Window air conditioners are typically more powerful than standard household appliances. Before purchasing one for your home, it’s important to look at the electric requirements.
Electrical Requirements for Window Air Conditioners
The electrical requirements of window air conditioners are usually indicated on the devices. All brands of air conditioners contain detailed information about the voltage, wattage, and amperage requirements. You must ensure that these requirements are fully met for your device to run correctly.
If for some reason, the requirements are not met, your device may fail to function correctly. In other cases, the air conditioner may pose a significant danger in your home if you install it in a line that does not meet its electrical requirements.
There is a close relationship between the BTU rating of air conditioners and their voltage requirements. Air conditioners with a BTU rating of less than 15,000 can run on lines with either 115 or 125 voltage.
This is the amount of voltage that is typically found in homes and small offices. Thus, if you have such a window air conditioner, you do not have to worry much about its electrical requirements. Once you have installed it properly on the chosen window, the device will run without any hiccups.
Window air conditioners that have a BTU rating of more than 15,000 have special voltage requirements. Such air conditioners need lines that have 220 voltage for them to function properly.
Typically, the lines in your home are either 115V or 125V-rated. This means that if you have an air conditioner with a BTU rating of more than 15,000, you will have to make special adjustments.
It will be necessary to get an electrician to rewire your lines and ensure that the powerful air conditioner’s electrical requirements are adequately met during the installation process.
Difference Between 220- & 120-Volt Air Conditioner
You will have to decide whether you need a 120V or a 220V air conditioner because there are many differences between these two classes of devices. Here are essential differences between them that you should bear in mind.
BTUs
The BTU rating of an air conditioner is an indicator of its cooling capability. An air conditioner with a high BTU rating will cool larger indoor spaces than one with a lower BTU rating.
Typically, a 120V air conditioner will have a BTU rating of anywhere between 5,000 and 14,000. Such air conditioners naturally cool air sufficiently in small to medium-sized indoor spaces.
An air conditioner that has voltage requirements of 220 will have a BTU rating of over 15,000. Such air conditioners may have a BTU rating of any value from between 15,000 to 23,000.
Typically, such air conditioners can sufficiently cool the air in vast indoor spaces that measure more than 1,000 square feet.
Circuits
An air conditioner with a voltage rating of 120 will ideally function with the existing wiring in your home. However, a 220V air conditioner will not work with standard power outlets in your house.
You may need an electrician to rewire the connections and create a unique outlet to accommodate your 220V air conditioner’s high voltage needs.
Portability
There is no logical relationship between the voltage or an air conditioner and its size. However, in practice, manufacturers tend to make air conditioners with high voltage requirements bigger and heavier than those with a low voltage rating. Thus, you will find that your 220V air conditioner is bulkier than the 120V one.
Therefore, moving a 220V air conditioner is more cumbersome than a 120V one. The only saving grace is that you may not have to move your air conditioner often. Even the portable air conditioners do not have to be moved at will, as one may imagine.
How Much Does It Cost to Run A Window Air Conditioner?
It may cost you any amount between $15 to $200 to run a window air conditioner per month. This range of figures assumes that you will run your window air conditioner for 8 hours every day throughout the month.
The actual cost of running your window air conditioner depends on many factors. Primarily, the energy requirements of the air conditioner determine the amount of power that it consumes.
The rule of thumb is that window conditioners with high BTU ratings cost more to run than those with low BTU ratings. This is because the higher the BTU value of a window air conditioner, the more watts it needs to cool the temperature in the room effectively.
Your air conditioner’s energy efficiency rating is another important determinant of the total cost of running the device. The energy efficiency is measured in terms of EER.
The higher the EER, the more efficient does the device consumes energy. Air conditioners with low EER ratings are less efficient in the way they consume energy.
Ideally, go for air conditioners that have an EER value of more than 10. Those with an EER value of less than ten will cost you more because of inefficient energy utilization.
Features of a Window Air Conditioner
Modern air conditioners have various features related to performance, control, and even safety. You can use the features to choose the right window air conditioner according to your needs.
Here are a few important features of window air conditioners.
Thermostat
Many brands of window air conditioners have digital thermostats. The thermostats accurately read the ambient temperature and display the desired temperature value. Thus, they let you precisely select the ideal room temperature that the air conditioner should maintain.
