What’s the best AC for an apartment? My preference is to have a portable air conditioner — of which I have two — but some people prefer window air conditioners. It really depends on your apartment and budget. We look a both types. Note : window air conditioners are more affordable.
When the temperatures begin rising outside you need something to keep your cool inside. Central air is nice, but it may not always be the best option for everyone. If you live in an apartment or condo you may have experienced the struggles of low air flow. The best AC for apartment owners are residential units designed for efficiency.
The problem with apartments and condos when it comes to cooling is they just don’t get the same amount of air movement as a traditional home. This typically results in apartments becoming uncomfortably hot during the warmer months and higher energy bills due to inadequate cooling. There are many varieties and different types of air conditioners but the best AC for apartment living and condos consist of portable air conditioners and window AC units.
Ducted split systems and ductless mini-split systems are another option, but you may need to have a permit for these as some boring is required. Some property managers won’t allow permission for these types of systems even with the proper permits. Before seeking out a new AC unit for your living space be sure to go over the options allowed within your lease or speak to the property manager for permission about a particular unit of interest. The last thing you want is to shell out a few hundred dollars on an AC unit and find out after the fact that it isn’t permitted.
How many BTU’s do you need? What’s a BTU?
When you’re looking at air conditioner units an important feature to look for is the BTU which stands for British Thermal Units. The BTU is a unit of measurement that is used with thermal energy. To put it simply, this number references the amount of energy needed to raise a pound of water at 1-degree Fahrenheit at sea level. To give you an idea of how much BTUs to look for in an air conditioner for the amount of space you need the recommendation by the U.S. Department of Energy is 20 BTU per square unit of living space.
Great Buy! HomeLabs : 10,000 BTU / HME020235N
Most of your standard window air conditioners range between 5,000 to 12,500 BTU in cooling capacity. With portable air conditioners you would consider the size of the room you are using it in to cool. If the room size is 150 square feet, for instance, you would need a unit with a capacity of 5,000 square feet. For a living space of 550 square feet you would need 12,000 BTUs. For a kitchen installation you should add 4,000 BTUs because the heat rises with cooking and other appliances as well. The amount of people occupying the space is another factor to consider. If you are looking for an AC unit for a large 2-bedroom apartment between 1,000 to 1,200 square feet an air conditioner of 20,000 to 24,000 BTUs is needed to adequately cool the space.
It’s a good idea to have the number of square feet for the space you are needing to cool to calculate a sufficient amount of BTUs you will need. You may feel that the safer bet is to opt for more BTUs. Choosing a unit with a much greater BTU than what you really need could have ill-effects on your unit. What often happens with air conditioners that have higher BTUs than the room size requires is the unit will cool quickly and cycle off. It will then cycle back on shortly afterwards in order to maintain the desired temperature. This frequent on-off cycle in short bursts of time will ultimately cause the compressor to over-work itself and shorten the lifespan of your unit.
An air conditioner unit with lower BTUs than what you need is not an ideal choice either. You may be trying to cut costs by saving money on a smaller unit but this will prove ineffective in the long run. A unit that does not have enough BTUs recommended for the room size will continuously run to try and meet the desired temperature. You will most likely not achieve a comfortable temperature level and you will have a higher energy bill as a result. Continuously running the unit will also shorten the lifespan over time.
Fantastic Window AC for your apartment / Quiet : Midea MAW10V1QWT
Read the review later in the article, or go direct now.
How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
A portable air conditioning unit is a very practical solution for apartments, condos, dorm rooms or any living space where additional cooling is desired. These can even be used in RVs. They might be the better option if your lease does not allow installing a window AC unit. Portable ACs sit on the floor and may have caster wheels on the bottom to easily move around where you need it. They work by pulling heat and moisture out of the air. The warm air is cooled and expelled from the front of the unit. The remaining warm air gets expelled through a tube which must be vented through a door or an open window. Many portable AC units come with a window snap-kit as it is the easiest way to vent the AC. The moisture that is pulled from the air gets exhausted with the remaining warm air as well. In many portable ACs self-evaporative technology processes and evaporates the moisture collected internally then expels it through the back.
