What are Window Air Conditioners?

Window air conditioners are units that are normally placed in a window.  They are self contained units with the body of the appliance sitting partially inside and partially outside of the window pane.

Do all window air conditioners have to be vented out?

Unfortunately, window units are specifically designed to operate mounted in a window. They expel warm air and water as byproducts of the cooling process, and there is no way to redirect these things if you attempt to run the unit anywhere other than a window. 

Myth Vs Truth Surrounding Window Air conditioners

Myth: Window AC units are less energy efficient

Truth: If you’re all about energy savings, you can check an air conditioner’s energy efficiency by looking at its EER rating (energy efficiency rating). It is derived by taking the BTU measurement and dividing that by the power consumption in watt-hours. The higher the efficiency rating, the less you’ll spend on home electricity bills.

You can also opt for a device with an energy-saver switch, which will ensure that the fans don’t operate continuously. Likewise, some have sleep modes that will raise the room temperature at night, which is more efficient (and means you won’t be freeze while you sleep). Using this method it has been ascertained that window air conditioners very energy efficient compared to other types of AC systems.

Recharging annually

Myth: My window air conditioner needs to be recharged with refrigerant every year.

Truth: Window air conditioners don’t require a yearly recharge. The refrigerant travels through a set of lines that are completely sealed and have no threaded connections that could develop a leak. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, a line is leaking. A licensed service professional can repair the sealed lines. Isocool pty Ltd specializes in repairing air conditioners in Johannesburg.

What to consider when getting a window air conditioner?

Size

It’s important to purchase the right size unit for your space, since getting too high of a capacity can mean you’ll end up with excessive electricity bills on your hands. Meanwhile, a unit that is under-capacity will be inefficient. Most models list their cooling capacity on the box or website. This is a measurement in BTUs (British Thermal Units) that corresponds to the square footage of a room. Room units range from 4,000 to 20,000 or more, and in general, the larger the room, the more BTUs you will need.

While you can choose according to the square footage of the room you want to cool, you should be mindful of things that may make you want to size up, such as high ceilings, location (e.g., you’ll want to size up in the kitchen where it can get warmer), and how sunny the room gets. It’s also important to measure the height and width of the window opening to ensure that the unit can properly be mounted inside it.

Season

Winter is the best time for you to purchase a new air conditioner! Why?

• Retailers have a high supply of air conditioning units during the winter months. When it’s not hot out, there’s a low buyer demand for air conditioning units. If you’re replacing your AC system, you should do so during winter since it is cheaper.
                                                                                                                                                                 
• Because people aren’t thinking about their summer cooling needs during the winter, HVAC technicians have less work on their schedule.

When you have an overabundance of professionals and products, the smart consumer can get the best deals. 

In summer there will be enough sunny days that people will start buying AC units again. If you wait until the summer to get an air conditioner, retailers might sell out of units, or you’ll end up paying a higher price. And if you wait to schedule an air conditioning repair or a/c replacement during a heat wave and you’ll have to wait longer for your appointment.

Other features to consider include;

• A “check filter” indicator visually reminds you that you have to clean or change out the filter.
• Oscillating vents help move the unit’s air flow from side to side for more efficient room cooling.
• Remotes are great for adjusting the temp without having to move.
• “Smart” air conditioners allow you to operate the unit from your phone

Benefits of Installing a Window Air Conditioner

Low Cost

One of the biggest advantages of these bulky window air conditioners is their incredibly low cost. The window conditioners are relatively cheaper to buy and also to operate on a daily basis. In case you need a window air conditioner supply and installation in Johannesburg, contact Isocool pty Ltd.

Easy To Install

Another massive benefit of buying a window air conditioner is that it is incredibly easy to install. If you have previous experience with electrical equipment, then you can even install it yourself. Of course, you are going to need a hand or two to help you out in the process. However, it is not recommended to attempt the installation yourself as something might go wrong. It is better to call air conditioning service in Johannesburg, like Isocool pty Ltd, to take care of the installation process.

Energy Efficient

We debunked this myth previously that window air conditioners are less efficient. Everyone wants to save their hard earned money in one way or the other. Although air conditioning systems today cost much less to operate than they used to a few years ago, they still cost relatively more than other household items. Window air conditioners, on the other hand, are the cheapest of the bunch. Therefore, if you want to save your hard earned money, then call air conditioning service in Johannesburg, Isocool pty Ltd, and install a window air conditioner at your home.

