How to Buy a Room Air Conditioner
A room air conditioner is a great choice for cooling smaller spaces efficiently. Today’s energy-efficient models are quiet-operating marvels that can meet the cooling demand of any room’s size or function. The key to choosing the right air conditioner is to match an appropriate unit to the space you want to cool.
There are many energy-efficient models with a range of features, from digital thermostats to remote controls and variable fan speeds. Nevertheless, the technology is the same as a refrigerator. An evaporator coil cools the room while the condenser coil releases the hot air outdoors. Refrigerant is then moved by a pump through tubes between the two coils to transfer the heat. And a fan blows the cool air into the room.
About 25% percent of American households have in-room air conditioners, and the numbers are on the rise. Factors contributing to their popularity include:
Affordability. Small units cost as little as $100. Large room air conditioners, with greater cooling capacities, can cost up to $700.
Efficiency. Many models come with variable digital controls instead of the simple HIGH and LOW settings of earlier units. Models with energy saver functions enable users to cut down on utility costs.
Availability. Room air conditioners are available at most big-box hardware stores, chain supermarkets, pharmacies, and department stores. The top-selling brands of room air conditioners are Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore and LG.
Easy installation. Window air conditioners often come with easy-to-use installation kits. Most free-standing portable ACs need minimal setup and can easily be moved from room to room.