After 3 days of nearly 100 degree weather, we have begun researching air-conditioning options for our Tudor house with- gasp- no central air.  Not only that we have original casement windows and steam heat radiators, so throwing a standard window unit in isn’t an option.

Our friend Kevin installed central air in a house with radiators, so we know that is an option- but that would be more than a weekend DIY project and costly for us right now.

Here are two options I found for more immediate relief from the heat.

1.       Portable Air Conditioners-  I wasn’t even aware these existed.  They don’t actually sit in the window, although they have an exhaust hose that does. Some models, like the one shown below (Kenwood PAC C130EK 13,000 BTU Portable Room Air Conditioner at Costco.com) can work with casement windows according to the product information. Looks like most portable air conditioners start at around $300.

2.       There are some window units that are vertical or small enough to fit in our casement windows. I found these to be named mini-compact, compact or vertical window air conditioners. We would probably have to take the window apart to install it, which is not ideal. Although you can get one of these units for closer to $200 based on my quick internet research.

Of course, you need to consider the cooling output as measured in BTUs. The higher the BTUs the more area the unit will be able to cool. And the higher the BTUs, typically, the more the unit will cost.