Consumer Reports Reveals How To Get The Most Out Of A Window AC Unit This Summer

Heat alerts and temperatures in the triple digits are becoming a fact of life in the summer. While the scorching weather may be brutal, a window AC unit can help you stay cool, at least in one room of your house. But for it to be most effective, there are some key tips to follow, as Consumer Reports highlights in its Ultimate Heat Survival Guide.

Before the next heat wave hits your area, Consumer Reports recommends taking some specific steps to get the most out of your window AC unit. First up: Make sure it's in a north-facing or shaded window. If not, your air conditioner will have to work harder to provide cooling. Not only does that put more strain on the unit itself (which can cause it to break down earlier than it would otherwise), but it also forces it to use more power — and drives up your electric bill. Consumer Reports also suggests moving lamps, electronics, and other heat-emitting items out of the AC unit's airflow path.

It's also important to maintain your air conditioner regularly to keep it in good shape, according to Consumer Reports. (Fortunately, you can clean a window AC unit without removing it.) Every other week, remove the filters and vacuum them. Then, every two months (at minimum), wash the filters with warm, soapy water, and let them dry completely before putting them back in.

In addition to those recommendations from Consumer Reports, we have a couple of our own as well. The first is to check along the perimeter of the AC unit and look for gaps where air could leak into or out of your home. If you spot any, seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Another idea: When running your AC unit, put an oscillating fan in front of it (with the front of the fan facing into your room). This can help circulate the cooled air more evenly throughout your space — without cranking up the settings on your air conditioner.

One more thing to consider: If you have an older window AC and it's struggling to work like it used to, it may be time for an upgrade. A good place to start is by checking out Consumer Reports' best window air conditioner for small rooms. (Hint: It's an LG product). Above all, though, remember to buy the right-sized window AC for your space. If yours is too small, it might not be powerful enough to cool your room; if it's too big, it could waste a ton of energy in the process.