Archives for July 2018

About Window Air Conditioners

How We Chose Units To Review

The units reviewed here have been selected based on manufacturers’ specifications and customer reviews when available. Units that did not offer a decibel rating, EER or weight were not considered for this review. After size and BTU ratings, these are perhaps the top three criteria that customers look at when purchasing an air conditioner. The units listed are ranked by noise in decibels, with the quietest units first and the loudest units last.

Top 10 Best Window Air Conditioners

This is unit makes significantly less noise than most of the other units reviewed here due to soundproofing material placed around the compressor. In addition to the remote control, it has a sleep setting and a 24-hour timer.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit’s remote control has a built-in thermostat. Set the temperature and put the remote in any part of the room, and the air conditioner will work toward achieving that temperature in that location. The unit also includes a programmable timer, an energy-saver switch and a sleep mode.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit has a 24-hour timer. In addition to its regular operation, it has a sleep mode and an energy-saver mode. The remote control has a built-in temperature sensor and can completely control the unit from anywhere in the room. A remote control which completely controls the air conditioner makes the unit an excellent choice for someone who is bedridden or has mobility issues.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit comes with a 24-hour timer and has an automatic restart feature. It also has a sleep mode. The remote control gives the user complete control of the unit throughout the room.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit comes with a 24-hour timer and has a sleep mode. A dirty air filter impedes efficiency and performance, so this unit will notify you when it needs to be cleaned. The remote control permits you to adjust the fan and temperature from anywhere in the room.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit includes a remote control, and when connected to a router via Wi-Fi it can be managed through a smartphone or other device using the LG SmartThinQ application.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

At 81 pounds this is the heaviest unit we reviewed. Some of that is due to the additional compressor weight that comes along with a 10,000 BTU air conditioner. It comes with a 24-hour timer and remote control.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit is a bit unusual in that it is only 12-1/4 inches high. It comes with a full-function remote control which includes timer and sleep mode controls.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This unit includes a full-function remote control with both a sleep mode and a timer.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In Conclusion

There are many models of window air conditioner on the market, even more when you consider that each model is available in multiple BTU ratings. Your challenge is to select the best window air conditioner for you. Unless you already know exactly what you are looking for, your local hardware or appliance store is always a good place to start. The sales associates can tell you about the different models the store carries, and because of this review you will understand what they are talking about. They should be able to help you find the one that is right for you.

What Is An Envirotemp Water Heater?

The Envirotemp offers an environmentally-friendly heater that uses extra insulation to prevent losing excessive heat. This not only cuts down your heat bill, but also gives you the peace of mind knowing you are using less fossil fuels for your hot water needs. This water heater is easy to use and has a simple button to ignite. It uses 34,000 BTUs to quickly and efficiently heat your hot water. If you are looking for a high-quality water heater with a reasonable price, this model offers a great value for anyone using natural gas for their hot water needs. It only has a gallon per hour (GPH) rate of 34.8, so it isn’t quite as fast at reheating as some other competitors on this list. This water heater is designed to be used in a residential setting and needs to be installed indoors. The water line comes in on top of the heater. It doesn’t have any WiFi or Bluetooth accessibility, so you won’t be able to access its features remotely. This model isn’t designed for high altitude uses. The Envirotemp water heater has a three-year warranty, but be careful – the three years begins on the manufacturing date, rather than the date of purchase.

What Size Water Heater Should I Use?

There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing a hot water heater. The size of the hot water heater is measured in gallons. This is the amount of water that is kept hot and ready for use. Typically, a household of one or two people will only need a 23 to 36 gallon hot water heater. Most water heaters on this list are larger, typically 40 or 50 gallons. These are made for three to five people. However, the amount of hot water you use, whether showers, dishwasher or laundry, dramatically affects the amount of hot water you need. Consider your own usage to best determine the size of hot water heater you’ll need. If you buy too large, you may pay more for heating than you need. Or, if you have a small hot water heater, you’ll soon be taking cold showers. However, this isn’t only affected by the size of your water heater, but also how quickly it can replenish its supply of hot water. In order to determine that amount, the industry uses GPH, or gallons per hour, to compare water heaters. This rate is typically set at 90 degrees. Whichever size you determine, you should also consider the heat source.

