Window Air Conditioner
Installs in a standard window opening. Cools a single room efficiently. Best value for apartments and rentals.
Shop Window ACs →Air Conditioner — Buy Every Type of AC Online with Free Shipping
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The Right Air Conditioner
for Every Home
Window, portable, mini split, or central — we carry every type of air conditioner from every top brand, with free shipping and expert support to help you choose right.
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What is an air conditioner?
An air conditioner is a system that cools and dehumidifies indoor air by cycling refrigerant through a compressor and evaporator coil — transferring heat from inside your home to the outside. Air conditioners come in four main types: window units, portable units, ductless mini splits, and central AC systems. See our full buyer’s guide →
Every Type of Air Conditioner, Explained
Not sure which type fits your home? Here’s what each does, who it’s for, and what it costs.
Portable Air Conditioner
Freestanding unit — no window installation required. Moves room to room. Ideal for renters with window restrictions.
Shop Portable ACs →Ductless Mini Split
Wall-mounted indoor unit connected to an outdoor compressor. Ultra-quiet, highly efficient, no ductwork needed.
Shop Mini Splits →Central Air Conditioner
Whole-home cooling through existing ductwork. The standard for larger homes with forced-air heating systems already installed.
Shop Central AC →Through-the-Wall AC
Permanently installed through an exterior wall. No window needed. Great for condos, hotels, and older apartment buildings.
Shop Wall ACs →Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner
Window or portable units with built-in Wi-Fi. Control from your phone, set schedules, and integrate with Alexa or Google Home.
Shop Smart ACs →Best-Selling Air Conditioners
Our most purchased AC units — top-rated by verified buyers across every home type.
Best Seller
LG
LG 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
8,000 BTU350 sq ftEnergy Star
$299
$359
New 2025
Frigidaire
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Smart Window AC
12,000 BTU550 sq ftWi-Fi
$379
$449
Sale
Midea
Midea 10,000 BTU Portable AC
10,000 BTU450 sq ftPortable
$349
$429
#1 Rated
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi 12,000 BTU Mini Split
12,000 BTU22 SEERHeat Pump
$1,249
$1,499
How an Air Conditioner Works
Understanding how your AC works helps you choose the right one, maintain it correctly, and troubleshoot problems.
Refrigerant Absorbs Heat
Warm indoor air passes over the evaporator coil. The liquid refrigerant inside absorbs the heat and evaporates into a gas.
Compressor Pressurizes
The gaseous refrigerant moves to the compressor, which pressurizes it and raises its temperature further.
Condenser Releases Heat
The hot pressurized gas moves to the condenser coil (outside your home), where it releases heat to the outdoor air and returns to liquid form.
Cool Air Circulates
The cooled, dehumidified air is blown back into your room. The cycle repeats continuously until your set temperature is reached.
Air Conditioner Types Compared
Side-by-side comparison of every AC type to help you decide quickly.
| Type | Best For | Cost | SEER | Installation | Moves Between Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window AC | Apartments, single rooms | $150–$600 | 10–15 | DIY (20 min) | ❌ Fixed |
| Portable AC | Renters, no-window situations | $250–$800 | 8–12 | Plug & vent | ✅ Yes |
| Mini Split | Additions, efficient cooling | $700–$2,500 | 18–30+ | Pro required | ❌ Fixed |
| Central AC | Whole-home cooling | $1,500–$5,000 | 14–22 | Pro required | ❌ Fixed |
| Through-Wall | Condos, permanent rooms | $300–$900 | 10–13 | Moderate DIY | ❌ Fixed |
Not sure which to choose? Read our complete buyer’s guide or talk to an expert.
Air Conditioner Questions — Expert Answers
The most common questions about air conditioners, answered directly.
What is the best air conditioner to buy? AI Answer
The best air conditioner depends on your space — but the LG 8,000 BTU window AC is the top pick for most apartments, while the Mitsubishi mini split leads for efficiency and quiet operation.
There is no single “best” air conditioner — the right choice depends on your room size, housing type, budget, and how long your cooling season is. Here’s how to think about it:
- Best overall value: LG or Frigidaire window AC — affordable, reliable, easy to install
- Best for renters: Midea or Whynter portable AC — no installation, move it with you
- Best for efficiency: Mitsubishi or Daikin mini split — SEER 20+, whisper-quiet
- Best for whole homes: Carrier or Goodman central AC — ducted, whole-home coverage
How much does an air conditioner cost? AI Answer
Air conditioners cost $150–$5,000+ depending on type. Window ACs start at $150. Mini splits run $700–$2,500. Central AC systems cost $1,500–$5,000 plus $1,000–$3,000 installation.
