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10 Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LG 18,000 BTU Heat and Cool Window Air Conditioner with WiFi Controls, Smart Temperature Control for Rooms up to 1,000 Sq. Ft., White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1370 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This unit delivers impressive climate control, quickly switching between heating and cooling to keep a 350 sq ft space comfortable within minutes.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The heat pump uses only 1280 watts continuously, making it highly efficient and ideal for off-grid solar power setups.
Noise Level
Quiet operation is a pleasant bonus, making it less disruptive than expected for such a powerful window air conditioner.
Additional Features
The easy-to-access filter simplifies maintenance, helping keep the unit running smoothly without hassle.

The LG 18,000 BTU Heat and Cool Window Air Conditioner is designed for medium to large rooms up to 1,000 square feet, making it a solid choice if you need effective cooling and heating in a single unit. With an 18,000 BTU cooling capacity, it can handle fairly large spaces, which is convenient if you want to avoid buying separate devices for different rooms. It also includes a supplemental heating option, so it can keep you comfortable year-round, not just during hot months.

The unit is WiFi-enabled and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing easy remote control via your phone or voice commands — a handy feature if you like smart home devices. Its energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is 11.1, which is decent but not the highest available, so expect moderate energy consumption. Noise level is around 57 decibels, which is noticeable but typical for a powerful window AC; it won’t be completely silent but shouldn’t be too disruptive either.

Additional conveniences include a filter light reminder, a 24-hour timer for scheduling, and an auto restart function that turns the unit back on after power outages, so you don’t have to reset settings. The unit is relatively large and heavy at 126.5 pounds, which might make installation a bit challenging without help. It also comes with only a 1-year warranty, which is standard but something to keep in mind if you're looking for long-term coverage. This LG window air conditioner is well-suited for users seeking a versatile cooling and heating solution for bigger rooms who appreciate smart controls and can tolerate moderate noise and energy use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1370 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This unit delivers impressive climate control, quickly switching between heating and cooling to keep a 350 sq ft space comfortable within minutes.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The heat pump uses only 1280 watts continuously, making it highly efficient and ideal for off-grid solar power setups.
Noise Level
Quiet operation is a pleasant bonus, making it less disruptive than expected for such a powerful window air conditioner.
Additional Features
The easy-to-access filter simplifies maintenance, helping keep the unit running smoothly without hassle.
#2

LG 23,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner with Heat, 230V, Air Conditioner Cools Rooms up to 1,400 Sq.Ft., Smartphone & Voice Control works with Remote, White

Rating
8.2
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1370 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit delivers quick and effective comfort, easily heating and cooling a 350 sq ft space with outstanding energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
It runs on solar power in perfect conditions, using only 575 watts for cooling despite having 50% higher capacity than previous units.
Noise Level
Quiet operation is a notable bonus, contributing to a comfortable environment without disruptive noise.
Type of Air Conditioner
Switching between heating and cooling modes happens in moments, making it a versatile climate control solution for year-round use.
Additional Features
The supplemental heating function eliminates the need for propane, wood fires, or other fuel sources, supporting off-grid living goals.

The LG 23,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner is designed for medium to large rooms up to about 1,400 square feet, making it suitable for living rooms or open-plan spaces. Its strong cooling capacity means it can efficiently cool bigger areas, which is a big plus if you want quick and effective comfort. The unit includes a supplemental heating function, which is handy for cooler days, so you get year-round use instead of just summer cooling.

It supports smart control via LG ThinQ, allowing you to adjust settings remotely through your smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google, adding convenience if you like modern tech features. With two fan speeds for both heating and cooling, you can customize how the air circulates to match your comfort needs. The noise level sits at 62 decibels, which is moderately loud—noticeable but not overly disruptive for most daily activities. On energy efficiency, its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is 9.8, which is average for window units; it balances performance and efficiency fairly well. It also has a dehumidifier function, which helps reduce indoor moisture, improving comfort during humid days.

