Window air conditioners are designed to cool one or multiple rooms that don't have access to adequate cooling. There are many things to consider when shopping for a window air conditioner, like size and maintenance. To learn more, here are 5 things to consider when shopping for a window AC: Cooling capacity should be your first consideration before buying a window AC. Cooling power is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, per hour–the basic measure of thermal energy. For the best efficiency and effectiveness, stick with a unit that has a BTU level designed to fit your space. A window AC with too little BTU power will run continuously to try to cool a large space and, in the process, will eat up your energy budget. A window AC that's too large for your space won't cool and dehumidify your space evenly, leaving your room air susceptible to uncomfortable hot and cold pockets. To find your ideal cooling capacity, calculate the size of the space you want cooled in square feet.

Then use the chart below to find the right amount of BTUs. Area To Be Cooled (Sq. Ft.) Capacity Needed (BTUs Per Hour) For a more detailed estimate, take these factors into consideration, too: To view available window ACs for your space, check out our options for these spaces: Most window AC models are designed to fit inside standard double-hung windows. ultra-sun sun-pure sp-20 uv air purifierFor step-by-step directions on how to install one through a window, check out our video and article on How to Install a Window AC.oreck air purifier dust However, many models can also be installed inside a custom-created wall space with special mounting hardware. dangers of ionic air purifiersThis is a useful alternative if your window's dimensions are too small or too large or if you don't have vertical sash windows.

When completely installed–whether in a window or through a wall–the window air conditioner will sit level inside the opening, with the warm air exhaust system facing outside and the cooling system facing inside. In addition, many window air conditioners feature a slide-out chassis and a rugged mounting sleeve that stabilize and secure the unit, while giving you easy access to it for maintenance. All window air conditioners come with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for installation. Because window air conditioners are more powerful than other common household appliances, make sure your existing electrical system meets the needs of the unit's electrical requirements. Most room air conditioners operate on 115-, 125- or 220-volt circuits. ACs with cooling capacities below 15,000 BTUs usually run on standard residential (115- to 125-volt) circuits. Window ACs with cooling capacities above 15,000 BTUs usually run on 220-volt circuits. With these models, you may need to install special electrical wiring or seek out an electrician to assist you.

Electrical requirements–including voltage, amps, and watts–will be listed in the specifications. In addition, the correct plug face type may be pictured or listed by its NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) classification. In general, window air conditioners are a more economical choice than central air conditioners. They cost less to purchase and–if sized correctly–are cheaper to operate over the long-term. To gauge a unit's energy efficiency, look for two things in the product's specifications: Energy Star rating and/or EER number. Energy Star-rated room air conditioners use approximately 10 percent less energy than comparable models and save you money on operating costs. These efficient ACs also have features that give you better control over operation and energy output. These include programmable timers, digital thermostats, and multiple cooling speeds. Most states also offer rebates for customers who purchase an Energy Star model. An EER (or Energy Efficiency Ratio) measurement tells you how many BTUs the unit uses for each watt of power.

Use this as a rule of thumb: the higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should shop for a room air conditioner that has an EER of at least 10.0 for the best energy- and cost-savings. Friedrich window air conditioners are known for both their high EERs and Energy Star-qualified operation. Window air conditioners require periodic maintenance to keep them in top condition. They can be vulnerable to outside dirt and debris, which can accumulate inside or on the back. In addition, dust and particles will build up on the air conditioner's air filter overtime. If left untreated, all of these things will eventually combine to reduce the effectiveness of your air conditioner. To ensure long-lasting operation, clean it thoroughly at least once per year. A window AC with a slide-out chassis make this convenient because all you have to do is slide the unit out to access it. Most air filters are washable with mild soap and water.

For specific maintenance tips for your model, refer to your owner's manual. For protection from pests, some room ACs, like the Friedrich Kuhl Series, are equipped with mosquito traps that allow condensation to flow outside without letting insects inside. For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials. Not sure what’s best for you? We can take the guess work out of decision-making. Contact our product experts toll free at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help you make your indoor environment a healthy one.More than one billion people – one sixth of the world’s population - are without access to safe water supply. At any given moment, about half of the world's poor are suffering from waterborne diseases, of which over 6,000 – mainly children – die each day by consuming unsafe drinking water. The world’s most prolific killer though is diarrhoeal disease from bacteria like typhoid, cholera, e. coli, salmonella and many others.

Safe water interventions have vast potential to transform the lives of millions, especially in crucial areas such as poverty eradication, environmental upgradation, quality of life, child development and gender equality. LifeStraw was developed as a practical response to the billions of people who are still without access to these basic human rights.The aptly-named LifeStraw is an invention that could become one of the greatest life-savers in history. It is a 25 cm long, 29 mm diameter, plastic pipe filter and costs just a few dollars (the manufacturers originally informed us the price was around US$2.00 but the price is now under review and we'll be posting a new price shortly. The most prolific killer of human beings in developed countries is the automobile, followed by a host of diseases resulting mainly from an indulgent lifestyle.Millions of people perish every year because they simply don’t have clean water to drink. Until now, there was not much we could do about this because systems to clean water were costly and required electricity and spare parts and and and … but the LifeStraw now offers a viable means of saving tens of millions of lives every year.

