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Best Window Air Conditioners in 2023

Hot and sticky summer months can be almost impossible to get through unless you’ve got an air conditioning unit to see you through. But what type of air conditioning unit is the best? Today we’re giving you all there is to know about the best window air conditioners out there, to help you make the most informed decision you can.

best window air conditioner
best window air conditioner

Window Air Conditioner | Recommended



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Buying Guide for the Best Window Air Conditioners

One of the most popular types of air conditioners, window air conditioners are perfect for almost any space, as long as you’ve got a free window.

Installing a window air conditioner can ensure you see your way through the sweltering summer season without going completely mad in the heat, and despite what you may have heard, can be a cost effective and easy way to a cool and breezy home or apartment.

There are plenty of things to think about when it comes to choosing the right window air conditioner though, and you may be wondering how to choose wisely. After all, you don’t want to end up with the wrong air conditioner that will bleed your bank accounts dry and not even work effectively.

Keep reading to discover how to find the perfect air conditioner for your needs, what features you should be looking out for, and the benefits of finding your perfect match.

window ac unit
window ac unit

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Window Air Conditioner

To make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, there are a few factors that you should consider before making that purchase.

Firstly, it’s paramount that you find the right size window air conditioner in comparison to your room size. If you buy a unit that’s too big for your room, you run the risk of receiving those high energy bills each month.

On the other side of the coin, buying an inadequately sized air conditioning unit will mean you won’t feel any of the benefits when you get it up and running.

How will I know which size is best for me?

Check the specifics of the air conditioning units you look at before you buy. Air conditioners use BTUs (British Thermal Units) as their unit of energy. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the BTU output, the larger the room you use the air conditioner in can be.

window air conditioner reviews
window air conditioner reviews

You should be able to find out what square footage of room your chosen air conditioning unit has been made for on the website, so there’s no need for guesswork!

Caution: don’t forget that you need to measure the opening of your window too to ensure the window air conditioner fits perfectly!

Window Air Conditioner Features

Depending on your budget, you may choose a window air conditioner that has a few added extras for that little bit of luxury.

Some window air conditioners come with a remote, which means you can take control from wherever you’re sat, and don’t need to get up to manually change the temperature of the unit.

Going one further, some models will even be sold as ‘Smart’ air conditioners. That means you can install an app on your phone and have full control over the air conditioner whenever and wherever you are. This could be handy on a particularly hot day when you’re out of the house.

Simply command the air conditioner to turn on before you arrive home for the perfect temperature as you walk through the door!

window air conditioner
window air conditioner

Related Post: Best Portable Air Conditioner and Heater Combos

If you’re looking for something a little more basic but helpful, you’ll find that some window air conditioners come with indicators that help you keep on top of their maintenance.

For instance, with a ‘check filter’ indicator, you’ll always know when you need to change your filter for the purest air, without having to physically check the filter.

Finally, depending on the make and model you choose, you may find yourself with oscillating air vents. These are great for fanning the cool air further through your rooms at all angles, so you don’t have to position your chairs tactically in your room.

For your safety: your window frame and window should be in good condition before you install a window air conditioner so that they can hold the unit securely in place.

How Do Window Air Conditioners Work?

It’s fairly simple to understand how window air conditioners work.

When you turn the unit on, hot room air is pulled into the blower and compressor inside the air conditioner. This air passes through the AC’s filter, where any airborne particles are caught and trapped.

The filtered air then passes through the cooling coil. The coil absorbs the heat from the air and chills it, due to its own low temperature. This cooled air will then be blown through the front of the air conditioning unit, creating a chilled environment that’s much more comfortable.

This cycle is repeated while the air conditioner is turned on, ensuring that the room remains as cool as you desire.

Window Air Conditioner Durability

Keeping your window air conditioner well-maintained is vital to its overall durability. Whilst they’re pretty durable in general, they do need to be checked over for general wear and tear and to prevent those bigger, costlier problems.

best window ac
best window ac

Keeping the filters clean

This is especially true for the filter, which we mentioned above. Some more up to date AC units will come equipped with ‘check filter’ indicators, which makes it easy to keep on top of, but with others, you’ll have to do your own guesswork.

Because the filter pulls in so many extra particles and traps them there, keeping it clean by removing it and cleaning it with water and detergent then leaving it out to air dry. If your air conditioner uses replaceable filters, simply replace the old one with a new one once a month. This will keep your air conditioner running at full capacity for longer.

Don’t forget the cooling coils

At the end of the season, you may also wish to deep clean the cooling coils, as these can also pick up plenty of excess debris over the months. The coils need to be removed, cleaned, and rinsed, and left out to air dry. Once dry, they can be replaced inside the air conditioner.

When you do clean your AC unit, always remember to unplug it first before taking it apart. This is not only for the good of the unit, but for your safety too!

Did you know: keeping an eye on the overall working condition of your window AC unit, and getting it looked at by a professional once a year could keep it running for between 10 and 25 years?

best window air conditioners
best window air conditioners

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Buying Guide
 • Best Window Air Conditioners

Best Window Air Conditioners FAQ

Is a window air conditioner affordable?

Window air conditioners are some of the most affordable on the market right now especially in comparison to portable ACs. Not only is the unit itself cheaper, but they last longer, and don’t run up unnecessarily high electricity bills.

Are window air conditioners easy to install?

Yes, window air conditioners are easy to install, and you don’t need to get professional help to do it correctly either.

Your window air conditioning unit will come with a kit that includes everything you need to quickly, easily, and safely install it. This kit could include: brackets, accordion panels, and a weather stripping kit to help insulate your window and keep it weather proof.

Simply refer to your user’s manual, where you’ll find all the instructions you need to install your new AC unit as soon as you get it home.

When it comes to the cooler months, you may want to uninstall your window AC unit to ensure it doesn’t get damaged by the cold weather. Then, simply reinstall it when the warmer weather starts creeping back in!

Where’s the best place to install my window air conditioner?

These types of air conditioners are usually designed and engineered to fit perfectly in double hung windows. They will also continue to work better and for longer if you install them in a window that has access to plenty of shade. This is usually on the north side of your home.

Window air conditioners should also have access to their own power outlet, which means you should choose a window that has an unused power outlet as close as possible.

best window ac units
best window ac units

Did you know: Some window air conditioners have a dual purpose, and can actually heat up spaces during the colder months?

Window Air Conditioner | Recommended



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Last Update: 2024-03-28 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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