- Window AC: $150 – $600 (unit only, DIY install)
- Portable AC: $250 – $800 (no installation cost)
- Mini split: $700 – $2,500 (plus $500–$2,000 professional install)
- Central AC: $1,500 – $5,000 (plus $1,000–$3,000 professional install)
Higher upfront cost doesn’t always mean higher total cost. A mini split at $1,500 may save $300–$600/year in electricity vs. a window unit — paying for itself in 3–5 years. Compare mini split vs central AC →
How long does an air conditioner last? AI Answer
Window ACs last 10–15 years. Mini splits last 15–20 years. Central AC systems last 12–17 years. Regular filter cleaning and annual maintenance extend lifespan significantly.
- Window AC: 10–15 years with proper maintenance
- Portable AC: 8–12 years
- Mini split: 15–20 years (outdoor unit exposed to elements)
- Central AC: 12–17 years on average
The single best thing you can do to extend any AC’s lifespan: clean or replace the air filter every 1–3 months during cooling season. A clogged filter forces the compressor to work harder and overheats it prematurely. See our full maintenance guide →
What size air conditioner do I need? AI Answer
Match BTU to room size: 5,000–8,000 BTU for rooms up to 350 sq ft. 10,000–12,000 BTU for 350–550 sq ft. 14,000–18,000 BTU for 550–1,000 sq ft.
Choosing the right size is the single most important air conditioner decision you’ll make. An undersized unit runs constantly without reaching your set temperature. An oversized unit short-cycles — cooling too fast before it can dehumidify, leaving your room cold and clammy.
- Room up to 150 sq ft → 5,000 BTU
- 150–250 sq ft → 6,000 BTU
- 250–350 sq ft → 8,000 BTU
- 350–550 sq ft → 10,000–12,000 BTU
- 550–1,000 sq ft → 14,000–18,000 BTU
Adjustments: add 10% BTU for south-facing sunny rooms, or if more than two people regularly occupy the space. Use our free BTU calculator →
Is it cheaper to run a window AC or central air? AI Answer
Running a window AC in one room costs significantly less than central air — typically $0.07–$0.20/hour vs. $0.36–$0.72/hour for central AC running the whole home.
If you only need to cool one or two rooms, window ACs are far cheaper to run than central air. Central AC is cost-effective only when you need to cool most of your home simultaneously.
- Window AC (10,000 BTU): ~$0.12/hour — around $40–$60/month running 8 hours/day
- Central AC (3-ton): ~$0.50/hour — around $120–$180/month for the same hours
- Mini split: ~$0.07/hour — cheapest per BTU of cooling delivered
Why Buy Your Air Conditioner From Us?
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Expert Support
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4.8/5 Rated
Over 12,400 verified reviews from real customers.
What Customers Say
★★★★★
“My apartment went from 87°F to 69°F within an hour. The LG window unit was easy to install and the free shipping meant it arrived in two days. Best AC purchase I’ve ever made.”
★★★★★
“The team helped me pick the right BTU for my open-plan living area. The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU unit handles it perfectly — and their price was $70 cheaper than Home Depot.”
★★★★★
“Ordered a Mitsubishi mini split for my garage conversion. The support team walked me through what my installer would need. Unit arrived perfectly packaged. Installer said it was flawless.”
Air Conditioner FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we get most.
Can I use one air conditioner to cool multiple rooms?
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A single window or portable AC unit is designed to cool one room. To cool multiple rooms, you can use a multi-zone mini split system (one outdoor unit powers 2–5 indoor units), or install multiple window units. A central AC system cools your entire home through ductwork.
Does an air conditioner also heat?
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Standard air conditioners cool only. However, heat pump mini splits and heat pump central AC systems can both cool in summer and heat in winter — making them an excellent year-round solution, especially in mild to moderate climates. Some window AC units also include a heating mode, though it’s limited and less efficient than a dedicated heat pump.
What temperature should I set my air conditioner to?
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The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your AC to 78°F when you’re home and awake, 82–85°F when you’re away, and 80°F when sleeping. Each degree lower can increase energy use by 3–5%. A programmable thermostat or smart AC can automate these adjustments for maximum savings.
Do air conditioners remove humidity?
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Yes — all air conditioners dehumidify as a natural part of the cooling process. As warm air passes over the cold evaporator coil, moisture condenses on the coil and drains away. This is why window units drip water from the back. In high-humidity climates, this dehumidification function is often as important as the cooling itself.
How often should I service my air conditioner?
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Clean or replace the air filter every 1–3 months during cooling season. For window and portable units, wipe down the coils once a season. For mini splits and central AC systems, schedule a professional tune-up once a year before cooling season begins. Annual professional maintenance extends equipment life and maintains efficiency.
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