It’s been a hot summer, especially on the East Coast. Keeping your home cool can be an expensive task. For many homeowners and renters alike, window-unit air conditioners are the way you keep your home cool. If you’re a property investor, the same can be true for properties in your portfolio.
Window-unit air conditioners are the go-to for many apartments and homes that I manage, too. In my own home (detached single-family), I only need two window units to keep my entire house comfortable (one on each floor). Here are some things to keep in mind to efficiently cool your home with window-unit air conditioners:
- 1. Size Matters For the Room and the Unit
- 2. Air Conditioners Work Better When They Are Clean
- 3. Installation Location Makes a Big Difference
- 4. Secure and Maintain Air Conditioners Properly
1. Size Matters For the Room and the Unit
It is important to have a window-unit air conditioner that fits the needs of the space where it’s installed. Air conditioners are built to cool a room by removing warm air AND humidity, and releasing cooler air into the space.
AC/Units That Are Too Big
If the unit is too large, it will cool the room too quickly before it can remove the humidity. This generally means that it shuts off before it can attain a comfortable humidity level. It usually also results in a rapid on-off cycle that leaves you with a humid room, at risk for mold growth in the unit, uneven room temperature, and bigger energy bills.
A/C Units That Are Too Small
A unit that is too small for the room will run too long, won’t adequately cool it, and will still leave you battling humidity. The unit will run continuously, run up your energy bills, give you uneven room temperature, and increase wear and tear on the unit, which could mean having to replace the unit far sooner than you expected.
Find the Right Unit Size For Your Space
Both scenarios waste money and energy, among other issues. Both scenarios can also cause errors and mechanical issues with the A/C units themselves. If you’re not sure what air conditioner capacity is right for your space, you can visit the Consumer Reports Air Conditioner Buying Guide to find out.
2. Air Conditioners Work Better When They Are Clean
Make sure to check your filters often, and when dirty, remove them and wash them well. I rinse mine down in the sink and then let them fully dry before reinstalling them. It is easy, only takes 10 minutes, and will allow your units to operate more efficiently.
3. Installation Location Makes a Big Difference
Where you install your A/C unit is key. For us Northern Hemispherians, during the summer months, the sun rises in the northeast (not directly from the east, as it does in the spring and fall) and sets in the northwest. If possible, position your units away from the northeast and northwest of your home to keep the sun from pounding on them, or position them in an area of shade. This will help them work much more efficiently.
4. Secure and Maintain Air Conditioners Properly
Make sure to install an A/C unit into the window securely, so that it doesn’t fall out (trust me, it happens). If the unit is on the first floor, secure the unit so someone cannot remove it from the outside to steal the unit or break into your house. This keeps you safe and also helps avoid damage to your unit or your window.
Finally, when summer is over, take your A/C unit out of the window, do the recommended maintenance to clean it and prepare it for storage, and store it properly for the season. Not only is it extremely inefficient to heat your home or apartment with an A/C unit in a window during the winter months, but proper storage and maintenance also keep your A/C units in good condition and ready to work efficiently next summer.
Use Window Units Safely and Efficiently to Cool Your Home
These are just a few tips to efficiently cool your home with window-unit air conditioners. Keep cool this summer! If you’re a renter looking for a new place, take a look at our available rentals throughout Lancaster County. You’ll be able to easily view details and compare listings to find your perfect new place.
If you’re a property owner who is thinking about renting out your property or would like to offload property management to get more of your time back, Hometown can help! We offer full-service property management for single-family homes and multi-unit properties. If you prefer to manage your own properties but hate the process of finding tenants, our standalone tenant placement service is the perfect solution.