If your home or office does not already have central air conditioning, chances are this sort of installation will be too expensive for your budget, especially with kids. The good news is that there are cheaper alternatives to help you stay cool during the summer months! Here are three things to keep in mind before installing an air conditioner in your family home yourself. 

Type of Unit For You 

The two most common types of air conditioning units are the window unit and the portable unit. Both must be installed near a window and close to a three-prong power outlet. 

The window unit you choose will depend on the size of the window in which you will place it. A portable unit, however, can be moved around from room to room. You just need to set up an air-tight evacuation system. 

Size of Room and Window

Whether you opt for a window unit or a portable unit, before making your purchase, you should consider the size of the room it needs to cool. The larger a room is, the more energy it will require to cool down the space. If you install an air conditioning unit with a low voltage in a big room, your unit will run constantly until it reaches the set temperature. In this case, you will pay the price on your next electricity bill.

On top of that, don’t forget to take precise measurements of the window you will install your new unit in. You will need to carefully note the dimensions so you don’t have to return your unit later on because it doesn’t fit properly. 

Keeping the Cold Air In

In order for any air conditioning unit to function properly, there cannot be hot air seeping inside your home. This will not only make your space hotter but is not very energy efficient or budget-friendly. All window units usually come with accordion-style flaps on the side of the unit itself. Once it has been placed in your window sill, slide out these security flaps and screw them into the window frame. 

To seal off any gaps around the evacuation hose of your portable air conditioning unit, you need to follow the directions in the kit that comes with it. These adapter packs are easy to use and require very little preparation beforehand.

If ever the adapter kit does not contain the right parts or does not fit your window, there are ways to create a DIY evacuation system that will not let any hot air in. It’s as simple as measuring the size of the opening for the evacuation hose and use a piece of pre-cut plexiglass, wood or even cardboard to fill in the hole. 

Remember that installing an air conditioner yourself is a completely doable task that when done properly, can save you money and keep you comfortable during the summer months.