When buying a window A/C unit, what does "top discharge" or side discharge mean? is this important when buying

Question

also aside for the BTU's that I want, and that it will fit in my window, what are some important things to consider when buying my new window A/C unit.

Thank yoU!

Answer 1

Top means the air blows out of the top of the front of the unit; side means the air blows from the side front of the unit.  (My a/c blows from the front right of my unit.)  Also, you need 30 BTU's for every square foot to cool.  Try to purchase an energy star unit to help save some on the electric bill.  I think that's all there is to know...

Adding:  Also, check the filter requirements too - you want to make sure that you are able to remove and clean the filter inside of the unit too.

Answer 2

Most important is eer rateing(btu's per watt).Then if you have a outlet available.Top discharge means it cools out the top and is important if you will be sitting in front of it(will blow stuff like paper around).