It doesn’t matter if it’s an apartment, bedroom, office, garage or classroom – sometimes you have a space that you really, really need to cool down, and that old desk fan just isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s time to upgrade to a window air conditioner…but what kind? Luckily, today’s window-based AC units are smarter and more efficient than ever, and we’ve collected the best of the best for you to choose between.BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. If your chemistry lessons are a little hazy, BTUs are used as shorthand for describing how much heat energy is being moved around. For reference, one BTU is roughly the same energy as lighting a single match. The higher the number of BTUs on an air conditioner rating, the more easily it can cool a space by moving that heat elsewhere…and as a result, higher BTU units can cool larger spaces. However, moving a lot of BTUs requires a lot of electrical energy as well, so higher BTU numbers mean higher AC bills.AC manufacturers skip the science lesson and just recommend square feet of a room, but this is only a guess.

If you really want to know how many BTUs to look for, you can find your cubic space and learn the required rating . GE Aros Smart Air Conditioner 8,000 BTUs ($235) The rise of the digital home and Internet of Things has given us plenty of options for smart thermostats (looking at you, Nest), but what happens if you want a less-central air conditioning option for your window? You can turn to the GE Aros, which in fact does act a bit like the Nest thermostat. It can track your habits and automatically adjust to cool the room based on the day of the week so you end up saving more money. It also includes an ability to track your location via your phone’s GPS and turn on or off when get to/leave your home. And, of course, you can control it remotely with the app. Retractable wings and touch-button controls are included –this also model includes three cooling modes as well as three fan speeds for its upward-facing vents. Those vents are the only major downside, since they don’t really allow for any airflow direction control.

Buy one now from: LG LW8016ER 8,000 BTU ($220+) This powerful LG model has a 12.1 efficiency ratio according to the Energy Star guidelines, a rating that should guarantee you some energy savings if you are switching from an older model. This window unit is rated for up to 340 square feet, and includes three cooling modes and three fan speeds. quiet side ac unitIt can also provide two directional air currents, and allows you to set a time or use a remote control – not exactly smart tech, but still nice when it comes to programming. air handling unit air conditioning systemThe unit requires a 115-volt outlet…a common requirement for window units, which means that any average North America wall outlet will work fine. air conditioning unit ducted

This isn’t an issue for any of our chosen units, just make sure there’s an outlet near the window you want to use. Friedrich CP05G10A 5,450 BTU ($262) This is a less powerful air conditioner designed for smaller rooms: It’s able to cool around 150 square effectively, which makes it an ideal bedroom unit. There’s an energy saving feature that makes sure the fan is only running when the unit is actively cooling, as well as a 24 hour timer for programming. You can choose to customize the 4-way airflow in the direction you want it most, as well as choose between operating modes for cooling, dehumidifying, and more. Noria 5,000 BTU ($300) Noria is a unique case when it comes to window air conditioners. This model made the rounds on crowdfunding sites and immediately earned a ton of money thanks to its unique, extra-small design that can fit on normal windows or smaller windows with less room. It has plenty of smart tech that allows you to control and schedule the unit from your phone, and a fresh air mode that you can turn on to bring cool air from outside during the evening.

This innovative little device is rated for up to 160 square feet and only weighs around 30 pounds. The MSRP is $400 but you can still get it for $300. Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5,000 BTU ($119+) This very popular window air conditioner hits a sweet spot when it comes to price and usability. It’s rated for a 150 square foot space, and has a fairly high energy efficiency ratio of 11.1 to help you save some money. There aren’t quite as many customization features as some of our other models, but you still get two cooling speeds and two fan speeds, as well as 2-way directional airflow. It’s a solid set of features in a compact package that can work great in many “I need to get this room cooler now” situations. Haier ESAQ406P Serenity 6,050 BTU ($270) This is one of the more expensive AC units on our list, and not just because it can cool an area up to 250 square feet. It also includes more modes than most units – four different settings for 1)cooling, 2)using only the fan, 3)saving as much energy as possible, and 4)dehumidification.

There a dual motor and cross flow design for more accurate air control, and a timer for schedules throughout the day. If noise bothers you a lot when trying to sleep, consider this model: It’s been rated as one of the quietest AC units around. Frigidaire FFRE1033Q1 10,000 BTU ($299+) Finally we come to the big option – this unit can handle up to 450 square feet of space, making it ideal if you don’t so much want to cool down a room as you want to drop the temperature in an entire apartment or loft (the size also makes this a great unit for dehumidifying at a rate of three pints per hour). In addition to a temperature-sensing remote and 8-direction airflow control, the unit contains an air ionizer to help remove particles (as long as you remember to clean the ionizer fins regularly!). There are three fan speeds and several modes to choose from, too. Just…make sure you have some help when trying to install this one. Buy one now from:With the recent advent in technology, window air conditioners are currently attainable in a plethora of shape, sizes, and designs.

Most models are durable. They are also compact, have high performance designs that work well in all types of homes, and are relatively cheaper and easier to install than most central air conditioning systems. If you live in a temperate environment and want a valuable window air conditioning system that offers the foregoing and other benefits, the 10 models reviewed on this list are among the best in the market. They are durable, have the high quality components, and are efficient.Koldfront Window Air Conditioner8. Frigidaire FFRE0833Q1To keep your home cool and comfortable during warm summer months, Frigidaire FRA065AT7 is a recommended 6,000BTU mini air conditioner with a convenient window mounted design that works well in several types of homes. The dual fans offered are not only powerful but also works in synergy with its eight-way directional control system to cover up to 216 square inches while its low voltage design is innovative if power consumption is a major concern. The remote control that it comes with offers hands-free convenience, while its built-in 24-hour timer (including sleep mode) eases customization of its functionality on demand.

