According to Energy Star the average home spends 20% of its electric bill on cooling.

 

Stand Alone AC

Pros:

  • Portability
  • Doubles as a dehumidifier and fan
  • Works with a large variety of windows, whereas a window unit requires a certain size.
  • Very easy to install and remove.

Cons:

  • Not the most effective or efficient way to cool a room.
  • The unit gives off heat in a room it is trying to cool.
  • While some models are quieter, they are in general noisier.

 

Best rated unit: Haier 12000BTU Portable Conditioner, HPN12XCM

Review:

http://portable-air-conditioners-review.toptenreviews.com/haier-america-trading-review.html

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-portable-air-conditioner/

 

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Haier-HPN12XCM-Portable-Conditioner-12000-BTU/dp/B00BDRGE8Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1469108754&sr=1-2&keywords=haier+air+conditioner

 

Another good option: Whynter 12000BTU Portable Conditioner, ARC-12S

Review:

http://portable-air-conditioners-review.toptenreviews.com/whynter-review.html

https://www.portableacnerd.com/whynter-arc-12s-review/

 

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-ARC-12S-Portable-Conditioner-Platinum/dp/B0022MNFUG/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1469109333&sr=1-1&keywords=Whynter+ARC-12S

Split Unit AC

Pros:

  • Quieter than portable or wall units.
  • The units can be purchased to cool multiple zones or rooms.
  • Some models double as both AC units and heaters.
  • Kit comes with everything needed for installation.

Cons:

  • Usually require professional installation as they need to be wired and connected to a breaker.
  • The unit is large and must be mounted to the wall and the outside condenser needs a solid, flat surface to mount to.
  • More expensive option.

Best Rated Unit: Pioneer Ductless Mini Split AC 12000BTU

Reviews:

http://www.hvachowto.com/2016/05/25/review-pioneer-ductless-mini-split-ac-12000-btu/

http://www.topratedhomeappliances.net/best-ductless-air-conditioner-reviews/

 

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Ductless-INVERTER-Air-Conditioner/dp/B00D9ZBOJ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469111349&sr=8-2&keywords=split+unit+air+conditioner

 

Another Good Option: Klimaire Ductless Mini Split Inverter AC Heat Pump System 12000BTU

Reviews:

http://www.topratedhomeappliances.net/best-ductless-air-conditioner-reviews/

http://www.splitairconditioning.net/review-klimaire-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioners

 

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Klimaire-Ductless-Mini-Split-Conditioner-Installation/dp/B01F64GWAQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1469112502&sr=8-4&keywords=Klimaire+Ductless+Mini+Split