Greenlinks Blog
Improve Window Unit Efficiency
-If you're cooling a single room or a small aprtment, a window air conditioner can inexpensively provide the releif you need on hot days. Here's how to maximize your unit's efficiency:
Select an efficient unit. For the greatest energy savings, buy an ENERGY STAR - certified unit with an energy-efficiency ratio of 10 or more. Look for features such as a slide-out filter for easy cleaning, variable fan speeds, and a digital thermostat.
Pick the perfect spot. Install the unit in a north- or east-facing window, and make sure the outdoor heat exchanger is shaded-direct sunlight reduces efficiency by 10 percent. Avoid placing hot appliances such as lamps or TVs near the unit's thermostat. This causes the unit to run longer than necessary.
Size it up. Allow for 20 British Thermal Units (Btus) for each square foot of living space you need to cool. If the air conditioner is too small, it won't cool sufficiently, and if it's too big, it won't cool uniformly.
Hibernate during winter. If possible, remove the unit in late autumn and store it until summer to prevent chilly drafts.