Weighing only 51 pounds, Frigidaire FRA065AT7 is easy to install on windows measuring 23-36-inches wide. Its white theme blends well in contemporary homes while the plethora of warranties offered (five-year sealed system and one-year full warranty) attest its value.Sought-after for its power efficiency and ability to cool large rooms efficiently, this window air conditioner by Koldfront is a powerful 12,000BTU accessory with an innovative heat and cool system that offers value. Although compact, this window conditioner cools between 450-550 square feet efficiently. It is also affordable, manufactured using quality components, and has window seals that prevent heat loss and four-directional louvers for directing airflow when in use. Koldfront Window Air Conditioner fits windows measuring up to 26 7/8″ to 36″ wide. It has four operation modes (including an energy saving EER 10.9 mode), an adjustable electronic thermostat that works well for years, adjustable fan speeds for customizing cooling or heating, and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers all production defects (both physical and electrical).

You will appreciate the value of an original one.Talking about the top 10 best window air conditioners reviews, MIDEA MWK-05CMN1-BI7 Westpointe is a powerful 5,000 BTU air conditioner with an advanced five-year carry in sealed system that offers valuable service for years. It measures approximately 12.05-inch high by 16-inch wide by 13.2-inch deep, fits a variety of window designs and sizes (2.3-36), and has well-designed side panels that ease installation and usage. The R410A refrigerant it uses is environmentally friendly. The 1-year parts and labor warranty offered attest its high value, while its ability to cool up to 150 square feet of space makes it an ideal everyday air conditioner for small-medium-sized rooms. You also get a rotary thermostat control, two speed and fan settings, and an installation kit.To enjoy an optimal cooling experience without spending a hefty amount of money, Frigidaire FFRL0633Q1 is an affordable 6,000 BTU accessory that never disappoints. It has a durable and easy to install low-profile design that works well in several types of windows.

It also has a fully functional remote control, an Energy Star rated 115-volt electrical system, and powerful fans that cool up to 250 square feet of space fast and efficiently. You also get a reliable 1.3 pint per hour dehumidification feature, easy-to-use ready-select electronic controls, and a long 6.5-foot three-prong power cord for easier installation.Recommended for use in small rooms and or light duty cooling or bedrooms and or living rooms, RCA RACM5002 is a powerful 5000 BTU window-mounted air conditioner with a space efficient electricity powered design (115-volts) that offers value. Attainable cheap in stores, this one of a kind air conditioner has a durable and feature-rich design that you will enjoy using daily. The magnetic controls that it comes with, for instance, are not only sensitive but also ease operation. Its ability to cool up to 150 square feet of space is impressive for its price while the three fan speeds and the cooling modes offered allow you to customize performance on demand to get the best out of it.

Many people also appreciate the directional air control system that it comes, its easy to use mounting brackets, and the power efficient electrical system that buyers get.Sought-after by homeowners worldwide, LG Electronics LW8014ER is a reliable 8000 BTU window mounting air conditioner that ranks among the most energy efficient in its class (11.3 EER). It is easy to install, connects to most window types and 115-volt electrical outlets, and has a well-engineered system that cools up to 340 square feet. This air conditioner’s four way air deflection system offers directional cooling. Its three fan and cooling speed boost its flexibility, while its affordability and ease of use make it an ideal conditioner.By choosing Frigidaire FFRA0511R1, you get a trusted 5,000 BTU window mounting air conditioner with a durable mini-compact design that saves valuable space. It is durable, easy to install, and has a well-wired 115-volt electrical system that works fast and reliable, while keeping power consumption low at the same time.

If money is a concern, this air conditioner is affordable. It has responsive mechanical controls, a top of the line 1.1-pint dehumidification feature, a two-way directional control, and a super-quiet system with two fan and cool speeds. It is also power efficient and designed to cool 150 square feet of space fast.A best seller in stores, LG Electronics LW8015HR is a 7,500 BTU electric air conditioner with a compact and easy to mount slide in-out chassis. It is durable, has a supplemental 3850 BTU heating function, and a high capacity mounting kit that does not lose its shape nor functionality over time. It uses standard 115-volt outlets. It also has an energy-saving thermistor thermostat, multi-speed electronic controls, and a well-engineered remote controlled system that cools up to 320 square feet and dehumidifies up to 2.1 pints per hour.As the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 reviewed herein, Frigidaire FRA054XT7 is a powerful 5,000 BTU mini air conditioner with a universal wall-mounting design that works well in homes.

It is white-themed, energy star rated, and a fast-cooling system that covers up to 165 square feet. It has dual fans, a powerful two-way directional control, and full-width air discharge vents that keeps environments inside homes habitable. You also get a washable anti-bacterial mesh filter, electronic controls, a full function remote, temperature control, and energy save function, and a five-year sealed and one-year full manufacturer’s warranty.Designed to quickly cool rooms measuring up to 350 square feet, this 8,000 BTU wall mounting air conditioner by Frigidaire is our pick of the best in this category. It has space efficient mini-compact design that fits in several types of windows, a sensing remote control that eliminates the need of manual control, and a built in dehumidifier that filters up to 1.7 pints per hour. You also get a clean air ionizer that removes impurities and pollen, and Energy Start rated 115-volt electrical system, and a large exhaust vent that removes bad odors.