Home & Garden Blog

Last week we talked a little about fans and how they can save you money as opposed to air conditioning units.  But sometimes, let’s all admit it together, the heat is so unbearable that no amount of fans (paper, electric, water-powered or otherwise) will do the trick!  When it comes to that, it’s time to start considering air conditioning units.  If your house doesn’t have central air installed, the less-invasive way of outfitting your home with air conditioning is window units.  Not the most beautiful designs, but definitely cheaper than installing central air (especially in an older home) you want to make sure window units are carefully concealed, either at the back of the house, or under awnings and curtains.  It is always good to take a look at these window units in person, or measure out the ideal depth from your window; often the unit will hang more than a foot out of your window, which could be a hazard if not properly secured (especially if you live in a stormy or windy area).  Here are some window units at affordable prices that you should consider if the heat is beating you and your family this summer:

LG Thru-Wall/Window Air Conditioner: $359.00

Marked down from $449.00, the LG 7000 Energy Star rated window air conditioner comes with remote control and has multiple fan speeds and an energy saver button that changes the compression in the fans and sets the entire system to turn off once the desired temperature is reached in the room.  The unit is good for a room 10ft x 15ft.

BEST DEAL: Sunpentown WA-1091S-Window Air Conditioner: $308.99

A little bit more simple and basic of a model from the LG, the Sunpentown window air conditioner has two fan speeds, thermostat controlled energy saver, 1-24 hour timer setting and window installation kit included.  Cooling area projected between 350-400 square feet.

THRIFTIEST: Haier 5,200 BTU Window Air Conditioner: $109.99

With only 4 settings (two cool setting and two fan settings), mechanical controls and a changeable filter, the Haier is not the most efficient or sleek model, but it certainly gets the job done.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable air conditioning units.

At last it is starting to cool off, well at least at night. We are experiencing the most bizarre weather (California, that is) it is really cold at night and early morning, then it gets really warm and hot in the afternoon!

On the radio this morning, some idiot chimed in that it was all Al Gore’s fault, weirdo! Funny how only when the seasons begin to get really bonkers do people start questioning pollution and green house theories as valid. Better late than never I suppose.

Well die hard environmentalist would argue that you shouldn’t even use air conditioners and heaters. But I am not that person, so I argue that in lieu of heating your whole home one should purchase a space heater and just warm the rooms you and your family use frequently. Makes sense to me, and I am sure it saves energy.

I think the Patton Electric Ceramic tower heater is a wise choice. The image is listed above and it offers the following features:

• space saving
• heat and cold (you don’t have to buy another one in the summer)
• remote control operable
• high/medium/low settings
• comfort temp. digital thermostat
• oscillating
• price: $71.11

Not bad right? I especially like the fact that it is both a heater and an air conditioner. The seasons and temperatures have been so quirky that you never know what setting you will need to use through out the span of the day, let alone the season!

To purchase this heater and shop for assorted models, click here.