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10 Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Daikin 24,000 BTU (9K + 18K) 21SEER2 Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump R-32 System with Maxwell 15 ft. Installation Kit and Wall Mounting Bracket

The Daikin 24,000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner is a strong choice if you need efficient cooling and heating across two separate rooms or zones. It offers a solid cooling capacity of about 23,000 BTU with a high energy efficiency rating (SEER 21), meaning it uses power smartly to keep energy bills down. The system uses the eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant and provides reliable heating even in cold conditions, giving you all-season comfort. Noise-wise, it’s impressively quiet at just 24 dB, so it won’t disturb your peace at home. Being a ductless mini split, it’s ideal for spaces where installing traditional ductwork is difficult, such as sunrooms or basements.

The unit includes two indoor fan coils with independent controls, allowing personalized temperature settings for each zone, which is great for families or multi-room setups. Additional features include Wi-Fi control through an app, voice command support with Alexa and Google, and air cleaning with a Titanium filter, enhancing convenience and air quality. On the downside, while the system is energy efficient, it is not Energy Star certified, which some users look for as a sign of top-tier efficiency. Also, installation requires professional setup and comes with included kits, so it’s not a simple DIY project.

The price point might be higher than window units or single-zone systems, reflecting its advanced features and multi-zone capabilities. If you want a quiet, energy-efficient solution that offers flexible control and heating/cooling throughout multiple areas, this Daikin mini split is an excellent choice.

#2

Daikin 24,000 Btu 18 SEER2 Ductless Mini-Split Wall Mount Heat Pump Air Conditioner - R32 w/ 15' Installation Kit, 1/2 Whip, 30A Disconnect, and Wall Bracket

The Daikin 24,000 BTU ductless mini-split air conditioner is a strong choice for homeowners looking to cool or heat spaces up to about 1,500 square feet without ductwork. It offers a solid cooling capacity right at 24,000 BTUs and heating capacity up to 27,300 BTUs, making it versatile for year-round comfort. The 18 SEER2 rating means it runs efficiently, helping lower electricity bills compared to older or less efficient units. Noise level is quite low at about 38 decibels, so it won’t disrupt quiet rooms. Being a wall-mounted mini-split, it’s good for rooms where installing ducts is difficult, like additions, basements, or garages. The included installation kit and accessories simplify setup.

On the feature side, it offers customizable airflow, several operating modes including energy-saving ECO+, and even an air purification filter to improve indoor air quality. However, it’s not Energy Star rated, which might matter if you’re looking for the strictest energy certifications. This unit leans toward mid-to-upper pricing and requires professional installation due to its split system design.

If you want a reliable, efficient, and quiet mini-split for moderate-size spaces and value advanced features like heat pump heating and air cleaning, this Daikin model is a suitable option. For those with tighter budgets or who prefer Energy Star certification, comparing other models may be beneficial.

#3

Daikin 24,000 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 24,000 BTU mini-split is a strong choice for cooling and heating spaces up to about 1,500 square feet. With a cooling power of 22,400 BTU (variable between 7,000 and 26,400 BTU) and heating capacity up to 23,600 BTU, it offers flexible temperature control thanks to its DC inverter technology. Its high energy efficiency is notable, boasting a 21 SEER2 rating and excellent EER of 12.0, which means it uses less electricity while keeping your space comfortable year-round. This makes it a smart pick for those wanting to save on energy bills while staying cool or warm.

The unit works well in a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold to hot, making it suitable for different climates and various rooms like basements, sunrooms, or garages where traditional ACs aren't practical. It includes features like an anti-corrosion heat exchanger, automatic defrost, and a washable air filter, which help the system last longer and keep air quality high. The package comes ready with installation parts and a remote control, simplifying setup.

If you are looking for an energy-efficient, versatile ductless solution with strong heating and cooling abilities, the Daikin Oterra is a solid option, especially for medium-sized rooms and homes aiming for comfort and savings.

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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