Energy Efficiency

Window Air Conditioning

Units–High Efficiency
Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning
Description: Window air conditioning units
are small, single-packaged units designed to
be mounted in the space of an open window
and plugged into a conventional electrical
receptacle. They provide cooling to a single
space up to 1,000 square feet in area. High-
efficiency models are constructed with highly efficient compressors and
fan motors, improved heat transfer materials, and better controls than
standard models. As a result, they perform 15-20 percent more efficiently
than commercially available standard models. Air-source heat pumps are
available in the same window-mounted configuration.
While the term “high efficiency” is not a strictly defined term, for the
purposes of this Technology Profile it is used to denote units that meet
Energy Star energy efficiency thresholds, which also meet FEMP recommen-
dations for minimum performance.
Applications: Window air conditioning units can be used to cool virtually
any space having operable windows. Such units have the benefit of being able
to be purchased individually rather than having to finance a large system at
one time. They have lower installation costs than larger air conditioning
equipment that is permanently installed with piping, wiring, and ductwork.
Window units provide individual cooling control to the occupants of each room.
If one fails, the rest of the spaces in the building are not affected, and the unit
can often be replaced quickly. The drawbacks of such equipment may be higher
capital cost, lower energy efficiency, and considerably more noise in the cooled
space than a central air conditioning system would produce. They are generally
inadequate to provide cooling to a room larger than 1,000 square feet or one with a
substantial internal heat load such as a conference room.
Window air conditioners, like large air conditioning systems, should be sized for the
area to be cooled. Air conditioners remove heat as well as humidity from the air. If
the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove a portion of the
humidity, leaving the room with a damp, clammy feeling. To completely cool a
room, running a smaller unit for a longer time will use less energy than running a
larger unit for a shorter time. While a full heat-load calculation is best, the table below
can be used to approximate the size of air conditioner to use.
Energy Resources for Schools Factsheet
Performance/Costs: Minimum equipment performance standards are set by the National Appliance Energy
Conservation Act (NAECA). The standard varies depending on the size and configuration of the air condi-
tioner. FEMP also has recommendations for minimum efficiencies, depending on size. Units exceeding mini-
mum standards for energy consumption by at least 15% are eligible for the Energy Star label. More efficient
units should operate more quietly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is defined as the ratio of the cooling capacity of the air conditioner (in British
thermal units—Btu—per hour) to the total electrical input (in watts) under ARI-specified test conditions. Aver-
age running time for a window air conditioner varies with climate and type of use.
Example: A 5,500 Btu/hr unit serving a 200-square foot office space, operating 600 hours per year.
A unit that meets NAECA standards would have an EER of 8.0 and would draw 688 watts (5500/8), while an
Energy Star-certified window air conditioner with an EER of 10.0 would draw 550 watts (5500/10). Over a full
year, the energy savings of the Energy Star-certified unit would be 82.8 kWh (138 watts x 600 hours / 1000
watts/kWh).
Costs for window air conditioners vary with style and mounting characteristics. One manufacturer lists a 8,000
Btu/hr cooling unit (window mounting only, EER 9.2) for $309, a more stylish 8,400 Btu/hr window or
through-the-wall unit (EER 9.2) for $429, or a 8,600 Btu/hr unit (window mounting only, EER 10.0) for $329.
Local market conditions will also affect prices between models.
Availability: Compare several manufacturers and models and look for the Energy Star certification for high
efficiency. Energy Star-certified air conditioners are available at most appliance retailers.

For Additional Information:

Energy Star Room Air Conditioners
Energy Star Appliance Program on-line database
http://www.energystar.gov/products/roomair/index.html
Room Air Conditioner Recommendation
This FEMP site includes information on where to find energy-efficient room air conditioners, a cost-effective-
ness example, buyer tips, and a database of complying models.
http://www.eren.doe.gov/femp/procurement/rac.html
Database of High-Efficiency Room Air Conditioners
A California Energy Commission database of manufacturers and models
http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/appliances/roomair/ROOMAIR.HTM
Top-Rated Energy-Efficient Appliances—Room Air Conditioners
A listing from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
http://aceee.org/consumerguide/toprac.htm

© 2003 Washington State University Cooperative

Extension Energy Program. This publication
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Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Energy Program. WSUCEEP00-144
Credit: Photo courtesy of Carrier corporation