In years gone by, many people considered air conditioning a luxury and not something you would install in a tiny home.
But, today, there are multiple air conditioning options available that are easy to install, energy-efficient, and inexpensive – one of these is the window air conditioner.
Continue reading to explore how tiny house window air conditioners work, what type of products are available for purchase, and the benefits and drawbacks of this type of system.
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How does window air conditioning work in tiny homes?
A tiny house window air conditioner is among the most simple forms of AC unit, with one single box that contains all of the elements you will need to cool your space. This unit is usually installed in a preexisting window or inserted into a specially cut hole.
These conditioners use two air cycles; one blows indoor air over the evaporator to keep it cool, while the other fans outside air over the condenser to keep it cool.
A tiny house window air conditioner unit works in much the same way as any other air conditioning device. Its basic components include a thermostat, a fan, tubes filled with refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil.
The thermostat is triggered when the room temperature rises, which turns on the fan. Hot air is pulled into the unit, where the refrigerant coils remove the heat and humidity. This cold air is then pushed back into the room, decreasing the overall temperature of your space.
You don’t need a particularly big tiny house window to incorporate a window air conditioner, although its a good idea to keep it free from blinds or other window treatments.
Best tiny house window air conditioners
TOSOT 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
This minimalistic air conditioner has a sleek aesthetic while providing adequate air conditioning for spaces up to 550 square feet. The TOSOT conditioner offers three products in one, acting as an air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier.
In addition, the unit possesses smart temperature control different from many other models. While the thermostat is most often found inside the unit, the TOSOT places it inside the remote, which can be kept at your side for the perfect temperature control right where you are.
By purchasing the TOSOT, you can feel satisfied that you made a good choice for the environment and your wallet, with the high energy star rating of this product.
The GE Window Air conditioner is particularly adept at cooling smaller areas. It comes with two modes and different fan speeds to achieve the optimum room temperature, and it’s ideal for evening use with its low noise operation.
In addition, the GE air conditioner comes with an easy installation kit and a slide-out filter to make cleaning a breeze.
LG Mounted Wi-Fi 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner.
For the tech-savvy, the LG smart air conditioner allows you to control your unit from anywhere and from multiple devices such as Alexa and Hey Google. It comes with three fan and cooling speeds to customize the settings for your space and has a low noise performance.
Plus, the LG window air conditioner uses energy-efficient technology, providing it with a high standard of energy usage that translates into savings on your electricity bill.
Pros and cons of window air conditioning in tiny homes
Window air conditioners are an affordable option for those on a budget. A typical unit can cost anywhere between $150 and $500, and they are easy to install as they don’t require any wirework.
However, window air conditioning can be less pleasing aesthetically than a mini-split AC. While the latter can be tucked behind your tiny home, a window air conditioner requires you to cut a hole in the side of your tiny house, where half of the air conditioner will be outside and the other half inside.
Many of these units are designed to be placed within your window frame, but the problem is the fit because tiny house windows (along with many other features) are uniquely designed and do not fit traditional standards.
If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient source of air conditioning, then a window air conditioner may be just the device you’re looking for. With many specifically designed for small places and equipped with a range of cooling options, there’s something to suit everyone and provide the optimum temperature in your tiny home.