The unit is a bit on the heavier side at 141 pounds, so installation might require some help. If you are looking for a powerful, feature-rich air conditioner that also heats and offers smart connectivity, this model is a strong choice, especially for larger rooms. However, if ultra-quiet operation or top-tier energy savings are your priorities, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
8.2
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1370 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit delivers quick and effective comfort, easily heating and cooling a 350 sq ft space with outstanding energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
It runs on solar power in perfect conditions, using only 575 watts for cooling despite having 50% higher capacity than previous units.
Noise Level
Quiet operation is a notable bonus, contributing to a comfortable environment without disruptive noise.
Type of Air Conditioner
Switching between heating and cooling modes happens in moments, making it a versatile climate control solution for year-round use.
Additional Features
The supplemental heating function eliminates the need for propane, wood fires, or other fuel sources, supporting off-grid living goals.
#3

Daikin 18,000 Btu 21 SEER2 Oterra Series Ductless Mini-Split Wall Mount Heat Pump Air Conditioner - R32 w/Installation Kit, 1/2 Whip, 30A Disconnect and Wall Bracket

The Daikin Oterra Series 18,000 BTU ductless mini-split is a strong choice if you're looking to cool and heat a medium-sized area, around 1,000 square feet. It offers excellent energy efficiency with a high SEER2 rating of 21 and an EER2 of 12.0, which means it will help keep your electricity bills lower compared to many standard units. This model uses the eco-friendly R32 refrigerant and has a heat pump function, making it useful year-round, even in cooler climates down to about 5°F for heating and up to 122°F for cooling.

The unit includes smart features like automatic defrosting to prevent ice buildup and an air purifying filter that can improve indoor air quality. The included installation kit and wall bracket make setup more straightforward, but because it’s a mini-split system, professional installation is generally needed. Daikin units are typically known for quiet operation, which is advantageous for living spaces.

While the upfront cost and installation might be higher than window or portable ACs, this model is best suited for homes or rooms without existing ductwork. For those seeking durable, energy-efficient cooling and heating with advanced features, especially in areas where duct installation is impractical, this Daikin model presents a reliable and effective option.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners

Choosing the right air conditioner can significantly enhance your comfort at home or in the office. The key is to understand your specific needs and match them with the right features and specifications. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting an air conditioner:
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because an air conditioner with too low a BTU rating won't cool the room effectively, while one with too high a BTU rating will cool the room too quickly without removing humidity, leading to a damp, uncomfortable environment. To choose the right BTU, consider the size of the room: smaller rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.) typically need around 5,000-6,000 BTUs, medium rooms (150-350 sq. ft.) need 7,000-8,000 BTUs, and larger rooms (350-550 sq. ft.) may require 10,000-12,000 BTUs.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of an air conditioner by comparing its cooling capacity to its power consumption. A higher EER means the unit is more efficient, which can lead to lower energy bills. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. For those who prioritize energy savings and environmental impact, choosing an air conditioner with a higher EER (10 or above) is advisable.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the air conditioner will be during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially in bedrooms or offices. Air conditioners generally range from 40 dB (quiet) to 60 dB (louder). If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the unit in a quiet space, look for models with lower dB ratings.
Type of Air ConditionerThere are several types of air conditioners, including window units, portable units, split systems, and central air conditioning. Window units are easy to install and suitable for single rooms, portable units offer flexibility and can be moved between rooms, split systems are efficient for cooling multiple rooms without ductwork, and central air conditioning is ideal for whole-house cooling. Your choice should depend on the space you need to cool and whether you prefer a permanent or flexible solution.
Additional FeaturesModern air conditioners come with various additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort. These may include programmable timers, remote controls, sleep modes, air purifiers, and smart connectivity for remote operation via smartphone apps. Consider which features are important to you based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, a programmable timer can help you save energy by turning the unit off when you're not home, while smart connectivity allows for easy control from anywhere.

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