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Air Conditioner Buying Guide |
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| LEARN ABOUT AIR CONDITIONERS BEFORE YOU BUY |
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Types of Air Conditioners
- Window Air Conditioners
› Window Air Conditioner FAQs
- Through The Wall Air Conditioners
› Through The Wall Air Conditioners FAQs
- Portable Air Conditioners
› Portable Air Conditioners FAQs
- Mini-Split or Ductless Air Conditioners
› Mini-Split Air Conditioners FAQs
- Packaged Terminal Air-Conditioner (PTAC)
› PTAC FAQs
General Air Conditioner FAQs
- What is the difference between manual and electronic controls?
- Could you explain the difference from between electric heat and a heat pump?
- What does Energy Star mean?
- What are EER and SEER Ratings?
- What is a chassis and do I want one that slides out?
- How do I determine the noise level?
- What are air flow and output options?
- What are fan settings?
- How do I determine my plug type or how many volts I need?
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| Types of Air Conditioners |
Window Air Conditioners
 Window air conditioners are generally used to cool apartments or one to two rooms. Room air conditioners extract heat and moisture from the room and cool and dehumidify it and return it to the room to cool the area. A blower takes the warm air and pours it through a filter to the outside.
The window air conditioner is a single self-contained unit with the cool part of the air conditioner in the room and the hot part (often the coils) sitting outside the window.
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Window Air Conditioner FAQs
How do I choose my window air conditioner?
The three most important things to keep in mind are BTUs, window size, and voltage. To calculate the BTUs you need visit our BTU calculator, and voltage chart is located here to determine what type of voltage you need by determining the plug type. It is very important to pay special attention to the window size. If the unit width or height is bigger than you window it will not fit. The majority of air conditioners come with a window installation kit to fit it into your window.
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What are the pros and cons of a window air conditioner?
Window air conditioners require very little installation and you can normally install them yourself so there is low upfront cost. They are a good choice and are energy efficient if you are cooling one or two rooms and there are many to choose from.
Most window air conditioners are quiet but, since the whole system is contained in one unit they can be louder than air conditioners where the compressor sits outside. Window air conditioners obstruct at least part of one window and you need to either remove them or winterize them for the colder times of years.
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How do I install my window air conditioner?
The vast majority of window air conditioners come with a window installation kit which most people can install without professional help by sliding the unit into their window.
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Can a window air conditioner go through a wall?
Depending on the thickness of your wall some air conditioners can go through your wall if they have a slide out chassis. You made need to install brackets to support it. It is important that you call 800.570.3355 to talk with one of our product experts or contact the manufacturer to see if the particular side venting window air conditioner can fit in the wall.
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Do some window air conditioners have heat?
Some window air conditioners have electric heat strips and a few have heat pumps for more information on the heating options go here.
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Through The Wall Air Conditioners
 Through the wall air conditioners function the same as window air conditioners however, the fit through a hole in the wall and are normally rear-vented. They are generally used to cool a single room and you need a sleeve in your wall to support the weight.
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Through The Wall Air Conditioners FAQs
How do I choose my through the through the wall?
The three most important things to keep in mind are BTUs, window size, and voltage. To calculate the BTUs you need visit our BTU calculator, and voltage chart is located here to determine what type of voltage you need. It is very important to pay special attention to the size if there is already a hole in your room for the air conditioner. If you are installing a through the wall air conditioner you must purchase a sleeve or the unit will fall out of the hole.
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What are the pros and cons of a through the wall conditioner?
A through the wall air conditioner is a good choice for cooling a room if you don't want to give up the window your window. They are reasonable energy efficient and have a large range of capabilities. If you do not have a hole in the wall the unit can require professional installation.
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What is an air conditioner sleeve and do I need one?
A sleeve is the metal devise that holds the air conditioner in the wall. You must have one if you are putting an air conditioner through the wall because a wall itself cannot support the weight of the air conditioner.
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I have a sleeve how do I determine which air conditioner is right?
