Non-Toxic Window Air Conditioners: Selection and Installation
Updated 2024.
This post is relevant to everyone, addressing: toxicity, MCS, MCAS, latex allergy, mold, and EMFs/ EHS in relation to window air conditioners.
Like many MCS, MCAS, and mold warriors, I cannot tolerate central air, so if I want to cool my indoor air, I'm relegated to a window air conditioner or portable air conditioner. Additionally, some air conditioners are intolerable from an EMF standpoint, while incorrect installation can result in a mold problem.
Goodness, what a complex world we must navigate!
Portable air conditioners are, in my experience, more expensive than window a/cs and also may be more prone to mold. That's not to say that window a/cs don't go moldy- they do! However, it's easier in my opinion to detect mold in window units. Personally I assume that at some point we will need to replace window air conditioners, and I am OK with that as there are always local buyers who don't care about mold. I resell them very cheaply and always disclose mold.
Unfortunately there are few truly non-toxic options when it comes to cooling a home, with HVAC and heat pump symptoms not a question of "if" there is a refrigerant leak, but rather "how much." As refrigerant leaks cause dire health consequences, this is an important topic that I plan to cover at a later date. Please do be careful as many have become sick from whole house refrigerant leaks. For those who may be interested, packaged units may be a healthier option than traditional HVAC and heat pump systems. As with any cooling option (aside from a swamp cooler which is not appropriate for most climates), however, they still have risk of refrigerant leaks impacting indoor air quality and thus sickening residents.
As alluded to above, refrigerant leaks are a problem for any cooling option that utilizes refrigerant (including any freezers or refrigerators in your home). However, the older and larger the cooling unit, the more extensive the damage caused by a refrigerant leak. Thus, as window a/cs can and often are replaced annually or semi-annually by those who are sensitive, these pose less risk in that regard. Of course, planned obsolescence seems to have drastically increased in recent years.
Furthermore, since many with environmental illness seem to tolerate a central air system no longer than 7 years (odd, yet consistently accurate), doing the math, it's far cheaper to purchase window air conditioners annually rather than a new HVAC system every 7 years.
Obviously, there are a number of factors to consider here. Let's dig deeper!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small amount of financial compensation. This helps to pay for website costs- thank you!
As always, this is not to be considered to be medical advice. Always consult your physician.
Which Window Air Conditioner is Best?
We've had more than a handful of models of window air conditioner since we moved in to our healthy home, and based on experience I recommend two smaller units rather than one large unit. This is for multiple reasons! The larger units are very heavy and unwieldy- in fact, my husband threw out his back installing one unit as it was so heavy. They also do not, in my experience, offer any energy savings over two smaller units. Most relevantly for me, the larger and more powerful the unit, the more extensive the vibration in the home.
For anyone with MCAS or EHS, the vibration and higher level of EMFs can really cause issues. I found a 12,000 BTU unit utterly intolerable. The 8,000 BTU unit is tolerable for me and located about 20 feet from where I sleep. This unit does still impact me as I feel the vibration from the wall at night if my pillow is touching the wall. We also have a 5,000 BTU unit that's about 12 feet from the end of our bed. This combination is perfect for us, keeping the heat and humidity in check without triggering MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) events/ EHS (Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome). Some folks sensitive to nnEMFs will need to shut off their air conditioners at night. Others shut off all household power at night. You know what's best for your body in this regard. I don't.
Our 600 square foot home, nestled in the picturesque, rolling forest of Southern Indiana, has 10 windows, a Southern exposure that is shaded in the summer, with 10 foot ceilings, an open floor plan, and a 15 foot vaulted ceiling. Your home will differ as to how many units are needed, the required BTUs, and the potential locations.
