Best Overall
Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Air Conditioner
Best Bang for the Buck
Midea 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Best Window
The Windmill AC Smart Inverter Air Conditioner
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In many regions , an air conditioner is a must - have for surviving hot and muggy summertime , but a expert air travel conditioning whole can be quite the investment , especially if cardinal air is n’t a feature of your home’sheating and coolingsystem . It ’s a decision that matters , so we run these melodic phrase conditioners through a series of trial run to check how well they worked and how forte they lam .
The right pick should be able to last through the seasons , have a suitable cooling electrical capacity , and have a comfy ( or at least tolerable ) noise tier . prize air conditioner units can cool down a room or an entire home quick and expeditiously , put up fresh sculptural relief from the summer estrus . Our top choice is theMidea 8,000 BTU uracil - Shaped Air Conditioner . It ’s highly vim efficient due to its U - shaped blueprint and allows the windowpane to close so that the persuasion — and not the air conditioner — takes center stage . Read on for the best line conditioner model that will help you stay coolheaded all summertime long .
Air Conditioners Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
Installing an strain conditioner is the best elbow room to beat the summer heat . The following aura conditioners were chosen ground on research and hand - on testing for their efficiency , end product , and reasonable noise level to keep a household prosperous in sweltering weather .
Our military rating : Installation3.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning4/5 ; Value5/5
With its innovative U - shaped intention , this Midea air conditioner is more energy efficient and quieter than standard window unit . While standard unit require the window to be candid a human foot or more , the Midea straddles the window , allowing the window to fill up between the blower and compressor . With a tighter seal between the window and the exterior , this unequaled framework is 35 pct more vigour effective than traditional windowpane air conditioners .
ThisU - shaped melodic line conditioning unitalso eliminates undue interference , as the compressor sits outside . With the noisy compressor on the other side of the methamphetamine hydrochloride , this way air conditioner get 42 decibels ( dB ) , which is only slimly noisier than a library . To top off its with child design , it include sleep , vigour saver , and auto shutoff modes to further improve efficiency . Plus , it ’s also a fresh machine , capable of colligate to a home plate ’s Wi - Fi for control via a saucy machine or virtual assistant for cooling mastery on demand .
The control instrument panel is straight , and using the remote is a snap . The Wi - Fi app was simple to gear up up and relate as well , and we really found that to be the easygoing control method acting for this AC . The Midea has a few more perquisite , too . Its design allows more light into the room than typical window aura conditioners , and we liked that we could tuck our curtain behind it for more privateness . gratuitous to say , we ’re worshipper in uracil - shaped air conditioners now .
What our quizzer says:“Though facility certainly took some effort — it add up with several small factor and ironware — once set up , this AC window social unit was well-situated to enjoy . It was so quiet that it was barely detectable , and it cooled my room by 5 degrees Fahrenheit in just 15 minutes . ”–Tom Scalisi , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Midea 8,000 BTU air conditioner atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Ease of Cleaning4/5 ; Value4/5
A gamy - tone strain conditioner does n’t need to hail with a luxuriousness cost tag end , as try by this compact windowpane unit from Midea . This small 5,000 BTU cheap breeze conditioner suits rooms up to 150 substantial feet , ideal reportage for preserve a modest bedroom or office sang-froid , or for function as a personal air conditioner . With its mini size , it ’s easy to install . Plus , put on hardware is let in , and installation expect minimal modifications to the windowpane frame , make it an excellent choice for renter .
Photo: homedepot.com
Once installed , this indoor air conditioner has a somewhat efficient CEER evaluation of 12.1 , so it wo n’t put a huge nick in utility bills . on-going maintenance is also simple — it include a reusable , washable filter to minimise maintenance cost . The air conditioner operate on at around 56 dB , so it wo n’t be too cheap and might offer a number of white noise for light railroad tie . It ’s simple to use , with just two knobs to adjust .
During our test , we found that this Midea was extremely wanton to instal , thanks to its light weight at just 42.1 pound ( compared to 55.55 lbf. for the theoretical account above ) . We just had to launch the window , pop it in , and frown the sash before adjusting the side panels . It also cooled the modest bedroom we commit it in chop-chop , and although it ’s not the quietest model on the list , it ’s far from gimcrack . The louvers are a little one - dimensional as they only adapt side to side , not up and down , but overall , that ’s a small ill for an AC this affordable .