It is very important that the measure your sleeve carefully. Many manufacturers have standard size sleeves. It is best that you purchase an air conditioner from the same company that manufactured your sleeve. However, sometimes that isn't possible so it is imperative that you measure your sleeve carefully.
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How do I install my through the wall air conditioner?
If you need to put a hole in your wall you will need professional help. If you have a sleeve already installed one can just slide the unit into the sleeve. Please keep in mind that you need to be able to lift the item so check the item weight.
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Do some through the wall air conditioners have heat?
Some through the wall air conditioners have electric heat strips and a few have heat pumps for more information on the heating options go here.
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Portable Air Conditioners
 Portable air conditioners offer more flexibility than other window/wall air conditioners. Often portable air conditioners have wheels and are about 2' - 3' tall. Since the air conditioner is contained in one unit the hot air needs to ventilate through a hose that is normally 3" - 5" in diameter. Condensation is either collected in a bucket, redistributed through a hole, or recycled through the air.
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Portable Air Conditioners FAQs
How do I choose my portable air conditioner?
Like all air conditioners you need to know how many BTUs you need to cool the area you are trying to cool. Then you need to determine what type of condensation system works for you. You need to also determine if you want a dehumidifier or heat with your unit.
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What are the pros and cons of a portable air conditioner?
Portable air conditioners are very versatile units that can be easily moved from room to room. No window is required for venting and with some small modifications a unit can be vented through a window, sliding door, wall, or ceiling. Some portable air conditioners have condensation buckets or trays that need to be emptied and non-commercial air conditioners have a maximum BTU of 12,500.
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How do I install my portable air conditioner?
Most portable air conditioners come with installation kits for your window or sliding door that is easy to install.
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Do some portable air conditioners have heat?
Some portable air conditioners have electric heat strips and a few have heat pumps for more information on the heating options go here.
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What type of drainage is required?
This depends on the type of portable air conditioner that you buy. Some air conditioners will disperse of the condensation through a tube outside, some have a bucket or pan that needs to be emptied, and some are self contained where the redistribute the air in the room.
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Do portable air conditioners require venting?
Yes, all portable air conditioners require some type of ventilation. It is important that you vent the hot air outside of the room you are trying to cool.
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What types of venting options do you offer? What size hose comes with the unit?
Most portable come with an installation kit for your window or sliding door. You can also vent most portable air conditioners through a wall or a drop ceiling.
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Mini-Split or Ductless Air Conditioners
 Like central air conditioners these units have a split design but use air ducts making the units easier as less expensive to install than central air conditioning. The mini-split has at lease one unit that sits inside and that is the air handler. The compressor sits outside of the home and air handler sits inside the home. Some models come with multiple air handlers that will use one compressor.
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Mini-Split Air Conditioners FAQs
How do I choose a mini split air conditioner?
Like all air conditioners you need to know how many BTUs you need to cool the area you are trying to cool. You also need to consider the number of air handles that you need normally one air handler per room is what you would need but, if your home has open areas you may be able to cool multiple rooms.
There are many options for types of air vents that you can purchase some sit in the home and are mounted on the walls and some can be mounted in the ceiling. It is important that you talk to a person who is certified to install air conditioning about your options to help you decide which would meet your needs.
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What are the pros and cons of a mini split air conditioner?
Mini split air conditioners is a cost effective choice to center air conditioning. They are typically more expensive than wall or window air conditioners and you need an HVAC professional to install the unit. Since the compressor sits outside they mini split air conditioners are very quiet and efficient.
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How do I install a mini split air conditioner, why do I need a HVAC Professional?
Install a mini split air conditioner is more complicated that a window unit but far less complicated than installing central air. A professional will need to run lines for the coolant, electricity, and drainage. You will also need a professional HVAC person to charge it with the right amount of coolants.
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How big will the whole be in my wall?
This slightly varies depending on the unit you buy but, it is generally 3" in diameter.
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Do I need to purchase tubing?
Yes, you do need to purchase tubing to install your mini split air conditioner. This is what will connect the indoor and outdoor units. The size of the tubing depends on how far the inside unit is going to be from the outdoor unit.
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Do some mini split air conditioners have heat?
