Air conditioners

Faq

What Should You Look For In A Portable Air Conditioner?

We spoke to Matt Brown from Home Depot’s Home Comfort, Air Quality and Floor Care division, to learn more about what to look for in an air conditioner. Brown said there are three main factors to consider when buying an air conditioner: the size of the room, the size of the window, and the additional features.

First you’ll want to choose a unit that has the appropriate amount of wattage (in Btu) for your room size. We describe our recommendations below.

The size of the window is also important. A portable air conditioner always needs to access an opening for its exhaust pipe in order to emit hot air.

Regarding new technology, Brown said to look at inverter technology. “These units use more efficient engine technology which can increase / decrease horsepower as needed while running continuously,” he said. Our top pick includes a dual inverter compressor.

What is Btu?

Btu is the international measure of energy and measures the amount of heat required to raise a pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit to sea level. When it comes to air conditioners, manufacturers use the Btu to indicate the amount of heat that an air conditioning unit can remove from one room per hour.

How many BTUs do you need to cool your room?

Below are some rough guidelines for determining the number of Btu DOEs you want for your room size:

• A 150 sq. Ft. Room requires 5,000 Btu
• A 250 sq. Ft. Room requires 6,000 Btu
• A 350 sq. Ft. Room requires 8,000 Btu
• A 450 sq. Ft. Room requires 10,000 Btu
• A 550 sq. Ft. Room requires 12,000 Btu
• A 700 sq. Ft. Room requires 14,000 Btu

As the Btu rating increases, the weight, size, and cost of the air conditioner increases, but you need to make sure you get the right cooling capacity for your space. If you buy a unit that has a higher BTU rating than the room requires, it will shut down too quickly and not properly remove moisture from the air. On the other hand, if you buy a portable air conditioner that has a lower Btu value than the room requires, it will never cool the room adequately.

Why do portable air conditioners have two Btu numbers?

With portable air conditioners, there are usually two Btu ratings listed, the Manufacturer’s Btu (ASHRAE) and the DOE. We consider the DOE rating to be more accurate.

“For the cooling capacity of portable air conditioners, the ASHRAE rating does not take into account the impact of hot air infiltration from the outside or heat loss through the ducts, which can be significant,” explains Joanna Mauer, Technical Advocacy Manager for Device Standards. Awareness project. “Additionally, the ASHRAE rating refers to an industry testing procedure, but it is not clear that all manufacturers have tested their units consistently.”

“In contrast, DOE ratings are based on a standardized testing procedure established by the US Department of Energy, which manufacturers are required to follow and which takes into account hot air infiltration and heat loss through the ducts, ”adds Mauer. In our guide, we mainly refer to DOE ratings.

What can you do if you’re stuck with an air conditioner that doesn’t have enough Btu to adequately cool a room?

“It’s always good to keep the filter clean,” says Mauer. “You can also try to reduce the heat gain in the room, for example by closing blinds and curtains during the day. Finally, if you have a ceiling fan, running it can make it cool a few degrees. “

Which is better: a portable air conditioner or a window / room air conditioner?

“In general, a room air conditioner is a more efficient choice than a portable air conditioner,” explains Jones. “Portable air conditioners are not part of the Energy Star program.”

Our tests confirm this. Our best portable air conditioner, which uses an energy efficient inverter compressor, still uses 60% more electricity than our best window air conditioner. The AC window also did a much better job of cooling and costs a lot less both upstream and in operation.

So if you have a properly sized sash window, we strongly recommend that you choose a window air conditioner. Only opt for a portable air conditioner in spaces where a window air conditioner is not an option.

Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without windows?

The short answer is yes, but you must have a way for the hot air to leave the room. If you don’t, you won’t get any of the cooling benefits of air conditioning. With portable air conditioners, you just need an opening to the outside as large as the ventilation pipe.

How do I clean and maintain my portable air conditioner?

Here’s what you need to do to clean and maintain your portable air conditioner:

Weekly:

• Wipe down the exterior: This one is easy and should be done frequently – just put a damp cloth on the outside of your portable air conditioner to keep it dust free.
• Keep the hoses as short as possible: If you are moving your portable air conditioner and it has condensate drain and drain hoses, you will want to keep them as short and straight as possible between the unit and the window to reduce the potential buildup of water. humidity or dust inside. This can lead to inefficiency and drive up your bills.
• Eliminate condensation: Condensation accumulates during the cooling process, so it is important to remove it regularly. Many portable air conditioners have a built-in drain hose or dehumidifier that makes this easier, but you should still check often. It is also important to eliminate condensation if you are storing your portable air conditioner for the season.

