Good Choice For The Price and Size

I purchased the LG LWHD8000R to beat the heat wave this weekend. I had been an A/C holdout and finally broke down. This LG model works well in cooling a small room or studio apartment. My space is 240 sq. ft. with an 8ft. ceiling. I remained cool - though the temperature outside was close to 100 degrees. The temperature inside does not get freezing cold, but cool enough. At night, I put it on a lower setting, because I felt chilled. For the most part, it runs relatively quietly and smoothly. Occasionally, on certain settings, I have heard a kind of buzzing sound, but it is infrequent. The remote controller is a convenient additional feature. This is a good choice for the price and size.



More details about my experience:


Price/Installation: I live in NYC and this is the first air-conditioner I bought myself. So I was a bit nervous about making the right choice. I went to Home Depot and the base price w/o tax was $169. I had a man from the building install it for me. For someone with installation experience, it appears to be a fairly straightforward job. I would not have been able to do this myself, because I am mechanically inept and I could not have lifted it up on my own.


Weight: My decision to buy this particular model was based partly on price and partly on size. (and also on the positive reviews here.) I needed a unit I could transport quickly from the store to my apartment. I had a small luggage cart, but it was a difficulty and something I would NOT recommend trying, unless necessary. Live and Learn. Have it delivered, for sure, or if you are able to lift the box up, take a cab! The packaged box weighs 67 lbs.

(Also, don’t tilt the A/C on its side at any time – as you may unsettle the Freon....I know this is common knowledge for some, but I witnessed several customers who needed reminding in the store.)


BTU’s: My installer told me it was better to buy a unit with a higher BTU - even though the space is small - so that it is not working as hard or at its maximum all the time. I am not sure if he is right, or how much cooler the 10,000 unit or higher might be -- but that is something to consider if price, size and transportation are not an issue for you.


Support Brackets: The Home Depot clerk told me I needed to buy support brackets, as required by NYC law. The brackets he gave me, however, did not work with my window frame and had to be returned. Check out the laws in your area and what brackets would work for your type of windows to save yourself a return trip.


Water Drip from A/C above: If you live in an apartment building, consider that the person above you also may have an A/C that could drip water onto your unit. Depending on the frequency of the drips, the noise can be QUITE maddening! Even the sound from a heavy rainstorm could be disturbing. From what I have read, all A/C’s drip water, as a function of their working properly - some, more than others -- and especially when it gets humid. The one above mine drips water excessively!!!

Your options:

1. buy an Air Conditioner Drip Cushion. Home Depot has a Frost King model, that is a 3/4 inch foam, waterproof pad - magnetic on one side – that can be cut to size ($20.46 w/tax.) Make sure to leave the vent areas unobstructed. Cutting this before it’s outside your window (as I had to do) would seem an easier option. And it’s a superior choice to taping or tying a towel on top.

2. ask the neighbor or management to do something to divert the flow of water.

3. consider placing your A/C somewhere that is not directly under another one. (though a new tenant could always put one above yours.)



Additional Details:

8,000 btu/hr (recommended for cooling up to 340 sq. ft. or 17’ x 20’)

This model is NOT energy star rated/approved

Energy Guide Stats: (Based on standard U.S. Government tests)

9.8 EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measure of energy efficiency for room air conditioners
The Least Efficient is measured at 8.5 EER and the Most Efficient is measured at 12.0 EER

This model’s estimated yearly operating cost is: $60



Features: specs provided by LG

Soft Touch control Panel:
Digital Display (can easily see the green numbers glowing in the dark, if you need to adjust temp. with remote)
Fan Speeds: F1, F2, F3 – Low/Med/High
Modes: Cool/ Energy Saver/Fan/Dry Air
12-Hour On/Off Digital Timer
Power

5-Function Remote Control
4 3/4 inches, lightweight. Takes 2 size AAA Batteries
The remote itself does not light up, so you would need a light by your bed to see the control options until you get used to them.

4-Way Air Deflection
Horizontal Vane can be moved in an up or down position
Vertical louvers move left and right. Two sections

Effective Dehumidifying Action

Lift Out Washable Anti-Bacterial Filter
Recommended Cleaning of Air Filter – check at least twice a month
To clean: pull grille forward, remove air filter, wash filter in lukewarm water, gently shake excess water, replace

Top-Down Chassis for Easy Installation


Fit Requirements:

Cabinet Dimensions of A/C: 19 9/16”w x 12 3/8”h x 19 3/8” d

Fits Windows: 22” – 36”w x 13”h (included installation kit and yes, it has the accordion siding)

Note: Someone from my building installed it for me and he used his own tools. He used a power drill to drill three screws to the top of the window frame. I do not know what is required or optional for affixing it to the window or if that is a standard operation.


Electrical Requirements: 115 Volts AC
15 Amps
Draws 7.3 Amps
Includes 72” Grounded Cord

Weight: 63 lbs.


Temperature Control:
The thermostat monitors room temperature to maintain the desired temperature

The thermostat can be set between 60 F – 86 F = (16 C – 30 C)

The Unit takes an average of 30 minutes to adjust the room temperature by 1 degree F



A personal note on Temperature. Sensitivity to temperature is a personal and relative experience. I tend to chill easily AND I was an A/C holdout partly because I don’t like to freeze in the summer.


I found that this A/C kept me cool on a consistent basis during the recent heat wave of close to 100 degrees. I don’t know anything about the thermostat being true to temperature.


There were times when I needed to make it cooler or warmer, depending. The unit seemed to adjust in a fairly quick time frame. Even during the heat wave, I did not need to operate it at the highest level all night, because once the room was cool, I was cool - and it was more a question of maintenance.


This A/C does an efficient job of cooling and keeping the room cool - and runs smoothly and quietly.


When it has made the buzzing noise, I have not been able to relate it to any specific function, so far. Most of the time it is as quiet as an A/C can possibly be.


Do I feel that this is a freezing cold powerhouse of an A/C? No. It is perfectly fine for my space of 240 sq. ft. and my personal sensitivity.


For a considerably larger space or for someone who tends to run hot – they may want to consider a higher BTU power...and research how much cooler one gets up the BTU scale. I did question, whether having more power (even if it’s not used) is a better and more efficient energy option in the long run. I don't know the answer on that.


My decision was based partly on price — though for $30 more — you can get the 10,000 BTU model.


But really, I chose this one, because it was well reviewed AND I needed to get it FAST. Because of the weight, it was the only one I could handle transporting myself....and I would not recommend anyone else doing this if they don’t have to.


But again, if time - or the delivery cost – or size - or money is NOT a consideration — then I would think about whether or not I might want something with more BTU’s and/or one that is Energy Star Rated.


BUT - if you need an A/C for a small space, that has fluid features such as: digital functioning and remote control, works efficiently and quietly – AND is priced under $200 — it is a good purchase.