Single-Hose vs Dual-Hose. There are two options to choose from with the hose configuration on portable air conditioners – single-hose and dual-hose. This configuration can be an important factor when choosing the most efficient portable air conditioner for your needs. The single-hose design is the more basic option. In these units there is one hose with the purpose of exhausting air and moisture. As the warm air in the room is drawn into the unit it passes through chilled coils to cool the air and cycles back into the room. Not all of the air that gets drawn in will get cooled off and that remaining warm air and the condensation as a result from the process gets exhausted through the hose.
You are sometimes left with negative pressure in the room because you have less air getting cycled out from the unit than what it draws in. This in turn can lead to warm air from outside seeping in through cracks in the structure or around doorways and windows to replace that air that is missed. These A/C units will still cool the room effectively to meet the desired temperature. It will just require a little more work to do so as it compensates for the constant air going through. They will also need to be maintained from time to time.
Advantages of a Single-Hose Air Conditioner :
- Generally more affordable in upfront costs and operating
- Single hose makes it more easily portable
- Works great for small rooms
In dual-hose air conditioners there are two separate hoses with different functions and neither draws in ambient air from inside the room. This option is the best AC for apartments with rooms that are completely sealed off from air seeping through. The intake air generally comes from outside in which it is processed in a similar way becoming cooled as it passes through the inner chilled coils. The remaining warm air and moisture are exhausted through the dedicated exhaust hose. The intake hose also functions to cool down the compressor and motor during operation which helps your unit run longer.
Advantages of a Dual-Hose Air Conditioner:
- Cools the room faster
- Offers better filtration
- Ideal option for larger rooms
The only drawbacks with these units are that they are a little more expensive upfront as well as to operate since there is an intake and exhaust fan running.
Reviews : Best AC for Apartment / Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners can provide the best AC for apartment or condo living where the options are limited in cooling units. Due to permit requirements or restrictions some property owners have on installs a unit which requires drilling or cutting into the frame might not be permitted. In some apartments or condos the window configurations could also pose a challenge for a window AC such as sliding windows.
Because portable ACs require very little to install and can easily be removed these offer a more sensible choice. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, portable ACs actually account for 18% of the market in air conditioners.
Review : Whynter 14K BTU : w/heater & 3M SILVERSHIELD / ARC-148MHP
Best AC for your apartment. Designed for spaces up to 450 square feet. (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance).
Features :
- Equipped with an internal condensate pump that can be activated when using the heat function
- Ideal for high humidity conditions.
- Easily setup in almost any indoor location and is most commonly used in data closets / server rooms, bedrooms, classrooms and garages / workshops.
- Superior cooling and heating operation : 14,000 BTU cooling and 11,000 BTU heating output
- Dehumidifier mode allows you to extract 71 pints of excess moisture during a 24-hour period.
- Hassle-free operation : Will never spill over. When the water tank is full, the compressor will shut down and will not start back up before the tank is emptied. AutoPump function can be used to pump out (and up) condensate moisture through the included 16.5’ drain for continuous water removal with approximately 15’ of vertical lift.
- Clean and fresh air : Features a separate dehumidifying mode that enables it to be used as a room dehumidifier as needed. Has an Activated Carbon Filter and SilverShield Washable Pre-Filter.
- Remote control : Control the speed, temperature, timer and dehumidifier settings
- Easy to move : Rolling casters that will allow you to move the portable air conditioner room to room.
- 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity, 11,000 BTU heating capacity
- Five Operational Modes: Auto, Cool, Dehumidify, Heat, and Fan
- Adjustable temp (62 -88 degrees F), 24-hr. programmable timer, 71 pints/day dehumidifying capacity with continuous, manual, and Auto Pump drain methods
- Includes : Remote control, extendable exhaust hose (up to 59″), and upgraded plastic window kit (up to 48″) included. Max. window kit length = 48″ , Min. window kit length = 26.5″
- UL listed, LCDI plug, R-410A refrigerant, single hose, Activated Carbon and SilverShield Filter washable pre-filter. Auto restart after power outage
What is SilverShield? It is a silver based antimicrobial technology from Microban, embedded into products as they’re being manufactured providing long-lasting and powerful protection against the growth of microorganisms on the surface of a product.