Monthly:

• Clean or change filters: Filters are an important part of keeping your indoor air free from dust and potential allergens. Some brands recommend monthly cleaning, while others, like GE, recommend it weekly. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s consistent.
• If you change the filters, make sure you buy the correct one as the wrong size or brand could make your device less efficient. If you are cleaning reusable or washable filters, avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners. According to Bob Vila, generally a vacuum with a flat nozzle or lukewarm water with a mild detergent and a soft brush for dusting will suffice.
• Check the insulation: Even if your portable air conditioner does not fit into your window frame, the exhaust pipe and potentially the drain pipe will extend outside your home. It is therefore important to make sure that your insulation is flush in order for your machine to operate efficiently. Some models may include insulation strips, but if they don’t, you can easily get inexpensive adhesive strips. Good insulation keeps your portable air conditioner from wasting energy and efficiency cooling your room, so you should do this every time you move your device.

Twice per season:

• Clean the condenser coils: It looks like a metal filter on the back of your portable air conditioner, so you will need a screwdriver to pop out the back panel. It attracts a lot of dust and can make your air conditioner less efficient over time, so take a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment and run it over the coils – don’t press too hard on the metal fins otherwise you risk bumps. . Once the coils are clean, secure the back panel.

Faq

How to efficiently use your air conditioner?

According to Enesta Jones, spokesperson for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which oversees the Energy Star program, there are several good practices:

1. Make sure the unit is level.
2. Do not place lamps or televisions near the AC thermostat as the additional heat will make it run longer.
3. Set the thermostat temperature only as high as possible to save energy and money.
4. Set the fan speed to low on humid days to remove more moisture.
5. Use an additional fan to distribute the cooled air around.
6. Remove the unit or use an appropriately sized cover at the end of the cooling season to minimize heat loss.

We also add that you should try to install your air conditioner in a shaded window for maximum efficiency.

Can I use an air conditioner in a room without windows?

Yes, but you must have a way for the hot air produced by the air conditioner to leave the room. If you don’t, you won’t get any of the cooling benefits of the air conditioner. Most window air conditioners exhaust hot air from the back and sides of the unit, but some only produce warm air from the back. This variety can usually be installed in an exterior wall.

Portable air conditioners give you more options because you just need an opening to the outside as large as the ventilation pipe.

Which is better: a portable air conditioner or a window / room air conditioner?

“In general, a room air conditioner is a more efficient choice than a portable air conditioner,” explains Jones. “Portable air conditioners are not part of the Energy Star program.”

Our tests confirm this. Our best portable air conditioner, which uses an energy efficient inverter compressor, still uses 60% more electricity than our best window air conditioner. Our top window air conditioner also did a much better job of cooling and costing a lot less both upstream and in operation.

So if you have a properly sized sash window, we strongly recommend that you choose a window air conditioner. Only opt for a portable air conditioner in spaces where a window air conditioner is not an option.

What if your air conditioner is too powerful for the size of your room?

Whether you made the mistake of buying an air conditioner with too much BTU for your room or just moved into new digs with a smaller square footage, an air conditioner that is too powerful for your room can create a clammy and uncomfortable environment. This is because the AC unit cools the air faster than it can dehumidify it.

If you can’t afford to replace air conditioning, consider purchasing a standalone dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. Or, you can try increasing the space as you cool. For example, if you usually have the door to an adjacent room closed, try to keep it open.

Do i need a smart air conditioner?

Smart connectivity allows you to operate the unit remotely through an app on your phone. This allows you to turn on the air conditioning before you come home from work or turn it off if you forgot it before leaving home. Some units even offer voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.

As nice as this feature may be, we’ve found that smart ACs don’t always work well; it is better to use a remote control, which is usually included with most air conditioners.

If smart connectivity is important to you, one option is to connect the unit to a good smart outlet. One of the best smart plugs we’ve used with an air conditioner recently is the BN-Link WiFi smart plug.

This particular model is ideal for anyone who is struggling to get a good night’s sleep. It automatically adjusts to your set temperature while removing moisture.

There is a remote control, a programmable timer and a sleep mode, where the machine gradually turns off throughout the night to save energy.

Notably, online reviews have said that it might be difficult to get the exhaust pipe out of the window (with a 1.8m cable), so it’s worth measuring your space first if you don’t. are not prepared with sliding windows or patio doors. Nevertheless, it is very easy to install and you can feel the effects almost immediately.

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Faq

How long should a portable air conditioner last?

