Welcome to The Cool Down, Hunker's definitive guide for staying cool, calm, and collected all summer long.
When the heat is unbearable and you need to cool down, few things bring more relief than a good air conditioner. And if you live in a particularly hot climate, then a high-quality, reliable A/C unit becomes absolutely critical.
With so many A/C units on the market, though, it can feel tough to find the right one for your budget, needs, and lifestyle. Here, we're highlighting the very best A/C units so you can spend less time sweating and more time enjoying all that the season has to offer.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Best Value
This unit from Midea cools spaces up to 150 square feet with 5,000 BTU and comes with a built-in removable and reusable filter that helps to keep your air fresh, clean, and cool. It features seven temperature settings, dual cooling and fan settings, and adjustable air direction for ultimate control.
Best Eco-Friendly Unit
Perfect for large rooms, this 8,000 BTU air conditioner can cover spaces up to 350 square feet. Not only is it extra quiet, but it's also Energy Star certified with low-power operation and can save you 35% more than other options, according to the brand.
Best U-Shaped Unit
The first window air conditioning unit to receive the Energy Star Most Efficient 2020 Certification, this A/C unit is easy on your energy bills while packing powerful cooling capabilities and looking super chic. With a U-shaped design, you're still able to crack open your window and get all the benefits of an air conditioner on extra hot days. The unit can cool rooms up to 350 square feet with 8,000 BTU and it comes with its own app, so you can control it from anywhere using your phone. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it that much smarter.
Best for Small Spaces
If you live in a small space but you want big cooling capabilities, then you'll love this unit from Black+Decker. Cooling up to 150 square feet with 10,000 BTU, the unit can cool small spaces down to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a 24-hour timer, as well as a top-mounted LED display and an easy-to-clean filter.
Best for Large Spaces
With the ability to cool rooms up to 550 square feet using 12,000 BTU, this compact unit is a great option for large spaces. It's also Energy Star-certified and comes with a washable air filter, a 24-hour timer, and temperature settings ranging from 61-88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Portable Unit
Wheels on this portable unit make it easy to move from one room to another, depending on where you need it most. All it requires is a standard window with a horizontal opening. It can cool rooms between 150 to 250 square feet with 10,000 BTU and comes with a reusable filter, remote control, and 24-hour timer.