OVERVIEW —
Whynter brand air conditioners offer excellent reliability for cooling based on top ratings from consumers. The Whynter ARC-148MHP functions as a single-hose air conditioner and heater with a dehumidifier mode specifically designed for high humidity conditions. It provides 14,000 BTUs for cooling and 11,000 BTUs for heating output. The dehumidifier feature can extract up to 71 pints in excess moisture in 24 hours. It also comes equipped with an activated carbon filter and a washable SilverShield pre-filter to provide cleaner, fresher air. It comes with a remote control to adjust speed, temperature, timer and the dehumidifier function for ease of use.
There is a neat feature that prevents spill-over from occurring to give you better peace of mind. The compressor will shut down if the water tank gets full and will not resume until the tank is emptied. An Auto-Pump feature and drainage tube included can also be used to set up continuous drainage of condensate moisture. This function allows water to be pumped out or up to a vertical lift up to 15’ for removal. In addition to the drainage tube the unit also comes with a window kit for the exhaust hose.
Review : Whynter ARC-12SD / 12K BTU / Dual Hose
Best AC for apartments up to a 400 sq. ft.
Features :
- 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 7,850 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity
- AWARD WINNING :
- Good Housekeeping’s “Best Portable Air Conditioners to Buy in 2019”
- Consumer Report’s 2019 Top 2 highest Score
- Three operational modes: air conditioner, fan or dehumidifier. This unit can cool up to a 400 square feet space (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance)
- Full thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F cooling) with digital readout, 24 hour programmable timer; Eco-friendly CFC free Green R-410A refrigerant; Patented auto drain function fully exhausts all condensate automatically in most environments
- Full installation set includes extendable exhaust and intake hose (up to 60″) and window kit (up to 46″) Max. window kit length = 46″ , Min. window kit length = 20″.
- New Eco-friendly CFC free, lead free and high energy efficiency portable air conditioner. Better for the environment while lowering energy consumption.
- Features the ECO-FRIENDLY CFC free GREEN R-410A refrigerant and lead free RoHS compliant components.
- Patented advance auto drain technology, which uses and recycles moisture collected during the cooling process to produce cool air. The dual hose operation provides fast cooling.
- Can cool up to a 400 sq. ft. space (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance).
- Comes with a protective cover protect your AC from dust and a pocket to store your exhaust hose, window kit, remote control and user manual.
OVERVIEW —
The ARC-12SD Whynter Eco-Friendly portable air conditioner offers a high energy efficient unit with better environmental standards to reduce energy consumption. It uses an eco-friendly refrigerant that is free of CFCs and lead-free components to meet RoHS compliance. The dual hose configuration also makes this model more energy-efficient. Another energy-efficient feature is the programmable 24-hour timer which lets you set it up to operate at a specified time for the duration you want.
This portable air conditioner can sufficiently cool off a space up to 400 square-feet with 12000 BTUs. It offers a dehumidifier capacity of up to 96 pints her day and an auto-drain technology. The unit uses and recycles the condensate that is collected during the cooling process to manufacture cool air. In most environments there is no drainage needed, although this may vary in more humid conditions. It comes fitted with a carbon air filter and washable pre-filter providing cleaner air by eliminating stale odors. A window kit and protective cover are also included with the unit. The protective cover houses the entire air conditioner and features a pocket for storing the exhaust hose, window kit, remote, and manual protecting from dust and dirt while not in use.
Review : Honeywell Contempo 10K BTU / HJ0CESWK7 / Quiet 52dB
Best AC for apartments up to a 400 sq. ft.
Features :
- Save Energy and Money: Contempo Air Conditioners are perfect for targeted spot cooling in rooms measuring 450 sq. ft. You can save huge on electricity bills by cooling only the room you need as opposed to using your whole-house central AC.
- Fast Installation: All Contempo Air Conditioners come equipped with a fully packed window kit with adjustable window bracket. A drain tube has also been included.
- Advanced Safety Features: Thermal overload protection has been added for increased safety and improved peace of mind. A Dual Dust Filtration System will extend product life and performance by keeping the ac unit’s internal system clean. All Honeywell Contempo Air Conditioners are ETL certified to meet applicable & strict U.S. safety standards. ISTA-6 certified packaging provides advanced product protection during delivery. A One Year Warranty with Local U.S. Support Team also comes included. We’re here to help.
