cheap air conditioner near me

2021/05/21

Its capacitive buttons are a nice touch, too (no pun intended), although we found it difficult to remember where the power button was each time we tried to turn the machine off or on (its on the right side of the control panel, the opposite side from the positioning on most portables).

The Frigidaire app is fine overall, and it unlocks some additional functionality, including the units built-in air ionizer. But if you dont have central air, and a window AC isnt an option, a portable AC is the next best way to beat the heatand if thats the case for you, we recommend the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Like the other models we tested, the Duo allows you to set it to dehumidify (without cooling) or just run it in a fan-only mode. The Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP is another former pick thats essentially the same, with the addition of a built-in heater. The Midea offers all of the standard smart-home capabilities, as well, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, and the smartphone app and the included remote offer even greater options for custom control. This design is easier to manage than the hoses on other models we testedsome project awkwardly out of the back, sit perpendicular to the unit, or are completely detachable so they must be stored separately and can be misplaced. Weve met with manufacturers at trade shows and events, corresponded with sources over years of interviews, and combed through volumes of Department of Energy material about AC efficiency standards. installer If you absolutely want or need a dual-hose modelif youre trying to cool a poorly ventilated room with a furnace or boiler, for examplethis is the portable AC to get. But overall, the effect wasnt unpleasant, and the Midea Duo was still slightly quieter than the other inverter-style portable AC we tested, the LG LP1419IVSM, and 2 to 5 decibels quieter than most of the other models we tested. This detail, combined with the wide variety of window-installation panels that Midea includes in the box, makes the Duo especially easy to wrangle and install (a particularly remarkable feat for a dual-hose model). When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The biggest appeal of the Lowes-exclusive GE APWD07JASG is that you can configure it as a single-hose model out of the box or turn it into a dual-hose AC with the help of an $80 conversion kit. Even with the condenser off, the Black+Decker still emitted about as much noise as the Midea and the Frigidaire GHPC132AB1 at their absolute top volume. Thom Dunn has written Wirecutter guides to window air conditioners, room fans, space heaters, and more. *At the time of publishing, the price was $599. But contained within that hose are two separate conduits for intake and exhaust, making it even more efficient than the competition. Full disclosure: When I was measuring these frequencies with the Black+Decker running in a small, closed room, I got a headache after 15 minutes. This portable AC offers plenty of thoughtful features, including a variable-speed dual-rotor compressor, a built-in hose for easier setup, and a convenient storage pocket. It is Wi-FI-enabled with an app that easily works with your Android or iPhone device, allowing you the option to control the unit remotely. We used independent ratings to screen candidates for cooling performance. The controls on the Black+Decker are touch-sensitive, but its hard to tell if youve activated them. We didnt concern ourselves too much with these specific numbers as long as an AC reached our minimum SACC threshold of 7,200 Btu per hour; anything less than that, and the AC isnt even worth a glance. We havent tested either of those models ourselves, but we expect them to be comparable; theyre even the exact same size as our top pick, although they both weigh a few pounds more. But even with an SACC rating of 7,500 Btu per hour, it struggled to make the room any cooler than 70 degrees (even though the thermostat went lower than that). At 68.3 pounds, the Black+Decker BPACT14WT was the second-lightest model we tested. 'ZDNet Recommends': What exactly does it mean? The Duo is also the first new dual-hose model weve called in for testing since 2018, thanks in large part to its unique hose-in-hose design, which places the intake and exhaust hoses side by side within a single larger hose. Its one of the quietest portable ACs weve ever tested, too, with a volume that consistently measured below normal conversation levels. We tested several new Honeywell models in 2022 as well, having previously recommended the companys HL14CES as an also-great until it was discontinued. Weve added several new models to the Notable competition section. *At the time of publishing, the price was $470. Our top picks for the best cheap air conditioners range from under $100 to almost $475 to suit a full range of budgets. Upgrade Your Airflow: 3 Ways to Smarten Your Ceiling Fans. In fact, we found no compelling new double-hose models from major manufacturers in 2019 or 2020 (although a few new ones cropped up in 2021, including our new top pick). The LG is also the heaviest portable AC weve tested. Bu-zzz-ZZZ! as it shifts into gear as on other portable ACs; in fact, if the Duos fan is running on high, you probably wont even notice when its actively cooling. The best thing we took away from our tests was the chance at a direct comparison between a single-hose design