The durability of the machine depends on the model and how you take care of it. However, according to Kandola, they can last a long time. “If you buy a good quality unit and take care of it, it should last you up to five years.”

How do you spot a top quality unit? According to CAS-Hire sales manager Dan Savory, the outer case should be made of sturdy plastic, as this insulates the compressor and makes it quieter. If you press down on the plastic casing and it wiggles, it’s probably too fragile – which, he says, is typical of cheaper models.

How much does a portable air conditioner cost?

Portable air conditioners can cost anywhere from £ 300 to over £ 700. Despite these varying prices, some experts claim that most portable models are quite similar, but branded differently.

“Most of these air conditioners are made in the same factory and they’re just labeled in each country,” says Wood. “There are different types of models imported from Asia that have just been stamped,” adds Savory. “They share equipment between different consumer brands. “

However, some argue that some brands are definitely better than others – Kandola calls De’Longhi and Midea the “Rolls Royce” of air conditioning for their superior construction and durability. They also offer a range of additional features and lower noise levels than cheaper models.

What type of air conditioner should I buy?

Once you start to search online for a portable air conditioner, you will notice that there are three main types: exhaust pipe (or “duct”) air conditioners, split air conditioners, and evaporative coolers.

The one that you will probably be interested in is the exhaust pipe conditioner, which is the most common portable model. When this device cools a room, it creates hot exhaust gases – that’s why it is attached to an exhaust pipe. The pipe should exit through a window – preferably one that will close over it, to keep the room as sealed as possible.

a evaporative air cooler is not technically an air conditioner, but rather “a glorified fan,” according to Ryan Kandola, business manager of airconcentre.co.uk. A split type air conditioner, on the other hand, is a permanent installation. If you are looking for a portable air conditioner, then these two things are best ignored.

How to maintain your portable air conditioner

When air conditioners cool a room, they usually produce water, which is collected inside the machine in a bucket. To ensure the longevity of the product, you should empty this bucket every few weeks.

It is also essential to clean the filters in a portable air conditioner. “The filters pick up a lot of the microfibers and dust generated in the properties, and they can get stuck inside the unit,” warns Savory. This forces the compressor to work harder, so the machine cools less efficiently.

To fight against clogged filters, Savory suggests that you vacuum them every week, as well as the screens on the back of the device. He also suggests washing the filters once a month with lukewarm water and a mild, low-quality decontaminant. This breaks down any hairspray or cooking oil residue that clogs the system.

When the weather gets colder (inevitably) and you are ready to store the air conditioner in the cupboard under the stairs, be sure to store it neatly. This increases the life of the machine, so it will be ready the next time your room is transformed into a sauna.

Need more help calming things down? Here is our guide to best fans you can buy now

While window air conditioners have been subject to federal energy efficiency standards for over 25 years, portable air conditioners have not. In 2016, the Department of Energy set new efficiency standards for them, but they don’t come into effect until 2025. Many manufacturers have already produced units that meet these standards.

The result? When you shop, you may see portable air conditioners that list a Btu rating under the new standard, and some that list an inflated or misleading BTU rating. (Btu, or British thermal unit, measures cooling capacity.) And during this transition, you might see two Btu ratings listed on the same box.

For example, a portable model that was previously listed at 14,000 Btu (called the ASHRAE rating, from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) can now have a DOE rating of 10,000 Btu.

But even with this change, you still can’t compare a portable AC to a window AC when it comes to Btu. “The DOE test conditions for window air conditioners are more stringent than those for portable air conditioners,” says Joanna Mauer, who tracks energy efficiency for the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, a group that advocates for efficiency standards. “An AC window rated at 6000 Btu will therefore provide more cooling than a portable AC unit rated at 6000 Btu.”

The advantage of a portable air conditioner – that it is not bolted to a window – is also its disadvantage.

Unlike a window air conditioner, which uses the outside air to cool the coils on the outside of the unit, a single-pipe portable air conditioner uses the air conditioning in the room it is in to cool the mechanical components. . This creates negative pressure which causes hot, unconditioned air from neighboring rooms or from outside to flow into the room you are trying to keep cool. So it’s a struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature.

“You might not get what you think when you buy a portable model,” says Chris Regan, who oversees CR air conditioner testing. “It’s hard to compare cooling to a window air conditioner. “

In our air conditioner tests, we measure how long it takes for a portable model to lower our test chamber temperature from 90 ° F to 85 ° F. It takes an average of 20 minutes. By comparison, the best window air conditioners can cool a room by 10 ° F in about 15 minutes or less.