Should I Use A Natural Gas Water Heater?

There are several pros and cons to using natural gas for your water heater. It’s generally more expensive to buy a natural gas water heater. It’s also more complicated to install, so it could cost more to hire a professional. However, gas water heaters save you lots of money on your monthly bill and typically make up their cost difference in as little as one year. Because these water heaters all have a warranty of three or more years, and typically can last up to 15 years, natural gas is the more cost-effective choice. There are downsides to natural gas, like the upfront cost and the installation fees. They also can be more expensive to fix. However, natural gas water heaters are safe and very popular. Be sure, of course, that your house has a natural gas line available to use these water heaters. If you use propane, it could be more expensive.

How Can I Install A Water Heater?

Installing a water heater requires someone skilled in both electrical and plumbing work. While it can be a moderate DIY project, there are typically also permits required, depending on your area. Depending on your current water heater, there may be more work necessary to prepare for a natural gas water heater. It’s recommended that you hire a professional to take care of your water heater installation. That way, you can breathe easier knowing that your water heater is installed safely and correctly.

Specifications

Pricing

Tanked water heaters can range between $200 and $800, depending on the size and heat source. Each one comes with their own features, and different sized tanks are rated for different sized families. For a natural gas water heater, you can expect to spend between $300 and $800 on a good water heater. While that range accounts for tank size, it also accounts for build quality and ease of use. The water heaters on this list have a similar range in prices, between $414 and $715. The high-end water heater tanks not only hold more water, but also reheat the hot water more quickly and come with a longer warranty. Compare each water heater below to help determine whether a heater is worth the investment or not.

How It Compares

Pros And Cons Of The Envirotemp Water Heater

There are lots of factors to consider when purchasing a water heater, and many of the features on these models are very similar. Carefully look through each area to determine the pros and cons that are most useful to you. Whether you choose to purchase an Envirotemp water heater or not, many of these pros and cons are important features to notice in another brand or model of water heater.

Conclusion

For an environmentally-wise choice, the Envirotemp water heater receives 4 out of 5 stars. It has more than enough water to comfortably accommodate four people, and reheats the water relatively quickly. For its cost, it has the potential to save you plenty over its eight to 15 year lifespan. If you are planning to build a new house, this is a smart choice that will be easy to work around. Or, if you are purchasing this model to replace your old one, it’ll be an easy switch. If your current water heater is natural gas, a professional can easily replace it. An older electric water heater may need some adjustments and new piping in order to accommodate a natural gas replacement. On the other hand, a propane water heater has a very different design. If your house uses propane rather than natural gas, you won’t be able to use this model of Envirotemp water heaters. Unless you are a seasoned builder with experience in electrical, plumbing and gas lines, be sure to call a professional to help you install this. Most stores will also provide installation for an easy one-stop, stress-free experience.

What Is The Ruud Professional Achiever Plus?

Technically, the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus is a line of water heaters which includes electric water heaters and a wide range of different gas water heaters. For the purposes of this review, we’ll only be talking about the standard electric version and the atmospheric version of the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus as these are the two most popular models.

The Professional Achiever Plus is a standard residential water heater from Ruud, built for a long life, low costs and powerful performance. This isn’t the largest or most feature-filled water heater money can buy, but you also don’t have to spend a fortune on it. The Professional Achiever Plus is designed for easy installation and operation, making it a great residential water heater for DIYers.

If you need something other than the atmospheric or electric version of the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus, this water heater is also available in a range of other types, including heavy duty, heavy duty power direct vent, heavy duty power vent, heavy duty ultra-low NOx, induced draft, power direct vent, powered damper, and ultra-low NOx.

Specifications

As far as specifications go, the electric version of the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus water heater comes in capacities of between 30 and 50 gallons. This means you can easily find models capable of providing ample hot water for a household of three to five people. A UEF rating of .90 to .93 depending on the model means this unit is efficient, and its isolated tank prevents heat loss to further improve efficiency.

