Updated at: 19-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

During the warm summer months, you can use a window air conditioner to keep a single room comfortable. If you don’t have central air conditioning or don’t use it much, a window air conditioner is a good alternative. The temperature-regulating requirements of different rooms necessitate varied-sized window air conditioners. There is a wide variety of choices, each with its own set of pros and cons and price tag.

The typical cost to have a window air conditioner installed in a 340 square foot space ranges from $350 to $1,150. Costing around $277, a window air conditioner installation for a 150 square foot space requires 5,000 BTUs. The installation of a window air conditioner with 18,000 BTUs to cool 1,000 square feet might cost as much as $1,709.

Window AC Installation Cost

Window Air Conditioner Calculator

The price of window air conditioning installation is determined by a number of factors, including the square footage of the room to be cooled, the efficiency rating of the unit, and the brand and model of the unit. However, window air conditioners that are both energy efficient and smart tend to be more expensive than their more conventional counterparts. Rooms that are larger in size, are located on the second story of a house, or get a lot of direct sunlight will have to employ air conditioning systems with higher British thermal unit (BTU) ratings, which will increase their cooling expenses. We’ve accounted for these variations and for price differences between regions in our window air conditioner cost estimator. This window air conditioner cost calculator may provide you with estimates based on your zip code.

Best Window Air Conditioners 2022 | Window-Mounted AC Units

Window Air Conditioner Price by Size

According to its size, a window air conditioner can cost anywhere from $60 to $700. For example, a window air conditioner can only chill a certain amount of space. British Thermal Units (BTUs) are units of energy used to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUs are used to measure the size of both heating systems and air conditioners. When choosing a heating system, keep in mind the size of the room as well as the local weather. Consider the size of the cooling area and the ambient heat factor while using window air conditioners. There is a direct correlation between the square footage of the space you want to cool and the number of BTUs required.

Window AC Price by Ton

A window air conditioner can cost anywhere from $60 to $700 depending on its size. For example, a window air conditioner can only chill a limited amount of space. British Thermal Measures (BTUs) are units of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUs are used to measure the size of both heating systems and air conditioners. Think about the room size and the climate where you live when deciding on a heating system. When using a window air conditioner, it’s important to think about the space that needs cooling and the surrounding temperature. You’ll need more British Thermal Units (BTUs) to cool a larger space.

Window AC Unit Cost by Type

The cost of a window air conditioner ranges from from $60 to over $700, depending on its size. For example, a window air conditioner can only chill a limited amount of space. British Thermal Measures (BTUs) are units of energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUs are used to measure the size of both heating systems and air conditioners. Think about the room size and the climate where you live when deciding on a heating system. When using a window air conditioner, it’s important to think about the space that needs cooling and the surrounding temperature. You’ll need more British Thermal Units (BTUs) to cool a larger space.

Smart Window AC

Costs for window air conditioners range from around $60 to over $700.00, depending on the unit’s size. The area that may be cooled by a window air conditioner, for instance, is limited. The energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one Fahrenheit degree is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Air conditioner and heater capacities are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Consider the room’s dimensions and the typical temperatures in your area before settling on a heating system. When choosing a window air conditioner, take into account both the area that needs cooling and the surrounding temperature. Cooling a larger space requires more BTUs.

Energy Star Window AC

Air conditioners that have earned the Energy Star label are more efficient than those that do not, and they usually offer more customization options like fan speeds and functions. Fans with variable speeds are a common choice for homes for a number of reasons. Products with the Energy Star label might help you save money on your monthly utility bills. There’s a chance you could get a price cut. This model has the disadvantage of being more costly than competing alternatives. Average prices for energy-efficient window air conditioners range from $300 to $700.

Window AC Heat Pump

Get a window heat pump if you want to have the flexibility to heat or cool a room in your house with a single system. These appliances bring the outdoors temperature inside. These machines have a number of advantages over standard air conditioners, one of which is their lower operating noise level. It’s unnecessary to take the HVAC system apart when the season ends because it serves both cooling and heating functions. One disadvantage of window AC heat pump systems is that they are more expensive than regular window AC units and may need a specific outlet, which might increase installation expenses. A window AC heat pump unit will typically run you between $500 and $800.

Window AC Price by Brand

Rooms may be heated or cooled with just one window heat pump. These appliances extract heat or cold from the air and bring it inside the home as the temperature outside drops. One of the many benefits of these units is that they are much less noisy than standard air conditioners. One unit provides both heating and cooling, and it doesn’t have to be taken out of the house when summer is over. Heat pump air conditioners for the window have higher pricing than standard window units, require an extra electrical outlet, and provide less efficient heating and cooling than standard window units. Between $600 to $900 is the average price range for a window-mounted air conditioner/heat pump.

