Comparing Frigidaire Slider Casement Air Conditioner
ideal for small to medium rooms
This series of Window-Mounted, Room air conditioners is designed specifically for Slider-Casement windows, and installation is by means of an Easy Mount-High Window Mounting Kit.
The dimensions of the units being compared and many of the specification are identical, but each of the three units is designed with different cooling capacities for different sized rooms.
All units have electronic controls with a full-function hand-held remote.
Other features, common to this series of air conditionersinclude:-auto cool function; energy save; low voltage compensation; 4-way air direction control; sleep mode; and 24 hour on / off timer
A Comparison of Three Models:-
FAK085Q7 (8000 BTU for a room of 350sq.ft)
FAK104Q1 (10000 BTU for a room of 490 sq.ft)
FAK124Q1 (12000 BTU for a room of 640 sq.ft)
Overview (All 3 Units)
This comparison of three different slider-casement air conditioners with varying cooling capacities is based on the Manufacturer’s Specification Alone and does not include any customer comments, as none are currently available.It is hoped that despite the lack of customer reviews for this style of A/C the comparisons outlined in this article will assist those who considering the purchase of aSlider-Casement / Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner.
The outer casementof the threeunitslooks the same.
All three have an identical control panels.
With a few exceptions the list ofproduct description, specifications and features are the same.
The main differences:
- Different Cooling Capacity (BTU).
- Different Energy Efficiency Ratios.
- Different Dehumidificationoutput.
- Only one unit is ENERGY STAR compliant.
- There is a slight difference in the Weightof each unit.
The main similarities:-
All 3 units haveElectroniccontrols and all come with a Full-Function Remote.
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Other features, common to all 3 include:-
- 4-Way Air Direction Control;
- LVC Technology;
- Fresh Air Exhaust Vent;
- Slide-out-Mesh Filter Access; Sleep,
- Auto-Cool and Energy Save Modes and all come with 3 Fan Speeds.
Installation (All 3 Units)
Quite detailed preparation and installation instructions are given for this style of unit.Firstly, instructions describe installation in a typical wood-framed CASEMENT window with a wood SLIDE-BY sash.
Secondly,instructions are given for installation in a metal CASEMENT window - ofbrick or cement building constructions.
The units come with all the necessary equipment, which is included in a Easy Mount-High Window Mounting Kit (a high window accessory kit).
Tips are also given about the tools required and about electrical requirements. Significant mention is made of the importance of proper preparation, to ensure a satisfactory installation.
Manufactures Features which are DIFFERENT
It is noticeable that the main and important VARIATION between the three units is directly related to the cooling capacity iethe air conditioners’ BTUs. (see chart below)The increase in BTUs is reflected in the increase in the size of the area being cooled.
Similarly the increase in BTUs is reflected in ahigher dehumidification functioning.
Although the Energy Efficient Ratio is NOT reflected in the BTUs, it is interesting to notice that the two units with the higher BTUs have a slightly lower EER.
The last area where there is some variance, is that the ONLY unit that is ENERGY STAR compliant is the air conditioner with the smallest BTU but the highest EER.
See chart below:-
|
|
FAK085Q7 |
FAK104Q1 |
FAK124Q1 |
|
BTU (Cooling Capacity) |
8,000-BTUs |
10,000-BTUs |
12,000-BTUs |
|
Cooling Area |
350 sq.ft |
490sq.ft. |
640sq.ft. |
|
Dehumidification |
2.2 pts/hr |
2.8 pts/hr |
3.6 pts/hr |
|
Energy Efficiency Ratio |
10.5 (EER) |
9.5 (EER) |
9.5 (EER) |
|
Energy Star |
YES |
NO |
NO |
Manufactures Features which are the SAME
ALL three of the units have the following in common:-- Full Function Electronic Touch Pad Controls
- Full Function Electronic Remote Control
- Temperature Setting
- Mode Button with 3 Modes:- Fan Only / Energy Saver / Cool
- 3 Fan Speed Button:- Lo / Med / Hi /
- Auto Cool option on the Fan Button
- Sleep Mode Button
- Timer Button:- 24 Hour On / Off Timer
- Filter Check Button
- 4-Way Air Direction Control
- Cabinet Louvers:- Swing Louvers - Up / Down and Left / Right
- Fresh Air Exhaust Vent
- Filter:- Reusable/ Rigid Mesh/Slide-Out Filter Access
- LVC Technology:- Low Voltage Compensation
- Window Mounting Kit:- Easy Mount/High Window Mounting Kit
The Controls On All 3 Units
The 3 units all come with Electronic Controls and can be fully operated by EITHER the Touch Pad on its own OR by the Full-FunctionRemote.It is always advisable to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the controls and operating instruction before beginning to useany unit, as this can prevent needless frustration and may prevent unnecessary damage.