Both the upper and lower heating elements are made from resistored stainless steel, so your tank and anode rod will last a lot longer with the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus. A first-hour rating of 45 to 72 gallons (depending on model) gives you plenty of hot water for just about anything you need to do, and 21 GPH recovery at a 90-degrees Fahrenheit rise returns hot water to your home quickly.

An exclusive Ruud diagnostic system uses LEDs to show you exactly what’s going on with your Professional Achiever Plus water heater. If one of your heating elements isn’t working, this diagnostic system will figure out which one it is and alert you to it so you can get it fixed right away.

Other great features of the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus include a premium-grade anode rod that extends the life of your water heater, an over-temperature protector so your water heater doesn’t get too hot and compliance with many of the incentive programs offered by electric utility companies throughout the country. You also get EverKleen technology which works tirelessly to fight sediment, which saves you money and prolongs the life of your water heater.

The gas version of the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus has many of the same features as its electric counterpart, but there are a few key differences since it’s a different model. The atmospheric version of the Professional Achiever Plus is available in capacities of 40, 48, 50 and 55 gallons, so you can get a slightly larger tank but you have fewer choices. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll get a UEF of .58 to .66, giving you plenty of hot water at a low cost.

The first-hour rating depends on the capacity of the model you purchase but can be anywhere from 52 to 105 gallons with natural gas. You’ll also see a significant improvement in recovery with the atmospheric Professional Achiever Plus, with 36.4 to 61 GPH recovery at a 90-degree Fahrenheit rise. This makes the first-hour rating less important since you won’t have to wait long for more hot water anyway.

A built-in Ruud Guardian System means you have no filter to clean so the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus atmospheric water heater is easy to clean. A protective system will disable the water heater if there are flammable vapors in the air, and an air/fuel shutoff device can shut things down if there’s another problem.

Ruud’s Professional Achiever Plus atmospheric water heater is designed to meet 40 ng/J NOx requirements and requires no matches to light, so it’s very safe. It also features the same premium-grade anode rod and EverKleen technology that other Professional Achiever Plus series water heaters have.

As far as warranties go, both the electric and atmospheric version of the Professional Achiever Plus come with eight-year limited warranties for both parts and the tank. However, you can upgrade the tank warranty on the electric version to 12 years and the gas version to 10 years with Ruud ProtectionPlus.

Pricing

Ruud doesn’t actually have any pricing information available on its website, so the only way to figure out pricing on the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus series water heaters is to find them at a water heater supply store. Unfortunately, many of these websites will ask you to call to get a price which can be a hassle.

The good news is, we were able to find one website that had both the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus 50-gallon electric water heater and the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus 50-gallon atmospheric water heater in stock with prices clearly displayed. Keep in mind that the 50-gallon model is the largest in the electric lineup and the second-largest in the atmospheric gas lineup, so you can probably expect to pay a bit less if you’re looking for something smaller.

On M&L Supply, the 50-gallon Ruud Professional Achiever Plus electric water heater is priced at $552.64, while the 50-gallon Professional Achiever Plus atmospheric water heater is priced at $726.85. While these prices aren’t too far off typical 50-gallon water heater prices, they are competitive when you consider the features offered in the Professional Achiever Plus series.

How It Compares

You have a lot of choices when it comes to residential water heaters in standard sizes, so it’s important to compare some of your options before buying. If you’re considering a Ruud Professional Achiever Plus, take a look at similar models from other top manufacturers like Rheem and A.O. Smith.

The Rheem Performance Plus series is the closest thing Rheem makes to the Professional Achiever Plus, and it features some key differences that make it stand out. Instead of the stainless steel heating elements used in the Professional Achiever Plus, Rheem uses dual copper heating elements in the Performance Plus series. The first-hour rating is a bit lower with the Professional Achiever Plus, ranging from 52-63 gallons depending on capacity rather than 45-72. However, the recovery is essentially the same with the Rheem rated at 21-25 GPH at a 90-degree Fahrenheit rise compared to 21 GPH at a 90-degree Fahrenheit rise for the Professional Achiever Plus. You’ll also notice that these models have the same UEF rating of .93. Both the Professional Achiever Plus and Performance Plus series feature self-cleaning technology to prolong tank life and are low-lead compliant, plus the temperature and pressure relief valves are included. The electric version of the Rheem Performance Plus is priced competitively at $509.99 on Home Depot at the time of writing.

