Using a window AC unit is a simple and effective way to help keep your home cool during the “peak” summer months. When it’s scorching hot outside and your central AC system isn’t enough to keep your home comfortable, a window AC unit could prove to be a valuable tool. You can find them available for sale at most home improvement stores for $100-$750 depending on the size and BTU power. A standard 10,000-BTU window unit should offer more than enough power to cool down a 500-square foot room.

Why Window AC Units are Hazardous

As previously stated, window AC units are considered a hazard to the environment because of certain chemicals they contain. If consumers simply tossed their units into the local dump, it would pollute the environment with unnecessary chemicals. So, what exactly do window AC units contain that make them a hazard to the environment? Well, the biggest issue is the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant, which is a greenhouse gas that’s known to destroy the ozone layer.

In addition to the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant, certain window AC units may also contain oils and other potentially hazardous chemicals. The bottom line is that you need to ensure your unit is disposed of properly and not tossed into your local dump.

Disposing of a Window AC Unit

There are a couple different options available for safely disposing a window AC unit, one of which is to check and see if your city offers a hazardous waste disposal area. In most large cities, and even some of the rural counties, have an area specifically for the disposal of hazardous waste. Be warned, though, it’s not always free to use. Depending on the size and weight of your window AC unit, you may have to pay $5-$20 bucks.

Another option is to recycle the unit for scrap metal. There are some metal recycling companies that will take the metal from a window AC unit and properly dispose of the remaining hazardous parts. You might be surprised to find out just how much scrap metal value there is in a standard window AC unit.

Mistake #1 – AC Unit Too Large

When it comes to home AC units, bigger doesn’t always mean better. I know some people are stuck in the mindset that a larger system will translate into better cooling, but this isn’t entirely true. While larger systems do have more power behind them, they also cycle on and off more frequently. So, why is it bad to have an air conditioner that cycles frequently? The problem is that cranking an AC back on takes a considerable amount of power; therefore, you are naturally going to pay far more for a large AC unit than cycles on and off than you would a small unit that stays on.

Mistake #2 – Not Changing The Filter

I think we’ve all been guilty of leaving a dirty filter in the AC unit at one point or another. When you are busy with work, chores and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook basic maintenance procedures like changing the air filter. In most cases, an air conditioning system will continue to run with a dirty filter, but it will run with less efficiency. Instead of blowing out ice-cold that cools down your home in 5-10 minutes, it may blow out room that’s just barely cooler than room temperature. The bottom line is that you need to replace your air filter at least once a month for optimal performance.

Mistake #3 – Not Using a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is essential for getting the most out of your home air conditioning system. Using this device, you can setup your AC unit to stop running during the hours when no one is home. If you go to work at a certain time of the day, you might as well program the AC unit to stop running; otherwise, you’ll be using energy to cool an empty home. This is a common mistake that far too many homeowners make.

I know this sounds like common sense to some, but you first need to check the filter on your air conditioning system. Allowing the filter to go unchanged for months on end will naturally result in warmer air and less overall efficiency. You might be surprised to hear that new air filters can be purchased for as little as $5-$10 bucks, which is a small price to pay for a cooler home. On average, you should change the air filter in your home about once a month, so make sure you stay on top of it for optimal cooling.

Another reason why some air conditioners don’t cool as much as they used to is from low refrigerant levels. All home air conditioning systems rely on refrigerant to remove heat from the air before moving it back throughout the home. If there’s little or no refrigerant left, your AC system simply won’t be able to cool the air. Your unit will still turn on, but the air will be warm instead of cool. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for owners to test refrigerant levels themselves. If you think your unit’s levels are low, call a professional HVAC technician to come out and run a test. While they are inspecting the unit, they can also refill it with more refrigerant if necessary.

Sometimes all it takes is a basic AC tuneup for your system to product cooler air. The fact is that most homeowners never take the time to have their unit tuned up. As a result, their AC system loses its cooling ability over the years. Call and schedule an appointment to have a professional HVAC technician come out and tuneup your system. It’s a smart investment that’s sure to pay off with cooler, more energy-efficient home in the long run.

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify where exactly the noise is coming from. Air conditioners have two main parts – the outside unit, known as the condenser, and the inside unit.. If you haven’t done so already, turn your AC on and walk towards the noise. In nine out of ten times, it’s the condenser that’s causing the noise.

It’s important to note that some noise is to be expected when running an AC unit. Whenever a mechanical device uses electricity to move parts around, noise is going to happen. In addition, larger units are naturally going to create more noise, which is one of the disadvantages of using them. With that said, however, they shouldn’t create excessive amounts of noise. If your AC unit is making more noise than it used to, then you should proceed to search and fix the problem.

