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Keep Cool with the Best AC Unit

  1. SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner
  2. Amazon Basics Mechanical Control Cools 150 Square Feet Window Air Conditioner
  3. Pro Breeze Smart Air Conditioner
  4. MIDEA 5000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
  5. Midea Energy Saving Air Conditioner
  6. LG 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
  7. Buyer's Guide

As temperatures begin to soar during the summer months, you rely on your air conditioner to provide relief from the heat. There are several different types of air conditioning systems to choose from, including window, portable, central, and ductless mini-split options. The following list of the best air conditioners in 2022 will provide all the information you'll need to make an informed home cooling system investment as the majority of our selections are smaller models as opposed to larger, centralized units. We've also provided an air conditioner buyer’s guide below to aid you in your search.

Detailing the Best Air Conditioners of 2022

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner - Best Overall

First on our list is an air conditioner that is both energy-saving and efficient. The portability also adds more to its usability, allowing you to place it anywhere in your house and enjoy the soothing environment. The air conditioner also has added features like a dehumidifier, three operating modes, and swinging vents for thorough airflow. It can be controlled through a touch-button control panel or a convenient remote control.

  • Super-cooling at low power
  • High portability and easy usage
  • Not suitable for big spaces and open areas

Moreover, this air conditioner is super space-saving; it can be mounted on windows or moved around with its trolley wheels. The cooling system produces 10,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 6 000 BTU (SACC) cooling power at a rated power capacity of 1150W only. Overall, with its energy-efficient cooling system and convenient portability, this air conditioner earns the number one spot on our list.

Amazon Basics Mechanical Control Cools 150 Square Feet Window Air Conditioner - Runner Up

The window-mounted air conditioner by Amazon Basics is one of our top picks in this category for multiple reasons, one of them being value. It is a very efficient and effective unit that you can easily install inside a window frame to make sure that your room stays cool. The cooling coverage of this product is 150 sq. feet, which means that you can even use it for your living room, kitchen or lounge. It can effectively bring the temperature down with a rating of 5000 BTU. This AC also provides maximum control over the airflow, using the two fan speeds that it offers, as well as an effective reusable filter.

  • Easy installation and setup.
  • Great value for money
  • Air doesn't get as cold as others

Pro Breeze Smart Air Conditioner - Best Eco-friendly

Get ultra-powered cooling with this air conditioner boasts a 10,000 BTU cooling capacity and a 6.6 CEER energy efficiency rating. It delivers exceptional cooling for large living rooms, homes, bedrooms and offices. It can easily cool up to 300 sq feet area. The Pro Breeze air conditioner is equipped with an R410a refrigerant, which is a greener alternative than other refrigerants and reduces ozone depletion.

  • It is easy to install and set up
  • Includes 2 window venting kits
  • Exhaust tubing should be insulated

The air conditioner also facilitates app and WiFi connectivity, so you can connect it to your smart home and control the cooling through voice commands by asking Google Home or Alexa to change the temperature for you. Get cold blowing air in the sweltering summer heat with this smart air conditioner!

MIDEA 5000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner - Runner Up

This Midea window AC is a product that you should definitely consider if you’re looking for something that gets the job done. The cooling capacity of this machine is 5,000 BTU, making it a very effective solution for rooms up to 150 sq. feet. The set of options that you get is pretty convenient and functional as well, with 7 different temperature settings, 2 fan speeds, and 2 cooling settings as well as a circulation option. It is also a very energy-efficient product and it has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate of 11. Installing this AC is quite simple and the maintenance is also relatively easy as it comes with a washable filter that you can maintain on your own.

  • Comes with a removable and washable air filter.
  • Very quiet operation.
  • Not suitable for larger rooms.

Midea Energy Saving Air Conditioner - Honorable Mention

This air conditioner is designed to save energy and is a great option for those who want to save money.

The air conditioner is the quietest window air conditioner on the market. It’s also one of the most energy-efficient in its class, with over 35% savings compared to other traditional units. You can control it from anywhere through the cloud using the app for iOS or Android.

LG 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner - Contender

The window AC by LG is one of the best machines that you can purchase right now, as far as this category is concerned. It is a reasonably powerful unit that can do the job in a very efficient and effective manner. The cooling capacity of this unit by LG is 6,000 BTU, which means that it can perform reasonably well for medium rooms up to 250 sq. feet. This AC is also operates very quietly and is not very noticeable. Moreover, you also get a remote control so you won't have to get up in the middle of the night to adjust the settings.

  • Low-noise operation.
  • Equipped with auto-restart feature.
  • Not suitable for larger rooms. Opt for the 8000 BTU for larger rooms.