Doesn’t Take Up Any Floor Space

Since window air conditioners can be hung up on any window in your house, they can save some valuable floor space in and around your house. Other air conditioning systems require extra floor space in order to accommodate their outside unit. Call the air conditioning service in Johannesburg, Isocool pty Ltd, for the installation of a window air conditioner in your home to save some valuable space.

Multi-Functional For Year-Round Use

Window air conditioners are just like mini HVAC systems for individual rooms. This means that other than providing cool air during the hot summer days, they also have the capability of providing heat during the fall season. There are simply no off seasons for these big window boxes as you can use them all year round. You can also use window air conditioners for ventilation purposes only. This is a huge advantage that a window air conditioner has over the split unit air conditioner. Therefore, you should call for air conditioning service in Johannesburg, Isocool pty Ltd, and get a window air conditioner installed today.

Portable

Calling a window air conditioner “portable” might not seem correct. However, installing and removing them is a pretty easy task. This also means that if in future you decide to move to a different location, you can simply take them off and install it in your new home. You don’t have to leave them behind as you would have to if it was an HVAC system. This saves you a lot of time that you might have to spend looking for an air conditioning system for your new home. Therefore, call air conditioning service in Johannesburg, Isocool pty Ltd, and get yourself a “portable” air conditioner.

Now that we have exhausted the different benefits of having a window air conditioner and highlighted that Isocool pty Ltd is ready to install your window air conditioner in Johannesburg we now address the big question, which are the best window air conditioners to keep you cool this summer?Overall, our top window AC unit recommendations for 2021 are:

LG LW8016ER Energy Star Window Air Conditioner

This LG model comes with three cooling and fan speeds, including an energy-saver option that will help keep your electricity bills down. In includes a full-function remote so you can adjust the temp from bed, and since it can cover 340 square feet, it can easily be used in a large master bedroom (or small studio apartment!).  For an 8000 BTU unit with sleep mode, twenty-four hour on/off timer, remote, varying speeds and multiple modes, it’s definitely a solid.

Cooling area: 340 square feet, 8,000 BTUs
Unit dimensions: 19.6″ x 19.4″ x 12.4″
Weight: 58 pounds

KENMORE 87050 Window Mini-Compact Air Conditioner

This mini AC will cool down small rooms for a fraction of the price of larger units. It’s a great pick for studio apartments or dorm rooms. Set it to one of two cool or fan modes and relax away. It’s not very noisy, and the dial knobs are super easy to use. You can easily change the direction of airflow further left or right with the scroll knob.  

Cooling area: 150 square feet, 5,000 BTUs
Unit dimensions: 15.25″ x 16″ x 12″
Weight: 40 pounds

FRIGIDAIRE FFRA0511R1 Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

This window mounted air conditioner is a top seller on Amazon for good reason. It’s easy to install, requiring just a screwdriver with the included mounting kit. It is also a steal, when other comparable models can cost several hundred. And we love that it features intuitive controls.   

Cooling area: 150 square feet, 5,000 BTUs
Unit dimensions: 16″ x 15.25″ x 12″
Weight: 41 pounds

GE Energy Star Window Smart Room Air Conditioner

This Wi-Fi enabled model features three fan settings and three modes. You can control it directly on the device, by using the remote control, or via your smart phone or your voice. It’s also designed to work with Alexa, Apple Home Kit, and Google Assistant.

Cooling Area: 400 square feet, 8,000 BTUs
Unit Dimensions: 23.6″ x 15.9″ x 22.6″
Weight: 51 pounds

Window air conditioners are the most popular type of AC system in South Africa when it comes to being portable and easy to install. Unlike other HV AC types they can be installed in minutes. If ever you need help with window air conditioner repairs in Johannesburg then Isocool pty Ltd will have you sorted in no time. Contact Isocool pty Ltd for any other air conditioner needs in Johannesburg.

Also if you are looking for an air conditioner in Johannesburg for your home, office, or shop, then get in touch with Isocool pty Ltd for a site survey and expert advice.

Call us now at (078) 922 2884 or send us an email: technical@isocool.co.za to book for an appointment.

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