Hitachi Window AC Price

A Hitachi central air conditioner will run you anywhere from $150 to $650. Hitachi air conditioners excel in both efficiency and value. Their refrigeration equipment is cutting edge. Their products use something called “Twin Turbo Technology” to ensure maximum cooling performance even when operating at high temperatures. Hitachi air conditioners are known for their ease of installation and maintenance, allowing you to spend more time outdoors and less money on utility bills.

Daikin Window AC

This firm, which began operations in 1924, is widely recognized as a frontrunner in the HVAC business. They focus in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment. These air conditioners are efficient and silent. Daikin provides a product or system solution that will meet your needs, no matter where in the world you happen to be. Prices for Daikin window air conditioners typically range from $200 to $700.

Samsung Window Air Conditioner Price

Samsung air conditioners can be purchased between $300 to $800. Samsung is mindful of both cost and productivity. Latest generation models are widely accessible at affordable prices. There are a number of qualified local professionals who can assist you set up or fix your Samsung appliance.

LG Window AC Cost

LG window air conditioners can be purchased for $250 to $1,000. LG’s window air conditioners are renowned for their cutting-edge engineering and sleek design. More than 20 versions are available, covering a broad spectrum of prices, sizes, and features. LG has developed quiet and efficient window air conditioners using mini-split technology. One of LG’s earliest materials was R32, a refrigerant with a low global warming potential. Most LG ceiling fan models have features such as multiple fan speeds, directional airflow, programmable timers, and remote controls. The LG line of air conditioners does not include casing or sliding window models.

Panasonic Window AC

Panasonic provides window air conditioners for anywhere between $250 and $1,000. Panasonic is widely considered the best brand for technicians. Air conditioning installers and repairmen are easy to track down because Panasonic is a widely recognized company. There is a large selection of models available, each with its own unique tonnage and rating. They have good guarantees and endure a long time.

Labor Cost to Install Window Air Conditioner

Professionals often charge between $50 to $150 per hour for their time, though this can rise to several times that amount if the installation is intended to be permanent. Installing an 8,000 BTU window air conditioner in a 340 square foot space will cost between $50 and $150, with materials costing between $200 and $1,000.

Homeowners have a lot of leeway in how they set up window air conditioners. The units have straightforward set-up kits included in the box. However, a professionally installed window air conditioner or window unit will provide further security. It can be installed by a handyman, an HVAC specialist, or even the store from whence you purchased the unit. When possible, the fixture is affixed to a window. The kit is attached to the unit on both sides and slides out to the window sill for convenience. After installation, it can be hammered into place or pulled taut by extending the piece’s side tabs. After that, the window is dropped onto the top of the unit and locked in place.

In most cases, window air conditioners are installed for a short period of time. They are put up at the start of the season and taken down again when the weather gets cold. There are cases where only permanent installations will do. Only low-profile devices that hang below the window can access this area, and they do not block any of the natural light. These gadgets need to be set up in a fixed location. Using a ready-made kit to keep the unit in place is faster and less expensive, but this method of installation takes longer and costs more money. A temporary installation kit can be purchased for between $50 and $75. A permanent installation for a single unit or a vertical unit typically costs between $100 and $150.

How Much Does it Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner?

In most cases, window air conditioners are installed for a short period of time. They are put up at the start of the season and taken down again when the weather gets cold. There are cases where only permanent installations will do. Only low-profile devices that hang below the window can access this area, and they do not block any of the natural light. These gadgets need to be set up in a fixed location. Using a ready-made kit to keep the unit in place is faster and less expensive, but this method of installation takes longer and costs more money. A temporary installation kit can be purchased for between $50 and $75. A permanent installation for a single unit or a vertical unit typically costs between $100 and $150.

Window air conditioners are typically placed for temporary use. They are set up at the beginning of the season and taken down again when the weather becomes cold. There are times when only permanent fixtures will do. Low-profile gadgets, which hang below the window and do not block its natural light, are the sole way to reach a small section of the window. Such gadgets necessitate a long-term set up. This technique of installation takes longer and costs more than using a prefabricated kit to secure the unit. A temporary installation kit will run you between $50 and $75. The typical cost of a permanent installation for a single horizontal or vertical unit is $100-$150.