and a dual-hose design that were otherwise identical, and our experience confirmed our suspicions that dual-hose portable ACs are slightly more effective than single-hose models but not effective enough to make a real difference (unless youre in a situation with a potentially dangerous carbon monoxide downdraft, as mentioned above). And as on other ACs with capable smart features, these abilities are especially handy for scheduling air conditioning times or turning the AC on or off when youre away from home. The Duos unique compressor design also means that it operates more quietly than other models, registering around 51 decibels on average (normal conversation reaches about 60 dB). The Duo also has smart capabilities that allow you to control it via a smartphone app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. The 5 best cheap meal delivery services of 2022. Most portable ACs are pretty similar, but the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL delivers better cooling performance than other models while using less energy and making less noise. But its volume output came as a similar surprise, as it measured about 2 decibels quieter on average than the Midea. Thanks to an unobtrusive design, it is a compact unit in white that seamlessly blends in with most home decor. With a rating of 10,000 SACC, the MAP12S1TBL should be enough for most people. And its definitely a powerful beast, with the kind of fan that you can still feel blowing on your skin from 15 feet away. At 68.3 pounds, the Black+Decker was the second-lightest model we tested. A primary measure was seasonally adjusted cooling capacity, or SACC, a US Department of Energy calculation that represents the weighted average performance of a portable air conditioner in a number of test conditions. With an auto-dimming LED display, you can use Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa to control the unit by voice. This produces a slight vacuum effect, which pulls in infiltration air from anywhere it can in order to equalize the pressure. Despite its diminutive size, this is a unit that is very capable, holding its own in rooms as large as 21 square feet. It has all the smart-home connectivity you might need, and all of the buttons and features are clearly labeled and accessible and right where you might expect them. These are a few of the criteria we recommend you consider during your search. Clean the filter at least once a month. The Frigidaires hose includes an attractive cover for the otherwise unsightly accordion hose, and it has a protective grid over the exhaust to prevent anything from sneaking inside. Were typically skeptical of the health claims of these sorts of ionizers, but hey, if thats what youre into, go for it. But even so, it gets the job done, and its a fine choice if you need a portable AC at something closer to a window-AC price. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. This is particularly disappointing since the window panels were one of the standout features of this models predecessor, the now-discontinued Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect FGPC1244T1, which we previously recommended as an also-great pick. To help save money, use the 24-hour programmable timer, so your unit only runs when you need it the most. We werent worried about oversizing the AC for the space, either. At 73 pounds, the Midea Duo is one of the heavier portable ACs out thereabout 5 pounds more than our budget pick and more than 10 pounds heavier than the convertible dual-hose model we tested from GE. *At the time of publishing, the price was $550. We confirmed that they did by taking measurements with two Lascar temperature and humidity data loggerswe placed one 3 feet away, directly in front of the unit, and placed the other one 6 feet away on a diagonal. You do not have to spend a fortune to find a quality air conditioner. The Duo is one of the rare portables with a variable inverter compressor, which allows for more fine-tuned and energy-efficient temperature control. This is great if you think you might enjoy listening to an amateur White Stripes cover band with a snake on lead vocals, but it might not be the best if you want to sleep or get any work done. Back to school: Must-have tech for students, How to answer "tell me about yourself" in interviews, Apple explains why iPhone cases are a waste, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top home batteries: Essential battery backup systems, Our favorite pellet grills: Alternatives to gas and charcoal, The 5 best wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, The top GPS trackers and devices for kids: Find your child fast, Supports Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa, Total coverage area of more than 215 square feet. Our bigger gripe with the app concerns the lengthy registration process, which requires you to give Frigidaire all of your contact information, including your home address and the units date of purchase. With so many A/C units out there, it can be difficult to determine exactly which cheap air conditioner is right for your space. If you want to save $100 and dont mind sacrificing a few little luxuries (including the noise), this could be a good alternative. Windmill Air Conditioner is ZDNet's top choice. The haptic control panel is easy enough to use, as you can just touch the buttons instead of pushing them, although they give no real feedback as to whether youve actually activated them.

