Portland summers seem to get warmer every year. While many homes were built without air conditioning, homeowners today have more cooling options than ever before.
When people think about adding air conditioning, they often assume a ductless mini split and central AC are the only solutions. While mini splits are an excellent option for some homes, they’re also a significant investment.
For many bedrooms, home offices, and upstairs rooms, a modern window air conditioner can provide outstanding comfort for a fraction of the upfront cost.
Call or text (503) 549-1070 or fill out a request form to request professional window AC installation today!
Not All Window Air Conditioners Are the Same
Many people picture the noisy window air conditioners from years ago.
Fortunately, today’s inverter window air conditioners are dramatically different.
One model I frequently recommend is the Midea U-Shaped Smart Window Air Conditioner because it addresses many of the complaints people have about traditional window units.
Midea 12,000 BTU DOE U-Shaped Smart Window Air Conditioner, for spaces up to 550 sq. ft.
Unlike conventional designs, the U-shaped design allows the compressor to sit outside the window while the window closes down into the middle of the unit. This helps lower indoor noise while creating a better seal around the window for higher energy efficiency.
A Great Alternative to a Mini Split
Mini splits are highly efficient and work well for whole-home comfort or when multiple rooms need cooling.
However, they’re not always the most practical solution.
If you simply want to cool:
- A primary bedroom
- A child’s bedroom
- A home office
- A finished attic
- A bonus room
- A guest room
A quality window air conditioner may provide all the comfort you need without the higher installation cost of a ductless system.
In many cases, homeowners can achieve the comfort they’re looking for while spending only a small fraction of what a professionally installed mini split typically costs.
Lower Energy Bills
Older window air conditioners were known for being loud and inefficient.
Modern inverter models continuously adjust the compressor speed instead of repeatedly turning on and off. This allows the unit to maintain a more consistent temperature while using less electricity. Midea states its inverter technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 35% compared to traditional window AC units.
For homeowners who only need to cool one or two rooms, this can also reduce the need to cool the entire house with central air conditioning.
Surprisingly Quiet
Noise is one of the biggest reasons homeowners avoid window air conditioners.
The Midea U-shaped design places the loud compressor outside the window opening, making it much quieter than traditional window AC units, as low as 32 dBA. Independent reviewers have consistently praised its low noise levels, especially in bedrooms and home offices.
32 dBA is the noise level of a modern refrigerator–virtually unnoticeable.
If you’ve avoided window ACs because of noise in the past, newer inverter models may change your opinion.
Smart Features You’ll Actually Use
Many newer window air conditioners include features such as:
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Smartphone control
- Voice assistant compatibility
- Programmable schedules
- Sleep modes
- Remote controls
These features make it easy to cool your room before you get home or automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day and during your sleep.
Professional Installation Makes a Difference
Even though many window air conditioners are marketed as DIY-friendly, proper installation is important.
A properly installed unit should:
- Sit securely in the window
- Be properly supported
- Seal well to reduce air leaks
- Drain correctly
- Operate safely without excessive vibration
Many homeowners are surprised by how heavy these units have become. The inverter models often weigh over 50 pounds, and manufacturers recommend two people for installation.
Is a Window Air Conditioner Right for Your Home? How Much Does It Cost?
If you’re trying to cool your entire house, a central HVAC system or mini split may still be the better long-term solution. The average upfront professional installation cost ranges from $4,500 to $10,000 for a central AC system and $3,000 to $15,000 for a multi-zone ductless mini-split system
However, if your goal is simply making one or two rooms comfortable during Portland’s warmer months, a modern inverter window air conditioner can be an excellent value. The labor cost for professional window AC installation is around $150-$300 per unit.
It’s a practical upgrade that offers improved comfort, lower energy use, and far less upfront investment than many whole-home cooling systems.
The Handyman’s Take: Consider also the long-term maintenance and replacement costs. We all know that window ACs are almost bullet proof and require little to no maintenance. Even if they do break, the replacement costs are much lower. On the contrary, average annual professional maintenance cost for a mini-split system is $200 to $500 per year.
Expert Window Air Conditioner Installation in Portland
At EC Handyman Solutions, I install customer-supplied window air conditioners throughout Portland and the surrounding areas, so you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home all summer long.
Our goal at EC Handyman Solutions is to make your life easy. We offer professional window AC installation and make sure:
- ✔ Your window is compatible
- ✔ The AC unit is properly supported
- ✔ Mounting brackets are installed securely
- ✔ The unit is pitched correctly to drain properly
- ✔ Work area is cleaned up before we leave
- ✔ You are 100% satisfied with our services
By working with us, your home will be a place to enjoy life, instead of a list of to-dos for the weekends and holidays.
Call or text (503) 549-1070 or fill out a request form to request professional window AC installation today!