One of the most common causes of a noisy AC unit is debris falling into the fan. If there are buts, bolts, rocks or sticks that have fallen down into the fan, it will likely make a loud noise while running. You can check this by turning off the power to your AC unit (at the breaker and thermostat) and then opening the top of the condenser with a screwdriver. Once the top is removed, closely inspect down into it for any signs of fallen debris. If there’s any noticeable debris, simply pull it out with your hands.

While your AC unit is open, take a couple minutes to look for any loose nuts or screws on the unit. Even if they are still attached, a rattling nut may create a loud noise when the air conditioner is running at full blast. Tightening them up with a screwdriver could be all it takes to solve your noisy problem.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that air conditioner covers are designed specifically for the exterior component, known as the condenser. Most modern-day home air conditioning systems operate with a condenser on the exterior of the house and an evaporator inside. These are integral parts that are necessary for the system pull moisture and heat out of the air before transferring it back throughout the home. If you haven’t done so already, take a minute to go around the outside of your home and identify the condenser. It usually looks like a large box with metal fins on the side. Upon closer inspection, you may also notice a large fan blowing near the top of it.

Preventing Fin Damage

One of the most common benefits to using an air conditioner cover is the fact they protect the condenser fins from becoming bent or damaged. Condenser units feature dozens of rows of paper-thin metal fins that are used for passing air through. If the fins are bent, damaged or otherwise broken, it will reduce the unit’s overall efficiency. Things like hail, falling tree limbs, animals, or even accidentally running into it with the lawnmower can all lead to fin damage. Using an air conditioner cover may help to prevent some of these common forms of fun damage from occurring.

Air Conditioner Covers – The Bad

There are some problems commonly associated with air conditioner covers. The biggest complaint homeowners have regarding their use is the fact that condensation can’t evaporate with a cover placed over the unit. When condensation begins to form inside the condenser, it will remain here while slowly rusting the components. Once rust begins to eat its way through your system, it can be difficult to save it.

If you intend on using an air conditioner cover, be sure to choose a type of with a breathable mesh material instead of a plastic tarp. This will allow the condensation to evaporate without being trapped inside.

Price

There’s no denying the fact that larger HVAC systems cost more money. If you are a budget-conscious shopper who’s looking to save money, you’ll want to avoid purchasing the largest system you can find. There’s so much of a price gap between the different sizes that you can expect to pay 2 or even 3 times more for a large HVAC system.

In addition to the actual cost of the unit, you’ll also be paying more for your monthly power bill. As the average cost of electricity in the country continues to rise, families everywhere are searching for ways to lower their power bill. Instead of cutting back on your AC usage during the hot summer months, you can use a smaller system to pull less power; thus, lowering your power bill. The bottom line is that opting for a smaller HVAC system could end up saving you money in several different ways.

Increases Wear

A lesser-known disadvantage to using an oversized HVAC system is the increased wear it places on the components. So, just how does this happen? Well, large HVAC systems installed in small homes will constantly turn off and on. This won’t cause any immediate cause for concern, but over time it will slowly wear down the components of your HVAC system. A year or so later, you may notice your system no longer heating or cooling the home like it used to, or it may not turn on at all.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to determine exactly what size HVAC system your home needs without the expertise of a professionally trained technician. If you are interested in purchasing and installed a new system, make an appointment for a HVAC technician to come out and inspect your home. A quick walkthrough will reveal the best course of action when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Remember, when it comes to HVAC systems, larger doesn’t necessarily translate into better cooling or heating abilities.

Cooling Power

The cooling power for window AC units is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU).  As you may have guessed, the higher the BTU, the greater the cooling ability for a particular unit. The downside, however, is that higher BTU units cost significantly more than low ones. But just how much cooling power do you need to cool your home? It really depends on the size you intend on cooling. For instance, a 5,000 BTU unit will cool a small room that’s roughly 125 square feet, while a 15,000 BTU unit will cool a 750 square foot area.

Noise Level

You should also take into account how noisy a window AC unit is before purchasing it. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to tell exactly how much noise a unit puts out without trying it for yourself. The only way to determine a unit’s noise level is to carefully read the packaging and do some online research to check past customer reviews. If several different people complained about the unit’s noise level, then it’s probably a good idea to look for a different window AC unit. On the other hand, if they praised it for running quite and cool, then it sounds like a keeper. The bottom line is that you don’t want a window AC unit that sounds like air airplane taking off when it’s running.