But not all portable air conditioner news is bad. According to CR’s Brand Reliability Survey, two brands, Whynter and Frigidaire, achieve the highest rating of Excellent for expected reliability, and three other brands receive a rating of Very Good. Owner satisfaction, which is based on the proportion of our members who are extremely likely to recommend their AC, was not as high, with most brands scoring an average of good.

We test portable air conditioners from brands such as LG, Whynter, Whirlpool, SPT and TCL. CR members can read ratings and reviews of models that rank at the top of our tests.

Drought and record time are hitting the western United States this week. If you are sweating at home this summer, a portable air conditioner could be exactly what you need. These plug-in units are designed to cool rooms using a nearby window and power cord.

No expensive installation required, they can be of great help for rooms which are not air conditioned or which do not receive sufficient air. They are also useful in buildings whose windows cannot adapt to a standard window AC unit. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re in the market for a portable air conditioner.

How portable air conditioners work

Portable air conditioners are different from window units; they are more like tower fans or air purifiers that can easily be installed in the corner of most rooms.

Like the dryer vent that exits your home through a window or nearby wall fitting, portable air conditioners use a hose to carry moisture and exhaust from your home. You should get a window vent kit with your purchase, and it includes everything you will need to hook up the pipe to your window and seal off the rest of the window’s open space.

Your portable air conditioner will plug into a nearby power outlet and suck air through its system to cool it and circulate it throughout your space. Most units include a water tank to help dehumidify the air it circulates. Others use their vent pipe to evaporate this moisture.

There are two main types – single hose and double hose – and they work differently. We will take a look.

Monotube portable air conditioners

A single-pipe portable air conditioner works by taking the warm stagnant air inside your room, cooling it, and circulating it around your space.

Any excess hot air or moisture is vented from your space through the window vent pipe of the portable air conditioner. These models, like this Black & Decker model are generally more energy efficient than dual-hose models.

Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners

Dual-hose models do not use the air inside your home. Instead, they pull cool air from outside through this pipe attached to the window. This is the air that the portable air conditioner will cool and then circulate around the room.

A second pipe takes the excess hot air and moisture and discharges it through the window. These units, like this Honeywell model, will generally cool a room faster.

What to look for in a portable air conditioner

Once you’ve decided that a portable air conditioner is right for you, there are a few things to consider.

Plan where you will put it

You may already know which room in your house needs cooling, but you will also need to think about where you are going to put it. You will need nearby access to an openable window that can serve as a source of ventilation. You will also need an electrical outlet nearby.

Price

Portable air conditioners don’t come cheap. Small personal models can cost around $ 50, but for a unit that will cool an entire room, you’ll likely spend at least $ 200. The larger and more powerful the unit, the more you will pay.

Many models available online range from $ 250 to $ 499 for rooms between 200 and 650 square feet. Seasonal items like air conditioners tend to go on sale out of season, so keep an eye out for fall and winter deals.

Sizing

Size matters! Cliche? Yes. True? Yes too. You need to know the size of the coin to determine how much circulation power you should purchase. Portable air conditioners come in different sizes, and often that means different prices as well.

Here’s a quick guide, from air conditioner manufacturer Sylvane, with the 8 foot ceiling assumption:

• 7,500 BTUs will cover 150 square feet x 8 foot ceiling = 1,200 cubic feet
• 9,000 BTUs will cover 200 square feet x 8 foot ceiling = 1,600 cubic feet
• 10,000 BTUs will cover 300 square feet x 8 foot ceiling = 2,400 cubic feet
• 12,000 BTUs will cover 400 square feet x 8 foot ceiling = 3,200 cubic feet
• 13,000 BTUs will cover 450 square feet x 8 foot ceiling = 3,600 cubic feet
• 14,000 BTUs will cover 500 square feet x 8 foot ceiling = 4000 cubic feet

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of how much heat an air conditioning unit can remove from a space per hour. Portable air conditioners use this unit to measure their cooling power, so the higher the BTU rating, the larger the room an air conditioner can cool.

Small parts: A 7,000 to 10,000 BTU unit can effectively cool rooms up to 300 square feet. This 8,000 BTU Midea Unit claims to cool rooms up to 150 square feet.

Medium rooms: For rooms between 350 and 700 square feet, you will need an 11,000 to 14,000 BTU unit. This 12,000 BTU SereneLife air conditioner says it cools rooms up to 450 square feet.

