One of the simplest answers to a homeowner’s cooling needs is the window air conditioner. These appliances have been around a long time, and though they’ve been mostly displaced in residential use by the split-system air conditioner, they are still going strong. They are mostly installed in homes where the central AC has broken down and the homeowner can’t afford to replace it, or they are used in rooms where the central AC may not be doing an effective job of cooling. So how efficient are window air conditioners, and do they have much of an effect on your indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Efficiency of Window Air Conditioners
Although these units are not known for their great efficiency, they work a lot better than they used to. What’s more, users don’t tend to turn them on except when they need to cool off a room, so in that sense, they can be economical. Most window air conditioners are designed to cool just one room at a time, although bigger units might cool more rooms in a house with an open floor plan.
When selecting a window air conditioner, make sure it’s the right size for the room. Bigger is not better. In fact, a window air conditioner that’s too big will not dehumidify the air properly. Although high humidity isn’t usually an issue for Yuma residents, if it does occur, a home’s occupants will feel like revving up the AC to the highest setting. Doing so will only exacerbate the humidity problem. It’s best to run the fan on low when humidity is high so the unit can dehumidify the air more effectively.
Air Quality and Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are not known for their ability to improve indoor air quality. The filters are designed to intercept dust, and they should be cleaned regularly, but they will not do much to filter out airborne particulates such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
To learn more about window air conditioners, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We serve Yuma and the surrounding area.