- Easy Maintenance: Filter Clean Alert & Washable Filter are designed to protect from dust and hair. This extends the portable air conditioner’s life and overall performance. The filter cleans under a faucet allowing for easy maintenance.
- Designed for Comfort: Enjoy simple digital controls with three fan speeds and a 24 hour energy saving timer. A remote control has been included for added convenience.
- 3-in-1 Air Conditioner: Powerful cooling is available in the spring and summer. An added dehumidifier has been included for humid days (removes up to 65 pints/ 24 hours with continuous drain tube for long unattended operation). A fan has also been added for everyday comfort.
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU (ASHRAE-128 Standard) / 7,200 BTU (SACC) for rooms up to 450 sq. ft.
- Air Conditioner Mode
- Portable air conditioner cools rooms up to 450 sq. ft
- Quiet operation (52 dbA)
- Environmentally-friendly refrigerant:
- Auto-Evaporation System: Collected water from cooling is removed automatically. No bucket, no-drip design (this operation depends on the humidity level at your location
- Fan-Only Mode
- Gently circulates air even when air conditioner cooling is not needed
- Dehumidifier Mode
- Removes excess moisture from air (Ideal for areas with high humidity like basements)
- Dehumidification capacity up to 65 pints per 24 hours
- Continuous Drain System: Connect a standard garden hose tube to continuously drain water collected when using in Dehumidifying Mode
- Portable Design
- Easy-to-install window venting kit included with adjustable window bracket (from 19.7 in. to 38.2 in.)
- Exhaust Hose Length: 10.23 in. to 47 in.
- Smooth gliding castor wheels easily roll unit from room to room
- Additional Features :
- Multiple Fan Speeds: High, Medium, Low
- 235 CFM powerful air flow
- Dual washable filters – helps catch unwanted dust particles in the air
- Digital LED display with feather touch controls
- Full function remote control with LCD display
- Programmable Timer (Set to turn ON/OFF in advance from 1 to 24 hours)
- Quick & Easy Installation – all parts included
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- What’s in the Box :
- HJ0HESWK7 Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner & Heater with Dehumidifier, Fan (Black/White)
- Window Installation Kit & Drain Tube included
- Remote Control (batteries included)
- 1 Owner’s Manual & Warranty
- Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 18.9 x 15.4 x 30.7 in.
- Shipping Weight: 64 lbs.
- Model Number: HJ0CESWK7
OVERVIEW —
This 3-in-1 portable air conditioner helps to keep your living space cool and dry with an AC function that also offers a dehumidifier and fan mode. The 10,000 BTU unit provides a cooling capacity for a room up to 450 square feet. When you do not need the added cooling function you can use in fan mode to circulate the air. It’s equipped with dual filters to capture dust particles which can be washed clean for easy maintenance. The dehumidifier mode removes more moisture from the air in particularly humid environments up to 65 pints a day. A drainage tube is included to allow for continuous drainage when the unit is unattended for a duration of time.
Choose between 3 different fan speeds for your comfort level. The digital controls and included remote control make it easy and convenient to operate. There is a 24-hour timer to program a set time to run saving your energy costs from having the unit running constantly. The unit also comes with a fully packed window kit to adjust to most window types.
Review : Honeywell 14K BTU / rooms up to 700 sq.ft / HJ4CESWK9
Best air conditioner for apartments up to 700 sq. ft. Plenty of cooling power at 14,000 BTU
Features :
- Save Energy and Money: Contempo Air Conditioners are perfect for targeted spot cooling in rooms measuring 700 sq. ft. You can save huge on electricity bills by cooling only the room you need as opposed to using your whole-house central AC.
- Fast Installation: All Contempo Air Conditioners come equipped with a fully packed window kit with adjustable window bracket. A drain tube has also been included.
- Advanced Safety Features: Thermal overload protection has been added for increased safety and improved peace of mind. A Dual Dust Filtration System will extend product life and performance by keeping the ac unit’s internal system clean. All Honeywell Contempo Air Conditioners are ETL certified to meet applicable & strict U.S. safety standards. ISTA-6 certified packaging provides advanced product protection during delivery. A One Year Warranty with Local U.S. Support Team also comes included. We’re here to help.
- Easy Maintenance: Filter Clean Alert & Washable Filter are designed to protect from dust and hair. This extends the portable air conditioner’s life and overall performance. The filter cleans under a faucet allowing for easy maintenance.
