Hello AT,
My husband and I moved into our nyc apartment in the fall, when the temperatures were balmy and the thought of window AC units was in the not-so-distant future. Given the recent temperature spike, we're now in the market. But we're also trying to create a greener home. Any suggestions for good, energy-efficient AC units? We're buying two, so we can't spend a fortune, but I'm hot-natured and hate the heat, so it's a very important purchase.
Thanks for your help! Elizabeth
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Dear Elizabeth,
The most energy efficient way to cool your house is to create a cross breeze by putting one fan facing outward in one window and opening another window at the most opposite point. Sealing all the space around the fan will make its ability to pull air through your house very strong. This will actually get you through most of the summer very comfortably and your use of energy will be low.
Now as for AC units, usually the little "energy star" stickers on some models are your best guide. Here's the lowdown on EnergyStar and here's a bit more on buying them:
When buying a new AC unit, look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 13 or higher on central systems and the ENERGY STAR label on room units. In arid climates, evaporative coolers are much more efficient (and less costly) than AC. They also add needed moisture to the air, while AC units further dry the air. (ASE.org)
But would be nice to have a little more information. We found this great link, Air Conditioners Reviews at ConsumerSearch, where you can expect to find a good run down on American AC units through last summer.
Anyone else?
Elizabeth: check out these LG AC units, which also come rebranded at Sears as a Kenmore product (the Kenmore 73069, which I've got myself): http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/home%20appliances_air%20conditioners_window_LP6000ER.jhtml
They're slim, energy efficient, and well built. And here's another great resource for making a greener AC choice:
http://www.greenerchoices.org/ratings.cfm?product=ac
view gregory's profile
A timely question as I'm also considering getting a new A/C unit. My current one is nearly 10 years old and last summer during the heatwave there were unannounced daytime "brownouts" which resulted in only the fan running and not the cooling. (I need to leave it on during the day for my dog.) Once power was back up it was fine, but my poor little dog suffered from the heat at the time when cooling was needed most. If I left my dog in a car like that I'd be arrested.
Anyone know of a unit that's designed to continue to cool when the electrical current is reduced during a "brownout"?
view jimkk's profile
jimkk- Look at the last link in maxwell's reply (reviews at ConsumerSearch). It lists specific brands that don't shut down during brownouts, and I found it extremely helpful. Thanks, Maxwell! And Gregory, too.
Elizabeth
view Elizabeth P's profile
Be sure you get enough BTUs for your place. If not, the units won't run efficiently, nor will they remove enough humidity.
view Kurt's profile
I am shopping for my first ever AC this season. Most of the information I have come across is for window units. My apartment has a wall sleeve (and the windows have bars so they cannot accept a window unit). Does anyone have any links to comparisons on wall units? Additionally, I am confused by BTU measurements: Most charts indicate that an apartment of my size (a studio of 313.5 sq ft) needs a unit of 7000-8000 BTUs but the standard equation (square footage x 35 = BTU) indicates I need a unit of 10,000 BTUs. Any advice? I live in NYC which is quite humid in the summer if that affects the BTUs. Many thanks!
view The Green Cat's profile
This site is very good and informative about the details of buying the proper size and an energy efficient air conditioner: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/equipment/english/page39.cfm?attr=4
view Mikael's profile
bettey,
when in doubt err on the side of too many BTUs rather than too little. You don't really run into significant problems with efficiency/cycling/etc. unless you really overdo it (e.g., 25000 BTU for your studio). My studio is about 300 sq ft and 10,000 BTUs works great.
view Michael's profile