BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Keystone Energy Star 5,000 BTU Air Conditioner. RUNNER-UP: Amana AVXC20 Air Conditioner. BEST WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER: LG 18,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner. BEST MINI It’s almost impossible to dislike LG’s Dual Inverter window air conditioner (or if you want to call it by its official name, the LW1019IVSM ), especially with temperatures topping 95 degrees Features to Look for When Choosing an Air Conditioner: Right size A/C for your space: Size matters when you’re choosing an air conditioner. A too-large unit will cool the air but leave it damp and clammy. A too-small unit will have to work overtime to maintain the set temperature, driving up your energy bill. Air conditioner sizing is In 10 years, that would be almost $220 difference. Hence, if an 18 SEER air conditioner costs $200 more than a 16 SEER unit, it’s a smart choice to pick the 18 SEER unit. In the end, you will find a full list of 2 different SEER rating air conditioners compared. Here’s the quick look, more at the end of the article: Typically, you can pick from 3 types: Window AC, split AC, and portable AC. A window AC, as the name suggests, is mounted onto a window as a single unit. A split AC has two units – the one mounted outside your home comprises the compressor and condenser units, while the one mounted inside, on a wall, is the blower. A portable AC is not This type of air conditioner is cheap! It is more affordable than an inverter, which is why it is a consideration for homeowners. For Australians who have limited income, a non-inverter aircon is the cheaper option over the inverter variant. Just like an inverter AC, a non-inverter type also has some cons. There are three types of AC units: window, split system, and whole house or central. Only the whole house or central type of AC system uses ducts to direct cool air into each room. The others, window and split, are installed in the room they condition, so no ductwork is required. It’s important to note that AC units only provide cooling. The minimum SEER allowed for a new split system central air conditioner in the U.S. today is 14, which is at least 20 percent more efficient than minimum-efficiency models made even 10 years ago Top 10 Best Central Air Conditioners. #1 Carrier Infinity 21 Central Air Conditioner. #2 Amana ASX14 Central Air Conditioner. #3 Goodman GSXC18 Split Central Air Conditioner. #4 Goodman GSX13 Heat pumps and air conditioners are similar but have a number of notable differences. A heat pump is able to not only cool but also run in reverse, heating your home. There’s a catch, however; heat pumps are only suitable for moderate climates in which the heating requirements are not as intensive. If the temperature in your area dips below gi8Ls.