I’ve had my new AC unit for about a month and so far it has worked really well. The real test is today and ahead.
Since my apartment has two large south facing windows it can get warm in the summer. The last summer I was here I was using the built in PTAC (air exchange) units. They were ok but they were noisy, dusty and need to be serviced every six months due to their poor design.
The technology is older and kind of expensive. In order to keep things cool I had to run both of them 24/7 from spring to fall and it cost on average $250 or more a month to keep cool.
In the last month the AC unit along with the electrical usage of everything else was only $217. So already that is a win. Now the real test can it continue to function adequately?
The challenge is that it is 8000BTUs and for a one bedroom apartment that may not be enough. The square feet of my total apartment is twice what it says it is designed to handle. However having it run almost 24/7 and the build in dehumidifier has made it cooler than the old PTAC units ever were. Even if it ends up being more costly, it is also way more comfortable.
Why am I sharing this? Just to say that if your building allows it, buying a floor AC and venting the hot air outside though the window is a very effective strategy. I also like that i have the backup built in units in case I have a problem with the new AC. It is nice having a plan B. We all need a safety net in our lives.