10 top-rated air conditioners: Keep cool with these bestselling picks

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

ByMason Leib
July 9, 2024, 12:02 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.

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

13% off
Wayfair

Windmill 8000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Quiet Air Conditioner 350 Sq Ft

This highly-rated air conditoiner features 8000 BTU, and is most loved for its wifi capabilities, quiet tone and modern look. 
  • $369
  • $429
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  • Wayfair
9% off
Best Buy

Insignia™ - 250 Sq. Ft. Portable Air Conditioner - White

With 6000 BTU this portable air conditioner is ideal for cooling rooms all of your home. Plus, it includes a sleek mobile design that glides smoothly from room to room, a remote that gives you control over the unit from a distance and a programmable timer that gives you the option to schedule programs for preset operations and reduce energy consumption.
  • $269.99
  • $299
  • Best Buy
The Home Depot

6,000 BTU 115 Volt Window Air Conditioner Cools 250 sq. ft. with Remote in White

At 6,000 BTU, this 3-in-1 air conditioner cool, circulates and dehmidifies. It also features a sleek design that blends in seamlessly with most room decor.
  • $219
    13% off
    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.
    • $598.56
    • $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
    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. 
    • $514.31
    • Amazon
    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.
    • $225.99
    • 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
    16% 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.
    • $399.99
    • $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

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