Air conditioning is a must for many people in the summer, and it may be time to start looking for a new one. But before you go shopping, there are a few things you'll want to consider about your next window A/C. We’re here to help you understand what the factors to consider are, so that you end up with the right A/C for you and at the right price point, so that you can stay cool all summer long.  

Size

For many homes without central air, you will want to consider a window-mounted A/C like the brand-new July, or even a portable A/C if you cannot install into your window.

When it comes to window A/Cs, the price tends to go up depending on its BTU capacity – or, how much cooling power it has. When considering which model or BTU capacity to buy, you’ll want to consider the size and characteristics of the space you’re trying to cool. The most basic measure is your square footage – but in reality, there are several other factors you should consider too. We’ve got this 2-minute quiz that will help you determine the right A/C for your space.

Energy Efficiency

The CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a measure of how energy-efficient an A/C is. By law, all manufacturers are required to declare their CEER rating. The higher the CEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioning unit is. Manufacturers also have to declare the average cost to use their product, in a dollar value. If you’re concerned about the impact of air conditioning on your wallet, you’ll want to take note of this value.

Noise Level

All window A/Cs produce a certain amount of noise. However, if you’re sensitive to noise or you plan on installing your A/C in a window near your head while you sleep, for example, you might want to consider the decibel rating of the unit. These are usually displayed on the manufacturer’s website or in the instruction manual.

Window A/C Controls

Almost every A/C has controls located on the unit itself, but it can often be a hassle to get up and adjust this (particularly if it’s feeling a little hot while you’re sleeping). So, you’ll want to consider what type of control is important to you based on your lifestyle. “Mechanical” window A/Cs have controls only on the unit. “Digital” window A/Cs have a remote control in addition to the controls on the unit itself. Finally, some new A/Cs have WiFi-capabilities that allow you to control the A/C remotely with an app. For example, the new July has both an iOS and Android app, and you can even control it with your voice by connecting it to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. A WiFi-enabled A/C is a great way to take care of pets that might be home while you’re out during the day. Even if you don’t have pets, you can use the app to turn the A/C on before you get home so that your room is a comfortable temperature by the time you return.