Three Frigidaire Window Air Conditioners Reviewed

Three Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner Systems Reviewed  

Buying a window air conditioner unit may sound like an easy task, but there really is much to understand about them or you are certain to get burned, unless you do your homework.   However, lucky you, now that you have this comparison review in hand, you will discover that we have done much of your legwork for you.

There are many questions to answer, and we have covered them all in the previous reviews on air conditioners that we have written.  In this recap, let us touch again on these key areas of concern and propose some solutions, based on our previous discussions.  We will also offer reference to these reviews to save you hunting about for them.

In earlier reviews, we reviewed two similar window air conditioning units costing around $125 - $150 dollars, to help you to get a feel for how to select the right air conditioner for your home.  In this comparison review, we will bring a third patron to the party – the formidable FRA086AT7 window air conditioning unit.  Stay with us now as we will quickly review the main features and benefits of each unit described and we will revisit our conclusions about each unit.

The Frigidaire FRA052XT7 5,000-BTU Mini Window Air Conditioner http://sincereproductreviews.com/2014/02/fra054xt7-window-air-conditioner/ is a neat and compact AC unit that is rated to cool an area of up to 150 square feet.  We touched on this ac model in our review of the FRA054XT7 window air conditioner unit.

The FRA052XT7 window air conditioning unit offers three temperature options Cool, High Cool and Low Cool.  There is also a fan option that when selected turns off the compressor to save power.  This is great when all you need to do is to move the air.

Since this unit rates for a room area of 150 sq. feet, it would be perfect for a bedroom, home office, or other small room, but we concluded that the previous customers were unhappy with the cooling performance for this unit.  As such, we could not recommend it – so on to something a bit more satisfying.

The Frigidaire FRA086AT7 8,000 BTU Window-Mounted Compact Window Air Conditioner with Temperature Sensing Remote is a powerhouse unit that can cool a room as large as 350 square feet.

The general features of this air conditioner unit are the same as those of it’s brethren, but the breakout feature for this puppy is the temperature sensing remote control.  Its design makes it is easy to use and the large green digital LED display is easy to read even at night.  This remote control works remarkably well even when you aim it away from the main unit.

This ac unit is light at just over 50 lbs, and is easy to install.  It offers a clean sleek design that looks great when installed in your window.  It doesn’t appear unsightly or bulky the way some other window air conditioners might.

For this unit, customer opinion seemed to be all over the place.  One reviewer might say it is noisy, another will say it is not.  One will say it does not cool efficiently, and the very next reviewer to speak will say that it cools great!

About the only consistent arguments focus on the loud beep, which is more of a moot point, since these beeps only occur when one presses a button on the control panel – and there is always the remote to save the day.

Another complaint was that the air conditioning unit seemed to be more susceptible to mold problems than other systems that earlier users had purchased.  This complaint was persistent enough for us to take notice – and it is something that you should think about, as well.

The other complaint with any legs was that the plastic casing was durable enough for daily use, but too many users received units that were broken or otherwise damaged.  The damage seemed most likely caused by handling during shipping, so the construction needs reinforcement, or the unit packing for shipping needs to be made more carefully.

In terms of cooling though, we can find no reason not to consider this window air conditioner unit.  You should be working with an installer in any case, so to make sure that you are getting a quality install, you might consider giving the model number to your installer, and letting him worry about delivering and qualifying your air conditioner unit.  There is an extra cost to get help, but it won’t be extreme for a window installation, and at least you can be sure of adequate protection, when the heat is on.

The next window air conditioner unit for your consideration is the Frigidaire FRA054XT7 Window Mounted Mini Conditioner.  This unit is similar to the FRA052XT7 so both units are covered in the same review at http://sincereproductreviews.com/2014/02/fra054xt7-window-air-conditioner/.

The FRA054XT7 window air conditioner unit rates to cool a room up to 165 square feet.  This coverage is a bit larger than the FRA052XT7 model but the extra capacity apparently is just enough to eliminate the cooling problems with the FRA052XT7.

Customers LOVE this unit, and remark specifically on its ability to cool quickly and efficiently.  The FRA054XT7 is clearly the more advanced unit of the two, offering more cooling power, electronic controls an air cleaning system and even a 24-hour timer for custom cooling schedules.

We found this model to be the best of the lot, which is proof that if you pay more, you don’t necessarily get more.  You really do have to understand how something like an air conditioner works in practice – thus the importance of customer reviews.  That was no problem for the unit in question.

Customers were delighted with this model and naturally, they loved the price.  At the time of this writing, we found this unit at Amazon where it was selling for only about $150.  That is only about $30 more than the FRA052XT7 model, which will only cool a room up to 130 sq. feet.  Not only does the FRA054XT7 cover a larger area, but also it does so more efficiently – which is of course a big savings on operating costs.

Some Final Thoughts

All of the window air conditioner units mentioned in this comparison review offer fan-cooling modes, air cleaning systems, and automatic restart after power failure.  All except the FRA052XT7 offer, remote controls – which are a real convenience – but fortunately, the FRA054XT7 costing only a few dollars more has a fully functional remote – and we could find no complaints critical of its performance.

We should remember that any of the issues that reviewers complained about could be caused simply by a failure to install the unit properly.  Point of fact; unless you are an expert, you may not even have selected an air conditioner unit of proper size for the area that you intend to cool, no matter how accurate you feel your computations.

Window air conditioner units are more complex than they seem, and even if the installation instructions might be excellent, unless you understand such principles as power load, grounding, room insulation, condensation, humidity, airflow design, etc., we strongly recommend you to get professional help to be SURE that the installation is made properly.  It is what you do NOT know that will kill you.

