There are different types and sizes of air conditioners for homes of varying sizes. Even if you can’t afford to have central air conditioning installed or your windows aren’t standard, you have options for keeping cool during the summer.
Central air conditioning probably proves to be the most cost-effective and cause the least hassle over the long run. If you own your home and don’t already have central air installed, get several quotes from local businesses. Choose a heating and air conditioning business that will not only install but maintain your air conditioner and ductwork. When you have central air conditioning, you need to keep your vents clean and change filters regularly if your air conditioner requires a filter. You should also have your air conditioner serviced once a year before you turn it on for the first time. Regular professional maintenance of a central air conditioning unit and cleaning of the ductwork improves its performance and extends its lifespan.
If you can’t afford to have central air conditioning installed or you are renting a house or apartment with no air conditioning, window air conditioners may be the solution for you. Window air conditioners range in size from small for a bedroom to large for a living room. Window and portable air conditioners are measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A unit of at least 5000 BTUs is recommended for a bedroom. For the larger living area, an 18,000 BTU unit may be required. Multiple window air conditioners will be required to cool an entire house. A unit that is too small for a large area may actually freeze up, with ice forming in the vents on top. Using a window air conditioner requires you to seal all open space in the window around the air conditioner. Window air conditioners produce water runoff, so you have to position your window air conditioner to ensure that the water runs outside. Window air conditioners have filters that must be cleaned regularly. The cost of multiple window air conditioners and the cost of running them should be compared to the cost of installing central air conditioning.
In order to use a window air conditioner, you must have standard windows that open up. If you have windows that open out, you have the option of portable air conditioners. These are freestanding units that are measured in BTUs like window air conditioners. They also drain like window units. Cheaper portable air conditioners have trays that have to be emptied regularly. Some don’t even have their own drainage trays, so you will have to improvise. Better portable air conditioners may have a drainage hose that can go out the window. Portable units can be rolled from one room to another but large rooms still require a unit with a higher BTU.
All types of air conditioners have their pros and cons. Carefully consider costs over the long term as well as seasonal maintenance of central air conditioning and daily maintenance of window and portable units.
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