We were in denial about our air-conditioning needs at first. We've had such an inconsistent spring - it left us wondering if we'll have a mild summer. Maybe we won't need that portable air conditioner after all?
Then, Memorial Day weekend hit. (What was the weather like in your neck of the woods?) In New York City, the temperature went past 80 degrees. Hello heat! Now what?
My boyfriend and I sweltered in our apartment for one night. Then, we tried the Honeywell QuietSet 8 Speed Tower Fan - anything to keep us from those scary summer electric bills after you have the air conditioner blasting for hours on end. We had such high hopes, but found ourselves sweating bullets regardless. That super-fan, as sweet as it is, didn't cut it. Thanks, humidity.
We decided to surrender to buying an air conditioner, but first, we needed guidance. If we're going to make the investment of $200+, we better get this right. No returns, no regrets, no buyer's remorse, please. So we followed these tips:
Size matters
The BTU is a number used to describe the energy content of fuels - how powerful it can heat or cool. In order to sufficiently cool a room, your air conditioner has to be strong enough to handle the area. If you buy one that's too strong, you could be wasting money. If you buy one that is too weak, then you won't be cooling efficiently. Visit the Air Conditioning Calculator on HomeDepot.com to estimate your BTU needs.
Read reviews
Once you've got your BTU figured out, you can visit Consumer Reports for their recommended brands and models. Don't forget to check out user reviews to see who's happy with their units.
So what did we end up getting? After all the research, we went with the Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner(pictured) in white for $299.99. We installed it in the hallway window to cool all 650 square feet of my cozy Manhattan apartment. So far, so good. Now let's just hope that first summer electric bill doesn't shock us.
Then, Memorial Day weekend hit. (What was the weather like in your neck of the woods?) In New York City, the temperature went past 80 degrees. Hello heat! Now what?
My boyfriend and I sweltered in our apartment for one night. Then, we tried the Honeywell QuietSet 8 Speed Tower Fan - anything to keep us from those scary summer electric bills after you have the air conditioner blasting for hours on end. We had such high hopes, but found ourselves sweating bullets regardless. That super-fan, as sweet as it is, didn't cut it. Thanks, humidity.
We decided to surrender to buying an air conditioner, but first, we needed guidance. If we're going to make the investment of $200+, we better get this right. No returns, no regrets, no buyer's remorse, please. So we followed these tips:
Size matters
Read reviews
Once you've got your BTU figured out, you can visit Consumer Reports for their recommended brands and models. Don't forget to check out user reviews to see who's happy with their units.
So what did we end up getting? After all the research, we went with the Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner(pictured) in white for $299.99. We installed it in the hallway window to cool all 650 square feet of my cozy Manhattan apartment. So far, so good. Now let's just hope that first summer electric bill doesn't shock us.
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