There are many reasons why you might need to rely on a window AC unit to cool a space. People often use a window unit in smaller spaces or areas without central air. There are plenty of places where a window unit could work, from garages and sunrooms to apartments. Additionally, if your HVAC goes out or you don’t have central air, you might have to use a window unit as your main source of air conditioning. While there are some drawbacks to using window units, they can be effective if used correctly.
Window air conditioning units are not nearly as effective as central air; however, they can get the job done. A window unit uses the same principles as any other type of air conditioning. The unit pulls in outside air, cools it with cold coils, and then pushes it into the room to bring the temperature down. The basic components include a thermostat, a fan, tubing filled with refrigerant, a compressor, and an evaporator and condenser coil. If you are using a window unit to cool your space, you can do a few things to get the most out of the equipment. Let’s take a look at some tips for maximizing the impact of your window AC unit.
Use fans to circulate cool air.
One of the biggest drawbacks to using a window air conditioner is that the cool air produced only flows directly in front of the unit. When this happens, it is often cool in the area around the air conditioner but gets warmer when you move farther away. One way to combat this is to use a fan to circulate the cool air around the room. You’ll immediately notice a cool breeze that is being pushed around the room. Secondly, a fan will give you the opportunity to maximize the cooling effects of the air conditioner. A well-positioned fan can be used to direct the cold air coming from the unit.
Keep your doors closed.
Because window air conditioners have a limited cooling capacity, it is important that you keep as much cold air in the space as possible. To set yourself up for success, you should keep your doors closed to avoid allowing any cold air to escape. To make the most of your window air conditioner, you need to determine any areas that are not a priority. One air conditioner can cool a good amount of space, but it can’t cool an entire home with several rooms. Closing doors to isolate the areas you need to cool will help maximize your air conditioner’s cooling capacity. Additionally, you can lose a fair amount of cold air by opening exterior doors. The best strategy for keeping the area cool is to close it off as much as possible.
Insulate your windows.
If you are using a window air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that you’re not letting cold air escape through the windows. You obviously don’t want to have any windows open, as this will allow warm air in and cold air out. Aside from this, however, you can help maintain the air temperature in your space by insulating your windows. Windows can account for a good amount of heat gain through the exposed glass. You can utilize curtains and drapes to cover your windows and keep heat from coming through the glass of your windows. Additionally, window coverings will block the sunlight from coming in and raising the temperature.
Relying on a window air conditioning unit can be challenging if it is especially hot outside. To help your unit keep your space cool, you can use fans, close doors, and cover your windows to maximize the cooling power. You can get the most out of window air conditioners with some effort and consideration.
