What Makes the Perfect Apartment A.C. Unit?

Spring is here, and even though some spots of the country are still experiencing the frigid chill of late winter (shout out to my fellow Northeast neighbors), it won’t be before we reach those sweltering hot days of summer that make it almost unbearable to be inside without an A.C. unit pumping its blessedly cool air through your apartment.

It’s never too early to start looking for a good air conditioner, even if the calendar pages have yet to reach Memorial Day. After all, waiting until your current cooling options prove unreliable could be disastrous, especially since prices seem to skyrocket on A.C.s during heatwaves. So even though it’s barely Easter, it’s still a great time to start planing on an A.C. upgrade or replacement for those long, hot summer days on the horizon.

Consider This

Central air is a definite perk when it comes to apartment living — but unfortunately, not all renters are lucky enough to find a space that’s ready to go when it comes to summer’s most sweltering situations. And that means finding an individual wall unit (or units, if you prefer).

Before you start searching for the Holy Grail of A.C.s, it’s a good idea to think about your space, its size, and how often you’ll be running your unit. To keep things affordable, you probably won’t want one in every room, so plan accordingly. If you have good windows and fans, a cross breeze could be enough to keep things cool, so it’s crucial to figure out exactly where you’ll be installing your A.C., and what type works best for your space.

Here are some important things to think about:

Type of A.C

There are four traditional types of air conditioning units, but the most affordable option for apartment dwellers is a window-mounted air conditioner. These A.C.s fit into your window, are the easiest to install (and remove), and are by far the cheapest option. These A.C.s generally fit lots of different windows, just make sure you measure your window’s dimensions before purchasing to ensure a good fit.

What Size is Best?

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of measurement that basically determines how efficiently your A.C. can remove heat in your space per hour, an important consideration when choosing the right cooling unit. The general rule of thumb is that an air conditioner should have approximately 20 to 25 BTU for each square foot of space for maximum efficiency. Don’t worry though, you won’t need to measure your apartment or room to the actual inch to figure this out; but you’ll definitely want a general idea.

Where is the A.C. Going to Be?

Another thing to consider is your air conditioner’s potential location (this also helps to determine which size will work best). For example, sizing up may work best for rooms that get a ton of direct sun, have high ceilings, or are near the kitchen area. Conversely, you’ll probably want to scale down in areas with more shade.

Top A.C. Features

Now that you have a general idea of what type and size A.C. you’ll need for max comfort and have figured out where it’s going to be, it’s time to consider some other important A.C. specs:

Manufacturer’s Warranty

This may seem trivial, but you definitely want to be sure your air conditioner comes with some type of warranty for parts and labor (generally most new A.C.s do).

Energy-Saver Switch

Save money by choosing a unit with an energy-saving switch. This will ensure that its fans turn off when the thermostat shows the desired temperature instead of running constantly, draining energy, and causing your electric bill to be even higher than the degrees.

Check Filter Light

For maximum efficiency and performance, it’s important to make sure your unit receives regular basic maintenance. This includes keeping the filter clean. With a built-in filter light, your A.C. will let you know when it’s time to get cleaning — a helpful perk.

Remote Control

A remote control lets you change the temperature from anywhere in the room, which is pretty nice when you don’t feel like getting out of bed to adjust it. Even better, smart controls allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone, even when you’re away from home.

Timer

Having a timer is another great way to conserve energy and will allow your A.C. to turn on or off automatically, depending on your preference and chosen settings.

Other Important A.C. Attributes

Below are some more helpful hints to guide you on your quest for the perfect apartment air conditioner:

Efficiency Is Key

Choosing the most efficient A.C. will not only guarantee a refreshingly cool home, but will also save you some serious money over time. It’s likely that the higher the unit’s Energy-Effieciency Rating (EER), the lower your electricity bills.

Cost Considerations

Compare the prices of different units to be sure you get the best price and, as mentioned above, don’t wait until the hottest week of the year to buy your A.C. — your wallet will definitely thank you.

Maintenance Matters

Basic maintenance is important to ensure your A.C.’s peak performance and longevity. Keep it clean, look for leaks, store it properly, and know the signs that your A.C. is on the fritz.

Depending on where you live, It may seem like it’s too early to start thinking about air conditioners – but it won’t be long until summer rolls in like a freight train. Without a reliable A.C.unit in your apartment, being inside can be downright uncomfortable then. But with a little air conditioning acumen and planning, finding the right unit can be a snap, and the best way to have it made in the shade when summer comes knocking.