Air direction control
Some window air conditioners have adjustable louvers. By changing the louvers’ alignment, you can alter the direction in which the air conditioners blow cool currents. Thus, this simple maneuver can determine the room’s areas where the cool breezes are felt intensely.
The filter
Two types of filters are found in window air conditioners: the standard and the washable ones. Standard filters in window air conditioners must be replaced after a few months. Washable filters in window air conditioners do not have to be replaced. You can remove, clean, and reinstall them in your window air conditioner.
Programmable timer
A programmable timer lets you determine the period that your air conditioner runs. Most brands of window air conditioners have inbuilt programmable timers with a range of 24 hours.
Remote control
It is more convenient to operate a window air conditioner with a remote control than that which does not have this feature. Remote controls let you change every aspect of the functioning of your window air conditioner.
Best 220V Window Air Conditioner
1. LG 12,000 BTU 230V Window-Mounted AIR Conditioner
This window air conditioner has various features that make it one of the best devices that you can use to cool the temperatures in standard rooms in your home.
With a BTU rating of 12,000, this window air conditioner can sufficiently cool the air temperature in rooms that measure as much as 500 square feet.
Besides, its cool air return system is covered by perfectly designed louvers. The louvers allow effective distribution of cool air around the room to cool the temperatures and make the area very comfortable instantly.
This air conditioner has a high energy efficiency ratio of 11.3EER. The energy efficiency ratio determines the level of effectiveness that the air conditioner utilizes electric energy to cool the temperatures. Ideally, air conditioners should have an EER of over 10. It is quite economical to use such an air conditioner to cool the temperatures in your house.
The only con of using this air conditioner is that you will have to get a technician to wire it especially for you. This air conditioner has a very high wattage of 230V. Ordinary air conditioners are rated 115V.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency of 11.3 EER
- Effective cooling capability suitable for areas of 500 square feet
- Two cooling, heating, and fan speeds for personalized performance
Cons:
- Requires specialized wiring because its wattage is 230V
2. Friedrich Chill Series CP18G30B Window Air Conditioner
One of the most outstanding features of the CP18G30B is its cooling power. Its 19,000 BTU rating is so high that it can sufficiently cool temperatures in areas that are as large as 1,000 square feet.
Thus, this air conditioner’s cooling effects can be felt even in adjacent rooms if enough natural openings connect the adjoining rooms to the one in which the window air conditioner is installed.
This air conditioner instantly creates a cool breeze in the area in which it is installed. The louvers automatically oscillate from left to right. This movement ensures even and rapid distribution of cool air currents throughout the room for your ultimate comfort.
You will have to bear with the noise level of this air conditioner when running it. Typically, air conditioners are silent electrical gadgets. You will hardly tell that an air conditioner is running in the house until you see it. Sadly, the CP18G30B quickly gives its presence away because of the buzzing sound that it produces when it is on.
Pros:
- The high cooling power of 19,000 BTUs enough for 1,000 square feet of space
- Instant cooling because of the automatic oscillation of the louvers
- Easy operation because the power cord can run either left or right of the unit
Cons:
- The window air conditioner is slightly noisy
3. Frigidaire FFRH1822R2 Window Air Conditioner
If you are looking for a window air conditioner that is easy to install and maintain, consider the FFRH1822R2. This air conditioner comes with the window installation kit that you need to get it up and running.
Besides, the window installation kit of this air conditioner has fully adjustable side curtains. The side curtains can perfectly fit in a window of any size. This makes the installation process very easy and straightforward for you.
Many brands of window air conditioners are quite noisy. One must bear with the buzzing sound, which often is loud enough to distract light sleepers and cause some disturbance to people who need a quiet environment to converse.
Luckily, the FFRH1822R2 has a noise level that does not exceed 40dB. This noise level is too low for anyone in the house to notice. Therefore, you can comfortably hold your conversations in the house or sleep when this window air conditioner is running.
This humidifier can effectively cool the air in indoor spaces that measure as much as 1200 square spaces. This means that you can comfortably use it in large rooms, including living rooms and bedrooms as well as commercial buildings.