Some through the mini split air conditioners have electric heat strips and a few have heat pumps for more information on the heating options go here.
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What is dual zone and triple zone?
Dual zone means that there are two air handlers and triple zone means there are three air handlers. It is best to get an air handler for each room you are trying to cool but, if you are trying to cool open areas that consist of more than one room you may be able to use one air handler just make sure the BTUs are enough to cover the square foot area of all of the rooms.
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Packaged Terminal Air-Conditioner (PTAC)
 PTAC units are separate encased combination of heating and cooling that is normally mounted through the wall. It has refrigeration components and forced ventilation and utilized reverse cycle refrigeration as its prime heating source and generally has other heating supplement. This type of unit is generally larger that a typical through-the-wall air conditioner and is often seen in motel rooms and apartment buildings.
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PTAC FAQs
How do I choose my PTAC unit?
The three most important things to keep in mind are BTUs, size, and voltage. To calculate the BTUs you need visit our BTU calculator, and voltage chart is located here to determine what type of voltage you need.
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What are the pros and cons of a PTAC unit?
PTAC units is an efficient way to cool and heat a room. Since most units are about 42" wide you either need to install it in a large window or have a hole cut into your wall. PTAC unit are generally more expensive than window air conditioners but, if you are planning to both cool and heat a room then you could save up to 20% a year on electricity.
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How do I install my PTAC unit?
PTAC units are installed through a hole in the wall. Often you will need a professional to help install the unit and sleeve.
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What types of accessories do I need to install a PTAC unit?
All PTAC units require purchasing a grill and a sleeve. However other accessories such as a drain kit and wall thermostat can also be purchased.
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Can a PTAC unit be installed in a window?
PTAC units can be installed in a window and many come with a window kit. Please keep in mind that they are normally 42" wide so it would need a large window.
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| General Air Conditioner FAQs |
What is the difference between manual and electronic controls?
Basically, this is as simple as a digital display for knobs. Keep in mind that you must have electronic (digital) controls to use a remote control.
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Could you explain the difference from between electric heat and a heat pump?
When a unit says that there is electric heat there is a heat strip in the unit that uses the fan to distribute the heat. Electric heat is meant to subsidies an existing heat source.
A heat pump function is similar to an air conditioner however instead of cooling the air like it would in the summer it heats the air and redistributes it into the room. It often will not work when it is colder than 40 (except some PTAC units) degrees outside but, most unit have electric heat backup. If heat is very important to you a PTAC unit could be your best choice. Please look at the air conditioner description or call us at 1-800-570-3355 to talk with an air conditioning expert.
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What does Energy Star mean?
 Energy star is a government backed program that backs products that are extraordinarily energy efficient. Products that meet strict energy efficient requirements determined by the EPA and the US Department of Energy that do not compromise the performance and features of a product receive the Energy Star logo.
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What are EER and SEER Ratings?
The Energy Efficiently Rating (EER) is determined by The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration that equals the ration of cooling capacity in BTUs to the power input in watts. This rating determines the state of the air conditioner when it is up and running.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is commonly used to measure central and ductless air conditioning. All air conditioners must have a SEER rating of at least 10 to be sold in the United States.
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What is a chassis and do I want one that slides out?
A chassis is the guts of an air conditioner. When the air conditioner is described as fixed that means that the chassis does not slide out. Air conditioners with slide out chassis are easier to repair especially if the air conditioner is a through the wall air conditioner.
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How do I determine the noise level?
All air conditioners will make some sort of noise however the air conditioners on the market have been engineered to be quieter than older units. Mini split air conditioners are the most quiet since the compressor sits outside.
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What are air flow and output options?
This determines how you can move the vents to determine where the air flows in your room. Air deflection means that you can move the vents to the side and up and down manually. Air swing means that the vents move electronically?
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What are fan settings?
Air conditioners come with many levels of setting some just come with two settings (on and off) or with more like low, medium, and high.
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How do I determine my plug type or how many volts I need?
Your plug type will let you know how many volts you need. You can look here to compare your outlet to see how many volts you need and also what type of plug your air conditioner requires.
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