This New Air Conditioning Unit Is Surprisingly Beautiful
If you live in an old building without central heating and cooling, in a place with hot summers, you know what a difference an air conditioning unit in the window can make. But despite the relief they bring, air conditioning units are notoriously clunky and ugly. That’s why one new startup has given them a makeover.
“We have experienced first-hand the pains of purchasing an air conditioning unit: the scary and cumbersome installation; the design that hasn’t been revamped since the 1960s; even finding a unit that will effectively cool your entire room is tough,” said July co-founder Erik Rauterkus in a press release. “The cooling space hasn’t evolved in decades. We are out to change that. For us, it starts with taking a step back and saying: ok, what do people really hate about the window A/C and how can we fix it?”
July’s backers include Casper co-founder Luke Sherwin and Bonobos founder Andy Dunn. Its air conditioners were designed by the people behind Away luggage, and they look sleek, as far as air conditioners go. Instead of a dust-collecting grate, each one is covered by a removable panel in one of three styles (white, ash wood, or woven gray), so you can pick the one that best matches your decor.
You’ll also be able to customize your unit by choosing from two filters: Advanced Pure Air (recommended for people with pets or allergies) and Odor Removing Carbon (for those who cook or live in polluted areas). The unit itself comes in two different sizes, meant for small or medium-sized rooms.
Through the July app, you can control your unit, so you can have it turn on just before you get home, for example. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice command.
July also claims to be is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors. Its units use R32, a newer, more energy-efficient refrigerant with lower global warming potential. July will also remove and safely dispose of your old air conditioner and plant a tree for each unit it sells.