Are you considering buying a new window air conditioner to beat the summer heat? That’s a great idea because these units have come a long way since they were first invented by H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman in 1931. Jump ahead to 2019, and they’re a great option for any home, even those with central air.
Window units can quickly cool down a room without having to crank up your central AC. In particular, they’re excellent for cooling rooms on the upper level of a two-story house. These rooms tend to stay warmer during the summer because heat rises.
With that said, what should you look for when buying a window air conditioning unit? What are some of the latest technological breakthroughs that make 2019 the year to buy a window AC unit?
Smaller Size
The biggest breakthrough in 2019 is how small manufacturers are making window units. Gone are the days of a bulky window unit being an eyesore for your home. Some of the smallest window air conditioner units even feature slim designs. They’re a lot shorter than the old units used to be, so your window doesn’t have to be open as high.
Take the Kapsul W5, for example. This is one of the smallest window air conditioners on the market and measures just over 7 inches high. Weighing only 40 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest. Thanks to all of the technology that manufacturers can pack into this small size, it can still cool your room.
Integrated Smart Home Features
The vast majority of appliances in your home are connected to your Wi-Fi network. This makes it easy for you to adjust specific aspects even when you’re away. While central air has been integrated into smart home networks for a while, window units are now joining the party as well.
Small window units, such as the Kenmore Smart 04277107 and Kapusal W5, feature Wi-Fi connectivity. The Kenmore Smart also works with virtual assistants, including Amazon’s Alexa. This means that you can ask Alexa to adjust the temperature by simply using your voice.
Energy Star Efficiency
It’s no shock that many small window units are also Energy Star efficient. What does this mean for you? It means that you’ll enjoy a lower energy bill while doing your part to protect the environment. Some window units that feature a good Energy Star rating include:
- Frigidaire FFRA0522U1.
- Koldfront WAC10002WCO.
- Frigidaire FFRE0533U1.
- Kenmore Smart 04277107.
- Koldfront WAC12002WCO.
These units are not only energy efficient but also among some of the smallest on the market. Despite their energy efficient properties, they’re very powerful.
More Fan Speeds for Faster Cooling
In most cases, you won’t need a fan speed higher than low or the equivalent on your window unit. Usually, these units are efficient at keeping rooms cool after they reach the desired temperature. However, having higher fan speeds means that you can reach that cooler temperature faster.
In 2019, some air units feature as many as seven fan speeds. Some of the higher speeds can cool rooms in as little as 10 minutes. Now you can spend more time being cool than waiting for the unit to cool down a room.
Consider Buying a Window Air Conditioner in 2019
Now is the perfect time to buy a new window AC unit for your home. Many of the new 2019 models feature some of the best technology ever. Also, you might end up saving big on your energy bills. Give your central air unit a break, and invest in a window unit.
Image credit: Window Air Conditioners via ND700/Shutterstock