The 6 Best Window Air Conditioners to Fend Off the Late-Summer Heat

ProsStylish and energy efficientEasy to install and comes with a pre-built kitConnects to your smartphoneConsSome may find the LED display distracting, even though it dims at nightStyle meets function with the Windmill, which is what makes it the top pick. The machine looks good and modern, can connect to your smartphone, and most importantly, does a great job of cooling a room. The higher BTU units use a trademarked version of dual inverters dubbed WhisperTech by Windmill. Basically, it’s a dual-filtration system that keeps air fresh without making too much noise or using too much energy.You may say that many other AC units have a similar (not trademarked) system and you’d be spot on. Where Windmill really wins out is on little touches. You can choose a white-glove delivery service that'll bring your unit up your stairs (if you live in a walk-up apartment) and install it yourself, or during checkout you can schedule a TaskRabbit to come and do the whole thing for you. It also comes with a cover for winter, so it won’t collect dust when you're storing it during the cooler months.The brand is committed to energy efficiency, better for both your wallet and the planet. Its EcoRewards program will automatically reduce energy use during heatwaves, saving you from having an energy bill spike.ProsCools off small spaces quicklyWorks best as a bedroom unitNo fussing with a phone app to work itConsNo remote controlDoesn't look that niceStripping things down from the modernity of Windmill, you can go with the tried and trusted Frigidaire. It’s an old-school type of brand and this is an old school type of device. The only thing missing is you, old schooler.This is both your optimal on-a-budget pick and the perfect no-frills, luddite-friendly option. It doesn’t require an app (it doesn’t even have a remote control), you just use the two dials on the unit to change modes and adjust temperature. This, along with the smaller size and 5,000 BTUs of power, makes it skew toward more of a bedroom unit than a living room one.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWhisper quiet in comparison to othersEnergy efficient inverter systemU-shape gives open window flexibilityConsNot the strongest, compared to units at similar BTUsThe biggest problem with most window units is the installation. The second and third, respectively, are the noise level and the way it looks. While it may sound funky, this style of AC is made to solve all those issues. What you get from the U-Shaped air conditioner is near silence. The shape allows the hot side to sit fully behind your window, so it functions more like a built-in unit—one you can’t hear as much. On top of that, Midea has one of the best inverter systems out there. Instead of cutting on and off over and over, this unit does a great job of getting your room cool and maintaining temperature with the fan at a lower speed. So yes, it’s efficient too.And on top of all that, the shape of this unit actually allows you to slightly open your window. You obviously can't throw it wide open, but on those days when it's nice enough to not run the air conditioner, you can crack the window and catch a breeze. The 8,000 BTUs is perfect for a larger bedroom or office space, but may wind up being small for a living room. You can buy it in 10,000 and 12,000 BTU versions for something more suitable.ProsDual inverter for quiet operatioinCompatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice commandsComes with EZ Mount kitConsExpensive, especially the more powerful unitsLG’s window air conditioners are admittedly on the expensive side, but they tend to have it all. Quiet and energy-efficient dual inverter cooling, an app that’s worth its salt (plus a dedicated remote), and included parts for a quick, easy install, you’ll find it all here. It’s got a dry mode and a fan mode too, and a light will go on whenever you need to clean the filter so the guesswork is taken out of the equation.When it comes to the smart functionality, you pretty much get the same stuff here as with the Windmill. But the way we see it, LG’s ThinQ app is part of a larger ecosystem, so it’s likely to be supported as the years go on and better tech is made. If longevity is your primary concern, LG is one of your best bets.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat for a small bedroomRemote and smartphone control optionsConsLacks the Windmill 2.0 aesthetics Can get loudNot to beat a dead horse here, but Windmill was a favorite brand of ours even before the sleek new redesign of the 2.0 models with LED lights and all that. Case in point right here. This older Windmill unit is still for sale on Amazon and it’s smaller than the smallest unit the brand currently manufactures and only slightly less powerful. You can get it for under $200 on Amazon and it will still cool off a room well, and connect to the Windmill app so you can still control the unit from anywhere you’re on WiFi.The only real downside here is the sound level. The product description compares the average noise output to a “light rainfall” and frankly, well, it could be quieter. We are trying to sleep here after all.ProsFast large room cooling Dehumidifier and fan modesFilter is washable, so you save moneyIf you want something that can efficiently cool off a large room in a matter of minutes, Hisense has one of the better (and more affordable) options. While it doesn’t offer that sleek minimal front that the Windmill and U-shaped Midea unit do, this is definitely one of the more good-looking options that still has a more "old-school" look. But you will forget about the style when you hear its features. Let’s start with the LED display, smart app integration, and a washable filter that will save you on buying replacements. And at 12,000 BTUs, it can cool rooms over 500 square feet.What makes it really stand out: There are three different running modes. There’s a cooling (the obvious AC) mode, a fan feature, and even a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier is perfect for those in hot and sticky climates. We especially love the fan feature though, because sometimes that’s all you need.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow to shop for a window air conditionerWindow air conditioner units are specifically made for those who live in a house or apartment without an AC system built into the walls. While there are some freestanding AC units out there, the models made for windows are always more efficient, clean, and space saving. It's the only way to replace central air conditioning.Some things to consider when buying one: the noise, the price, the style, and the BTUs. Mostly straight forward, but if you’re not exactly sure what BTUs are, don't worry, that's normal.Companies use the British Thermal Unit (BTU) as a standard measurement rating for air conditioner power outlets. While these all plug into the wall, the number of BTUs will tell you the the power of the machine and how much square footage it can cool. Normal thresholds vary from 5,000 to 12,000 and cover rooms from about 250 to 550 square feet. We would suggest around 8-10,000 BTUs for a larger living room or one-bed apartment, and around 5-7,000 BTUs for a larger bedroom or studio.