Choosing the Best Window AC For Your Home: A Buying Guide
During summer, most of us think about cooling solutions to escape the intensifying heat. Although central air conditioning systems can cool the entire house, installation and maintenance costs can be high. Installing the right window AC is the best solution in such cases, as they are designed to cool individual spaces effectively. Window ACs are also affordable compared to other types of air conditioners, making them a popular choice among people. If you're also planning to buy a window AC, it is crucial to know everything related to them, including the installation process, to make a wise investment.
This video is sourced from YouTube@GARVEE
This article will explain the window AC installation process, its advantages, cleaning instructions, some product suggestions, and more.
Table of Content
- How to Install a Window AC?
- Advantages of Window AC
- How to Clean Window AC Units?
- Window Air Conditioner Suggestions From Garvee
How to Choose the Best Window Air Conditioner?
How to Install a Window AC?
What you’ll need?
Below are some tools you need to have while installing the AC.
● Power drill
● Screwdriver
● Torpedo level
● Utility knife
● Foam insulation strips
● Mounting brackets (usually included with the unit)
● Screws (if not provided with the unit)
● Weatherstripping
● Window AC unit
Preparation:
Step 1: Before beginning the installation, choose the right location/window. Try to select a space that provides enough space and ventilation for the AC unit. Ensure that the air flow to the room is also proper.
Step 2: Once you finalise the location, check the dimensions of the area to ensure the AC unit fits in the space and note it down.
Step 3: Prepare the window area for installation in the next step. Remove any decor items and plants on the window sill and clean the mounting area. If you're using a support frame, make sure it is fixed on the wall correctly.
Step 4: Before installing the AC unit, check the power circuit you intend to use. Sometimes, the traditional power unit may not be enough for the ACs. Adding a separate circuit for your window air conditioner is a good way to avoid electrical hazards in the future.
Installation:
Step 1: First, unpack the air conditioner from the carton box. You can keep these boxes to store the AC later. While unboxing, be mindful of the pointy fins on the back of your air conditioner.
Step 2: Next, it’s time to attach the mounting blocks. For this, remove the adhesive and place these blocks on the window frame. Press firmly to fix them properly.
Step 3: Lift the AC unit carefully and slide it through the window sill until the center reaches over the sill. Center the unit on the window in a way that there is equal space on both the sides. If you are planning to mount it on a frame, place it properly on the support bracket. Ensure that the AC unit stays correctly within the brackets and then, secure it with the screws. You can check the bubble level to ensure the unit is properly balanced on the window sill.
Step 4: Next, use the foam insulation strips to seal the gaps around the AC unit. If you’ve installed the AC on a window, secure it with additional brackets. If mounted on the wall, use a weatherproof sealant all around the edges of the air conditioner to seal the gaps and keep the external elements from entering the room.
Step 5: Once the AC is fixed, connect its cord to a power outlet. Make sure the outlet is exclusively dedicated to the AC unit to avoid power overload.
Step 6: Turn on the AC and check if it works properly. Ensure you have chosen the best window AC by checking its cooling, air-flow, etc.
Advantages of Window AC
Is Window AC the right choice for me? You might have asked yourself this question several times. To understand whether your choice is right, here are some advantages of window air conditioners.
● Cost-effective: Window AC units are one of the best cost effective options for those on a tight budget. They are generally affordable compared to the split and centralised ACs.
● Easy to install: They are easy to install and often don't require professional assistance. They usually come with installation kits and instructions.
● Portability: When compared to split AC and centralised AC , these ACs are easy to remove from one window and installed in another. This feature makes them suitable for rented homes.
● Individual room cooling: Window AC units are the best option for individual room cooling as they excel in cooling smaller spaces. They help you direct the cool air particularly to a space.
● Works independently: Window air conditioners don't depend on a centralized system. This offers flexible cooling of particular rooms based on personal preferences and custom temperature management.
● Energy efficiency gains: The advanced window air conditioners are more energy efficient, which lowers energy usage and running expenses.
● Variety of options: Apart from the traditional window air conditioners, several variants to suit your needs are also available. There are slim window air conditioners, designed for narrow windows, vertical window air conditioners, which are suitable for vertical windows, small window air conditioners for smaller windows, etc. Depending on your needs, you have a variety of options to select from.
How to Clean Window AC Units?
What you'll need:
● Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
● Screwdriver
● Soft brush
● Fin comb
● Spray bottle
● Gloves and mask
● Coil cleaner
● Rags or soft clothes
● Mild detergent
Step-by-step cleaning instructions:
Step 1: To clean the AC, first switch it off and remove the power cord. Then, detach the face panel, which is usually attached to the device with screws, tabs, clips, etc. and gently extract the filter with the help of instructions given in the user manual. Keep the filter aside and use a detergent solution and a soft cloth to clean the panel. Allow the panel to dry.
