apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Sorry I don't have a direct easy answer but here are some thought that should get you going in the right direction.

This is basically a case of read the specs.

Go to the Lowes or Home Depot or Sears website (or fill in your favorite here).

Look at each models' noise rating. The lower the dba (decibel) rating the quieter.

Once you find 3 or 4 with good mfrs ratings then go to an opinions site such as www.epinions.com and search for reviews on your chosen model.

One last suggestion - get one rated for more than you think you'll need. Then you'll be cool and probably end up running it less than you would a smaller unit. Also, it you have a fan to move air around while it's not in use that'll make it seem cooler and you won't have to run it as often that way too.

For quite room fans I *do* have a specific recommendation.

I've had one of these Lasko fans for 3 years and it's been super reliable and *very* quiet. On full speed I forget that it's even on. And it looks decent. Everyone thinks it's a super expensive air purifier. I just smile. ;->

http://www.livingincomfort.com/la42wicutofa.html

Oh use a google search for "quietest window air conditioners".

The first result you get is Consumer Reports. :->

The article is free, no registration required.

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/air-conditioner-reviews/index.html

Oh - get a 10,000 BTU - it's more than you need, it's in your budget, and when/if you move to a bigger space you won't have to replace it.

By the way - I bought my window AC unit from Craigslist. It was still new in the box, the had used it for a few days then moved and didn't need it. Got it for half of what it would have cost at Home Depot.

Good luck...

I did what Boomer recommends a few years ago and ended up with a Sharp. It's not silent but it is fine even for me -- and I am super-sensitive to noise. Also nice is a feature that turns the AC off when the desired temperature has been reached and then turns it on again when needed.

Question:
Does anyone know of a room fan that looks nice? I loved the suggestion of the Lakso fan above, but I don't like the way it looks and it MUST be parked right in the focal area of my living room.

Terry - hard to recommend anything since you didn't say what your definition of nice is. ;->

Have you seen the Casablanca Zephair fan?

I think they look nice, but it depends on the look you want.

They're built rock solid, like a tank. They're not quiet though. Still, I do like mine a lot.

http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Desk-Fans-and-Floor-Fans/01393/

on a friend's recommendation, i bought a Panasonic that i've been happy with, i think it is 10,000 btus, most quiet a/c i've ever had

I just went thru this whole process and did my homework on which is the best unit, less noise, good energy rating etc.
My suggestion is to a buy a Fedder. They have been making AC units for years (solely AC units), you can buy them at Home Depot, they are not as noisy as say a Sears model, and they are way better rated than a Danby.

I have a 10,000 btu sharp and it is super quiet and absolutely freezing in my space (awesome!) but then again i'm about 125 sq ft less than you. However, it should easily be sufficient for 40 sq ft.

As with most things, you get what you pay for. Any of those low budget made in ChHina brands at HD, Lowes, Pc Richard etc (GE, Westinghouse, GoldStar, Frigidaire) are noisy as hell, especially as the units get larger. IMO, Friedrich is the only way to go for ay A/C 10,000 BTUs or higher.

I think our is called a Friedrich Quietmaster or something--I know "quiet" is in the name and it is MUCH quieter than the GE we had. Also way more expensive.