Window air conditioners are generally seen as the horizontal casements which are installed through the windows. But there are also vertical window air conditioners available in the market, although they are not as popular as the horizontal ones. Here are some important facts about vertical window air conditioners that you should know before making a purchase.
What are vertical window air conditioners?
As their name suggests, vertical window air conditioners are window air conditioners which are mounted vertically. They are installed through windows because they have vents at the sides of their casements, but they are upright in position because they are designed to fit windows which open vertically. There are quite a number of homes which have vertical windows, and homeowners who have a combination of vertical and horizontal windows may choose to occupy either space for an air conditioner.
How are they different from the horizontal ones?
In terms of appearance, the orientation of the appliance is the major difference between the two. Vertical air conditioners are upright and their louvers are narrower because they are high, not wide. The controls are found on the uppermost horizontal panel. In contrast, horizontal models have controls located in one corner, usually the lower right corner of the appliance. The louvers are wide, but sometimes the louvers are just located in one side of the appliance, beside the grilles and above or below the controls.
However, in terms of functionality and operation, window air conditioners are very similar regardless of their orientation. They have a one-set system which includes everything in a single casement. The sides of the casement have vents which allow moisture to drip out of the appliance. The operation of the system, which involves the circulation of the air from the room to the compressor and out of the evaporator and condenser, is exactly the same.
What are the basic features and specifications of these appliances?
There aren’t many models of vertical window air conditioners, but they are very much like horizontal ones. They have cooling capacity range of around 8,000 to 13,000 BTU which is the range most ideal for room use. There are also newer models today which feature state-of-the-art technology like remote control operation, LCD display, 24-hour timer, multiple fan speeds, quiet operation, Energy Star qualifications, environment-friendly refrigerants, and many others.
Which manufacturers offer vertical window air conditioners?
Currently, Frigidaire is one of the most popular brands in the market that sells vertical window air conditioners. Other brands that offer these appliances include Whirlpool, Haier, Kenmore, Danby, Fedders, and a few others.
How much are vertical air conditioners?
The prices of these devices are also quite similar with horizontal air conditioners, ranging from around $300-$800. But the prices are mainly dependent on the features and specifications of the appliance.
Conclusion
Despite being less popular than horizontal models, vertical window air conditioners are just as efficient for cooling a room as their horizontal counterparts. These devices are very similar to the conventional types of air conditioners but the unique appearance of the appliance adds spice to the home, and offers flexibility for homeowners with vertical windows. We hope this guide helps you understand what you’re getting with a vertical window air conditioner so you can make an informed, educated purchasing decision.