Results Found Capable and Affordable Models in Every Size and Many with Eco-Friendly Features

YONKERS, NY — As the weather across the country heats up, staying cool and dry is top of mind for Americans.  Consumer Reports latest ratings on 35 window air conditioners found all of them to be excellent at cooling; but, shoppers need to beware that less expensive models might may not be the best choice because they are noisy or don’t work as well on the hottest of days and nights. 

Battling the heat is only half the problem during the summer months.  The soaking, sultry weather has caused the sales of dehumidifiers to rise, even when the appliance industry is down 25%. Half of the 17 dehumidifiers tested earned Consumer Reports recommendation for solid performance in efficiency and lower operating costs to make sure the home is free of moisture.

“A window air conditioner and dehumidifier can be life-savers in the heat, but if it’s not run properly or purchased for the appropriate size of the room and use, it might leave the consumer very heated,” said Bob Markovich, senior home editor at Consumer Reports.  “Check our ratings to ensure that the unit will meet the needs of use and that sound is as limited as it can be.”

The full report which covers a variety of other summer necessities including grills and decking, appears in the July issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Chill Out with the Perfect Air Conditioners

Noise is always a factor in running a window air conditioner.  None of the units tested proved to be silent during Consumer Reports testing, but an Excellent or Very Good score means that the user might hear the fan running, but barely notice the compressor.  Another test included simulating brownout conditions, by reducing available voltage.  Most A/Cs did fine, but some, like the large Sharp AF-S120, $300 and the small Haier HWF05XC7-T, $99 couldn’t handle the lower voltage.

Air conditioners are becoming more eco-friendly.  All units made in 2010 must use a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone.  Most makers have switched to R-410A and tests showed that performance wasn’t affected.  The Haier ESAD4066, $250 was a standout for small air conditioners with eco-friendly refrigerant. 

Consumers can trim costs and save energy by using a timer to turn on the A/C just before they arrive home. Don’t lower the temperature as soon as the unit is turned on – it won’t cool the room faster – and to keep the unit running efficiently, vacuum, wash, and dry filters monthly or as needed.

How to Choose an A/C

• Pick the right size. Buying a model that is too big won’t improve cooling and it won’t remove enough humidity. Sizing information on boxes is generally accurate. But sunny rooms and those with high ceilings might need a larger capacity.
• Consider the window. The unit won’t have to work as hard if its in a shady window. Many models are better at directing cool air in one direction. For uniform coolness, direct air to the center of the room. 

Dehumidifiers that Combat Oppressive Summer Humidity

Consumer Reports tested 17 new dehumidifier models to see which do the best job of drying out basements and other humid parts of a home.  Almost half of the units tested earned recommendations from Consumer Reports by combining solid performance with high efficiency and lower operating costs.

The increased demand for dehumidifiers has forced manufacturers to be greener and use a more ozone-friendly refrigerant. Consumer Reports found that those units with the new refrigerant are at least as good at removing humidity as those made with the ozone-damaging refrigerant – R-22.

Energy Star specifications vary by capacity, so smaller units can cost more to operate than larger ones and still qualify for the Energy Star.  Consumer Reports energy-use test compared dehumidifiers across all capacities by measuring the watts needed to remove a pint of water. As a result, models that scored poorly in our energy-efficient tests still sport the Energy Star.  The Danby DDR6009REE, $200 combines performance, efficiency and price and has a remote control. This unit is best for large and/or wet spaces.

How to Choose

• Go larger. A model with a capacity of 60 to 70 pints per day tends to work more quickly and efficiently than one with a capacity of 25 to 40 pints per day. Consider a small-capacity model for dehumidifying a small room that is only occasionally damp.
• Consider accuracy. Most dehumidifiers use a built-in humidistat and cycle on and off to stay as close as possible to the relative humidity level set. Some are more accurate than others, so check Consumer Reports’ Ratings.
• Weigh the features. Frost control prevents evaporator coils from freezing, while automatic shut-off, found on all tested models, turns the unit off when its bucket is full, and auto re-start, found on all but the Kenmore 50501, turns the unit back on after a power outage.
• Look for rebates. Several states and utilities offer $10 to $65 rebates on Energy Star-qualified dehumidifiers. Go to www.dsireusa.org for details.
• Address underlying problems. If a space has standing water or a chronic musty smell, even the best dehumidifier won’t fix the issue. Address the source of the moisture by possibly patching foundation, installing a sump pump, adding a bathroom exhaust fan, or regrading soil near the foundation and maintaining gutters and down spouts to shunt rainwater away.