With summer steadily approaching, you might be looking for smart ways to beat the heat without overcharging your energy bill. The most obvious solution most people think about is installing a central air conditioner in their homes, but this is not necessarily the best (and not to mention, affordable) way to solve this issue. This reason, and many others is why we decided to bring low profile air conditioners to your attention.
Low profile air conditioners (or window air conditioners, as they are also called) are small to medium-sized units that are not only affordable on the short term but are energy efficient as well. These appliances will easily fit under your window (hence the name) and are capable of cooling small to medium-sized rooms. Since there are so many options on the market, we have compiled a short buying guide, followed by a list of the best products, to help you make the best decision possible. Here is why you need a low profile air conditioner for your small apartment.
Energy Efficiency
If you live in a warm climate, it is safe the assume that you are looking to spend as little as possible on electricity and other utilities. And if you want to beat the heat and save a lot of money at the same time, your best bet is buying a low profile air conditioner.
While most window air conditioners have great energy efficiency ratios (or EER), it is a good idea to pick the brands that have good EER ratings. In order to narrow down your search, make sure to check if said model has been certified by Energy Star, a program founded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of this program is to help and incentivize consumers to pick products that are energy efficient. If you want to see a list of products rated by their energy efficiency, make sure to read here on Best10Anything, a website dedicated to air conditioners and other utility items.
Affordable
Another important advantage that low profile air conditioners have other the other types it the low price. While the price depends on the model and brand (some models can reach prices up to $2000), you can safely opt for a wide variety of units that costs between 100 and 300 dollars. Generally speaking, the price is set according to the device’s BTU capacity and other features that are related to functionality and interface.
In order to determine which price range is suited to your particular situation, a good idea is to measure the square footage of the room that you want to cool, and the BTU needed to cover that size space. The larger the space, the more BTU’s you will need to efficiently cool of said room.
Perfect for Supplemental Cooling
Supplemental cooling is a strategy that many homeowners employ to save money on energy bills by controlling the temperature in a single room at a time. It is a good strategy because central air conditioners will cool off even the rooms that you barely use, which is a big waste of money. On the other hand, a low profile air conditioner will cool only the room that you are currently using.
Compact Size
We all know that fans, air conditioners, and other cooling devices tend to occupy a lot of precious space, and if you live in a small apartment, you might think you have no options. But low profile air conditioners, because they fit right under your window, will occupy only a small amount of your already limited floor space.
Useful All Year
Contrary to popular belief, low profile air conditioners will not only cool off the room on hot summer days but will also provide heating during the coldest of winters. Moreover, by owning such a device, you will not need to buy a separate unit just for heating. This, together with the fact that window air conditioners are very energy efficient, means that you will have total control of the temperature in your home without having to spend your entire month’s salary on bills.
Disadvantages of Low Profile Air Conditioners
While low profile air conditioners are, overall, extremely efficient at what they do, they are not perfect. It is worth noting that these drawbacks are not deal breakers, but they merit a few mentions nonetheless:
- You might need to call a professional technician to install some models.
- Some window air conditioners might be noisier than expected. Therefore, it is a good idea, if possible, to test it at the store before buying it. But in most cases, the extra noise is due to improper installation – which is why it is important to seek the help of a professional.
Now that we have covered their advantages and drawbacks, it is time to see which models are worth your hard earned money.
LG LW8016ER 8,000 BTU
When it comes to price-quality, this is one of the best options on the market. It does not have any special requirements in terms of electrical infrastructure because you will need a simple 115V electrical outlet to get it going. Its energy efficiency ratio sits at a comfortable 12.1 points, and it is capable of dehumidifying around 2.2 pints per hour, making it perfect for cooling medium-sized rooms in humid tropical climates.
Pros:
- Timer
- Energy Saving Options
Cons:
- Might be a little too noisy for some people.
Frigidaire 6,000 BTU
This particular Frigidaire model is potent enough to cool rooms that measure about 250 square feet. It is smaller than other models, and it is easier to install, with a BTU cooling capacity of up to 6,000.
Pros:
- Relatively silent
- Comes with an intuitive and easy to use remote control
- Mesh filters are washable
- Filter alerts
Cons:
Haier Serenity Series 6050 BTU
This handsome unit is highly customizable, featuring four different modes: fan, cool, dehumidify and energy saver. Like the Frigidaire, this model is extremely compact and does not take a lot of space. In terms of coverage, it can chill rooms that measure between 150 and 250 square feet.
Pros:
- Four different modes
- Sleep mode
- Auto Cool
- Features a compressor blanket that keeps the noise at reasonable levels
Cons:
- A bit pricier than other models
- Limited airflow direction – most of the air goes upwards.
You Might Also be Interested in: 8 Best Air Conditioner Brands
Koldfront 12,000 BTU
This little monster has a BTU of 12,000, with a coverage of 550 square feet. But where this unit truly shines is in the functionality department, featuring a filter alert, an energy saver mode, a sleep mode and other functions that will reduce your energy bills significantly.
Pros:
- Intuitive remote control
- Easy to set up
- Low weight
- A wide variety of options
Cons:
Conclusion
While choosing central air conditioners to beat the heat might seem like the best possible option, it is not necessarily the most affordable. If you live in a small apartment or want to cool only a few rooms, to install a low profile air conditioner might be more suited for your situation. They are small, compact, cheap and energy efficient. Make sure to read through this article, and you will get all the information that you need.