Step 2: Next, it’s time to clean the filter. Vacuum away any thick residues and use a moist cloth to wipe away any remaining dust or debris. Then, thoroughly clean the filter with a garden hose. Set the filter aside and let it dry completely before reinstalling it.
Step 3: Vacuum the entire interior of the air conditioner next. Clean all the areas such as the fan and the blower,evaporator, condenser on the back, etc. Pay close attention while cleaning the tiny aluminum fins on the condenser and evaporator. To prevent bending or harming the fins, vacuum either vertically or up and down using a gentle brush attachment.
Step 4: Apply a mild cleaning solution, paying attention to the coils. Remove excessive water or cleaner use to avoid electrical hazards.
Step 5: Examine the metal fins. If bent, straighten them gently with a fin comb or a small kitchen knife. This improves the AC’s overall performance by providing needed air flow through the coils.
Step 6: To avoid any moisture-related hazards and problems, allow the device to fully dry after cleaning. For this, you can keep the device outside in an area with good ventilation. Make sure the AC is completely dry before reassembling the components to stop the growth of mold and mildew.
Window Air Conditioner Suggestions From Garvee
GARVEE 8000 BTU Smart Window AC
This 8000 BTU window air conditioner is a powerful option that can efficiently cool spaces up to 350 square feet. Versatile and fast, it features a 3-in-1 functionality, which helps you choose between cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes. With quiet operation, this AC features an ultra-quiet sleep mode for a peaceful sleep without disturbances. This unit cools quickly while maintaining energy efficiency, thanks to its R-32 refrigerant.
GARVEE 10000 BTU Window Air Conditioner With WiFi
Garvee’s 10000 BTU window air conditioner effectively cools areas between 400 and 450 square feet. Additionally, it features a smart app control that allows you manage settings through 2.4G WiFi and Bluetooth. Besides, it comes with a quick-snap bracket for hassle-free setup. With noise levels as low as 54 dBA, this AC also offers you a peaceful atmosphere.
GARVEE 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote/App Control
The U shaped window air conditioner with a capacity of 6,000 BTU can efficiently cool spaces up to 250 sq. ft. With Wi-Fi connectivity and a remote control, this unit also offers ease in operation. It comes with 6 modes — cool, dry, fan, auto, sleep, and energy saver. This unit helps you meet various cooling needs.
GARVEE 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
The Garvee 5000 BTU window air conditioner is a compact and budget-friendly option designed to suit spaces up to 150 square feet. This small window air conditioner features two cooling modes and two fan speeds, and its removable filter ensures easy maintenance. This energy-efficient unit is ideal for small rooms.
How to Choose the Best Window Air Conditioner?
While choosing the best window AC for your home, consider the following points to ensure you make the right choice.
● Cooling capacity: When choosing an AC, cooling capacity is unarguably the most crucial component to consider. Its cooling capacity gives an idea on how efficiently cooling it can cool a space.
● Power Requirements: Due to higher power requirements, standard electrical sockets may not suit the AC power cords. Make sure you check the electrical requirements for the air conditioner before finalising one. Choose an AC that can operate on traditional power circuits if you don't want to spend more money on separate wiring and power sockets.
● Energy Efficiency: Try to choose an air conditioner that cools the space efficiently and does this task in the most energy-efficient way possible. Check the star ratings to understand how energy-efficient the AC you shortlisted is.
● Maintenance needs: It is always better to choose a window AC that requires lower maintenance than spending more on repair work later. When buying an AC, try to spend some more money and choose one that requires lower maintenance.
● Warranty and service: When choosing an AC, give importance to after-sales care as well. The majority of businesses provide a warranty of at least a year and a little longer for the compressor. Check if you can extend this warranty and ask about the services they offer.
● Room size: Choose an AC based on the size of your room. For example, a 1-ton air conditioner is generally suitable for rooms between 100 and 120 square feet. It may not effectively cool the spaces that exceed this limit. Hence, consider the room size before buying one.
● Noise level: Finally, consider the noise level of the AC. Consider buying ones that offer quieter operation, especially if they are for bedrooms.
Investing in the right window AC unit is crucial to ensure you have a comfortable space during summer. There are a variety of window AC options available in the market, no matter what your requirement is. Hence, it is crucial to consider several factors, such as the price, cooling capacity, noise level, energy efficiency, etc., to get the best for your home. Besides, it is essential to be aware of the installation process so that you can take care of installation needs when required!
If you’re also planning to buy an AC, explore the best window air conditioners from garvee.com here.
More to read
Portable AC Buying Guides, Tips And Instructions
Mini Split AC Buying Guides, Tips And Instructions