- Designed for Comfort: Enjoy simple digital controls with three fan speeds and a 24 hour energy saving timer. A remote control has been included for added convenience.
- 3-in-1 Air Conditioner: Powerful cooling is available in the spring and summer. An added dehumidifier has been included for humid days (removes up to 90 pints/ 24 hours with continuous drain tube for long unattended operation). A fan has also been added for everyday comfort.
- Cooling Capacity: 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE-128 Standard) / 9,300 BTU (SACC) for rooms up to 700 sq. ft.
OVERVIEW —
If you have a sliding window this portable air conditioner is a great option with an adaptable window bracket that can adjust to different sizes. The Honeywell HJ4CESWK9 portable air conditioner is designed for portability, efficiency and safety! The cooling capacity of this unit can sufficiently cool a room up to 700 square feet! An added safety feature protects against thermal overload to prolong the life of your unit and gives you better peace of mind. There are 3 modes to choose from between air conditioning, fan, and dehumidifier. A programmable timer lets you choose when to run the unit and offers 3 fan speed options.
It has useful features that help with maintenance such as an auto-evaporation system to remove the collected moisture with no-drip, no-bucket design. A dehumidifier drainage tube is included for use in more humid conditions where it may need to be drained occasionally. An alert feature lets you know when it’s time to clean the air filter for optimal air quality. It is also one of the quietest portable air conditioners perfect for apartment living. A remote control has also been included for added convenience.
Review : BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU / BPACT14WT
Features :
- 3-in-1 Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier/Fan
- Full Function Remote Control
- Auto Water Evaporation
- Environmentally Friendly R410a Refrigerant
- Slide Out Washable Filter & Large, 4 Direction Vented Airflow Outlet
- 24 Hour Timer and Sleep Mode
- Easy Connection to Window/Wall
- Top Mounted Control Panel with LED Display
- Casters for Easy Mobility
- Installation Kit: Air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose and owner’s manual all included
- Warranty: 1 year (12 months) for labor/1 year (12 months) for parts (manufacturing defects only)/and a total of 5 years (60 months) for compressor part only.
OVERVIEW —
This compact portable air conditioner unit offers convenient and efficient cooling where you need it. The 14,000 BTU capacity will quickly cool a room up to 350 square feet, making it ideal for use in a single room, small apartment, condo, dorm room, or even in a camper. There are 3 fan settings to adjust the speed from low to high and can reach a temperature of 65-degrees Fahrenheit at the coolest setting. The programmable timer can be set for the unit to run for 1-hour to 24 hours.
It features a sleep mode as well for quiet operation at night while you sleep or during the day without disturbing activity. The portable air conditioner also has a dehumidifier mode and features self-evaporating technology for bucket-less operation. The filter is easy to access and remove for easy cleaning. A window kit is included with the unit to vent the single-hose through a double-hung or sliding window.
Review : HomeLabs : 10,000 BTU / HME020235N
Best Portable Air Conditioner for your apartment or condo.
Features :
- Portable and Space Saving – Beat the heat even without a central ac in your home or office with this Vremi Portable Air Conditioner. CEC Rated at 10,000 BTU (Previously ASHRAE Rated at 14,000 BTU), this machine is suited to cool a room or space between 400 to 450 sq ft. Thanks to its portable design, you can use it from one room to another. Note: Install this unit on standard windows with a horizontal opening.
- Multiple Operating Modes – This air conditioner has a variety of operating modes: Cool, Fan, Dry, Sleep, and Heat that make it easier to suit the tastes and preferences of different users. It comes with a remote control and even has a built-in remote control storage for convenience.
- Designed For Comfort – This ac unit features an easy-to-read LED display and has a 24 hr adjustable timer that can cool a room to temperatures between 64 °F–90 °F (18 °C–32 °C). Cool down during hot days and warm up during chilly days through the Cool and Heat Functions of this appliance. Feel a natural breeze and enjoy maximized air flow when you activate Swing mode!
- Reusable Air Filter – This appliance comes with a removable and washable double layer filter. Easy to clean under the faucet or in the dishwasher. To extend the life and performance of this unit, cleaning the filter weekly is recommended.