Our expert recommendations can help. Thats toward the upper limit of the adult human hearing range, but it could account for the problems that some people have encountered. It has rough, bumpy casters that felt cheaply made to us but work well enough. whynter conditioners Suffice to say, the Midea Duo is more likely to have the hardware that you need for your particular situation, whatever it may be. The Midea Duo came with one of the most robust window-installation kits weve ever seen, with enough customizable options to help you make it fit almost any window. He has also published articles for The Huffington Post, Upworthy, Vice, The Weather Channel, and other outlets, and in 2019 he was commissioned by Cornell University to create a full-length play about community responses to climate change. Carrying any portable AC up and down stairs is a challenge; the Duos added heft amplifies that problem. Like the Midea Duo, it has an inverter compressor that makes it quieter and more efficient than other portable air conditioners, with an SACC of 10,000 Btu per hourthe same as the Midea, even though its power output by the older standards was comparatively higher than the Mideas at 14,000 Btu per hour. If you dont have central air conditioning, you should first look into window ACs or ductless mini-splits, which are generally more efficient and (in the case of window units) more affordable.

We say mostly because the fan actually hurled some of the cold air over our 3-feet-away thermometer, which initially led to some inconsistent readings. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services were assessing. Whereas most compressors run on only two speedson or offthis Midea models variable-speed inverter can adjust to more precisely match the cooling requirements of the given conditions without creating any huge spikes in energy consumption. We also tried the Honeywell MN4HFS9, which is essentially the same model with an added heat pump. However, buying a new air conditioner may not always be in your immediate budget, even if it is an immediate need. We measured the volume at each units various settingscompressor on/off and fan high/medium/lowfrom a distance of about 6 feet with an audio spectrum analyzer app. Learn more. So were sticking with the Black+Decker, and you should, too. The compressor did produce a fuller sound than the fan-only setting, especially on the lower end of the spectrum. While this is not one of the noisiest units out there, it is not the quietest, either, so users are sure to appreciate the option of a quiet fan mode at night. Want a portable option for those smaller spaces, Want a little portable device you can take anywhere, Want an affordable portable option for those larger areas, don't mind spending extra for an air conditioner/heater combo. If you want to save a little money, the Frigidaire FHPW122AC1 is a similar model we tested that feels like a stripped down version of the GHPC132AB1 and costs about $100 less. Its a little louder than our also-great pick (about 5 decibels, on average) and doesnt have quite the same thoughtful bells and whistles we enjoyed, but otherwise it performed nearly as well as the Cool Connect. But the Mideas compressor design means that the initial difference in sound between fan-only mode and cooling mode is much less abrupt than it is on the Frigidaire. By prescreening for these stats, we got the impression that every model we tested would cool a room capably. But it was also louder than wed like, and occasionally made a sound like a high-pitched bug zapper. Everything we know about ductless mini-split heating and cooling systems after interviewing installers, manufacturers, and homeowners with systems of their own. Mideas app also offers a sleep curve feature, so you can go to sleep in a blanket of cool air without having to worry about waking up when its too cold to get out of bed. The LG sounds similar to the Midea, too, with a pop-up fan that makes a gentle, almost breath-like white noise. Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control, SereneLife Compact Portable Air Conditioner, Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner. Simply touch to control the unit, and choose the feature you want between cooling and humidifying. To help, these are the best cheap air conditioners for your home or business this year. The best cheap air conditioner is the Windmill Air Conditioner, which offers an impressive coverage area while still managing to remain under $425. The Frigidaires cooling consistency was impressive (and inexplicable) enough for any portable air conditioner, though especially one without an inverter compressor.

Many air conditioners include both numbersthe Btu measurements developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) were widely adoptedso we considered both stats in our selection. However, its window-installation kit wasnt quite as robust, and while it offered all the same smart-home capabilities, we encountered some frustrations with the way they worked. In our search for the best cheap air conditioners, we consider several factors and compare different models to find the best units for your family. This popular model matches our other picks in cooling performance but feels cheaperit has chintzy buttons and lacks conveniences such as cord storage. When you have a large area to cool, the Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner can be a great choice, thanks to its coverage of up to 400 square feet. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites.

