If you're looking to achieve the perfect temperature in your home then Buyer's Report can help, with the best-rated air conditioners that have been expertly reviewed and rated for you.
Vremi
SereneLife
LG
Black + Decker
With its warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and the promise of outdoor adventures, summer is easily one of the most popular seasons, and something that many people eagerly await all year. However, as you start to make that transition from spring to summer, the rising temperatures bring more than just a good time, and while it may be beautiful outside, inside your house might be a different story. Long summer days can quickly turn your living space into a literal oven, and if you aren’t fortunate enough to already have a built-in, central air system, then you may find yourself on the hunt for a fast solution that can help you combat that relentless heat.
Thankfully, portable air conditioners have become an easy and affordable option, able to offer you some much-needed relief, without requiring any complicated installation process or permanent alterations to your home. But with so many models available, and a wide range of features and prices to navigate, choosing the right portable air conditioner can be a daunting task, and this is why our buying guide was created. Diving deep into the world of air conditioners, this guide will look at the various types, sizes, and options that are available to you and will walk you through everything you need to know so you can make an informed and educated decision. Whether you have a small, 1-bedroom apartment, or a multi-bedroom home, this article will guide you towards that perfect model for your living space and will ensure that your upcoming summer is filled with happy memories, instead of endless, sweltering heat.
Most Americans are familiar with central air conditioning, a built-in type of cooling system that runs throughout your entire home and can be controlled by setting the temperature using a thermostat inside each room. While incredibly effective, central air is also one of the most expensive solutions you can employ, and for the average person, this type of system is not only far too costly, it’s also simply unrealistic as well. Requiring professional installation and permanent alterations to your property, central air isn’t really an option if you’re a renter, live in an apartment, or are on a budget, and if you fall into one of these categories, then you’re going to need a solution that is less permanent and less pricey. Thankfully, there are additional types of air conditioners available that are better suited to budget-conscious shoppers, and if you want to effectively tackle the heat, but not spend your life savings in the process, then you may want to consider models that are:
One of the best options when you want that perfect balance between affordability and effectiveness, portable air conditioners offer a simple and easy method for cooling your space that doesn’t require any permanent alterations or costly installation. Flexible and mobile, these models can easily be moved from room to room as you please, and the only thing you’ll need for set-up is access to an electrical outlet and a window that you can run your venting hose out of. Found in a wide range of sizes, and capable of cooling both small rooms and large spaces, portable air conditioners are a versatile cooling solution that are ideal for renters, apartments, and older homes without an existing central air system.
Window-mounted air conditioners are another potential option when you want something that is affordable and effective, but when you don’t want a freestanding unit that’s going to take up space in your home. Attached directly to your window, these budget-friendly models are surprisingly easy to install, and they don’t require the assistance of a professional or any permanent changes to your existing window set-up. While they are stationary once installed, they can be removed if you no longer need them or plan on moving, and they are able to deliver consistent, on-demand cooling power that can tackle individual rooms or larger spaces with ease.
One of the more permanent and expensive options available, wall-mounted air conditioners get the closest to replicating a central air system, and they are designed to cool your room quickly, while also not impacting the overall aesthetic of your space. Mounted directly onto the wall, each of these units will need to be installed into a freshly created opening that then leads to the outside, and because of the complexity of the installation process it usually requires professional assistance. As a permanent fixture, these types of models are really only suitable if you own the home you’re adding it to, however, they are ideal if you’re willing to spend a bit more in order to avoid a freestanding unit that takes up space or a window-mounted unit that changes the appearance of your room.
Before purchasing a new air conditioner for your home, it’s essential that you understand what size your house requires, as not all models are going to be powerful enough to cool your space, especially if you live in a larger property. At the same time, you don’t want to simply opt for the largest model you come across either, as the bigger the unit the more power it will use, and the higher your energy bill is going to be throughout those hot, summer months. Instead, the best thing you can do is to measure your space before you begin shopping, and once you’re able to accurately calculate the square footage, you can then start browsing models that are rated for your specific needs. In general, most air conditioners on the market will be rated based on their BTU (British Thermal Units), with a higher BTU rating indicating a more powerful unit. Matching the BTU to the room size is important, and as a general rule of thumb, the BTU you should be looking for based on your space is:
If you’re only attempting to cool a very small space that falls under 300 sq. ft in size then you can easily opt for a much smaller air conditioner that is rated at around 5,000 to 7,000 BTUs per hour. While these won’t be the most powerful units on the market, they will be some of the most affordable, and they can still do a fantastic job at cooling, so long as you’re correct about the size of the room.
For very small, studio apartments or medium-sized rooms that are under 500 sq. ft, an air conditioner that’s rated at 8,000 to 12,000 BTU per hour is going to be the ideal choice for you. At this size, you won’t need to worry about drawing too much power and increasing your energy bills too drastically, but you’ll still be able to enjoy a chilled atmosphere that is comfortable even on the hottest of summer days.
If you live in a decent sized apartment or have a very large room that you’re hoping to cool down, then an air conditioner that’s rated at 14,000+ BTUs per hour is going to be necessary in order to effectively lower the temperature in your space. While these units are going to be some of the most expensive available, they are also the most powerful, and they are more than capable of handling spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft with ease. To help keep your energy bills down with a model this size, however, you’re going to want to look for ones that are energy star rated, as they are designed to operate more efficiently without drawing on excessive amounts of power.
On top of simply picking the correct size for your space and your preferred type of model, you’ll also want to take into consideration the various features and attributes that can vary from air conditioner to air conditioner. Not all units are built the same, and you may find that some of the options available are shockingly noisy, difficult to operate, or are limited when it comes to the speeds or modes that you can choose between. To avoid feeling disappointed with the air conditioner you ultimately purchase, some of the final considerations you’ll want to look at include:
Rated based on their decibel levels, the amount of noise an air conditioner makes is incredibly important, as summer temperatures aren’t just limited to daytime hours. No one wants to try and sleep while their a/c is rattling, clanging, and banging around, and if you’re particularly sensitive to sound then a low decibel rating is going to be essential.
If you can’t figure out how to operate your new air conditioner then it isn’t going to be of much use to you, and this is why you always want to be on the lookout for models with clear, built-in panels and a convenient remote control. You may also want to consider units that have a backlit LED display, as this can be very handy at nighttime when you want to adjust the temperature or change the settings, but you don’t want to turn on all of your household lights on in the process.
An air conditioner works by drawing in warm air from the surrounding area and then replacing it with cool air, but as it completes this process it also has the unfortunate tendency of drawing in random debris alongside that hot air. From dust to pet hair, all of this unseen debris can start to build up and clog your unit, and over time it can cause it to work less effectively and eventually break down. In order to prevent this, it’s important that you are purchasing a model that includes a built-in filter, especially one that is washable, as this will be able to catch that debris before it makes it inside your air conditioner and will keep it working properly for years to come.
One of the final features you’ll want to look at when purchasing a new air conditioner is what operational modes it offers, and how many fan speeds you can adjust between. Each day is unique, and temperatures aren’t always going to hover at the exact same level, which is why you want to be able to control the strength it operates at based on your needs. Some units may even include a special sleep mode that is designed to be quieter and less disruptive, and this can be a lifesaver for light sleepers who want to remain cool, but don’t want to be bothered by the endless whirring of a fan.
Summer months may bring along summer temperatures, but just because the heat continues to rise doesn’t mean you need to suffer endlessly. Instead, air conditioners can be an easy, effective, and affordable solution for both renters and homeowners alike, and if you’re tired of uncomfortable nights and sweaty days, then it may be the perfect purchase for you. Available in a wide range of sizes, and with numerous optional features to choose between, air conditioners offer a convenient way to combat the summer heat that is budget-friendly and highly customizable. Don’t let your next summer be an unbearable one, and instead invest in one of these popular cooling systems so you can relax, stay comfortable, and make the most of those sun-filled days, without breaking the bank in the process.
