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

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

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

If you live in an older home or apartment, you’re less likely to have central air and may have a window air conditioning unit instead, says Darcy Carbone, vice-president of sales at APA HVAC ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Luckily, WIRED's favorite portable air conditioners and window air conditioners are on solid Prime Day deals in 2026. This ...

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 ...