5 Best Window Air Conditioners 2022 - Top Small Window AC Units to Buy

Window AC Maintenance

Most window units only need to be serviced once every year or twice a year, costing between $100 and $150. Service must be performed by a certified air conditioning company in order to preserve the warranty. Technicians inspect the HVAC system, clean the filter, and clear the drain as part of routine maintenance. The coolant levels are checked by the technician to make sure the cooling system is in good working order. If a homeowner follows some basic procedures, they can prolong the life of their air conditioner. Inspecting the filter often and clearing away any brush or other debris from around the outside unit are two easy ways to keep your air conditioner in tip-top form. Every three months, you should replace your filters.

Portable AC vs Window AC

Single-room air conditioning units aren’t restricted to window installations. It is also possible to employ a portable electronic device. Costing from $350 to $1,150, window air conditioners are more reasonably priced than their portable counterparts. They are less bulky and less likely to cause obstructions, so they can stay in the window year-round. Some things can be more cumbersome to use since they need to be taken down and put back up every season. Windows, which come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, are a great way to save down on heating and cooling costs. They’re more convenient to store away when not in use because they don’t require any extra room on the floor, get rid of unnecessary clutter, are smaller, and take up less overall volume. Since most window air conditioners are obviously visible from the outside, they either need to be installed or taken down when not in use. If they are not secured properly, they may tumble out of the window and break.

The price of a portable air conditioner typically ranges from $300 to $1,500. Because they don’t require permanent wiring, these gadgets are far more user-friendly than their counterparts. They are often mobile and may be rolled around with ease. Use a portable air conditioner if you live in a small space, such as an apartment or condo. These air conditioners come in a wide variety of sizes, making them suitable for cooling spaces of varying dimensions. The use of portable devices can be beneficial; yet, they are not without drawbacks. Portable units require a large footprint both when they are in use and when they are stored. These units are large and heavy, making them difficult to transport and store. They don’t perform as good a job of cooling a space as window air conditioners.

Window AC vs Wall AC

An alternative to a freestanding window air conditioner is a wall-mounted device. Many similarities to window units exist, but these are built into the wall rather than the window. Unlike window air conditioners, which must be taken out and reinstalled every time they are turned off, wall units can remain in place even when they are not in use. You may choose from a wide range of sizes and designs; they require no extra room on the floor; and they perform admirably as a cooling appliance. The price of an air conditioner, whether it be window or wall mounted, is relatively the same. Cutting an aperture in the wall, mounting the unit, and caulking around the opening are all part of installing a wall AC unit, which adds time and effort and hence cost to the process. A window AC installation can cost between $350 and $1,150, whereas a wall AC installation can cost up to $9,000.

Window Unit vs Central Air Cost

If you live in a consistently hot climate, central air conditioning installation may be a wise investment. A single central air conditioner may provide cooling for an entire home. However, a window unit may be more practical if you only need to heat or cool a few rooms. A window air conditioner can only cool a small space immediately adjacent to the window. One unit cannot be used to cool a large open space with multiple rooms. To effectively cool a huge space, multiple units must be installed. Contrarily, most window units aren’t meant to be left in the window year-round. This means regular maintenance costs, as you’ll have to pay to have them taken out and replaced. A window air conditioner might cost you anywhere from $350 to $1,150. Air conditioning installation might cost anything from $6,000 to $18,000.

Window AC Repair Cost

The average cost to fix a window air conditioner is $100. All sorts of fixes can be found, from the simplest to the most complicated, and from the cheapest to the most expensive. You need to decide whether it is more economical to fix an existing piece of equipment or to purchase a replacement. Repairs for window air conditioners can range from replacing a broken thermostat to fixing a leaky drain pipe or replacing a broken part. If a window air conditioner has frequent breakdowns or the motor stops working, it might be more cost-effective to replace the unit. In some cases, the price of repairs could be justified by upgrading to a more powerful machine.

Window AC Recharge Cost

A professional refill for your window air conditioner will set you back anywhere from $125 and $300. If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, you may need to replace its refrigerants. Recharging is the word for this process. It is standard procedure to do a recharge after a leak has been fixed and the refrigerant levels have dropped. Properly functioning devices rarely require a battery recharge. If you need to recharge the Freon in your air conditioner, there may be a problem and you should consider getting a new unit. You can get a refrigerant kit and the necessary tools to recharge most window air conditioners for less than a hundred dollars.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Window AC Thermostat

Make any adjustments to your heating or cooling system, and you’ll need a new thermostat. Thermostats control the temperature in your home and regulate when your furnace or air conditioner is activated and deactivated. Consumers can choose from an array of programmable and non-programmable models with or without Wi-Fi or other smart features that are now available on the market. In most cases, the price of installing a new thermostat is in the range of $150 to $400.