Large rooms: Residential units typically exceed 14,000 BTUs, which is enough for a maximum of 700 square feet. For spaces larger than that, you will have to look to commercial or industrial models. A unit too small for your space will run for too long and never effectively cool it to the desired temperature. There are a few exceptions, however, like this 15,000 BTU residence. Honeywell model that promises to cool up to 775 square feet.

If you need a portable cooling system for larger spaces but don’t want to pay the commercial prices (they can run into the thousands), consider buying several smaller units and placing them away from each other. others.

Additional features and useful intelligence

Once you’ve determined the right unit size, it’s time to think about what additional features might improve your experience. Here are some common extras and sample units.

Timer: Timers allow you to set the cooling to start or stop after a certain time or time of day.

From a distance: A remote control will help you manage your air conditioning in a much more convenient way.

Dehumidification: Air conditioners that also dehumidify can help rooms feel less stuffy quickly.

Intelligent: Smart portable air conditioners have Wi-Fi to connect to voice assistants for voice commands and routines or to a mobile application.

Maintain your portable air conditioner

Portable air conditioners have air filters to keep the circulating air clean. It is a good idea to clean the filter every two weeks for optimum performance. You can wash these filters with dish soap and lukewarm water.

Since portable air conditioners also dehumidify to some extent, you will also need to empty your device’s water collection pan, if it has one. Dual-hose models may not collect water if they remove most of the moisture through a second hose, so see your appliance’s care instructions for more information. Empty the drip tray often, before or after use to prevent mold growth.

In addition to these two maintenance items, general dusting and wiping will keep your device fresh and functional. If you store it in cold weather, keep it in a cool, dry place.

With a little math and planning, you can solve your summer heat problems before they ruin the season with a portable air conditioner for your space.

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It’s not often that we compile a “best of” list of a product category that, overall, performs poorly in Consumer Reports tests. But that’s the case with portable air conditioners which, even under optimal conditions, are an imperfect way to cool a room.

Still, they might be your only choice if your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, or if you live in a building that prohibits window air conditioners or has window configurations that make them difficult to install.

“You can have sliding windows, which are common in the West, or just need one-time cooling in a home office, or you don’t want to block out an entire window,” says Thomas Kelly, senior marketing director at GE Appliances. .

And despite their drawbacks, portable air conditioners account for 18% of the room air conditioner market, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

The advantage of a portable air conditioner – that it is not bolted to a window – is also its disadvantage.

Unlike a window air conditioner, which uses the outside air to cool the coils on the outside of the unit, a single-pipe portable air conditioner uses the air conditioning in the room it is in to cool the mechanical components. . This creates negative pressure which causes hot, unconditioned air from neighboring rooms or from outside to flow into the room you are trying to keep cool. So it’s a struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature.

“You might not get what you think when you buy a portable model,” says Chris Regan, who oversees CR air conditioner testing. “It’s hard to compare cooling to a window air conditioner. “

In our air conditioner tests, we measure how long it takes for a portable model to lower the temperature in our test chamber from 90 ° F to 85 ° F. It takes an average of 20 minutes. By comparison, the best window air conditioners can cool a room by 10 ° F in about 15 minutes or less.

But not all portable air conditioner news is bad. According to CR’s Brand Reliability Survey, two brands, Whynter and Frigidaire, achieve the highest rating of Excellent for expected reliability, and three other brands receive a rating of Very Good. Owner satisfaction, which is based on the proportion of our members who are extremely likely to recommend their AC, was not as high, with most brands scoring an average of good.

We test portable air conditioners from brands such as LG, Whynter, Whirlpool, SPT and TCL. CR members can read ratings and reviews of models that rank at the top of our tests.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site.

Think of portable air conditioners as the cooling choice of last resort. They are better than a fan but far from an AC window.

This is what experts at Consumer Reports consistently find in our tests of portable air conditioners. Despite the manufacturer’s claims, these units barely have a room below the sweltering heat, let alone the 78 ° F which is considered the upper threshold of indoor comfort.

Portable air conditioners are intended for homes where window configuration or building regulations prevent the installation of window units.

“A portable air conditioner is an alternative, but not ideal,” says Chris Regan, who oversees Consumer Reports air conditioner testing. Portable units are generally larger, noisier, and more expensive, and they consume more power. In fact, retailers report that many portable air conditioners are returned each season by dissatisfied customers.

How portable air conditioners work

Unlike a window air conditioner, all of the mechanical parts of a portable air conditioner are inside the room you are trying to cool. It contributes to the noise.

