As the name implies, a Window Air Conditioner is installed in an open window of a room that needs to be cooled. These are sometimes referred to as “window units” or “room air conditioners“.
These units are available at most local retailers and are relatively inexpensive. They are simple to install, without the aid of a contractor or installer.
Because of the price and simplicity of installation, these units have in the past been appealing to the budget-conscious shopper, but there are some considerable drawbacks that consumers should be aware of before a purchase is made.
A window air conditioner will take a significant portion of a window’s space, thereby reducing the amount of natural light in a room, which can result in an increase in the use of electric power lights, thereby increasing the power bill. If there is only one window in that room, the ability to allow fresh air in the room will also be significantly reduced.
Window units are notoriously louder than central air conditioning units, which can interfere with sleep, study, work or simple relaxation and television viewing.
Lastly, the small filter on a window unit, is not as effective for filtering the air within the room as a central air conditioning unit is. Because of this, odours, dust and allergens will not be as effectively removed and managed.