- Easy To Move and Install – This 17.7 × 29.3 × 15.6 in air conditioning unit has built-in rolling wheels and handles for you to easily move it and use it in any room with an accessible window. All accessories are included and installation can be done by one person. Simply roll the AC to your preferred cooling area, attach the 5.6 ft hose and the window slide adapter, turn the unit on, and let the cooling begin!
OVERVIEW —
This hOmelabs 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner, previously rated at 14,000 BTU’s, will effectively cool living spaces between 450-600 square feet. It is designed with an automatic vertical-swing function to distribute air evenly throughout the room for maximum efficiency. There are 4 operational modes from Auto, Cool, Dry, or Fan mode. It’s designed to operate at a quiet noise level below 53 decibels to run without disturbing anyone’s sleep.
It comes with everything you need to install it within a few minutes including a window slide adapter for windows up to 48” wide and adhesive foam window seals. A remote control also comes with the unit to conveniently control and program the settings to your desired comfort level. You can use the remote to access the same functions as the control panel to adjust the temperature or change cooling modes. An indicator light also lets you know when the air filters need to be cleaned to help keep your unit running smoothly.
How to Drain a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners have a reservoir inside for collecting water. With units that feature self-evaporative technology like the ones featured in this list above you most likely won’t have to worry about draining too often. In particularly humid climates, however, occasional draining might be necessary. Turn off and unplug your air conditioner first before draining. Most models feature an integrated drain that may look like a spout coming out. You can drain your portable air conditioner by placing a tube on the spout for the condensation to expel from. Some models include the tubing but if they do not come with one already you will need to find the right width to fit the spout. You will also need to choose an appropriate length for your tubing to reach the location you wish to drain it from.
You can easily move your portable unit near a door, sink, or shower drain or just use a bucket to collect the water from. Some portable air conditioners are also equipped with an internal pump to allow drainage through the tube when elevated. This is a useful feature to look for if you choose to set up continuous drainage through a window.
Reviews : Best Window Air Conditioner For Apartment or Condo
Window air conditioners are typically more popular among buying options when it comes to alternative cooling methods from central air. These units can provide a more cost-effective option to cool your living space than a portable unit. Window ACs often have many desirable features with multiple settings and are easy to install with installation kits included to do it yourself without the need of a professional. Before choosing a window unit you will need to measure the frame of the window it will be placed in. Be mindful of air conditioner measurements to be sure you choose one to fit your window. Additional installation materials such as adhesive foam might be needed to provide an airtight seal around the unit.
Midea 10K BTU / U-Shaped Inverter Design / MAW10V1QWT
Features :
- Patented inverter technology achieves more than 35% energy savings compared to traditional AC units. It’s the first window AC to be awarded Energy Star’s Most Efficient 2020 certification.
- Extreme Quiet: 9 times quieter than some traditional units. The U-shape blocks the noise from the cooling system using your window. This design allows for extremely quiet operation as low as 42 dBA – almost as quiet as a library.
- Flexible window open: Midea U-shaped design allows your window to open, bringing fresh air into your home anytime allowing you to maintain more of your view.
- Refrigerant: R32
- Smart Control: The Midea U is Wi-Fi- enabled, it can be controlled from anywhere through the cloud using the MideaAir app on iOS or Android.
- Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can control with voice commands.
- The strong airflow allows you to feel the cold air up to 20 feet away, and the full DC inverter technology helps to rapidly cool the room.
- Robust Installation: Support bracket is included for a more robust installation that supports the unit with the window open or closed. Available for single-hung or double hung window with size: 22 – 36 inches, minimal height at 13.75 inches.
OVERVIEW —
The unique design of this U-shaped inverter window air conditioner is one of the first of its kind allowing you to open and close your window with the unit installed. Due to the innovative design the window can be closed isolating the compressor outside for a quieter operation.
A quick-snap bracket is included for the window frame. Once the bracket is installed the AC unit is placed into the bracket and secured in place with the sidearms. The AC features a strong airflow to a distance of up to 20 feet. It uses DC inverter technology to cool the room up to 35% more efficiently than traditional units. The Midea U can even be controlled with a smart device using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to control via voice command. An Android or iOS app is also available for use with your smartphone.