There are two major types of window air conditioner, and we've used both successfully. One type has a drip pan under it that collects water and uses that water to run more efficiently. I can personally attest that this type is more efficient with electricity use. However, I find mold within the unit more concerning with this design, and we seem to generally need to replace this type after the first year of use. In order to prevent the water from running over, there are two or three small holes in the bottom of the drip pan allowing for water to escape. Do not add holes to the bottom of the drip pan of this type of window air conditioner as this will impact the efficiency, void the warranty, and may cause the unit to break down. This type of unit, based on our experience, does not increase indoor humidity.
The other type of window air conditioner does not hold nearly as much water underneath as it is not designed to use the water for efficient cooling. These typically have a nearly constant drip of water underneath here in our climate. We generally replace this model every 2 years.
Both types of air conditioner work. Please avoid any that use "smart" technology as they generally utilize Bluetooth and/or WiFi. Not only does this unnecessarily expose your entire WiFi network to hackers, it assaults you with electromagnetic fields that cause biologic harm. (If you are still using WiFi, I strongly recommend going wired. It can only help your health and you may be surprised at the symptoms that disappear!)
Everyone who has thoughts and a heartbeat is sensitive to nnEMFs as reflected by electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms. We have ample documentation of the biological impact of EMFs posted on this website. Browse the articles and put in the time to research it yourself. Remember all of the instances in which disclosure has come about: the experts lie to us.
Personally I prefer Frigidaire brand window air conditioners as I have had good experiences with the company and their products in the past. I have multiple Frigidaire products that I find tolerable. However, despite contacting all window a/c manufacturers multiple times, I have not been able to track down the latex content of the Styrofoam used in any model of window air conditioner. So do be aware that to the best of my knowledge, there are no specific models or brands of window air conditioners that are latex-free/safe. We can only do our best, and my best consists of avoiding heat-induced anaphylaxis.
Frigidaire has also honored the warranty for me when one of their units didn't cool as it should. Considering how rarely warranties are honored these days, that is one reason why I continue to go back to this company.
Our current window air conditioners are both Frigidaire brand, with the previous two GE brand.
Of course some won't be able to tolerate the plastic on the face of window air conditioners. In some cases, with some units there could be some very intricate work done, at least in theory, to cover most (or even all) of the plastic with foil tape. Foil tape does seal and act as a vapor barrier. I use it on a number of otherwise offensive plastic, foam, or rubber items. Covering all of the plastic would be very time-intensive and would have to be done just right so as not to block air flow, so unless you absolutely cannot tolerate the unit otherwise, I would not recommend doing so.
Rather, I would recommend planning ahead and allowing the unit(s) to offgas initially outside or in a garage/shed.
Specific Models of A/C That We Have Liked
Sometimes older models of air conditioners may be sourced on eBay used or even new.
It is getting increasingly difficult to source products that do not emit harmful radio frequencies, and it's only going to get harder. Naturally, since there is absolutely no good reason to have an air conditioner that integrates with the Internet of Things/ Bodies, any window air conditioner that uses Bluetooth or WiFi is instantly ruled out for a healthy home.
So, what you'll need to search for if you're concerned about your health is a mechanical air conditioner. Online availability versus local store availability varies drastically, so that's something to keep in mind when shopping for window a/cs.
While the following models have been fine for us, know that air conditioner models come and go with the wind, so it's nigh on impossible to buy the same model year after year.
We have had the GE AET05LX and were pleased with this model. It's a 5,000 BTU window air conditioner.
We previously had a 5,000 BTU GE AEW05LYL1 and it worked like a little champ.
This March I purchased the Frigidaire FHWC084WB1. It's working OK thus far, but honestly, I'm not so sure it's going to make it through the entire season. Planned obsolescence is not providing us with longer-lasting products!
This specific model of non-toxic window air conditioner (more accurately, less toxic) radiates out magnetic fields 12-14 feet, which are now problematic for me as of this year, as I share in my post on reducing magnetic fields in the kitchen.
Thus, I shut this off when I am in the kitchen.
Find this 8,000 BTU air conditioner on eBay for $200 or on Amazon for about $250.
I would avoid buying any "restored" window air conditioners.