LifeStraw is a personal, low-cost water purification tool with a life time of 700 litres – approximately one year of water consumption for one person. Positive test results have been achieved on tap, turbid and saline water against common waterborne bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Enterococcus and Staphylococcu.If we (as in the big WE) can find a way of manufacturing and distributing one of these to each human at risk, every year, we could save countless lives (now there’s a noble outcome for the tech blogs and mags of the world to work together to promote this). Each LifeStraw lasts for one person’s annual needs of clean water – a simple straw costing a few dollars will ensure that one at-risk person will not die for a year - now that's a donation we can all make with a serious kicker!This LifeStraw was designed with special emphasize on avoiding any moving parts, as a sealed unit with no replaceable spare parts, and avoiding the use of electricity, which does not exist in many areas in the 3rd world.

But as force (power) is required to implement the filtering, Vestergaard Frandsen chose to use the natural source of sucking, that even babies are able to perform. A brief technical rundown is available at MedGadget, the internet journal of emerging medical technologies.Vestergaard Frandsen have managed to produce this product at a price that people in this business find hard to believe, but believed it had to achieve a price affordable to the Third World consumer.The original idea was created ten years ago by Torben Vestergaard Frandsen, but over the years in partnersjhip with The Carter Center, Rob Fleuren from Holland and Moshe Frommer from Israel, the Lifestraw emerged from work designed to make water filters capable of safeguarding against Guinea Worm. The invention which emanated from the work, the, LifeStraw, can keep away bacteria and diseases like diphtheria, cholera and diarrhoea.We’ll have more information on LifeStraw in the next week . In the meantime, LifeStraw has been nominated for a prestigious and vitally important INDEX: AWARDSINDEX: Awards focus specifically on design that significantly improves life for a large number of people and there’s a lot more information available in their nomination lists on the LifeStraw.The LifeStraw web site is now open.

Our suggestion is that if you are involved in a charity or community group, you make your group aware of this invention and its potential to improve the lives of millions of our less fortunate planetary brethren.In the meantime, LifeStraw supplied this list of FAQsQ1. LifeStraw is a portable water purification tool that cleanses surface water and makes it safe for human consumption. It is just 25 cm long and 29 mm in diameter and can be hung around the neck. LifeStraw requires no electrical power or spare parts.What does LifeStraw do? LifeStraw filters up to 700 litres of water and effectively removes most of the micro organisms responsible for causing waterborne diseases.Which diseases will LifeStraw prevent? LifeStraw kills disease causing micro organisms which spread diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, and Cholera.Which disease-causing micro organisms are filtered by LifeStraw? LifeStraw filters bacteria such as Shigella, Salmonella, Enterrococus, Staphylococcus Aureus and E.ColiQ5.

Are there any tests to prove this? LifeStraw has been tested by independent and qualified research laboratories.How does LifeStraw function? LifeStraw contains PuroTech Disinfecting Resin (PDR) - a patented, extraordinarily effective material that kills bacteria on contact. Textile pre-filters are used in the LifeStraw to remove particles up to 15 microns. Active carbon withholds particles such as parasites.What do the tests and research studies indicate? The studies indicate the following:The level of bacteria in the water will be reduced to levels that will provide water safe for human consumption. ‘Safe’ implies water from which any health risk is minimal. The particulate removal suggests that the number of any parasitic ova in raw water will also be reduced significantly. The released amount of iodine in water treated from LifeStraw is not normally damaging to human health. However, people having thyroid problems and allergic reaction to iodine must seek medical advice before using this tool.

What is the life expectancy of the LifeStraw? One year from the start of usage (calculation based on consumption of 2 litre water per day) or 700 liters. Use beyond expiry will not deteriorate existing water quality.What is the required daily water consumption? The WHO default levels for the quantities of drinking water (reference to WHO drinking water quality guidelines Third edition 2004, Annex III), are: For a 10 kg child, 1 litre water per day - thus 700 days tool For a 60 kg adult, 2 litre water per day - thus a 350 days toolWho can use the LifeStraw? Adults and children of any age can use the LifeStraw, provided they have capacity to suck waterHow should LifeStraw be used the first time? First time users are advised to spit out the first couple of mouthfuls (40 ml) as a small amount of harmless black carbon water will be expelled on initial use. First time users may find it difficult to start sucking. This is because a natural brake on the flow of water has been put into the LifeStraw, as a controlled flow between 100 ml to 150 ml per minute is needed to get the maximum benefit of the bacteria killing effect.