Shop the 2024 top picks for air conditioners to keep cool in warmer months

The Department of Energy offers tips on the efficient ways to cool your home.

May 8, 2024, 7:25 PM

It's finally time to get the air conditioners running again.

The contiguous United States' average maximum daytime temperature for June last year was over 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Shop the best products to stay cool this summer.
Shop the best products to stay cool this summer.
ABC News Photo Illustration, Amazon - SNJ, OLMO, SAILFLO

The Department of Energy (DOE) provides guidance for the most efficient and effective ways to cool your home or living space. If cracking a window open is not effective enough to break the heat, there are simple notes one can consider when purchasing an air conditioner.

In terms of air conditioners, the DOE is careful to note that it is important for efficiency's sake to buy a properly sized unit for the room you are attempting to cool.

"Proper sizing is very important for efficient air conditioning. Buying a larger capacity room air conditioner than is required won't make you feel more comfortable during the hot summer months," notes the DOE.

The DOE suggests "20 Btu for each square foot of living space." A Btu is an energy measurement for air conditioners.

Portable and window air conditioners offer different set ups to cool rooms, with portable options offering flexibility and window options conserving space.

Using DOE guidance, here are picks for some of the best products to keep you cool this summer:

Air conditioners to cool any size room

Amazon

OLMO 14,000 btu 230V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote Control

Available at BTU's ranging from 8,000 to 14,000, this air conditioner can cool rooms ranging from 400 to 700 square feet. This product can be applied through the wall and controlled digitally.

  • $688.00
  • Amazon
Amazon

BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

At 8,000 BTU and a 350 to 400 square foot range, this product was rated over 45,000 times. Wheels and handles make this portable air conditioner easy to maneuver.

  • $329.99
  • Amazon
10% off
Amazon

Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner

The description for this air conditioner notes quite functionality as well as flexibility for in-window use and and anti-theft mechanisms. 

  • $386.99
  • $429.99
  • Amazon
26% off
Amazon

Coolblus Portable Air Conditioner, 8500 BTU

The Coolbus product offers portability in order to cool any environment for any amount of time. With 8,500 BTU, it can cool 425 square foot rooms.

  • $189.99
  • $259.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Frigidaire FHWW104WD1 Window Air Conditioner,

With connection capabilities via Wi-Fi, this product can be controlled from a smart device. The filter in the machine alerts the user when it is time for a cleaning.

  • $449.00
  • Amazon
20% off
Amazon

Pro Breeze 4 in 1 Portable Air Conditioner

The four different functionalities featured on this product are: air cooling, dehumidifying, fan and sleep mode.

  • $379.99
  • $479.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Evaporative Air Cooler, 3500CFM 3-in-1 Swamp Cooler

Like other available products, the 3-in-1 functionality allows this air conditioner to act as a fan, air cooler, and humidifier.

  • $179.99
  • Amazon