Can Window AC Units Be Sleek?

During my sunday stroll through Kickstarter.com having my usual “Why didn’t I think of that!” moments. I stumbled upon this new window AC unit that is surprisingly sleek.

Since I have been on a IoT kick lately I figured I’d share.

Finally – A Smarter Way To Stay Cool

Window air conditioners have been around for over 60 years, providing much needed relief in the hot summer months.  But it has always come at a cost of a terrible user experience. Window air conditioners have always been big, ugly, loud, and difficult to install – until now.

Noria was designed to address all the pain points of current window air conditioners.  From beautiful design to easy installation to remote connectivity and schedule creation, Noria makes living with a window air conditioner a pain-free experience.  The intuitive thermostat knob interface makes interaction simple.  Smart features mean you can control Noria via bluetooth and make energy saving schedules from your iPhone or Android device.  A low profile design allows you to keep the view from your window, and makes storage a breeze. The fresh air mode brings in outside air on those cool June and September nights – not even central air can offer that.

Features

Specifications

Cooling Type: Vapor-compression refrigeration using environmentally and ozone-friendly R410a refrigerant.

Cooling Capacity: 5,000 BTU/hour.

Room size: Up to 160 square feet.

Power Consumption: Approximately 460-480 watts, for an EER we estimate to be 10.4 to 10.8.  The unit will draw approximately 4 amps during operation.

Size: 5.8”H x 18.25”W x 15”D

Window Opening Size: 21″ to 36″ wide.

Window Type: Single or double-hung window frames.

Installation Orientation: Currently horizontal only.  We are exploring vertical orientation in the future.

Weight: Approximately 30 pounds.

Low Profile Engineering

Noria is less than 6″ tall.  This significant reduction in size means that the view outside is no longer obstructed.  The patent-pending engineering required state-of-the-art CFD simulation and years of optimization to get into the final form factor Noria offers, trimming the total size by 40%. The highly engineered fans and ventilation system are quiet and efficient. Unlike other window air conditioners, Noria directs the cool air up towards the ceiling, creating a convective cycle that prevents cold and hot spots in the room. At 5,000 BTU/hr, Noria can cool a 10’x16′ room, or two Noria units can cool a room up to 330 sq ft.

Designed From the Ground Up

When we started this project, we knew window air conditioning needed more than just a pretty grill or smartphone control.  The whole user experience had to be rethought, and Noria had to be completely redesigned from the ground up.  Our modern and elegant design not only looks good but also addresses the irritations that users have with existing window AC designs.

Easy to Install

Noria comes with a special window frame adapter to ensure a safe and easy installation.  The adapter is installed first to create a secure, sealed socket into which Noria slides and locks in place.  No more struggling with a bulky object in an open window. The innovative handle and rounded sides further aid with installation, removal, and storage.

Noria slides and locks into place.
Noria slides and locks into place.

Simple User Interface

We’ve built Noria around a single knob that controls the thing you want to change –temperature.  Plug it in and set the thermostat. There’s no complicated modes or settings. Users can set a schedule via the iOS and Android apps to ensure they never use more energy than is needed.

Setting the temperature couldn't be easier.
Setting the temperature couldn’t be easier.
Night mode is easy on your eyes.
Night mode is easy on your eyes.

                                                                    

Control Noria From iPhone or Android

Noria can be set to a schedule by your iPhone or Android device, ensuring you can come home to a cool space without running your electricity all day. Our simple-to-use app allows you to control several Noria units at a time.

App Wireframe
App Wireframe
Using the Noria app, you can easily set up a weekly schedule to ensure you save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Using the Noria app, you can easily set up a weekly schedule to ensure you save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Fresh Air Mode

On those cool summer nights, Noria can turn off the compressor and bring fresh, outside air into your home.  With just the press of a finger, you can bring fresh air into your whole house.  The thermostat will even prevent the room from getting too cold while you sleep.

Total Room Circulation

Noria is designed to blow cold air upwards to mix with the warm air below as it falls.  This circulation removes the warm spots in the room while preventing cold air from being recirculated, which improves comfort and efficiency.

Cold air circulation with Noria
Cold air circulation with Noria
Cold air re-circulation with a standard AC
Cold air re-circulation with a standard AC

Easy Storage

If you are using Noria in a bedroom, you don’t have to take it far when autumn arrives.  Noria’s slim profile allows it to spend the off-season under your bed or in a closet.

Help fund Noria Here

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