Get the Midea 5,000 BTU air conditioner atAmazon , Lowe’s , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Our military rank : Installation4/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning4/5 ; Value4/5
Anyone hunt for a window building block that look sound and keeps the randomness to a lower limit will require to consider The Windmill 8,000 BTU smart atmosphere conditioner . This model features a modern design that looks big in the window , and it get with upstanding foam side panels that are customizable for a clean looking at . These panels also help , along with the inverter engineering , to keep this unit quiet , running at noise levels as low as 42 dB.
The Windmill has several features , including a digital outback control and a sportsmanlike command instrument panel on the front of the gentle wind conditioner . It ’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant , or The Windmill app . It ’s not quite as effective as other inverter atmosphere conditioners , but it ’s not a public-service corporation sapper either .
Photo: Amazon
During our test , we wish the look of The Windmill . First , it has a clean , mod trend that does n’t detract from the interior of the home . Then , rather than flimsy accordion side jury , the foam covers really clean up the flavor . On top of that , it was very quiet , and rather than blowing aura straight out , it point it upward to well help the cool down process .
Get The Windmill air conditioner atLowe’s , The Home Depot , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Best Portable
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Our Ratings : Installation3/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Noise3.5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning5/5 ; Value4/5
This 14,000 BTU portable unit from Whynter is a fluid and powerful option to cool down room of up to 500 substantial feet . It features three operating modes ( nerveless , sports fan , or dehumidify ) to keep indoor air well-fixed . A threefold - hosiery designing allows for a separate consumption and exhaust hosepipe , increasing airflow and efficiency to provide agile cooling . Convenience lineament let in a bare setup , a 24 - time of day programmable timer , and a filter system with a prefilter and activated - carbon filter .
maintain this AC unit is easy . Auto - draining engineering helps drain contraction automatically , and a washable prefilter is easy to scavenge to keep the air refreshing . run at around 56 dB , this air conditioner is reasonably quiet for a portable whole . However , it ’s also quite heavy , weighing 73 pounds , so it may be best for 1 - storey home . It also has a very humiliated CEER of just 7.69 .
Photo: Amazon
While it ’s a bit of an armful , we found that the roulette wheel on this stand - up air conditioner were a with child help with moving it about . It limit up apace in our 600 - square - foot way ( slenderly bombastic than it ’s rank for ) , and it had the ability to cool down the elbow room in just 10 minutes . We also appreciated its slim design , a great difference from bulkier , more traditional portable air conditioners .
Get the Whynter air conditioner atAmazon , The Home Depot , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Best for Large Rooms
Midea 12,000 BTU U-Shaped Air Conditioner
Our Ratings : Installation3.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Those in hunting of a unruffled air conditioner with the power to cool gravid room may desire to consider the Midea 12,000 BTU window air conditioner . Like the 8,000 BTU model listed above , it also boast a U - shape conception , so most of the randomness remains outdoors . It can run noticeably quieter on the inside while still cool down rooms up to 550 straightforward feet in size of it . It also has three modes from which to choose , let in buff , coolheaded , and dehumidifier .
This unit comes with a angle bracket that adjusts to fit the window and the house , as well as various froth piece of unlike thicknesses to varnish out noise and the component . It include a outback ascendancy , a downloadable app , and Wi - Fi compatibility .
Photo: Lowe’s
We found that this 12,000 BTU U - shaped air conditioner quickly , expeditiously , and quietly cools gravid rooms . It sit on the same bracket as the smaller unit , so it install securely , though it is reasonably sound at almost 60 pound . The app and distant ascendency are very easy to use , and when the social unit kick on , it ’s barely noticeable unless you sense the breeze . We loved that it earmark plenty of lightness in around the air travel conditioner and that we could open up the windowpane if we wanted to .
take our full review : Midea 12,000 BTU atomic number 92 - Shaped Air Conditioner
What our examiner says:“I found that , without a doubtfulness , the Midea is the best - designed windowpane aura conditioner I ’ve ever installed or used . Yes , it ’s intemperate , and the bracket takes a snatch of clip to instal , but once it ’s done , it does out with any fear the substance abuser might have regarding refuge or security . ”–Tom Scalisi , Product Reviews examiner and author
Photo: Amazon
Get the Midea 12,000 BTU melodic phrase conditioner atAmazonorLowe ’s , orWalmart .
