Alternatives to Air Conditioning Window Units

Evaporative Cooler

• An evaporative cooler is a type of air conditioning unit that works well in hot climates with low humidity. You might have heard of this unit under its alternate name of "swamp cooler." An evaporative cooler uses a cooling method that's different from a traditional air conditioner. The unit contains a large fan with moist pads positioned in front. Hot air from outside enters the unit and passes through the moist pads. When the hot hair comes in contact with the moist pads, the pads cause the air to cool. The fan then circulates the cool air through the home. An evaporative cooler needs a steady supply of water and can use anywhere from 3.5 to 10 gallons of water per hour. Although you can install an evaporative cooler in a window, you also can install it on a roof. An evaporative cooler uses less energy than a window air conditioner and is easier to maintain.

Portable Air Conditioner

• A portable air conditioner is a unit that easily moves from room to room. It's a freestanding unit that doesn't require installation. You can use it in a bedroom one night and the next night move it to the living room. Any room is suitable as long as there's a window for the exhaust hose. The unit comes with a window bracket for the exhaust hose, which allows the unit to remove hot air from the room via the window. The bracket is removable and can easily travel when you're ready to move the unit. A portable air conditioner is usually a good choice in situations where central air and window air conditioning units are prohibited or not desired.

Central Air Conditioner

• A central air conditioner unit can cool an entire home. Central air requires a system of ducts to supply air throughout the home. Many modern homes are already prepared for central air. If the home has ducts, you'll have to choose a unit that's suitable for the existing ducts. If you don't have ducts, you'll need to install them. The U.S. Department of Energy says that adding ducts to an existing home is difficult and not always cost effective. In most cases, you'll need a licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor to inspect your home and install your central air unit if feasible.

Whole House Fan

• A whole house fan installs in an attic and cools the entire home. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports a whole house fan removes the need for other forms of air conditioning. The fan draws outside air into the home via the windows, and exhausts hot indoor air out via the attic. During hot months, the temperature inside your home can exceed the temperature outdoors when you do laundry, cook or use appliances or other items that produce heat. A whole house fan cools a house whenever the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature. Install a whole house fan that's the correct size for your attic and home. Once the fan cools the home, the location should remain cool after the whole house fan is turned off.