Review : (GE) General Electric 12K BTU / AHEK12AC
Features :
- Cools Large Rooms : Delivers 12,000 BTU cooling capacity for large rooms up to 550 square feet
- Connected Peace of Mind : Integration with the SmartHQ app allows you to monitor, schedule and control your smart air conditioner from anywhere
- Maximum Comfort Cool : Select from 3 cooling and 3 fan speeds for energy efficient cooling
- Voice Controlled : Compatible with your favorite devices, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making everyday tasks easier than ever before
- Easy Installation : This AC has a fixed chassis and installs easily in a double hung window with included EZ Mount installation kit
- Energy Saver Mode : When the room is cool enough, Energy Saver Mode automatically turns off the fan and compressor, saving you money on utilities
- Electronic Thermostat with Remote : Digital controls with included remote make it easy to adjust and manage your settings from anywhere in your room
- Clean Filter Reminder : The unit runs best when you have a clean filter, so we’ll remind you when it needs to be cleaned
OVERVIEW —
This GE 12,000 BTU AC delivers a cooling capacity for up to 550 square feet of living space. You can choose between 3 cooling settings and fan speeds for your cooling needs using the control panel or a smart device. The 4-way adjustable airflow design lets you adjust where you want the air directed. The SmartHQ app allows you to control the settings and schedule the run-time of your unit from anywhere. An energy-saver mode will automatically shut off the unit’s fan and compressor when the set temperature has been reached to save costs on energy.
Added features provide convenience and peace of mind such as the Clean Filter reminder that lets you know when it’s time to clean the filter. It will also automatically restart after a power outage. The EZ Mount Installation kit is included for easy DIY installation for double-hung window frames.
FRIGIDAIRE / 25K BTU / Requires 230V Outlet / FFRE2533U2
NOTE : This will NOT work with a regular 115V home outlet. You need a 220V outlet.
Features :
- 2016 Energy Star: 10.3 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
- 25 000 (high) / 24 700 (low) BTU heavy-duty air conditioner for window-mounted installation
- Special 230V electrical outlet required (Unit will not work with a standard 115V outlet)
- Quickly cools a room up to 1 600 sq. ft.
- Dehumidification up to 10.3 pints per hour
- Clean air ionizer removes pollen and impurities from the air providing relief for allergy sufferers
- Fresh air vent and exhaust control remove odors and freshen the air
- Ready-select electronic control panel and full-function temperature-sensing remote control
- Low power start-up and operation conserves energy and saves you money
- Quiet operation keeps you cool without keeping you awake (58.2 dB on low)
OVERVIEW —
When you need to cool a larger area the Frigidaire 25000 BTU Window air conditioner offers you a heavy-duty unit that can cool up to 1600 square feet. The window-mounted unit requires a special 230V electrical outlet for operation. In addition to its cooling function this AC also features dehumidification and clean air ionization. The dehumidifier can remove up to 10.3 pints of moisture per hour. The fresh air vent removes odors from the air and integrated clean air ionizer eradicates pollen and impurities.
This Frigidaire window unit operates quietly without causing disruption. It also features a low power start-up to help you conserve energy. It comes with a temperature sensing remote to tell you the temperature of the room and functions to set and select the desired temperature and fan speed settings.
How to Maintain an AC Unit
Proper maintenance of your AC unit will ensure its longevity and keep it running at optimal performance to help you save on energy costs.
Store During the Off-Season
If you live in an area with mild or short summers you should consider proper storage for your AC unit. During long periods of non-use these units can start harboring mold or other irritants. Choose a dry place to store them away until you are ready to use it again.
Clean the Filters
Unless your unit is brand new out of the box you should clean the air filters at the start of the season before use. Refer to the unit’s manual on recommendations for how often the filters should be cleaned. A good general rule of thumb is once every two weeks. Your AC unit may also feature an indicator to let you know when it’s time for a cleaning. Also clean out the air filters at the end of the season before storing the unit away. Follow the care instructions for cleaning and allow the filters to dry completely before placing them back into the unit.
Install Window Units at a Slight Angle Outside
To prevent mold from forming inside of your AC install your window unit at an angle that is slightly tilted to the outside. This will keep rain water and condensation on the outside of your window from pooling inside.
The best AC for apartment living or small spaces such as condos will vary based on your individual needs and preferences. It will also depend on what is permitted where you live. These are considerable options to look for when you are ready to make your purchase.