Also Consider
LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
Our evaluation : Installation5/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Noise3.5/5 ; Ease of Cleaning3/5 ; Value4/5
When it comes to chill rooms without back - break window - social unit installation , the LG 10,000 BTU air conditioner might be the best option . This portable social unit feature still roll roulette wheel so you could move it from elbow room to board easily , as well as an extendable hose and windowpane vent that leave it to figure out in almost any window . While it ’s not consider an free energy - effective tune conditioner ( 7.9 CEER ) , it does have the output to cool off up to a 500 - straightforward - foot way .
This free - standing air conditioner has plenty of ramp up - in features , include a digital remote control and Wi - Fi compatibility . you could motorbike through the different setting or set timers with the remote control or the LG ThinQ app , or you could use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa .
Photo: Amazon
Portable air conditioners are always pretty well-off to localize up , and we base this simulation took the bar during examination . The window instrument panel snap together in seconds , and the hosepipe locked in position , allow us to install it in less than a minute of arc without any heavy lifting . It was very quiet for a 10,000 BTU AC ( we measured it at 60 dB ) , and the app and outside were easy to employ . The big downside is that we had to run out the condensation from under the building block , which required a shallow cookie canvass .
Get the LG breeze conditioner atLowe’s , The Home Depot , Best Buy , orWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Air Conditioners
No one wants to drop money on an zephyr conditioner only to obtain out that it ’s low quality — that ’s totally not coolheaded . So we spent months screen the air conditioners on this list to control we knew how well they would knead and that they ’d be up to the task .
We test these units in several different ways . We compare how easy they were to install , how loud they were , how well they cooled , and then how well any chic mathematical function or extra features worked . We evaluate how quickly they chill rooms on the hottest days of the year and how well they deal sticky humidness . Some models could n’t quite cut it ( either they were too tatty , too heavy , too basic , or not effective ) , so we did not place them on the leaning . However , all of the included secure gentle wind conditioner pick surpass in peculiar areas and were given awards based on their strength .
What to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner
While there are several air conditioner types and mannikin from which to choose , the best air conditioners share the same features : They are efficient , honest , and lead without make too much haphazardness . When shopping for an air conditioner , consider the size of the unit and the size of the mean room as well as the unit ’s energy efficiency , installing process , and noise floor .
Size of AC
One of the most important thing to do before buy a unit is to ensure that there ’s enough space to install it . The size of it of the unit will depend on the type . Starting with nonpermanent choice , humble windowpane airwave conditionersare compact enough to sit in a windowpane , while portable aviation conditioners are larger . Portable social unit commonly measure 2 to 3 human foot marvellous and a pair of infantry wide .
Permanent line conditioner can have even larger element , which is part of the reason why they command professional installation . Most built - in units are small in size of it , just a bit larger than a paries unit , but when it add up to ductless miniskirt - disconnected and central AC systems , some social unit can be prominent than a washing auto .
Room Size and Location
Air conditioners measure their cooling capacity by room size , which make straight footage one of the most significant broker to consider when shopping . To choose an appropriate air conditioner , measure the square footage of the room that take cooling and equate it to an air conditioner BTU rating chart . B.Th.U. is used to value cool mental ability , or how effectively an atmosphere conditioner can cool a way .
hear to find the snug BTU for the way size , and round up only when needed . Underpowered air conditioners may fail to cool the room , while overpowered options might cycle on and off too quickly .
Other factors admit the area ’s climate as well as the room ’s localisation , sun exposure , ceiling acme , and dealings ( more the great unwashed will mean a warmer elbow room ) . These divisor will impress how often or how long the social unit needs to run . For rooms with a lot of sunlight , choose an zephyr conditioner with a 10 percent high BTU degree than recommended for the elbow room size .
Photo: Lowe’s
Energy Efficiency
For many shoppers , energy efficiency top out the list of concerns when buy a raw air conditioner . The best way to find anenergy - efficient air conditioneris to pay tending to its energy ratings .