Pros:
- Easy installation, thanks to adjustable side curtains
- Ultra-silent operation
- Powerful cooling and dehumidifying capacity
Cons:
- Requires specialized wiring to accommodate the 230V rating
4. Koldfront WAC25001W Window Air Conditioner
The Koldfront WAC25001W is a powerful window air conditioner convenient for cooling the air in large spaces that measure up to 1,500 square feet. It has three fan speeds and four modes of operations that you can take advantage of to personalize its performance.
The three fan speeds let you choose what suits you at any time. The four modes of operations allow you to use the device for any of the following functions: cooling, dehumidification, heating, and fanning.
When this air conditioner is running on the default mode, it cools the air to the selected temperature and removes large amounts of moisture from the air.
It can effectively remove 137 pints of moisture from the room’s air when it runs for a day. This creates a convenient and comfortable indoor environment.
The Koldfront WAC25001W has very high-power requirements. You will have to install a new circuit breaker that can handle 30 amps and 230 volts. This means that you will have to incur additional costs of getting an electrician to do these things for you.
Pros:
- It has three fan speeds and four operational modes for personalized performance
- Powerful moisture removal capability of 137 pints every 24 hours
- Ultra-silent operation
Cons:
- The window air conditioner requires additional wiring
5. Whirlpool Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
The Whirlpool Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is an easy-to-use and highly convenient device ideal for cooling the air in large rooms. It comes with a remote control that perfectly fits into your palm. You can use the remote control to change every aspect of this air conditioner’s functionality from the comfort of your seat.
It also comes with an LCD panel. You can use the panel to monitor the changes that you make using the remote control. These control features allow you a great degree of precision and convenience when using the window-mounted air conditioner.
This window-mounted air conditioner is very energy-efficient. It has an EER rating of 11.9. Any air conditioner with a value of more than ten is classified as an energy star. You will pay less for power when running this air conditioner because it does not waste watts.
However, you will need to do additional wiring in your house to accommodate this window-mounted air conditioner’s high voltage needs. It does not run on the standard 115V line; instead, it requires 230 volts to function properly.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency rating of 11.9
- It comes with remote control and an LCD panel
- Powerful air movement capacity of 382CFM
Cons:
- Requires specialized wiring to accommodate its 230V rating
6. Haier Smart Window Air Conditioner
Consider the Haier Smart Window Air Conditioner if you are looking for a highly advanced window air conditioner with amazing cooling power.
It has all the advanced performance, control, and safety features that you would expect to find in a modern window air conditioner. One of its amazing features is that it has smart control features.
You can operate it using the digital controls, the remote control, or simply by using your voice. These advanced control options make life easy when you are using this window air conditioner in your home.
Apart from the controls, this air conditioner is perfectly designed to deliver exceptional air-cooling performance. Its louvers allow air to move in two directions automatically.
This mode of operations ensures the effective distribution of cool air currents. In the end, you will notice that the indoor temperatures are cooled when you switch on this air conditioner.
As you would expect, it comes with a complete and easy-to-use installation kit. It may not be necessary to get the services of a technician to help you with the process. Once you complete the installation procedure, your air conditioner will be ready for use.
Pros:
- It has advanced control methods, including voice and remote
- Easy installation using the kit that is included
- Instant cooling, thanks to the two-way air movement direction
Cons:
- The air conditioner is slightly noisy
7. AMANA Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Installing your AMANA Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is a breeze. Apart from the installation kit is included, it has adjustable side curtains. This means that you can get this air conditioner up and running in a matter of minutes, regardless of the size and shape of your window.
Moreover, it has an EER rating of 11.9. This means that the air conditioner utilizes power very efficiently to either cool or dehumidify the air in your house. Thanks to its high BTU rating, this air conditioner can sufficiently cool the air in rooms that measure as much as 1,000 square feet.
This air conditioner has a noise level that exceeds 40dB when running on high-speed mode. You may find this noise level slightly loud enough to cause distractions if you use this air conditioner in the bedroom or any other room where ultimate silence is critical.
Pros:
- It has a digital display and controls for precision
- The air conditioner has adjustable side curtains for quick installation
- The power cord can run in either direction for your convenience
Cons:
- The air conditioner is slightly noisy when operating on the high-speed mode