Similar options currently available:
GE 5,000 BTU window a/c from Wal-Mart for $179.
GE 6,000 BTU window a/c from Wal-Mart for $208.
Frigidaire FHWC054WB1 5,000 BTU window a/c:
- Wal-Mart: $219
- Amazon: $206
- eBay: Varies, but I don't trust any of the listings as of this post.
Another air conditioner we appreciated was the Frigidaire FFRA0811R1, an 8,000 BTU model. This model does not appear to be currently available online, but there are some similar 8,000 BTU options available on Amazon such as the Frigidaire FHWW084WD1, currently $319.
We've had a couple of other models of Frigidaire window a/cs over the years with positive results as well. Additionally, we once used a 5,000 BTU Haier air conditioner when we lived in a sun room while we built our healthy home. It was perfect but also is no longer being manufactured.
Two years ago we used the GE AHD08LZQ1, which is an 8,000 BTU unit. It was marketed as a quiet option, and I can attest that it is indeed much quieter than any other "non-toxic window air conditioner" we have ever had. However, it came with a much higher price tag, and simply lost effectiveness at cooling towards the end of the season, suggesting a possible refrigerant leak. So I would advise against that model.
Last year we purchased a different "quiet" air conditioner, and while it was indeed quieter, it didn't even make it through the entire cooling season! Thus, I recommend against any of the air conditioners marketed as "quiet" based on our experience with two different models.
If you really need a quieter window air conditioner model, it appears that most of them are "smart" now, which I vehemently recommend against! However, there are some options that are marketed as quieter options, including:
- The Emerson Quiet Kool Line offers a variety of different BTU options, available from Wal-Mart and Amazon.
- LG also offers an option in a variety of BTUs that are marketed as quieter but reviews are mixed on Amazon.
If these aren't options for you, the model I am linking to below are very similar to air conditioners we have used over the past and I would not personally hesitate to order for our home. Any of the GE or Fridgidaire models mentioned in this post, excluding any "quiet" models, would be something I would purchase myself.
Lastly, one other option to consider is the Frigidaire 5,000 BTU a/c model FFRA051WAE: Amazon eBay Wal-Mart
Non-Toxic Window A/C Installation
When you open a window air conditioner box (hopefully outside), you'll find a number of doodads to go with it. We have a very specific method of dealing with these extras.
We throw them all out.
Personally I do not tolerate hardly any foam as it is toxic and almost always contains natural rubber latex, a known toxic sensitizing agent. Additionally, this foam is not necessary to seal around your air conditioner. If you have found a tolerable weather stripping, that works just the same. The weather stripping I previously used is no longer manufactured, so I do not have a recommendation at this time.
Sigh. Yet another thing to research. Does it never end?
We also always trash the side panels as we have had nothing but terrible experiences with them. For one, I absolutely cannot tolerate these toxic accessories! These smell just as bad as vinyl shower curtains in my opinion and as a result have a detrimental impact on your indoor air quality. PVC, of course, is toxic and can contain natural rubber latex, making it a material to avoid.
Recommended post: Non-Toxic, PVC-Free Shower Curtains
Even if the smell doesn't bother you, and you aren't concerned regarding toxicity, these panels do not seal so they will permit insects to enter your home as well as outside air. This is particularly concerning if the outside air around your home is comprised of toxic laundry fumes or chemical plant fires. Sheltering in place from chemical spills, train derailments, or chemical plant fires seems to be increasingly normal these days. I have been personally impacted by a fire at a plastic recycling facility, despite living upwind and over 150 miles from the fire.
Unfortunately I found out the hard way that the side panels of window air conditioners do not seal when someone a few miles away was burning asphalt shingles. Don't do that! It's illegal for a reason! I have tried various methods of sealing these sliding panels to no avail. To the trash they go. .
Side Panel Alternatives
There are a few options besides the side panels that seal more effectively and are less toxic.