The description of functions below are a rough guide, which is the same for all three units:-
Controls (Electronic)
The units can be operated by the electronic Touch Pad controls OR with the electronic Remote.
Control (Touch Pad)
There are full Function Electronic Controlswith a digital display on the touch pad.The touch pad is located on a strip at the top of the unit and which runs right across its full width.
Control (Remote)
There is a full Function Remote Control,which also hasa digital display screen.
Temperature Settings
Temperature settings are displayed on a digital display face on the control panel and on the remote.One of two arrows are pressed to increase / decrease the temperature, which ranges from 60° to 90°.
ON/OFF BUTTON
This is one ofthe sixbuttons on the control paneland the only safe way to turn the unit on / off is to use this button.
MODE BUTTON
There is a Modes Button that can select3different modes:-fan only / energy saver/cool. A light o the controls indicates which speed is selected.
Fan Only Mode
Fan only mode is used when cooling is not required, but when stale air needs to be circulated.
Energy Save Mode
In energy save mode the fan will continue to run for 3 minutes after the compressor has switched off. The fan then cycles on for 2 minutes ever 10, until the temperature is higher than the set level. At this point the compressor switches back on.
Cool Mode
Cool mode is used to cool the air and is used in conjunction with the 3 fan speeds and the thermometer.
FAN SPEEDS BUTTON
There are 3 fan speeds -Lo/ Med /Hi, which are selected using the Fan Speed Pad.A light indicates which speed is selected. There is also an ‘Auto Temp’ option on the touch pad.Auto Cool/Auto Temp
Labelled ‘Auto-Temp’ on the fan speed pad and ‘Auto Cool’ in the specifications; this is an option on the Fan Speed Button. Starting at high speed, the unit automatically adjusts to a lower speed as the selected temperature is reached.
SLEEP BUTTON
The sleep mode option automatically causes the temperature to be gradually raised, from the selected temperature, by 4° during the night. The increase is not noticed but costs are lowered.TIMER BUTTON
The 24 hour timer featurecan be used to delay the start/ stop time for up to 24 hours.CHECK FILTER BUTTON
This feature lights a little light as a reminder to clean/check the filter. To reset - the ‘check filter’ button is pressed and the light goes out.Temperature Display
The temperature is displayed on a Digital Display Face. Up/down arrows are touched to increase/ decrease the temperature being selected. During ‘time’ and ‘fan’selections, the time and fan speeds are displayed on the same digital face for a few seconds – before reverting back to the set temperature.
Airflow Direction
The 4-Way Air Directional Controlis situated just below the control pad and allows air to be directed four ways - up/down/left/right and is controlled manually.
Sounds and Noise (3 Units)
There are a number of sounds / noises resulting from the normal operating functions of Frigidaire air conditioners, which will be noticed on all 3 units. A gurgle or hissing sound happens when refrigerant passes through the evaporator.The sound of rushing air at the front of the unit happens when the fan is blowing air.
A high-pitched chatter happens in the cooling cycle.
A pinging or swishing happens when little drops of water fall on the condenser.
Vibration is likely to happen as a result of incorrect installation or a poorly constructed window or wall.
Care and Cleaning (3 Units)
The same User and Care Manualis written for all 3 units and there is a useful section outlining the main point about Air Filter Cleaning, Cabinet Cleaning and Winter Storage.The Rigid Mesh Filter is Reusable and Washable, with a Slide-Out Filter Access to make cleaning easy.
The control panel has a useful Filter Check light you alert you to check the filter and a Filter Reset Button, one this has been done.
Additional Information
|
|
FAK085Q7 |
FAK104Q1 |
FAK124Q1 |
|
Cabinet Height |
20.25" |
20.75" |
20.25" |
|
Cabinet Depth |
23" |
23" |
23" |
|
Cabinet Width |
14.25" |
14.5" |
14.25" |
|
Product Weight |
80 lbs |
88 lbs |
91 lbs |
. .