Energy Efficient Rating ( EER ) is a measure of the cool off capability per James Watt of energy used . An EER of 9 is above average , and an EER of 12 is consider excellent . The higher the rating , the more efficient , which intend lower electrical energy use and emission . CEER is a newfangled , similar military rating organisation that also take into account standby top executive consumption . A CEER rating of 10 or above is weigh dependable .
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ( SEER ) expresses how efficiently the zephyr conditioner cool down over an full cool off season . A SEER rating over 15 is considered effective . Again , the higher the SEER , the more efficient the melodic line conditioner .
A unit with Energy Star certification use less free energy ( up to an impressive 20 pct less ) than typical gentle wind conditioner of the same type .
Installation
When it comes to setting up an air conditioner , the induction process varies depending on the whole type . Some air conditioners , like window and portable models , are perfectly suitable for a DIY setup , while build up - in , ductless miniskirt - split , and central systems warrant a call to the professional . ensure to calculate for instalment cost when budget for a new air conditioner .
Regardless of the air conditioner eccentric , it ’s important to make certain that the home is well - befit for the induction process beforehand . For model , ensure that a window or portable gentle wind conditioner will work for the window character , or choose an appropriate bulwark to wax a built - in airwave conditioner .
Noise Level
A loud air conditioning system can be disruptive and pestiferous , especially when running at night . These unit run for hour or day at a metre , which can add to the existing noise tier in a home . The best air conditioners are quiet and do n’t whir , clunk , or whine every fourth dimension the social unit switch on .
One way to measure an aviation conditioner ’s disturbance floor is to check the decibel paygrade . Most air conditioners make between 40 to 70 dB of noise . To put it in perspective , a whispering is around 30 dB , while a normal conversation is around 60 dB.
Also , keep in mind where the air conditioner is instal ; a forte indoor AC unit will be more tumultuous than a noisy out-of-door unit . Some air conditioner feature a smooth way , which runs at a lower setting for quieter cognitive operation .
Those looking for low noise levels may want to check outover - the - sill air conditioner . Since the compressor on these unit lives outside , they ’re typically much quieter than stock window air conditioning units .
Additional Features
aviation conditioner can include a wide range of commodious features . For year - round temperature control , some units reduplicate as a dehumidifier or smoke to accommodate nerveless weather condition .
Some features make the air conditioner easy to check . Basic options admit remote controls , programmable timer , multistep filters , and various operating manner like eco - well-disposed or quiet procedure . high-pitched - technical school option can let in saucy - home capabilities . Like many raw appliances , some melodic line conditioners come with bright - family features . These social unit allow consumers to use features such as voice bidding , remote control , schedule , and timers from a connected smart twist .
Types of Air Conditioners
There are various type of air conditioners uncommitted ; the best option depends on your budget , uncommitted space , and whether it ’s a temporary or permanent fix . Some home air conditioner types number in this guide offer dual cooling and warming , which is a capital option for those who need temperature command class - round . Read on to learn more about the different types of air conditioner units .
Window
Window air conditioner are a popular pick because they ’re low-cost and comparatively efficient . Installing a window ACis also uncomplicated , as these compact units are designed to sit down in single- or two-fold - hung windows , although some AC window units can also be installed into sliding windows with a small modification .
Awindow air conditioneris the best option for those looking for a toll - favorable , temporary choice . Most window units are ensure by a partially open windowpane or a wall frame . Window mannequin lean to be more effective and low-cost than portable unit , not to mention less bulky .
Although most window units include side control panel to guarantee a just fit , there is potential for aviation loss around the unit , wee-wee them less efficient than lasting options . For example , most windowpane AC units disallow the window in which the unit is establish from opening or closing . This means the windowpane ca n’t be used for airflow on cooler daylight .
Portable
Portable air conditioner tend to be bulky , expensive , and relatively inefficient , but they have one major draw : mobility . These wheeled units are easy to put in and can be countersink up in any way with a index outlet and a suitable window or slip door for venting .
Portable air conditionersare well - suited for those who do n’t want to set up a lasting whole with lots of air conditioning equipment , such as infrequent AC users , renters , and those who do n’t have suitable windows for a windowpane AC unit . Most manakin include a venting outfit for double - hung or slide windowpane , but it is n’t impossible to discover a answer for a slue door or casement windowpane .
While portable unit offer mobility , portable air conditioner are still comparatively heavy , weighing around 50 to 100 Sudanese pound . They ’re idealistic for pedal from elbow room to room as needed , but they take drive to carry up and down a flight of step . So , 2 - story homes may require more than one whole .
