air conditioners

[bratling.livejournal.com]

if you're thinking about buying an in-window air conditioner this year, this may be a good time to do it. i was at the Somerville Home Despot (sic) this morning, and they had Maytag 6000 BTU air conditioners with remote control for $120. no kidding.

i didn't check the energy efficiency rating, and at that price i expect it's not high, but at that price, it'll take a few years before the electric bill exceeds your savings. a couple weeks ago i saw 6000 BTU air conditioners at Economy Hardware in Central Square for $200.

after the summer five or six years ago when i gladly paid $350 for a 5000 BTU air conditioner -- the last one sears had in stock -- seeing $120 just makes my jaw drop. :-)

if you are getting an AC, i suggest getting one with a real thermostat, rather than "hi-med-low" settings. last year i replaced my old one with a Kenmore with an electronic thermostat. being able to set it to (say) 75 degrees and forget it is great -- it doesn't run all the time, thus using less energy. ones with timers to turn them off (for going to sleep) are nice, too.

anyway. saw the $120 unit and now i'm babbling ... :-)

Comments

[treacle-well.livejournal.com]

5200 BTU on sale (with card) at Shaw's/Star Market. $99.