Stand Alone Or Window Room Air Conditioners: Which One Is Right For You?

When the dog days of summer roll around, everyone finds themselves cranking up their air-conditioning in an effort to get just a little bit of relief from the heat. However if you do not have a central cooling system, or it is less than efficient, you may find yourself considering the purchase of room air conditioners in order to beat back the heat.

But are they the best choice for you? Which system will work best in your home? Let's take an in-depth look at some of the cooling options and which might work best for your cooling needs.

Stand Alone Units

Stand-alone units, or portable room air conditioner systems, are a great option for a few reasons. Their portability makes them a useful and effective method of cooling down one room or one larger space at a time. There are several types available that will fit into just about any budget; making them a good choice if you cannot afford the installation or the repairs of a broken central HVAC system.

However, these types of room air-conditioners are often heavy and large in size; they can take up a fair portion of a room. They also require that their condensation trays be emptied rather frequently; this can be a bit of work for someone who isn't in the best peak physical condition.

Overall, these portable stand-alone units can be a good option in certain circumstances; however, they are also not very energy efficient while can mean a huge drain on your utility bill during the hottest parts of the year.

Window Unit - The Improved Technology

In years past, people may have shied away from window units as a means of cooling one or more rooms in their home. These little box air conditioners have, in the past, been unsightly, noisy, and huge energy drains. However, with great strides in technology, window units can be a good option for a variety of situations.

• The climate in some regions simply doesn't require the install of an expensive central HVAC system; with just a few days of the year being hot, many people find that a window unit will ease them through the steamy days and balmy nights until temperatures drop


• With technology improving the efficiency and energy consumption of a window cooling system, they make a great unobtrusive addition to just about any room in your home


• The varying sizes of window units offers cooling for small bedrooms and even large living spaces


• Budget-friendly, easy to install, and easy to use, these are a great cooling choice for even the most DIY challenged individuals

Many homeowners associations and community groups do not permit the installation of window units; this can make the allure of a stand-alone system that much stronger. Be certain that you verify your community rules before investing in a new efficient window cooling system.

Room air conditioners are a great option for someone who has a limited budget or perhaps a limited use every summer for a cooling system. Do extensive research on each product that you are considering so that you select only the best products for your cooling needs.