Window Unit Air Conditioners are a popular way of providing cooling in small to medium sized rooms. Window unit air conditioners are easy to install and usually only require someone with the strength to lift the unit into a window and secure it. Then you plug it in and turn it on. Its that simple and is the closest thing to plug and play air conditioning you can find.

Types of Window Units

Window units also come in heat pump configurations so you can also use it for heating. Another type of window unit that will provide heating are window units with electric heat strips inside for heating in heat winter time. If you are going to pruchase a window unit and you want the heating option make sure you look for specifically for a window unit that provides heating as well as air conditioning. If you live in the north climates it will be better to get a window unit with electric heat. If you live in the southern regions the better and more cost efficient system would be a heat pump window unit.

Available Electric Power for the Window Unit Air Conditioner

When installing a window unit there are some considerations to factor when selecting a new air conditioner window unit. The first factor is think about available electric outlet near the window. If you have to run an extension cord across the room to power your new air conditioner it is probably not a good factor for locating a window unit there. You can either run the extension cord to power the unit or have an outlet installed in that location. A good electrician can install a new outlet for you efficienctly and quickly. It will a good thing to have basic information for the elctrician like the size of the unit, the required amperage of the unit, and the volts of the unit. Most modern window units are 120 volt units so a standard wall outlet will satisfy the job but it is important that the amp draw of the unit be factored in this decision. Most wall outlets are simply 15 amp circuits and a window unit can exceed that 15 amps depending on the size of the unit. It is important to do some research before pruchasing the unit of the amps and volts necessary for the window unit air conditioner you intend on buying so that the proper outlet is available before you install the window unit.

Sizing the Window Unit Air Conditioner

The rule of thumb for sizing HVAC Systems including window units is that you need one ton for every five hundred square feet. If the home is tight with little heat loss or heat gain the size can go to one ton for every six hundred square feet. This is only a rule of thumb and does not take into account several factors for properly sizing air conditioning systems. Many unit units are fractional ton units but there are some manufacturers that produce window unit air conditioners up to three tons. 12,000 BTU’s equal one ton so break out the calculator and figure out the approximate size of window unit you need to cool the intended space where the window unit air conditioner will be located.

HVAC System