Important features Air conditioners
An air conditioner's exterior-facing portion contains a compressor, fan, and condenser, while the part that faces a home's interior contains a fan and an evaporator. Most room models are designed to fit double-hung windows, though some are built for casement and slider windows and others for in-wall installation.
Most models have adjustable vertical and horizontal louvers to direct airflow. Many offer a fresh-air intake or exhaust setting for ventilation, although this feature moves a relatively small amount of air. An energy-saver setting on many units stops the fan when the compressor cycles off and monitors the temperature. Electronic controls and digital temperature readouts are also common. A timer lets you program the unit to switch on (say, half an hour before you get home) or off at a given time. Many models also include a remote control. Some models install with a slide-out chassis--an outer cabinet that anchors in the window, into which you slide the unit.
All models built after July 2004 also have safer plugs that help prevent fires by shutting down power if they sense that the power cord is damaged. The plugs include test and reset buttons like those on bathroom and outdoor outlets. Some Frigidaire models include infinitely variable fan speeds, while some Haier and LG units have a dehumidifying-only mode that's useful on humid but cool days in spring and fall.
See our latest Ratings of air conditioners and related information (available to subscribers).
An air conditioner's exterior-facing portion contains a compressor, fan, and condenser, while the part that faces a home's interior contains a fan and an evaporator. Most room models are designed to fit double-hung windows, though some are built for casement and slider windows and others for in-wall installation.
Most models have adjustable vertical and horizontal louvers to direct airflow. Many offer a fresh-air intake or exhaust setting for ventilation, although this feature moves a relatively small amount of air. An energy-saver setting on many units stops the fan when the compressor cycles off and monitors the temperature. Electronic controls and digital temperature readouts are also common. A timer lets you program the unit to switch on (say, half an hour before you get home) or off at a given time. Many models also include a remote control. Some models install with a slide-out chassis--an outer cabinet that anchors in the window, into which you slide the unit.
All models built after July 2004 also have safer plugs that help prevent fires by shutting down power if they sense that the power cord is damaged. The plugs include test and reset buttons like those on bathroom and outdoor outlets. Some Frigidaire models include infinitely variable fan speeds, while some Haier and LG units have a dehumidifying-only mode that's useful on humid but cool days in spring and fall.
See our latest Ratings of air conditioners and related information (available to subscribers).
