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Step 1
Investigate different types of room air conditioners. The most popular are window-mounted units and portable air conditioners. Window-mounted units are less expensive and generally cool off a room better, but portable air conditioners move from room to room, lessening the need to purchase more than one unit. For example, you could use the portable air conditioner in the living room during the day and in your bedroom at night.
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Step 2
Check out your homeowner's association guidelines. Some neighborhoods do not allow window unit air conditioners because they are somewhat unsightly.
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Step 3
Find out how much electricity the air conditioner you want uses. Most air conditioners have a yellow energy guideline sticker taped on them. Ask yourself if you can afford the increased energy bill that comes with having a room air conditioner.
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Step 4
Measure the room in which you plan to put the air conditioner. The bigger the room, the more powerful and costly the air conditioner must be.
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Step 5
Read reviews about room air conditioners. Sources such as Consumer Reports magazine and online message boards provide unbiased (and biased) opinions as to which room air conditioner is the best.
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Step 6
Purchase your room air conditioner. Home improvement stores, warehouse shopping clubs and the Internet are excellent places at which to buy an air conditioner. Surprising places to find room air conditioners include drugstores, department stores and chain supermarkets.
