Flist! I need your wisdoms.

[meresy]

My tax refund has arrived! $2,393 sweet bucks are all mine (again. I know it's a return of money I already earned but WHATEVER. I'm treating it as a bonus.) ANYWAY. Aside from the inevitable the book binge on Amazon, I am going to buy an air conditioner because my apartment is 5 degrees hotter than outside at any given time and I can't

Comments

[meresy]

It's the magic of my income last year being waaaaay below the cutoff and grad school stipend being tax-exempt. Huzzah!

Well, he's a LITTLE unhinged in this show, but he's not the bad guy! :D

[mdbsgfan]

For an air conditioner, I would recommend one of those portable units that don't have to be placed in a window (they have exhaust hose thingies instead of the whole uglyass thing sticking out the window).
Something like this...
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_006W688918110001P?keyword=air+conditioner&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I've never owned one since I've always been fortunate enough (thank God) to have central air. But to me, they seem more practical insomuch as they can be moved where you need them in the room and they're not so likely to violate any rules at your apartment complex (some places have rules against window AC units, satellite dishes, etc.)

[meresy]

I would consider those, but the problem with them is floor space, drainage and cost. You have to run the hose somewhere, and I don't exactly have a convenient place to do that. Where I go to the store I'll have a closer look.

And there's no problem with putting window units in. Pretty much every unit in the building has one but me, including the super. :)

[mdbsgfan]

Yep, floor space can be an issue. I've been wanting one for a long time because my bedroom is always at least 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the house (goshdarn southern exposure!) and I couldn't get one because there was no room. But now that I've rearranged the furniture, there's now room but no fundage. /o\

drainage and cost. You have to run the hose somewhere

I thought the water drain was part of the exhaust hose that goes out the window? Man, I hope there's at least one out there that does that! My bedroom is nowhere near a sink/bathtub and I CAN"T have a window unit here.

[meresy]

It does drain out the window, but that's it's own issue. First is having space at the windows, second is once you choose the window it has to be one you can lift the screen up on, and you can never fully close it. My friend has one with the hose running out under her balcony door, which fortunately has enough clearance from the sill that it doesn't pinch it. She still has to keep in in one place at all times, and it is big. I have neither a handy door, nor all that many windows with removable screens, so I don't think it'll be practical for me. You might have luck, though, I guess it all depends.

For me it seems not that much more convenient than a window unit and comes at a higher price...

[meresy]

Ooooh, that's douchebaggy indeed.

[malnpudl]

Consumer Reports recommends these models based on Comfort, Indoor Noise (Low), Indoor Noise (High), Brownout, Ease of Use, Air Flow (left), Air Flow (right). The mfg list prices are in US$. If you want specific info on any of them, let me know.

5,000 to 6,500 Btu/hr. (Cools 100-300 sq. ft.)

Haier ESAD4066 ($250)
Friedrich CP06E1 ($250)
Sharp AF-S60PX ($200)
Frigidaire FRA054XT7 ($140)

They weren't impressed by any of the Kenmore (Sears) models they tested/rated in this size range.

7,000 to 8,200 Btu/hr. (Cools 250-400 sq. ft.)

Kenmore 76081 ($200) - This also got a "Best buy" rating
Friedrich CP08E10 ($300)
GE AEM08FM ($250)

9,800 to 12,500 Btu/hr. (Cools 350-650 sq. ft.)

Kenmore 75101 ($270) - "Best buy" rating
Kenmore 75121 ($300) - "Best buy" rating (and slightly easier to use than above)
GE AEM10AM ($300)

[meresy]

Lookit you with all the infos! Thanks! ♥

I think I'll be looking into a bigger one... I don't want to overkill, but I've got 400+ sq. ft. and the unit can't go in my bedroom, so...

Looks like the bigger Kenmores are a good deal, which is handy 'cause Sears carries 'em. :D

[umbrella_half]

Callum! I approve. Fact.

Also, hi Meres!