As the weather starts to warm up, many people’s minds turn to how they are going to keep themselves cool through the hot season. There are many factors to consider when you're buying a new window A/C, but if you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered.

Below, we'll go over the do's and don'ts of buying a new window A/C. We'll also walk you through how to size your A/C for your space, how to install it, and what you need to know about warranties.

Do consider the size of your home.

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.

As a general rule, you’ll need one window A/C per room that you want to cool. That’s because walls and doors block the cooling from spreading. If you’ve got an open plan area, you might want to think of that as one big room and buy a larger window A/C.  

Don’t ignore 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. Many customers ignore this since they don’t understand what it means, but if you want to do right by your wallet and the environment, it’s good to keep in mind.

Do check the noise level of the air conditioner.

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.

Don't buy an air conditioner without a filter.

Air conditioners can get dirty over time, which can cause them to work less efficiently and make your home dirtier. To avoid this, always invest in a filter for your air conditioner.

If you’re looking for filters that do more than protect your unit, actually can purify the air you breathe, and improve your indoor air quality, you might consider the new July window air conditioner. You can opt for special advanced air purifying filters that filter out fine particulates like pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants from the air. Plus, if having to wash out your filter sounds like a pain – these filters are monthly disposable, so all you have to do is switch it out.

Do buy an A/C with a solid warranty.

Most manufacturers offer warranties in case something goes awry, but you’ll want to make sure that they don’t make you jump through too many hoops to register or file a claim. The July window air conditioner comes with a limited 1-year warranty that becomes active immediately after purchase – there’s no need to fill out any forms and register. Plus, you have the option of extending your coverage for a total of 3 years as well.