A.O. Smith also makes great water heaters, and the A.O. Smith ProLine SL water heaters make for a pretty good comparison with the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus. According to A.O. Smith, the ProLine SL water heaters are “commercial-grade residential.” What you’ll find when you look at the A.O. Smith Proline SL water heater is that it has many of the same specs and features as the Professional Achiever Plus. A UEF rating of .93 and a first-hour rating of 62 gallons put it right on par with the Professional Achiever Plus, though its included 10-year warranty on both the tank and parts give it a slight edge. Just like the Professional Achiever Plus, the A.O. Smith ProLine SL is designed to clean itself so your tank lasts longer. It also features a Coregard sacrificial anode which uses special technology to further protect the tank. As is usually the case, there’s a temperature and pressure relief valve included to make installation a bit easier for you – or whoever installs your water heater for you. A.O. Smith doesn’t specifically list a recovery rating for this water heater, but from their spec sheet it seems likely that it has a 21 GPH rating at a 90-degree Fahrenheit rise, which is about what you’d expect from a 50-gallon residential water heater. At the time of writing, you can purchase the A.O. Smith ProLine SL water heater for $728.95 from Home Perfect and $767.95 from SupplyHouse.com, so it will cost you a fair bit more than the other models.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new 50-gallon water heater for your home – whether you’re looking for a gas or electric model – the Ruud Professional Achiever Plus is a solid choice. A long-lasting tank, solid warranty and impressive first-hour and recovery ratings make it a good choice for mid-sized households. You won’t have to pay a fortune for this Ruud water heater either, as the electric model is priced just above $500. Despite the relatively high capacity and power of this water heater, it still offers great efficiency with a UEF rating of between .90 and .93 depending on the capacity you choose.

This model gets a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from us for its dependability, ease of installation, handy diagnostic system and very reasonable price.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Multi-Split Air Conditioner System From Fujitsu

All air conditioners function on the same basic principle, and the Fujitsu air conditioner is no exception. Liquid refrigerant in the system absorbs heat and water vapor from the air inside the building which cools the air. A fan then blows the cooled air around the house. As the refrigerant absorbs heat it transforms into a gaseous state. This gas or vapor is then collected in a component called a condenser. The refrigerant releases the heat that it had absorbed, returns to a liquid state and the process can begin all over again.

In most air conditioners the condenser and evaporator are all housed in one unit. In a split-type system, the condenser is housed in one unit which is stored outside, and the evaporator is another unit that is housed inside the building and also contains the fan to blow the air around. The two units are connected by tubing for the refrigerant and electrical wires. Ductwork is not involved, which is why this type of air conditioner is sometimes called a ductless system.

A simple split air conditioning system has only one evaporator that is strategically placed somewhere in the house. In a Fujitsu multi-split system, there is more than one evaporator installed within the home, all of which are attached to the same outdoor unit, and you can customize the system so that the evaporators are placed where you feel you need them the most. Each evaporator operates independently so you can choose which areas of the house you wish to cool at any given moment.

The Fujitsu multi-split air conditioning system is customizable to have from two up to eight indoor units placed throughout the home. The outdoor unit is compact but powerful and designed for energy saving. Its DC fan motor and twin rotary compressor are designed for efficiency and quiet operation. The system is programmed to perform minimum heating operation at 10 degrees Celsius in order to maintain room temperature, and heating and cooling modes switch automatically.

Evaporators come in several different designs, and you have options as to where they are mounted. The evaporators are often hung on walls, but another popular option is to mount them into drop ceilings. The area covered by each evaporator is known as a cooling zone, and each zone has its own thermostat that can be programmed individually. The easy-to-use controls include remotes as well as the wall-mounted thermostat. Each controller features large LCD displays and ergonomic design.