One summer I temporarily put doubled-up trash bags that I cut to size on either side of the air conditioner, sealed with clear plastic tape, and then never got around to doing something more permanent. Despite the handful of times our 40-year-old teenager of a neighbor gassed up the neighborhood by driving his big boy toys back and forth for hours on end on his trails, this surprisingly served me well. I don't recommend this, especially if you don't live in an area where the air is wonderful 99% of the time. It wasn't my intention to use this solution for months, but it worked. For a bit more detail on the sealing aspect, skip to the next section.
We had planned to cut pieces of wood to size and caulk them into place, but I have yet to identify a safe-for-me caulk since Eco Bond went out of business. (Please do not try to order from them! Many individuals have had to file with their credit card issuer or bank as they are not shipping and have been non-responsive for probably four years now. I wish they were still in business!) This is probably the ideal option.
Note: I am currently testing a few brands of caulk to see if I tolerate any as we really need to use caulk in a few spots. There is no brand that is truly non-toxic.
Another option that I haven't tried, but could work in theory is using cut-to size sheets of metal and caulk. Please note that this is not an endorsement of using caulk for everything, everywhere.
If you can't tolerate wood or don't have the energy/ tools/ whatever to use the wood or metal option, then my option might work for you!
Reflectix To the Rescue for the Zillionth Time!
Normally I don't recommend vapor barriers as this can lead to condensation and then mold, but this is an exception. One really doesn't want unwanted air creeping into their living space, and since the condensation typically would be on the outside in this case, it would simply drain out the window weep holes, provided no one has caulked over the weep holes, which I have seen done- resulting in water intrusion and mold, of course.
This solution is not a permanent installation, but this has worked very well for us for 5 summers now, as well as for extremely sensitive clients. Do note that this could vary based on your climate and depending on your windows the Reflectix tape might not stick so well. Last year I found that Tyvek tape stuck very well to our window frames, or there may be a tape that you prefer and find tolerable. Masking tape isn't up for this task, unfortunately. Be sure to check the seals regularly, more so than one would check caulk, and know that Reflectix tape is designed to seal to Reflectix- not necessarily other materials. Be sure to test first.
Things you'll need:
Reflectix tape/ Tyvek tape/ other tape
Scissors
Directions:
Once you open up your window and have the air conditioner in place, be sure it is placed so that the filter can be easily accessed. A/Cs vary as to accessibility, so that's something to keep in mind for your weekly cleaning.
Cut a piece of Reflectix larger than one side, then cut down to size. It would be best to measure it then cut the Reflectix, but that's not what I did. Either method works. You want the Reflectix to completely cover the hole but still have some room to attach your tape to the window frame.
Personally I found that cutting the Reflectix tape in half lengthwise allowed me to work with the tape much more easily.
Apply tape all around the edges, pressing firmly to ensure a tight seal.
Repeat on the other side.
At the top of your window you'll need to cut thin strips of Reflectix and tape those as well.
Importantly, tape outside the unit as well, so that there is a drainage plane for any rain to drain out and away from your windowsill!
I also taped just above the air conditioner and a little bit below. It's very difficult to get a complete seal below the air conditioner, so if the outside air is toxic, caulk may be better here both inside and outside. Do know that it is very difficult to tape underneath the unit. I cut my fingers on the Reflectix tape doing this- twice!
I'm also a klutz. So there's that.
As I've already mentioned, other types of tape work for this purpose as well. We're all different, so use what is safe for you. But remember to check the seals regularly! I've come back and applied a little plastic packing tape in a couple of spots that came undone, but otherwise this works marvelously for my purposes, and thus I continue to use this option annually.
However, one year when I put in our second air conditioner, it was extremely hot and humid. I used clear plastic packing tape in some areas, using Reflectix tape to attach the Reflectix insulation to the window frame and air conditioner. Overnight the Reflectix tape pulled away in some sections, while the Reflectix from the unit I installed earlier that year was still sealed. So I taped over those sections with my latex-safe masking tape (no longer manufactured) and it worked! With some things we just have to experiment and see what works.
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