It's AC Unit Season
In the summer months, the gentle hum of an air conditioner is pretty much ubiquitous in the United States. In fact, according to the Energy Information Association, 87 percent of American homes have air-conditioning. But there was once a time when the idea of manufacturing a cool environment was met with skepticism and sometimes outright mocking. Affiliate links used below.
Best for small spaces
The Friedrich remote-controlled energy-star certified AC unit cools a 250-square-foot area. The unit has a one-piece frame, which simplifies installation. There’s a sleep setting and a 24-hour timer, plus eight airflow settings and three fan speeds.
Best budget-friendly
The Amana window air conditioner is a simple, affordable option, albeit a slightly noisier one. At 5,000 Btu, this unit is rated to cool spaces up to 150 square feet.
Quietest option
At 42 decibels, the Midea model is significantly quieter than traditional window air conditioning units. (Think library noise versus office noise.) The inverter technology is up to 35 percent more energy efficient than traditional units, and it cools the room quickly, with a 20-foot airflow reach. With the novel U-shaped design you can safely open your window with the unit in place; the U shape positions the compressor outside, which helps to further reduce the noise inside.
Smart AC Unit
The Friedrich smart window air conditioner is designed for 550-square-foot rooms and features extra insulation on the inner wall for sound absorption, making this unit up to 25 percent quieter than traditionally built units of a similar size.
Best for Large Spaces
One of the best (and biggest) for entire living spaces, this Frigidaire window AC unit is designed for spaces up to 1,600 square feet. It generates a whopping 25,000 Btu and scores a 10.3 CEER rating. It comes with a remote control that displays and senses the temperature (as opposed to sensing it directly in front of the unit, where the cold output is), and there’s a sleep mode and a programmable 24-hour timer.
