Here’s How to Find the Best Cooling Options

Air Conditioners & Fans

Stay chill with one of two approaches. Air conditioners pull hot air from a room, condensing and releasing cool air back indoors, while fans blow air over you to help evaporate moisture for a cooling effect. Here are popular styles of each.

Buying Considerations

There’s a lot of product variety when it comes to home-cooling solutions. You’ll find differences in size, power and price point, even within the same product category. Here are some factors to home in on when shopping.

Size

Calculating the capacity of a cooling unit is key for getting optimal results. Read the packaging to ensure the right fit between the size of your room and either the air conditioner’s BTUs or the size of the fan. Too little power can overwork a unit, while too much can result in poor dehumidification (air conditioners) or air flow (fans).

BTUs

British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to measure the cooling power of an air conditioner. To find the BTUs necessary to cool a room, calculate its square footage by multiplying its length by its width. Multiply the total by 25. Add 4,000 BTUs for kitchens, and for rooms typically occupied by more than two people, add an additional 600 BTUs per person.

Energy Efficiency Rating

Check the EnerGuide label of an air conditioner to determine its efficiency. Typically, the EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) will range between 8.5 and 11. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the model — ENERGY STAR-certified products are generally the best pick. Fans use less energy to operate than air conditioners.

Additional Accessories

Complement your home cooling solutions with accessories to extend their life and performance.

Covers

If you leave your window air conditioner in place year-round, it’s essential to cover it to protect against cold and bad weather.

Filters

Boost your air conditioning unit’s air-cleaning capability with a one-size-fits-all air filter that can be replaced or washed seasonally.

Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer

Check interior and exterior temperatures at a glance with a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer. This can help you decide which direction to run your box or window fan in.

Hose Kit

A hose installation kit prepares your window for a portable air conditioner. The kit ensures the efficient, leak-free exhaust of warm air and a tidier appearance.

Brace Kit

Ensure your ceiling fan is installed securely with a brace kit, available in designs for new constructions or retrofits.

Remote Control

Boost convenience with a universal ceiling fan remote that controls both fan speed and the fan’s built-in lights.