The control panel and display on the Duo are large and easy to navigate, with just a few LEDs that are subtle enough that they probably wont keep you awake at night. At almost $465, its price tag belies its power with maximum 12,000 BTU coverage, the largest of any unit on our list. It comes ready to go right out of the box, so you can save the time and heartache of set-up. At just two pounds, this is a USB-powered unit that is super easy to transport wherever you like in just the palm of your hand. (If you live in an area that frequently gets above 95 degrees or so, a dual-hose model might be worth using, according to one DOE study [PDF].) In our tests, the Black+Decker BPACT14WTs condenser started at 64 dB with the fan running lowabout 8 decibels louder than the Midea Duo at its loudest. It also has all the same smart-home features (though with a different user interface), a similar built-in accordion hose and sturdy window-installation kit, and a convenient pocket on the back where you can store the remote control, plug, or manual. We plan on testing several new models this spring, including the Frigidaire FHPW122AC1 and the Honeywell MN4CFSWW9. The tape will help prevent warm air from slipping in through cracks as easily. However, the LED indicatorsincluding the optional Quick Glance Light, which lets you know when your room has reached your target temperaturewere a little too bright for our tastes. (When in doubt, consult the EnergyGuide label on the box.). We had to snap one of the plastic plates in half in order to fit it snugly into a standard double-hung window. We researched and compared pricing as well as features like coverage area, BTU rating, and noise level to find the top affordable AC units available right now. Our primary concern in choosing a portable AC was finding a unit with adequate cooling performance, followed by low noise, decent efficiency, and other quality-of-life factors we measured once we saw our finalists in person. This guide builds on earlier work done by Wirecutter senior staff writer Liam McCabe, who has been writing about appliances for Wirecutter since 2013. Once ready, there are two different fan settings that you can use based on your changing needs. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. The makers of portable air conditioners are required to list their performance and efficiency statistics, and our research and our previous testing have proven these numbers to be accurate. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. Our tests have borne this out over the years, as well; weve seen supposedly efficient models that barely made a dent in cooling rooms they were appropriately sized for. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Be sure to consider your specific needs and room requirements before choosing the best cheap air conditioner for your space. The process is simple, and we tested it in both configurations, both of which proved to be the epitome of fine. It was quieter than a lot of other portable ACs (with the dual-hose version registering 2 to 3 decibels quieter on average than the single-hose setup) but still nothing compared with the ACs we ended up recommending. The caster wheels and handles make it easy enough to move around on flat areas. The remote control is standard, and the unit has a convenient recess on the back to store the plug at the end of the season. But not every room or window type can accommodate a window AC, and mini-split installations can be too costly or complicated. Finally, we considered the Honeywell MO08CESWB6 as a potential budget pick. In our tests, we measured the temperature from 3 feet directly in front of the AC and 6 feet away on a diagonal, and the Duo was mostly able to retain a consistent temperature within 1 degree between those two thermometers. Its drain port works like the others, as well: You can screw it open when you need to empty the unit of condensation or attach a hose to it. In the presence of a gas-powered device such as a furnace, that negative pressure creates a backdraft or downdraft, which can cause the machine to malfunctionor worse, fill the room with gas fumes and carbon monoxide. Its no substitute for an actual heat pump though. But its a little rough around the edges compared with our other picks: Its operation is louder, its controls are clunkier, and it lacks the nice details we like about some other models. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Foam strips work, and 10 feet of the stuff typically costs a few dollars. Weve been considering and testing air conditioners in general since 2013 and evaluating portable units in particular beginning in 2016. Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect GHPC132AB1, Also great: Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect GHPC132AB1, The Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner, seasonally adjusted cooling capacity, or SACC, Lascar temperature and humidity data loggers, Introducing New Portable AC BTU Guidelines, Test Procedure for Portable Air Conditioners (PDF), Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Portable Air Conditioners.