231 posts, read 669,106 times 1,955 posts, read 7,530,185 times 8,309 posts, read 28,190,502 times Originally Posted by Narfcake Exactly what I was thinking. As a kid I used to call that the "angry" plug. My house was built before central A/C was a consideration and the bedrooms were all retrofitted for window units. At the time window units were usually 240V systems. If this plug is near a window, that's very likely to be why someone would put such a thing in the wall. Switching to 120V probably isn't going to be very difficult or time consuming and if you know much about wiring and applicable codes, you could probably DIY. I'm guessing, however, by the subject of this thread that you would be smart to hire this job out. If the stars are aligned your electrician may be able to leave your existing wires in place, cap one leg of the 240V at the panel and in the wall box and replace the breaker with a 15A. You may get off as lightly as $25 in materials and an hour or two labor.

*EDIT* I just realized that you were renting. Your landlord probably has people he would want to use, have you talked to him or her about this? 8,293 posts, read 18,846,880 times Originally Posted by jmax I can't say for sure, but I'd bet my big fat butt that it's a 220V outlet, and you have a 110V window unit. If my hunch is correct, the bottom line is that you simply can't plug your AC into that outlet. Get an acceptable (heavy) extension cord and run to a different outlet. Bigger window AC units used to be 220V. Imagine how THAT would make your electric meter spin! 26,348 posts, read 69,637,911 times Originally Posted by Omaha Rocks Maybe not much more if the current draw was half as much. 13,975 posts, read 39,423,209 times 10,205 posts, read 33,380,249 times Take a look at the standard wall outlet and figure out if it has a 15 or 20 A breaker, then look at the data plate on your air conditioner - if it draws less than 15 amps, you should be able to use the outlet nearby.

Get a heavy-duty extension cord, 14 gauge wire or better, no longer than needed (don't stretch it tight, but the longer it is the more resistance)1.5 ton split ac indoor unit If your A/C draws more than 15 but less than 20A, you can use that recepticle *if* it's on a 20A breaker. ice buildup on ac coilsThis might require changing over to a 20A type 110 outlet. 24000 btu window air conditionerThis is rare but I am mentioning it to be complete. I agree that the existing outlet is probably a 220/240 type outlet. Actually you can get some good high-efficiency 220 A/C units anymore, or heat pumps. Electrical billing is by watts, so it does not matter if you use 10A at 110 or 5A at 220 - same price. Same power, actually the 220 is a bit superior as there is less "IR" loss in the cabling and the device itself.

Surge protection for A/C is not usually needed, a surge protector won't affect breaker tripping. Anyway bottom line is any good hardware or building supply can sell you the extension cord you need to use your existing A/C with the nearby outlet.This is the solution to air conditioners we've all been waiting for Window air conditioners haven't received much attention during the "smart" revolution, where everything from coffee makers and refrigerators are controlled with apps over the internet. There was the Quirky Aros smart air conditioner made in collaboration with General Electric, but it received mixed reviews. But one startup seems to have come up with an overhaul that's way overdue for window air conditioners. Check out the Noria: First of all, Noria looks a lot better than most window air conditioners, which are usually ugly and bulky. One of the best things about it is it doesn't take up half your window view, like most window air conditioners.

It's also much easier to install into windows than conventional air conditioners. You install the frame first where the Noria slides into. And it's much lighter. It seems like it's pretty easy to control the Noria with the knob. Of course, what would a revolutionary air conditioner be without an app to control it? You can set temperature and schedules. It blows cold air up rather than sideways, which makes more sense as cool air drops. And when winter approaches, its sleek design lets you store it under your bed or other tight spaces. Noria's Kickstarter campaign is under way, where it's already received over $300,000 in funding with 35 days to go. Early bird packages are gone, but you can get the Noria for $300. It'll cost $400 at retail. Check out Noria's full video. Also, check out Noria's Kickstarter campaign.Decorations So Good, They're Scary.  Prices, promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing.

Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted. Frigidaire 15,100-BTU 850-sq ft 115-Volt Window Air Conditioner Item # 530386 Model # FFRE15L3Q1 for pricing and availability. Room Size Cooling Capacity (Sq. Feet) Get 5% OFF Every Day or Special FinancingSubject to credit approval Cools up to a 850 sq ft room Remote control allows you to precisely control the temperature and fan speed, from across the room Electronic controls allow you to set the comfort level to your preference, while a convenient temperature readout displays the set temperature Unit features 3 different fan speeds for more cooling flexibility Sleep mode: quiet operation keeps you cool without keeping you awake, and gradually increases room temperature after being activated