This is also a reason for less than efficient cooling. While a window air conditioner uses the outside air to cool the coils on the outside of the unit, a portable air conditioner uses the air conditioning in the room it is in to cool the mechanical components. This creates negative pressure which causes hot, unconditioned air from neighboring rooms or from outside to flow into the room you are trying to keep cool.

And their portability is questionable. Once the hose is connected to the kit in the window (to ventilate it outside), you will not want to move the device anymore. Not to mention that they usually weigh 50 to 80 pounds, sometimes even more.

Although they have wheels, portable air conditioners can be difficult to roll over carpets and over raised thresholds between rooms.

They also need their space. The pipe is 5-7 feet long, and the air conditioner should be away from any wall or furniture that may block its air flow.

The story continues

“There is a learning curve for the consumer,” says Thomas Kelly, senior director of marketing at GE Appliances. “Some consumers don’t realize that they have to ventilate the portable air conditioner to the outdoors. “

Confusion in the AC aisle

While window air conditioners have been subject to federal energy efficiency standards for over 25 years, portable air conditioners have not. In 2016, the Department of Energy set new efficiency standards for them, but they don’t come into effect until 2025. Many manufacturers have already produced units that meet these standards.

The result? When shopping, you may see portable air conditioners that list a Btu rating under the new standard, and some that list an inflated or misleading Btu rating. (Btu, or British thermal units, measure cooling capacity.) And during this transition, you might see two Btu ratings listed on the same box.

For example, a portable model that was previously listed at 14,000 Btu (called the ASHRAE rating, from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) can now have a DOE rating of 10,000 Btu.

But even with this change, you still can’t compare a portable AC to a window AC when it comes to Btu. “The DOE test conditions for window air conditioners are more stringent than those for portable air conditioners,” says Joanna Mauer, who tracks energy efficiency for the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, a group that advocates for efficiency standards. “An AC window rated at 6000 Btu will therefore provide more cooling than a portable AC unit rated at 6000 Btu.”

How we test portable air conditioners

At Consumer Reports, we test each air conditioner in an appropriate room for its claimed size. We have adjusted our tests based on the new DOE standard. “We’re now based on the DOE’s Btu rating,” says Regan. “This means that we test each unit in a room more suitable for its cooling capacity. “

In our AC tests, we measure how long it takes for a portable air conditioner to lower the temperature in the test chamber from 90 ° F to 85 ° F. It takes at least 20 minutes, and often much longer. By comparison, the best window air conditioners can cool a room by 10 ° F in about 15 minutes or less.

If a laptop is your only choice

Install it correctly. All laptops come with a kit that you install in a window. It consists of a plastic panel with fittings for the drain hose and can be installed horizontally in a sash window or vertically in a sliding window. Make sure all of your connections are tight and seal all air spaces.

Get a ceiling fan. Create a breeze by running a ceiling fan. It will make the room cooler.

Block out the sun. Close curtains and blinds to keep the sun from overheating your room.

None of the portable air conditioners in our tests make our list of recommended air conditioners, but if you don’t have an alternative, consider one of the five best performing models below.

The Midea U MAW08V1QWT is quite simply the quietest air conditioner we’ve ever tested, but that’s not the only reason it stands out from the crowd. It also has an inverter compressor, which means it uses almost half the energy than air conditioners without an inverter. And unlike traditional air conditioners, which typically lock your entire window in the closed position as long as they’re installed, the Midea U has a unique U-shaped design that allows you to continue opening and closing your window normally (if you want to better circulation, for example). As part of this design, Midea also moves most of the louder material on the back of this unit so that it sits on the outside of the window, using the glass as an additional buffer layer to cut the sound further. . Plus, it comes with its own bracket – valued at around $ 100 – that locks firmly into the sliding tracks of your sash window. The air conditioner is also Energy Star certified and Wi-Fi compatible, with easy and convenient integration into the smart home. But there is a catch: the installation process. While the process is easier than it looks, it’s still more complicated than installing your typical air conditioner, and you won’t get a lot of helpful advice from reading one of the four supplied instruction manuals. with the Midea U.

Great too

GE PHC08LY

The quietest inverter-less AC power we’ve ever tested, this GE model is an attractive alternative, with capacitive controls, soft LED lights, and easy smart home integration.

Purchase options

* At the time of publication, the price was $ 400.

