If you need to cool down your living or sleeping space this summer, you're likely looking around for a new air conditioner. With so many brands to choose from, though, it can be hard to know which one would best suit your needs. Feeling flummoxed by your options? Then read on for our expert-picked guide to the best air conditioner brands of 2021.
Friedrich
An American-owned and operated manufacturer, Friedrich is entirely focused on producing air conditioners, so you know they've got the ins and outs of cooling your air down to a science. Known for their energy efficiency and quiet operation, Friedrich offers a variety of smart, Wi-Fi, and voice command-compatible window and wall units capable of cooling spaces up to 1,600 sq. ft. Friedrich's Kühl Series and Chill® Premier Series window units are particularly known for their advanced technology, including integrated Wi-Fi that allows your air conditioner unit to be controlled remotely via the Friedrich Go™ App. If you're looking for a wall unit, on the other hand, the company's Wallmaster and Uni-Fit lines can keep your rooms cool without taking up valuable window space.
LG
LG offers a variety of portable, window, and through-the-wall units, helping you find just the right one for your needs. The company is known for quiet operation: its DUAL Inverter Compressor™ technology produces only 44dBA in sleep mode, roughly the same as a refrigerator. With LG's ENERGY STAR® certification, you can rest assured that you won't break the bank on your power bill. And with LG's smart ThinQ® technology, you can easily control your smart air conditioner from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire offers units of all types, from window to portable to built-in. Different models are capable of cooling anywhere from 150 sq. ft. up to a whopping 1,900 sq. ft. Energy-efficient inverter technology optimizes airflow to rapidly decrease the temperature in the room, cooling you off quickly. Certain units are Wi-Fi enabled, so you can monitor and control your AC from anywhere using the Frigidaire® App. And if you want a combo heater/air conditioner, Frigidaire has you covered there as well. Several models have supplemental electric heaters.
GE
GE is a long-trusted brand in the world of appliances, and its air conditioners are no exception. The company produces portable, window, and built-in units for all room sizes and budgets. Window units are available in capacities ranging from 5,000 to 24,000 BTUs, while built-in models range from 5,000 to 13,000 BTUs. Several models offer multidirectional airflow, so that you can adjust as needed. Handy remote controls are also included with many models, as is smart technology that allows you to control the unit from anywhere using the GE SmartHQ™ app. Many models also use environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant and feature an energy-saving mode.
Haeir
In recent years Haeir has become one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the world and now owns General Electric. Haeir produces both window and portable units to help you with your air conditioning needs. Wi-Fi enabled air conditioners allow you to control the unit from anywhere using the SmartHQ™ app on your tablet or smartphone. Portable units are known for their 3-in-1 functionality. They incorporate air conditioning, a dehumidifier, and a fan all in one unit, so you can choose just the right mode for the season or the weather. Haeir's portable units also feature washable filters for easy maintenance and a 24-hour timer that allows you to set the unit to operate only when needed, saving you money on your power bill.
Related Questions
What should I look for when buying a new air conditioner?
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new air conditioner is the amount of space that you would like to cool. Make sure to buy a unit appropriate for the size of the room it will be operating in using this guide.
How do I calculate how many BTUs I need for my space?
Generally speaking, your unit should have 20 BTUs of cooling capacity for every square foot of space. You may need slightly more if you have high ceilings or many windows or doors.