Our Top Air Conditioner of 2020 Is Literally Quieter Than Sitting in the Library

There’s nothing better than feeling the cool breeze bursting out of an air conditioner in the midst of sweltering heat. Before the temperatures really start to rise, though, it’s a good time to think about buying a new unit. And if you already own one, it’s worth considering whether you need an upgrade, as many people buy the wrong size for their home.

Whether you’re looking for an energy efficient model or a portable machine, we rounded up the best air conditioners out there. But before you delve into the list, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop.

How to choose the best air conditioner for your home

Should you buy a window air conditioner or a portable unit? If you have limited space, you’re better off purchasing a window air conditioner because it takes up less room than a portable one. While you can easily move portable air conditioners around, they require an exhaust hose that you must install through a window.

How do I find the right size for my room? All air conditioners list their cooling capacities, which come in the form of British Thermal Units (BTUs). The number of BTUs an air conditioner has corresponds to the square footage of the room it’s cooling. In general, the higher the amount of BTUs, the bigger the room. For every 20 BTUs, you get one square foot of coverage. Window air conditioners usually have a range between 5,000 and 12,000 BTUs.

It’s important to buy an air conditioner at the right size for your room so you don’t rack up a crazy energy bill. You also want to keep in mind how much sun a room gets. If the room is mostly shaded, reduce the capacity by 10% and if it’s sunny, increase capacity by 10%. Here’s a quick guide from Energy Star on how to compare your room size to the BTU rating:

• 5,000 BTUs: 100-150 sq. ft.
• 6,000 BTUs: 150-250 sq. ft.
• 7,000 BTUs: 250-300 sq. ft.
• 8,000 BTUs: 300-350 sq. ft.
• 9,000 BTUs: 350-400 sq. ft.
• 10,000 BTUs: 400-450 sq. ft.
• 12,000 BTUs: 450-500 sq. ft.
• 14,000 BTUs: up to 800 sq. ft.

How do I know if an air conditioner is energy efficient? Look for an air conditioner with an Energy Star label, which certifies that it can help you save energy. All air conditioners with the Energy Star sticker guarantee that they use 10% less energy. The Energy Star sticker also means that the air conditioner is made with materials that improve insulation and therefore reduces the amount of time it needs to cool a room. Some Energy Star air conditioners give you the option to turn it off remotely with your phone or computer and schedule temperature changes, so you don’t use it more than needed.

Air conditioners also come with an energy efficiency ratio (EER), which is the number of BTUs to watts. The higher the EER rating, the more energy efficient your air conditioner is.

What other air conditioner features should I consider? Some air conditioners come with a remote control, energy saver function, timer, fan, and variety of cooling speeds, from high to low. There are also air conditioners that come with a heat pump (more on that later).

Now that you know what to look for, here are the best window air conditioners to buy in 2020: