8 foot room would need a window air conditioner rated at 5,000 BTUs.
    • A room that measures 250 to 300 foursquare anxiety needs 1 with a rating of 7,000 BTUs.
    • A large expanse measuring 500 to 600 foursquare feet should take an air conditioner rated at 12,000 to 14,000 BTUs.

  4. 4

    Measure the window. Proceed the measurements with you when y'all get to the store to brand sure you lot don't buy one that won't fit in your window.

  5. 5

    Acquire about free energy efficiency. Air Conditioners take Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER), which equal the BTU rating divided by the wattage. A higher number means ameliorate energy efficiency, but it will mostly come with a higher cost.

  6. 6

    Inquiry model options. Some models offering different features that you may want. Earlier you lot buy a window air conditioner, you lot may desire to consider whether this style is the best ones for your needs.

    • Models with a thermostat allow you to adapt the level of cooling, which can brand the unit more effective.
    • A fan speed can help you lot conform the speed of the air. If y'all desire to consider an selection with a fan, besides look to come across whether you lot tin can adjust the louvers directing the flow of air.
    • Filters tin assist clean the air pulled in by the window unit. You may want to find out where the filter is and determine how easy information technology volition exist to make clean.
    • If possible, determine the racket produced past the unit during operation.

  7. vii

    Set a budget. Determine how much y'all're willing to spend and gene in operating costs. Determine whether you can wait until the end of the season to become one on sale or whether you demand it sooner.

  8. 8

    Become information on warranties. Compare warranties of unlike models you are because. Does the store offer a service program? Where would yous have to take it for repairs?

  9. 9

    Call back about unit installation and delivery. This may help you lot decide between one store and another. If y'all will need help installing it, find out how much the store charges for the service.

  10. 10

    Look at product ratings online. Consumer websites test and rate appliances such equally window air conditioners.

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