Pricing

The price of a multi-split air conditioning system depends upon the contractor that you choose to install it. If you are interested in installing a multi-split system, you will want to get estimates from several different contractors. The average cost of a split air system – that is, one condenser and one evaporator – is approximately $1,900. A multi-split system with more than one evaporator could cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,700 to install.

Comparison With Other Multi-Split Air Conditioning Systems

Fujitsu is a premium air conditioner brand, which means when it comes to cost it tends to be on the higher side of the scale, but it also has a longer life expectancy than standard brands. For our purposes, we will compare the Fujitsu system with other premium brands of multi-split air conditioning systems, judging based on installation costs, efficiency and warranties for both the compressors and the general parts.

Air conditioning efficiency is measured according to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is. Most multi-split air conditioning systems range from 15 to 38 SEER.

The installation costs and SEER values will vary depending on which model and system you choose. The following ratings are intended to give you an idea of what you can expect from each brand.

Estimated Cost of Installation for Multiple Indoor Units: $4,000 to $12,000

Estimated SEER: 25.5

Compressor Warranty: 7 years

General Parts Warranty: 5 years

Mitsubishi models boast some of the highest efficiency ratings with SEERs of approximately 26. Apart from the system's energy efficiency it is also constructed largely from recyclable materials, so it is environmentally friendly in that way as well. It has an infrared sensing feature that senses either hot or cold areas in the room and directs the air where it is needed the most. However, cost may be prohibitive as the Mitsubishi can cost almost twice as much as the Fujitsu to install.

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Estimated Cost of Installation for Multiple Indoor Units: $3,000 to $7,700

Estimated SEER: 20

Compressor Warranty: 12 years

General Parts Warranty: 12 years

Daikin has the lowest efficiency of any of the air conditioners reviewed here. Nevertheless, it holds an A++ European rating of seasonal efficiency. If you encounter difficulties it will stand behind its products for up to 12 years, which is the longest warranty length of any of the air conditioners reviewed here. Like Mitsubishi, Daikin also has infrared sensing technology as well as Wi-Fi capability for remote control and monitoring with a smartphone or similar device. Another desirable feature is the weekly timer which is good for people who live according to a predictable schedule from day to day. Daikin is a good choice for people who are willing to sacrifice some power for quiet operation.

Overall rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Estimated Cost for Installation of Multiple Indoor Units: $2,000 to $7,200

Estimated SEER: 22

Compressor Warranty: 5 years

General Parts Warranty: 5 years

Gree may be the best option for consumers on a budget as it has comparable efficiency with Fujitsu and Mitsubishi brands but can cost almost half as much. Gree systems also have Wi-Fi control capability. A downside to Gree is that it only offers wall-mounted indoor evaporators, not providing the variety of style and placement options compared to other premium brands. Also, a larger outdoor unit may mean a drop-off in efficiency; the bigger the unit, the worse the drop-off. The short length of the warranty is another significant drawback to Gree systems.

Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Pros And Cons Of Fujitsu Air Conditioner Systems

Depending on the system, Fujitsu systems run an average of 23 SEER. Warranties are 7 years for the compressor and 5 years for general parts.

Fujitsu Air Conditioner Final Verdict

Generally speaking, a multi-split air conditioning system offers multiple benefits over its window-mounted or central forced-air counterparts in terms of placement flexibility, customized zoned cooling, energy efficiency and quiet operation. However, it can be expensive to install upfront, although the long-term energy savings may make up for the initial cost in the long run. As is often the case there is no one air conditioning system that is the best for every home and every situation, and it is always a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable professional about your specific needs before you decide on the system you want to buy.

However, if you have decided on a multi-split air conditioning system, the top of the line brands are Fujitsu and Mitsubishi. The two brands offer similar benefits in terms of efficiency and warranties, but installation of a Fujitsu system can cost almost half as much as a Mitsubishi. If quality is all that matters and money is no object, either a Mitsubishi or Fujitsu system is probably a good choice for your home. If cost is a major consideration, however, Fujitsu has a slight edge over Mitsubishi.

Overall rating of Fujitsu Air Conditioner: 4 out of 5 stars