If you’re looking for a more traditional window air conditioner, the GE PHC08LY is the quietest available, and it looks better than most, too. In its dedicated silent mode, it is comparable to the Midea U in volume; even with the compressor running and the fan high, it’s still quieter than average talk or any other AC we tested. Touch controls and soft LED lights give it a sleek, futuristic feel, and GE’s recently updated smart home integration allows for seamless and natural voice commands. It’s also one of the few models we’ve seen with Apple HomeKit integration, along with location services, which you can use to automatically turn off the air conditioning when you’re not at home (or turn on when you are). This model is not as energy efficient as the Midea U (although it is Energy Star certified), nor does it come with its own safety bracket, but it is also much, much easier to install than our first choice, and it’s just as pleasant to live in.

Great too

Frigidaire FHWW083WBE

This Frigidaire unit is easy to install and cools a room about as well as our top pick for a slightly lower price. However, the sound is a bit more squeaky, especially at lower fan speeds.

Purchase options

* At the time of publication, the price was $ 253.

We like to think of the Frigidaire FHWW083WBE as the Old Faithful of window air conditioners. We have been recommending it (or its nearly identical predecessors) since 2014, and it has always proven to be a reliable and affordable option. It’s a bit louder than our other picks (although still quieter than most ACs), with a less pleasant mechanical rumble that’s more pronounced when you run it at lower settings. But it still cools the room quickly and efficiently, and it generally costs less than our other picks while still providing comparable smart home performance and capabilities. If you want to save even more money, the Frigidaire FFRE083WAE is essentially the same unit minus the capabilities of the smart home.

Great too

windmill

The Windmill Air is the simplest air conditioner we have ever installed, and it has many other nice and thoughtful details that make it pleasant to live in overall.

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* At the time of publication, the price was $ 0.

The Windmill Air might not be as quiet or efficient as our top pick, but it’s much, much simpler to set up, and it comes with a lot of other thoughtful features that make it easy to use. It’s also one of the prettiest air conditioners we’ve ever tested, with rounded corners and subtle indicator lights that won’t stop you from sleeping at night. There’s even a plastic cover on the back of the unit, so you don’t cut your hands on those razor-sharp exhaust fins, and an in-app shortcut that helps you find TaskRabbit installation help. All in all, this is a great AC if you just want something that blends in with the background and gets the job done without a hitch.

Great too

Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ083WC1

The inverter-style Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ083WC1 is one of the most energy efficient air conditioners we’ve ever tested, with lights and sounds that essentially blend into the background.

Purchase options

* At the time of publication, the price was $ 0.

The inverter-style Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ083WC1 is as efficient as our top pick, using nearly 40% less energy than the federal standard for air conditioners, with all of the same smart home features. It’s also almost as quiet as the Midea, with an average volume of around 48 decibels, which makes it essentially unnoticeable in the room unless the fan is on full blast. In our testing, the Frigidaire maintained even more impressive cooling consistency throughout the room, keeping the air temperature at half a degree when measured 3 feet in front of the air conditioner and 6 feet diagonally. . The LED display on the control panel also automatically turns off after a few seconds so as not to illuminate the room (although this can also be annoying at times, as if you want to check the settings). The smart home app can be a bit of a problem at times, but despite these flaws, it ranks among the best air conditioners available.

This guide also includes our current thoughts on Wi-Fi controllable ‘smart’ air conditioners (and a smart AC accessory), as well as recommendations for other types of air conditioners, namely wall units and casement window models. . We have our portable air conditioner recommendations in a separate guide.

Barbara Reed did all she could to help Ollie O’Rourke stay cool one late June evening during the deadly heat wave in British Columbia.

Reed, a tour bus driver in Richmond, BC, could tell from her first aid training that O’Rourke, the mother of Reed’s stepdaughter, was carrying the signs of heat stroke: bright red skin, no sweating, loss of consciousness.

She tried to keep O’Rourke cool with damp towels and a fan while waiting for an ambulance – it took over six hours to arrive.

After arriving at the hospital, Reed said his condition “got worse”. O’Rourke died on July 5.

“I think it was unnecessary suffering at the end of his life,” Reed said. White coat, black art host Dr Brian Goldman.

At the time of his death, O’Rourke was in poor health and was living at home with her husband, who suffers from dementia. She had stage 4 cancer, was on oxygen and was waiting for a bed in a hospice.

Reed believes the heat was a factor in O’Rourke’s death, but said the family has yet to receive an official cause.

A spokesperson for the BC Coroners Service said White coat their office received 808 reported deaths between June 25 and July 1. This represents an increase from 232 deaths during the same week in 2020.

Advocates say this should be a wake-up call for health authorities to develop new measures to better protect the elderly and other vulnerable populations from future heat-related emergencies.

