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Window air conditioner prices: an overview

A brief guide on what to expect when it comes to window air conditioner prices and more.

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Get a closeup view of window air conditioner prices. Photo by macinate on Flickr. If you live in an apartment or home that doesn't have central air conditioning, you'll probably be thinking of installing a window air conditioner at some point. Window air conditioner prices are a lot less than central air conditioner prices, so they represent a major bargain to buyers looking to save as much money as possible on their home cooling needs.

The price of your window air conditioner will depend on several factors, so knowing what those issues are ahead of time can help you choose the very best AC for your budget. Check out below for information about the factors that affect window air conditioner prices.

Depending on their sizes, window air conditioners are designed to cool spaces ranging in size from one room to several rooms at the same time. Window air conditioner prices depend on the size of the unit that you choose.

Discuss window air conditioner prices and AC installation with a contractor!

Like central air conditioners, window air conditioners work by removing heat and humidity from the air. Water vapor passes over the air conditioner's cooling coils and condenses from the air, allowing you to feel more comfortable.

Don't just choose a smaller unit because it's cheaper or a larger unit because you're trying to cool several rooms at once while saving money at the same time. It's very important that you choose the right-sized air conditioner for the space you're trying to cool.

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If you choose a unit that's too small, it will have difficulty cooling your space. If you have a unit that's too large for your space, the temperature in the room will go down quickly, but the humidity will remain. You'll end up with a room that feels cold, but damp and uncomfortable. 

If you need a larger unit in order to cool more than one room, you may as well invest in a central air conditioning unit. It will pay off in the long run. Local, quality contractors can give you free cooling estimates and assist you in determining the right unit for your home.

Your air conditioner's cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. The higher the BTUs, the higher the air conditioner prices. There's an established air conditioning industry chart that you can refer to when determining how many BTUs you'll need to cool a certain amount of square footage.

Being the smallest and least expensive models, 5,000 BTU units cool spaces that range in size from 100 to 150 square feet. If you need to cool a 1,400-square-feet space, you'll need to get a unit with 24,000 BTUs.

You should also factor in things like rooms with high ceilings, rooms with big windows that get a lot of sun, and rooms that have a lot of people in them. All of these factors will influence the size of the air conditioner you'll need.

If you're confused, speak with a contractor. Have the contractor help you figure out the size of the unit that you need so that you can come up with an air conditioner estimate.

Smaller window air conditioners are usually less expensive. You can get excellent 5,000 BTU units that range in price from $100 to $150, including the Frigidaire FRA052XT7 mini window air conditioner. This AC's compact size makes it an aesthetically pleasing addition to a small space, and it has obtained excellent reviews from users.

For larger units, expect to pay around $300 for 12,000 BTU units. The SPT WA-1211S 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is an Energy Star model and also receives great reviews for cooling larger spaces quickly.

A potential con, though, of window air conditioners is that they are a bit of an eye sore — both inside and out. A central AC unit is much more attractive. Talk to an HVAC contractor about it.

Before you even start planning to install air conditioner units, make sure that you're choosing the right models for your home. Get one with a good warranty, and check out Reply! to find out about things like air conditioning prices, HVAC and BTUs.

All in all, window air conditioner prices are important, but worry about the pricing after you determine the right-sized unit for your space.

Get your 4 free cooling estimates!

Photo credit: macinate via Compfight CC.