Buying an air conditioner is hard.
But dont worry, its actually fairly easy to buy, install, and enjoy an air conditioner.
First, there are really two kinds of air conditioners that most people can buy and install themselves.
Image: Gizmodo
Window units, and portable units.
For most people, a window unit will be the ideal kind of air conditioner to buy.
Its cheap, easy to find, and does the job well enough.
But it isnt for everyone.
They typically are the size of a mini-fridge and you roll them out when needed.
Next measure the space that you plan to cool.
I like to measure each room separately.
Also, note any rooms that get a lot of sun during the day.
These rooms will also get a lot hotter and youll want to factor that in.
Step Two: Calculate
This is it, the worst part of choosing an AC.
Double the size of the room and you should double the number of BTUs needed.
Instead, you first need to consider how many air conditioners you actually need.
The problem is the airflow of the home.
That leaves you with hot spots.
The cool muggy spots come on when an AC is too powerful for the space where its installed.
Also, consider how often rooms need to be cooled.
Its okay to close a door off to a little used seating room.
Or just wrap up the kitchen when youre not cooking and leave it completely un-airconditioned.
Everyone has a different budget and different requirements and that will factor into which one you get.
Some air conditioners are better insulated for sound so theyre much quieter.
Smart air conditioners are still a rarity and charge a premium.
Theyre basically smart ACs but you just cant set them with your phone.
Step Five: Install That AC
Here is another place where people run into issues.
Installing an AC is actually pretty easy, but it requires brute strength and a little patience.
You want the unit secure so it doesnt fall out.
You want to set the AC in the window at an angle for drainage.
That angle should always be away from the inside of the house.
Never install an AC so that it is perfectly level.
But this is usually only necessary for really large air conditioners.
Slide the window close and see to it the AC is secured in the window.
Now grab a piece of insulation board.
But these shutters are terrible.
They have gaps that leak air and let in bugs and sound.
Measure the gaps between the window and the AC and cut out that amount of insulation board.
The sun will make things hotter and force the AC to work harder, which can get expensive.
So good shades or even some white curtains will help and save you money in the long run.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
Hear That?
Its the Sound of Leaf Blower Bans
As restrictions spread, neighborhoods are getting quieterand cleaner.
Air conditioning will be included in newly purchased trucks beginning in 2024.
Older trucks will be retrofitted with at least one fan.
in your own home.