Additional Considerations and Costs

  • If you want to change the way your home is heated or cooled, you’ll need a new thermostat. Thermostats are used to set the desired temperature in a room or house and to activate or deactivate heating and cooling systems. There is a wide variety of programmable and non-programmable models available to consumers today, some of which include Wi-Fi and other smart capabilities. New thermostat installations typically cost between $150 and $400.
  • Estimates. Get at least three price estimates from potential HVAC companies. With this data in hand, you’ll be able to make a well-informed choice on who should carry out the assignment and how much it should cost.
  • Varieties of Windows Not all glass panes serve the same purpose. Some may be sill-style devices that require a certain mounting, while others are designed for casement windows and are too tall for double-hung. Look into the recommended window type for the product in question before you buy it.
  • Blinds or shades, essentially. Instead of using curtains or drapes, you can get the seclusion you want by installing a blind or shade that can be lowered without interfering with the air conditioner.
  • Regulations. There may be restrictions on what kinds of units you can use if you live in a condo, apartment, or other community with a homeowners’ association. Always double-check with the HOA board or management company before making a major purchase.
  • Replacement. In most cases, the price of a new unit of the same size is comparable to that of an old one. The size and style of the unit have a small impact on the final cost. If, for instance, a smaller temporary unit were to be replaced with a larger permanent unit, the scope of the project would increase. In contrast, installing a new unit of the same size and type incurs the same expenditures as replacing an existing one.

How Do Window Air Conditioners Work?

This summer’s lack of comfort could be to blame. Do you want to know the inner workings of a window air conditioner? Is a window air conditioner something you’d consider installing in your home? Consider installing a window air conditioner this year if you haven’t already.

What is a window air conditioner?

An air conditioner that can be installed in a window is the most fundamental type. The whole system, including all its parts, fits into a single container. This AC unit may be powered by standard electrical sockets. Easily transferable from one window to another, and self-sufficient in operation, it’s a great addition to any home.

How does a window unit work?

The fundamental principles of any air conditioning system, even a window unit, are the same. When refrigeration is used to remove heat and humidity from a room, the room is cooled by circulating cool air throughout the space. Two of the most crucial components of any air conditioner are the evaporator coil and the condenser coil.

When the temperature in the room gets too high, the thermostat on the air conditioner kicks on and starts the fan. The room air that is drawn into the unit cools the cold refrigerant coils. By drawing warm air from the room and pushing it through the cold coils, aeration effectively reduces the ambient temperature.

How do you pick the right window AC unit for your home?

When shopping for a window air conditioner, size should be your top priority. You’ll need a unit that’s a touch on the small side if you want to keep the room cool, and that means it will have to work harder than it has to. Due to its size, it will cool the area too quickly without efficiently removing the humidity, leaving you in an uncomfortable temperature range.

Before settling on a window air conditioner, calculate the room’s area. To cool off one square foot of space, a window air conditioner needs to be able to produce roughly 20 British Thermal Units. The area of a room can be calculated by multiplying its length by its width. The area should be comfortably cooled by those BTUs. Carefully consider the window you want to install the unit in. Also, the effectiveness of this strategy can be altered by variables such as the size of the window, its placement within the room, and the climate outside. Think about how the weather might play a role.

How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner

  • The size of a window air conditioner is an important factor. Units of cooling capacity are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), and it takes 20 BTUs to cool one square foot of space (British Thermal Units). For the overall length and width of a room, just multiply the relevant measures by 20. The BTU output should be adequate for cooling the space. Take caution when determining where to put the unit. Factors such as window size, location, and orientation, as well as environmental factors like temperature and humidity, all have an impact on its energy efficiency. Consider the role that the weather might play.
  • Limiting the Number of Repairs
  • Bringing Down Your Electric Bill Monthly
  • preventing mold from multiplying
  • Making your home a healthy place for your family

Skipping this vital preventative measure can lead to early component failure or malfunction. Fortunately, this is a good development. The window air conditioner doesn’t require much in the way of special equipment or supplies for a complete cleaning. In the next paragraphs, you’ll find detailed instructions, including how often you should perform each step.

Before You Begin

When your air conditioner is running, it creates a humid environment that is ideal for mold growth, which can cause a variety of health problems for you and your family. 1 Hydrogen peroxide’s antifungal properties make it a good choice for cleaning AC units free of mold spores. The metal components of your air conditioner are vulnerable to corrosion from common antifungal cleaners (like bleach). To get started cleaning your unit, fill a spray bottle with a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution.

