I rent an apartment in Anchorage, Alaska. In my 15 years in this state I have never even considered air conditioning, but this apartment gets beastly hot in the summer. It has huge windows facing south and slightly west that just bake the place. Even with fans on high in front of all windows that open, it easily gets over 90F (32C), even though the outside temperature rarely gets over 75F (24C). Dammit! I didn't move to Alaska to be hot! My apartment complex requires that their blinds be visible from the outside, making blackout curtains problematic. We are allowed window AC units, but I'm not finding any that are powerful enough for my main living area that will also fit into the obvious window.
I'm definitely looking for the least expensive effective option. While environmental issues are always a concern, I don't pay my own electric, so electric usage is less of a concern than it would otherwise be. I can get a small unit now that will fit in the small window early in the season and add another later if that will help.
Window 1 is 16" wide. The opening is about 3 feet above the floor, and it is unobstructed by furniture. I wish I could find a 9,000 BTU unit that would fit there, but this 5,000 BTU unit is the only one I can find: Small AC Unit on Amazon. It says it is 16" wide, which is exactly how wide my window is (with perhaps 2mm of wiggle room). I will call the manufacturer before I purchase it to make sure that it will actually fit.
Windows 2 and 3 are 19" wide. They open about 1 foot from the floor. Flow from them will be blocked by the recliner, but I can pull it out to about 3 feet from the windows during the hot season.
The ceiling is level and of "average" height.
I might be able to squeeze this 10,000 BTU unit into window 2 or 3, but it will be close. I have less than 2mm of wiggle room. This 8,000 BTU unit will definitely fit. My biggest concern with units in either of those windows is that they will only be a foot from the floor.
So, if it will fit, can I get away with just the 10,000 BTU unit in window 2 or 3? Will just the 5,000 BTU unit help at all? Should I prepare to need the 5,000 BTU unit and the 8,000 BTU unit a month later (and hotter)? Is either window 2 or 3 a better option? I'm open also to any other advice you may have.
Best Answer
I'd go with 2 5,000's side by side in windows 2 & 3. However, if any of the 3 operable windows are top & bottom tilt-ins for cleaning & therefore both sashes can be completely removed. Then, I'd go for a thin but Tall AC unit, click the right scroll bar 4-times to see the larger models. As you'll see these would even fit quite loosely in window #1, the preferred window.