Does A Window Air Conditioner Need A Surge Protector?
Does A Window Air Conditioner Need A Surge Protector?
No. An AC surge protector is used to protect your AC unit from an electrical surge (which can also be caused by lightning strikes). Air conditioners are not sensitive to surges, but some electronic devices may be damaged by them.
Some people believe that a surge protector must be used when using a window air conditioner in order to keep the unit from damaging the electronics in their home. This is inaccurate. Air conditioning systems operate on 480V and 60Hz power, which is much different from that of most electronic devices most people own.
A standard outlet, twenty-four inches away from the AC unit will provide protection for your AC unit without any need for a surge protector. They might also be able to provide some additional information based on their personal experiences or research on the subject.
If you have additional questions about surge protectors, give the company you purchased your unit from a call to ask them how much experience they have with this type of product and what type of damage or problems they may be able to prevent.
If you do require a surge protector, you will want to make sure that one is placed close to your air conditioning unit and that it is plugged into the same electrical outlet your AC unit uses to operate. Do not worry about the circuit breaker blowing when you plug in a surge protector—this is normal.
How Cold Can A Window Air Conditioner Get?
Air conditioners are not intended to operate or produce temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15.5 degrees Celsius. They’re happiest when the temperature is around 68 degrees. Most thermostats simply won’t let you go below this temperature. However, you may be able to dial in temperatures between 60 and 62 degrees.
The colder you go, the harder your unit works. At 12 degrees Fahrenheit, your air conditioner will run at maximum capacity and will consume twice as much energy as it would if running at 68 degrees.
If you are going to be using an AC at a temperature below 60 degrees, you should look into installing an outdoor model that is designed for temperatures below 40 degrees. You should also use a space heater to warm up the room before using your air conditioner on really cold days.
This will help keep your overall energy costs down. Also, remember that an AC unit will consume more energy when you run it below 40 degrees Fahrenheit—especially if you have a gas-powered model.
Depends on how cold your area gets every winter. An air conditioner is designed to keep a room at a steady temperature, from 75 to 80 degrees. If you have one that goes down to 55 degrees, it’s probably OK, but it will try to cool the other rooms in your home as well—which may not be good for those who need the heat.
When you install an air conditioner and set it for a temperature less than 60 degrees, check the attic for animals like squirrels or birds that might be in distress because of the difference in temperatures. Insulate the unit and make sure there’s nothing stuck in it.
If you can’t find an energy-efficient model that will allow you to cool your home down to 55 degrees, get a furnace instead—and put your expensive AC somewhere else (like outside).