Built-In
Also known asthrough - the - wall zephyr conditioners , built - in AC units put in through an opening in an exterior wall . Unlike window and portable unit , built - in AC social unit are permanent mending that usually require professional installation . They ’re idealistic for those who do n’t have a central cooling system of rules ( or have a room or two that do n’t connect to the system ) and for those looking for a permanent cooling alternative .
Built - in air conditioners incline to be costlier than nonpermanent options , but they are more attractive and efficient . There ’s no bulky whole to hive away indoors or hang from a windowpane , release up floor and window quad , and they ’re always quick to switch on at a moment ’s notice . Since these units are built into the paries , they make a honorable airtight cachet than windowpane or portable whole for more effective chilling .
Ductless Mini-Split
Ductless mini - split atmosphere conditioners are among the most popular lasting options . These units are sleek and compact and permit for more flexibleness with placement compared to window , portable , and build - in system of rules .
A ductless air conditioner system sport two part : a capacitance that sits outside and one or more wall mount strain conditioner blowers that sit at bottom , link by refrigeration lines . This setup requires professional induction but allow for more pliable placement , which is a immense reward over windowpane , portable , or built - in units . Another benefit is that they do n’t require any ductwork , unlike traditional HVAC system of rules . Ductless mini - split scheme are an efficient alternative , and many offer benefit like multistage aviation filtration . It ’s also possible to find ductless mini - split solar - power air conditioners , allowing for energy savings .
Central System
Unlike the gentle wind conditioner types described above , which are often installed in one or a handful of rooms , key zephyr conditioning systems are designed to cool the intact home . These systems are the most effective choice when full - home cooling system is necessary for hot summer month , and can be powered by aheat pump or AC unit .
fundamental melodic line conditioning scheme can involve both indoor and outside air conditioner portion ( like air handlers and condensers ) and require an melody - duct organization to propagate cool air . This means thatthe cost of central AC unitscan be a significant investment , especially in homes without pre - existing ducts , and will require professional installation . check there is enough blank in the backyard , attic , or basement for all the portion . Installation is more straightforward in plate with an exist HVAC organisation .
FAQs
Still considering the best air conditioner character and model for your home ? take on to find answers to some of the most oft need questions about air conditioners , as well as some upkeep tips for your new unit .
To clean an air conditioner , get down by unplugging the unit and removing the outer case . Use a emptiness to remove any dust inside the building block and wipe down dependable components with a mixture of water and soft dish detergent . Make certain to scavenge or replace the filter as recommended by air conditioning companies .
You should not need to refill the freon in an AC unit ; if your AC seems to be run low , there might be a leak that necessitate to be prepare .
The best type of AC for your home count on several factor , include whether you want a nonpermanent or permanent option , whether you need to cool a room or the entire home , how often you will utilize the AC , and your budget .
B.Th.U. stands for British caloric unit and is a measure of thermal vigour . When it number to air conditioner , the BTU rating indicates how much energy is used to remove heat from the air , or how quickly the airwave conditioner can cool a room .
The SEER military rank measures cooling efficiency ; a higher SEER military rank mean a more efficient air conditioner . It is measured by calculating the cool off output separate by the energy used over an average cooling system time of year .
A ripe air conditioner unit should last 15 to 20 old age with right upkeep .
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America ’s Handyman since 1979 . As the host of beloved and groundbreaking video series including “ This Old House ” and “ Bob Vila ’s Home Again , ” he generalize and became synonymous with “ do - it - yourself ” base improvement .
Over the course of his decades - tenacious career , Bob Vila has helped trillion of the great unwashed build , renovate , fix , and live better each twenty-four hours — a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice . The Bob Vila team purify motivation - to - have a go at it info into project tutorial , maintenance guides , tool 101s , and more . These dwelling and garden expert then exhaustively research , ex-serviceman , and recommend products that hold up householder , renters , DIYers , and professionals in their to - do lists .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - prison term DIY and construction writer for many of the largest web site in the industry , let in BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He has plenty of experience installing , using , and maintain windowpane air conditioners to cool his otherwise unaired 70 - year - honest-to-god domicile without cardinal line .
Additional research provide by Jasmine Harding .
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