Verify its security after removing it from the wall outlet or turning off the breaker at the electrical panel. Eliminating the potential for electrocution is a top priority.

Midea U-Shaped Window Air Conditioner Review (2020) | WIRED

How Often to Clean a Window Air Conditioner

It is recommended to clean your window air conditioner properly before the first use of the season, and ideally once a year. According to the Department of Energy, window air conditioners should be given a thorough cleaning once a year, preferably before the first use of the season. The filter should be cleaned once a month and replaced every three months in addition to being cleaned once a year. 2

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Equipment accessory for use with a shop vacuum that consists of a brush
  • Fin comb or thin-bladed knife
  • Cleaning Fabrics
  • It’s a spray paint can, obviously
  • To put it simply, canned air is compressed air (optional)
  • A protective pair of gloves.
  • Screwdriver

Materials

  • A bottle of hydrogen peroxide that is 3% concentration
  • AC coil cleaner (optional)

Instructions

Remove and Clean the Face Panel

A plastic or metal grate, known as a face panel, covers the front of your air conditioner (or grille cover). It can be fastened to your PC using screws, clips, or tabs. To get rid of it, just follow the manual’s removal instructions. Some models may include the filter right in the face panel. Remove the filter in accordance with the manual’s directions.

After taking out the filter, spray the face panel with your favourite cleaning solution and wipe it down with a cloth to clean it. You may clean it up with a garden hose if you take it outside. Take off the front panel and let it air dry while you clean the remainder of the gadget.

Remove and Clean the Filter

The filter should be removed in accordance with the instructions provided in the user handbook for the air conditioner. Some models incorporate the filter into the front panel, while others conceal it behind the screen. After the bulk of the sediment has been cleaned off, the rest of the dust and grime can be vacuumed up and wiped away with a damp cloth.

For a deeper cleaning, take it outdoors and spray it down with the hose. It should take a couple of hours for the filter to dry out entirely after being flipped over halfway through.

Vacuum out the Interior

Put the vacuum cleaner to use by cleaning the inside of your air conditioner. The drain pan is at the bottom, the fan and blower are in the middle, and the evaporator and condenser are in the front and back, respectively.

The metal fins in the condenser and evaporator need special attention during cleaning. If you want to avoid damaging or bending the fins, you should vacuum vertically or up-and-down.

Tip

Wearing gloves is recommended whenever the aluminum fins on the compressor or evaporator need to be touched.

Spray it Down

First, spray the inside and outside of the cabinet with hydrogen peroxide to kill any germs or bacteria that may be lurking within, and then use a damp cloth to wipe down the accessible areas.

You can use the same spray cleaner on both the evaporator and condenser coils, or you can buy a dedicated AC coil cleaner spray cleaner. The cleaner air can be left to dry, or it can be washed away with water. Let the cleaner soak for 10–20 minutes to loosen any embedded residue before rinsing it off.

Tip

The condenser and evaporator coils can be dusted off with compressed air, and the fins can be sprayed with water. As a result, you can rest assured that your home has been thoroughly cleaned.

Straighten the Fins

Warped fins on the air conditioner’s evaporator or condenser could reduce its efficiency. Just above or below the curved areas, insert a knife or fin comb into the space between the fins. Use a knife or comb to run in the same direction (parallel) as the unaffected fins to straighten the bent ones.

FAQs

Does Lowes install window air conditioners?

In reality, though, all bills must be handled independently by each store.

Are window AC units hard to install?

A window air conditioner is very easy to set up. The typical setup time is under a minute.

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner in the wall?

Costs associated with installing a wall unit can exceed the $500 mark.

How much does it cost to install a window air conditioner?

With an average price of $546, the device and installation will cost an additional $50 to $150.

Should a window air conditioner be tilted?

A window air conditioner needs to be supported at its base if it is leaning.

Is it cheaper to run a window air conditioner or central air?

As opposed to single-room window air conditioners, central air conditioning can cool the entire house. Running individual window air conditioners is more expensive than running a large air conditioning system. On the other hand, if you only need to cool one room, a window unit will save you money over central air.

Do window AC units use a lot of electricity?

The SEER rating for an HVAC system is relative to the size of the system. Most people should expect to spend between $41 and $103 per year on running costs.

How much does it cost to replace an air conditioner?

New air conditioning installations might cost anything from $2,000 to $9,000.