Paramedics in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland said they were pushed over the edge during the heat-related emergency. Dispatchers sometimes had more than 200 calls waiting to be answered, and lower priority calls were left unattended for four to four hours.

Not urgent enough heat warnings: teacher

Jennifer Baumbusch, an associate professor at UBC’s school of nursing specializing in elderly care, said warnings from health officials were not urgent enough to explain how dangerous the heat level was by compared to previous heat waves.

“The communications, at least the ones I’ve seen, were more things like, ‘Make sure you drink plenty of water, make sure you try to stay cool. “But there was no way for the citizens to anticipate what it would look like,” she said.

“I don’t think we’ve ever gotten to that point of messaging or understanding [on] who you could contact [in] an emergency. There was no one. You were alone. “

Air conditioner

According to a BC Hydro study released last year, less than 40 percent of British Columbia households have air conditioning.

Baumbusch said older people and people with disabilities are more likely to live in housing that doesn’t have air conditioning or other heat-mitigating factors like windows that can open for better circulation. the air, if it is cooler in the evening.

The air conditioning units, she suggested, could be viewed as medical equipment during a heat wave, which would allow them to be distributed to those in need through the province’s disability support systems. .

A spokesperson for the British Columbia Ministry of Health said White coat that “quick action” was taken to deal with the heat wave, including public heat alerts to all regional health authorities in the province on June 25.

“Despite these efforts, the impact of the heatwave was tragic, and we offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost a loved one,” the statement said.

BC seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie said while many people are aware of the warnings, they likely had no idea they were facing a heat dome of historic proportions.

“We’re not talking about a degree or two more, but eight and 10 degrees more than what would have been a heat wave in the past. And we just went from ‘it’s uncomfortable’ to ‘c ‘is dangerous “, and unfortunately in some cases fatal,” she said The stream Mark Kelley earlier this month.

The need to prepare

Last week in British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix pledged to hire more paramedics and dispatchers as well as the provision of new ambulances.

And Thursday, Vancouver passed motion to plan for future heat waves, in response to a note from the Planning Commission calling for action to help residents cope with the heat.

Recommendations in this memo included ensuring accessible public spaces with shade and water fountains, as well as providing air conditioning units to low-income residents.

WATCH | The heat wave in western Canada is “dangerous and record breaking”, according to a meteorologist:

Western Canadian heatwave is “dangerous and record-breaking”, meteorologist says

A heat wave in western Canada that led to the highest temperature on record in that country on Sunday will continue for several days, CBC News meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe said. 3:20

Baumbusch called the recommendations in the memo “exceptional” and hopes they will be taken up by other municipalities outside the Vancouver area.

“I’m surprised we’re not already mobilizing some of the resources we can. So things like trying to put air conditioning units in supportive housing is something that can be done right away,” she declared.

Baumbusch also had several suggestions for dealing with heat waves and potential heat emergencies, including:

• Do your groceries and other errands early to minimize time spent outdoors.
• Keep a daily diary of how much water and fluids you drink.
• Keep towels and rags handy to sprinkle with cold water to keep you cool.
• Consider preparing meals in advance and freezing them, to minimize time spent in a hot kitchen.

“We have an ageist society”

Baumbusch said older people who live alone are particularly at risk, and it is possible that some people who died during the heat wave have not yet been discovered.

“We have an ageist society… which doesn’t look at the elderly. And so when they disappear from sight, no one says anything for a while,” she said.

“It’s sad to think that we have a society in which people are so invisible that they wouldn’t be missed for two, three weeks, a month before someone says, ‘Oh, I wonder what’s going on. go over there. ‘”

It’s terrifying. And I don’t think it will be the last. I think this is just the beginning of unbearable summers.– Barbara Reed

In a statement, a representative of the BC Coroners Service said White coat they’re still investigating the extent to which this week’s sudden deaths and, potentially, others were caused by the extreme weather conditions.

He noted that a person’s cause of death is “determined on an individual basis by coroners at the end of their inquests.”

“Once the aggregated data is available for analysis, we will be in a better position to determine the review that will be undertaken,” he continued.

Baumbausch called the review a “milestone,” explaining that deaths can be classified as early or unforeseen, and a coroner typically does not inquire into the former.

As coroners proceed with a review of the data, Ollie O’Rourke’s husband is still in shock, according to Barbara Reed, despite the support of his family members.

She worries about what future heat waves might bring.

“It’s terrifying. And I don’t think this will be the last. I think it’s just the beginning of unbearable summers.”

Written by Jonathan Ore with files from CBC Vancouver. Produced by Rachel Sanders.