Buyer's Guide

The hot months of summer can get very uncomfortable, especially if you are indoors with very little to no natural ventilation system in your home. Well, thanks to technology and engineering, there are now many ways you can keep your home cool all through summer. One surefire way is through the use of an air conditioner.

Air conditioners are electronic appliances used for cooling rooms and buildings. This device is able to achieve this feat by removing warm or hot air from the building and providing the building with cool air, usually through the help of a compressor and a refrigerant.

In the remainder of this best air conditioner buying guide, you will get to know the different types of air conditioners and which one you should get if you are faced with the dilemma of which is right for you and your home. Also, factors to look out for when selecting an air conditioner will be discussed.

What Type of Air Conditioner Should I Get?

The type of air conditioner you should get depends on the size of the space you want to cool and your budget. Here are some of the types of air conditioners.

Window Air Conditioners

A window air conditioner works by removing the hot air from the room, running it through evaporator coils, and blowing it back into the room. The heat accumulated in the evaporator coil moves to the condenser coil. The evaporator pushes the hot air outside.

Window air conditioners are suitable for single rooms. It is compact, inexpensive, and easy to install since all the components are in one unit. To install the window air conditioner, your window has to be wide enough to accommodate the air conditioner. There is also the option of mounting this AC by creating a hole in the wall.

Central Air Conditioners

If you are looking to cool a large area, central air conditioners should be your go-to.

These air conditioners are split; this means they have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit consists of the evaporator and air handler, while the outdoor unit is made of a condenser and compressor.

A central air conditioner uses a ducting system to remove hot air and return cool air into all the rooms in a building.

Split Air Conditioners

For those looking to save space while cooling the rooms in a building, split air conditioners are the way to go. These air conditioners are split, but unlike central air conditioners, they have no use for a ducting system, nor can they be used for the whole home.

The compressor and condenser that make up the outdoor unit can however be connected to two or more indoor units. Also, every person has the freedom to control the temperature in their room.

Portable Air Conditioners

Although not as efficient and noiseless as the other three, portable air conditioners are for people who have no desire to mount their AC to their windows or walls and who only want to cool a space only temporarily.

The portable air conditioners can be easily moved from one room to another. They also have all the required components in one single unit. To use this air conditioner, you need only a power outlet to power the unit and a window where the window vent kit will pass.

What Are Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner?

Now that you know the different types of air conditioners and their capabilities, here are some other factors that will have a significant impact on choosing an air conditioner.

The Size of the AC and the Available Space

When selecting an air conditioner, pay attention to the space available to you. This will help you choose the best air conditioner that will cool the area you want to be cooled and without taking up space.

Also, remember that bigger does not always mean better when it comes to air conditioners. Having an oversized air conditioner work in a small area will only make the room damp. An undersized air conditioner will also struggle to cool a large room.

To get the best size AC for whatever space you need to cool, multiply the length and width of the space and compare it to the AC's effectiveness using an AC efficiency chart.

Also, the number of people in the room and the amount of sun the room receives will also play a vital part in determining the air conditioner's efficiency.

Rooms that receive more sun will need an additional 10% of power, while rooms with less sun will see a power decrease of 10%. Kitchens should see an addition of 4000 BTUs. And if more than two persons occupy a room, for every extra person, add 600 BTUs.

Your Budget

Before purchasing an Air conditioner, you need to have a budget. Get all the necessary information, features, and functions that are important to you. Then compare prices from different manufacturers. Lastly, estimate the total amount it will cost you. Do not forget to include installation costs when estimating your budget.

Energy Consumption

Choose air conditioners that consume less electricity. To ensure your AC is not raising your electricity bills through the roof, opt for ACs with high energy efficiency ratios (EER).

Other important considerations include the air conditioning system's maintenance requirement and the inclusion of a remote and smart or intelligent feature that will make handling the AC stress-free.

Air Conditioner FAQs

Q. Is it cheaper to leave the AC on all day?

A. If you want to lower your electricity bill, it is cheaper to leave your AC on all day, especially in the summer. This will save you more, instead of putting it on and off. However, do not leave the AC at the coldest temperature if you leave it on all day.

Q. What AC temperature is best for room comfort?

A. The department of energy recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit as the best temperature to set your AC in the summer.

Q. Should I sleep with the AC on?

A. Yes, you can, and you should. Research shows that leaving and sleeping with your air conditioner is safe and is suitable for boosting sound sleep. However, you should sleep under moderate temperature settings, keep the filters clean, and make sure the airflow of the AC is directed upwards.

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