Robert Polchinski, a professor at the New York City College of Technology who helps students enter the HVAC industry, agrees that most people opt for a window unit because it is affordable.

We got our hands on multiple units and looked for models that are quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to install.

Heat Waves Are Coming. Our Exclusive Lab Tests Reveal Whether Portable or Window AC Units Work Better to Keep You Cool ...

This saddle-style air conditioner preserved my window view and cooled a 300-square-foot bedroom quickly.

Why do window ACs actually need a window? On the surface, it feels unnecessary — after all, the unit is clearly designed to blow cold air from the front. Why can't you just set it on the floor like a ...

As is the case for many people, my home cannot be retrofitted with central air. My 100-plus-year-old Brooklyn apartment, which features prominently in my seven years of air quality reporting for WIRED ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Cassidy was an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit ...

If you live in a space without central air conditioning, investing in an AC unit can be key to keeping you cool throughout the warmer months. Your choice will typically come down to two unit types: a ...

A room air conditioner can make a sweltering space comfortable again, especially in older homes, apartments, and additions where central air falls short. The bigger challenge is choosing between a ...

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › If sweltering days and nights without central air conditioning threaten your summertime ...