SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County understands the stress, frustration, and helplessness homeowners experience when confronted with a water damage disaster. A quick cleanup and restoration process means that life can return to normal with much less inconvenience. The SERVPRO team is dedicated to providing a rapid response and a fast, efficient, and thorough cleanup and restoration when a property damage disaster occurs.
Benefits of Window AC Units and the Risks of Water Damage
Texas is one of the hottest states in the US, coming in at fourth behind Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana. The average annual temperature is 65.3°F. August, the hottest month of the year for Crowley, averages 95.8 degrees Fahrenheit, making the East Texas town rank as warmer than most places in Texas. The hottest day of the year on average is August 1, with an average temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit. In August of 1986, the temperature in Crowley hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
Window AC Units: The Benefits
Window AC units are more popular than ever, as homeowners make every effort to beat the East Texas heat. Here are six reasons why more and more Crowley and South Johnson County homeowners are turning to window AC units to cool their home or to supplement the existing central HVAC system.
Affordability
A quality window AC unit is affordable for most budgets. An 8,000 BTU AC window unit ranges in price from $250 to $300 when purchased from a big box store or delivered to the front door.
Versatility
The window AC unit is versatile and can accommodate a variety of situations and needs. A small, 8,000 BTU, 115-volt window unit with a 15-amp requirement can be used with standard electrical outlets. This feature means that this compact unit can be used in any window where a standard electrical outlet is within reach of the unit’s electrical cord.
Ease of Installation
A typical 8,000 BTU window AC unit fits in most residential windows. Window units vary in weight depending on the quality of the unit and the BTU rating.
- 5,000 BTU: 37 lbs
- 8,000 BTU: 58 lbs
- 10,000 BTU: 68 lbs
- 12,000 BTU: 80 lbs
The manageable weight makes it possible for the homeowner to install a window AC unit as a DIY project.
Portability
Because the unit is so lightweight, it can be moved from room to room as needed. Window installation may be a bit of a nuisance. However, a portable AC unit requires minimal installation and can be rolled from room to room. These units are more expensive than a window AC.
Efficiency
A window AC unit uses about one-third of the energy of a central AC unit, depending on the size of the window unit and the size of the central HVAC unit. An 8,000 BTU unit can effectively cool 350 square feet. Operating an 8,000 BTU window unit for 584 hours a month costs around $60 per month.
Longevity
With proper maintenance, a typical window unit can last from ten to twenty-five years. An additional window unit or two will also take some of the load off the central HVAC unit, extending the life of the unit by many years. Like any appliance, the window AC unit needs regular maintenance and an annual inspection and cleaning.
Window AC Units: The Water Damage Risks
As beneficial as window AC units are, they do carry a risk of causing water damage. Listed below are several water intrusion risks the homeowner needs to be aware of:
- An unlevel unit allowing water to pool
- A clogged condensate pan
- Coils clogged with dust, dirt, and mold
- Leakage around the window and panels
- Leakage around the window from wood rot
Signs of water damage from a window AC unit include:
- A moldy, musty smell when the window AC is not in use
- Water and moisture in the inside window seal
- Warping in the sheetrock, drywall, or paneling under the unit
- Blistering or peeling paint or wallpaper around the window or under the unit
- Moisture on the flooring under the window unit
- Warping of the flooring under the window unit
- Water stains and warping on the ceiling of the basement in the general vicinity of the window AC unit
- Water or moisture in the crawl space directly under the window AC unit
Proper cleaning and maintenance on a window AC unit will minimize the risk of water leaks and expose any evidence of water damage. Leakage allowed to continue over months or years can cause wood rot and mold.
If water damage is discovered, trust a locally owned and operated water damage restoration company with the water removal, cleanup, disinfection, sanitization, and mold remediation. SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County can also repair and restore any structural damage to the window, walls, and flooring. Customers receive a detailed estimate with documentation. The SERVPRO staff handles the insurance claims process from start to finish.
For more details about Glen Rose, TX, water damage restoration, contact the SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County office by phone at (817) 297-8588 or by email at office@servprocrowley.com.