And The Winner Is…

In our opinion, the Frigidaire FRA054XT7 window air conditioner unit wins easily.  This selection is made based on the improved feature set, and the fact that it has a remote control, but mostly we decided on the strength of the customer reviews at amazon that, after proper analysis, seem to hold together to suggest that this unit is sturdy, reliable and delivers on what it promises.

That is good enough for us – and if it is also good, enough for you, then you can use the links below to learn more, or to make your purchase.

Happy Shopping!

Amazon Product Link:   http://amzn.to/1ezZhJx

Want to see other options?  Try these links!

See Related Products at:   http://bit.ly/16xPTqN

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Understanding Your Air Conditioning System

How to Select an Air Conditioning System

Running air conditioning in your home is expensive - no doubt about it.   The costs need not be outrageous though – assuming that you understand at least a bit, of what you are doing.

There are two main areas to controlling air conditioning costs.   The process begins before you make your installation, and ends upon selection of your air conditioning system.   This sounds simple, but is very important to note right up front, because after making your selection – there is little more that you can do to manage the cost of operation.

Listen up now – while we give you the basics for installing an air conditioner that you can actually afford to use.   Then keep your eyes open for future posts that will review some AC systems that just might be a good fit for your life.

Our first important step is to understand what the energy rating efficiency of your air conditioner means, and how to use this information.  It is very important to understand how cost fits in here.  A more expensive unit may cost more in the short run, but may save you TON’s of money (on your electric bill) over a few years – after which – it begins paying for itself!

Alternatively, buying a more expensive unit rated so low that it cannot get the job done means wasting your money now – and forever into the future.  Whenever the hot weather sets in, it will cost a fortune to cool your home.

What you want then, is to be able to relate your purchase to the size of the area it needs to keep cool.  You could ask your contractor for advice, if you think you can trust him.  Tread carefully though.  I mean, just who is going to sell you that air conditioner anyway?

To cool smaller areas with a window air conditioning unit, you can use this chart to determine the right rating.  Skimping on cost in this situation is a bad idea.  The goal is to spend a bit of money here, but to do it wisely.  Buy a quality unit with good customer reviews that is large enough to cool the room efficiently.

Room Size (Sq Ft.)                     Required AC Size

• 100 – 150                                           5,000 BTU
• 150 – 250                                           6,000 BTU
• 250 – 300                                           7,000 BTU
• 300 – 350                                           8,000 BTU
• 350 – 400                                           9,000 BTU
• 400 – 450                                           10,000 BTU
• 450 – 550                                           12,000 BTU
• 550 – 700                                           14,000 BTU
• 700 – 1,000                                        18,000 BTU
• 1,000 – 1,400                                     24,000 BTU

To cool larger areas, it is best to install central air conditioning.  This is expensive, and complicated, so you are going to need to work with someone who you can trust.  Watch how he goes about his work.  Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Did your contractor inspect your house thoroughly before offering you a solution?
• What do customer reviews for this contractor look like?
• Take some time to research his recommendation.  If you can find it at amazon so that there are customer reviews, so much the better.  Does your research agree with what you hear from your contractor?
• Ducting, air intakes and the like are usually in place already, but if not, you can be sure that you contractor has done his homework work by having him show you the data.  If the ducting is already in place, make sure that your contractor understands what the limitations are by making a complete inspection of your home and reviewing her findings with you.  Ask about bad ducting and air volume requirements to make sure that whoever installed your air conditioning system digs in, and does a proper job.
• Understand the SEER rating for your air conditioning unit.  The higher the SEER, the more efficient and less costly your unit will be to operate. Do not go looking for a powerhouse AC system in this regard.  Work with your trusted contractor to find an air conditioning system with a rating in the middle, as opposed to units with higher ratios and thereby higher prices.
• Understanding a central air conditioning system will always be over your head, but you should not be entirely ignorant on the subject.  Information on SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is available at any reputable site that installs air conditioning units, along with all you need to make a unit selection.  Such information usually will not include the specifics required for installation to your home, but the more that you understand, the better off you will be.
• When shopping for a new AC system, be sure it has an Energy Star label. There likely is little reason to replace your older system just to install an Energy Star product, but for new systems, this is necessary.  Energy Star air conditioning systems are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, and are about 20 percent more efficient than other air conditioning systems.
• Price is not everything.  Now that your trusted contractor has steered you to the perfect AC system for your home, why not go off and buy it cheaper?  If the trusted contractor with whom you are working can arrange this lower price – fine.  Otherwise, work with your trusted contractor – even if it means paying a little more.  This person has won your confidence – and probably has already earned her pay already, just by virtue of this fact – assuming that you followed the steps outlined above.  It is vital that you work with someone whom you can trust.

That about covers what you need to understand, beyond what your trusted contractor will tell you.  Just remember to check any preliminary information given you by your contractor – and if any of it proves fuzzy – move on.  You have the wrong contractor.  If the information proves valid, then it is safe to move on into the complicated stuff without worry.

You are looking for someone who takes the time to understand your home thoroughly before making any suggestion for purchasing an AC unit.  A quick walk thru your home just will not cut it.  If, for example, your original AC installer installed too small an intake port for your newly proposed system, you need to know.  Your contractor has to demonstrate that he cares how this job will turn out.

All of this care might seem like overkill, but if you go into this project ignorant, then you will almost certainly lose a lot of money, and likely end up with an inappropriate AC system in the end.  People are what they are, so don’t fight it.  You must KNOW whom you are working with – and you will be fine.

To learn more about air conditioning systems in general, you might contact the contact the Department of Energy (DOE) at this link:  http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/central-air-conditioning

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DOE Link to Air Conditioners:   http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/central-air-conditioning

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