Remote Control

Although it’s not an essential item for a working window AC unit, I recommend choosing a model that comes with a remote control. Instead of getting up to lower or raise the cooling, you can simply point and click the remote. This is especially helpful for families using window AC units in the living room.

These are just a few of the many things you should consider when shopping for a new window AC unit. Most importantly, though, you want a unit that’s capable of cooling your home. Be sure to choose a unit with enough BTU to efficiently cool the room or desired area inside your home.

If you are wondering whether or not the humidity inside your home affects the AC system’s ability to cool, the answer is YES. In general, the higher the humidity is inside your home, the more work is being placed on your air conditioner system. In most cases, a standard AC system should have no problem dealing with moderate amounts of humidity. Too much humidity, though, will bog the system down and could even led to damage.

Air conditioning systems work by removing both the heat and humidity from air inside your home. If you’ve ever inspected the evaporator coil inside your home, you may have noticed a pan where water pools. As the system pulls humidity from the air inside your home, it moves the moisture into the pan where a condensate pump transports it to your home’s exterior. These are all necessary functions of a typical home air conditioning system. If there’s a high concentration of humidity inside your home, it could backup and spill over the top of the pan. Depending on where the evaporator coil is located, the additional water may damage wood flooring or carpet surrounding it.

Of course, the main problem of high humidity is the simple fact that it forces your air conditioner to work overtime to try to and cool the home. When humidity levels are high, the air conditioning system must try and keep up with the demand to remove all of the moisture. After all, that’s one of its primary functions. The good news is that you can help speed up the process by using a dehumidifier in your home. These simple devices can be purchased from most home improvement stores for as little as $50 bucks, which is a small price to pay for a more efficient air conditioning system.

As their name suggests, attic fans are designed to function in the attic or upper area of the home for optimal results. Some homeowners and builders overlook this fact and choose to install their attic fans on the lower level of the home or even the basement. Unfortunately, having them installed here offers little to no effect on the home’s cooling, and it could even make things worse.

So, how exactly does an attic fan work? While there are dozens of different types of attic fans, most of them work in the same manner. When it’s turned on, the fan will pull air from downstairs up into the attic. Once the air reaches the attic, it will then go outside through the ventilation ducts. Attic fans are helpful for not only cooling the house, but they also reduce the chance of mold and mildew thriving in the attic. This is one of the most common places where mold develops; however, attic fans keep the air circulating so there’s little chance of mold or mildew from developing.

The primary advantage of using an attic fan is its ability to bring in outside air. You see, they are designed to be used when the windows inside the house are open. Since attic fans pull the air instead of push it, they will naturally pull in air from outside. This is extremely helpful when the air outside is cooler than the air inside. Turning on your attic fan for 15-20 minutes is a quick and easy way to replace your home’s air with fresh, clean air.

If you intend on using an attic fan, you must remember to keep the windows open; otherwise, it will have little effect on the temperature inside your home. In addition, make sure the fan is pulling air from downstairs and not pushing it. These two factors are crucial for working, functional attic fan in a traditional home.

Incandescent

The single most commonly used type of light bulb in modern-day homes are incandescent. The only real advantage these types of bulbs offer is their inexpensive price and bright white light that easily illuminates areas. Unfortunately, though, incandescent bulbs don’t last nearly as long as some of the other types of lighting mentioned below. In addition, they also emit the greatest amount of heat, which in turn forces your home’s central air conditioning system to use more energy.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL)

CFL bulbs have become a popular choice by homeowners looking to save money on their monthly electric bill. The image shown in the upper-right corner of this post a CFF bulb; and as you can see, it’s more of a spiral shape rather than the traditional globe shape of an incandescent bulb. Even though it looks different, CFL bulbs will still fit in a standard bulb socket. So, what’s the advantage of using these bulbs over incandescent bulbs? The primary advantage offered by CFL is their extended life and energy efficiency properties. Not only will they last for appropriately ten times longer, but CFL bulbs only use a fraction of the energy that their counterpart incandescent bulbs use. The bottom line is that CFL is a better all-around choice that homeowners should consider using in their home.

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

Another smart type of lighting that’s becoming increasingly popular is LED. Although they don’t fit into standard bulb outlets, you can purchase LEDs with their own fixture or setup. After making the switch to LEDs, you’ll notice a significant change in your home’s energy usage and overall power bill. In fact, LEDs are considered the most energy-efficient type of bulb on the market, even more so than CFL. LED bulbs also run cool to the touch while generating practically no heat.