The New York Times - It's time to buy an AC

Imagine it: an AC that’s actually quiet. No jarring whines, whooshes, or whirs—yet it still offers as much control over climate settings and air direction as possible.

The U-shaped Midea U MAW08V1QWT is the closest thing we’ve found to the perfect AC. This Midea model is quieter and more energy-efficient than any other window unit we’ve tested.

Our favorite window unit →

A mini-split is an efficient, scalable way to add cooling or heating to specific rooms of a home.

These conditioners consist of one or more indoor units connected to an outdoor compressor. They’re easier to install than a full ducted system, more efficient than window units or central HVAC, and they often make sense as a supplement to your existing heating and cooling equipment.

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What to know if you’re shopping for one→

Not every room or window type can accommodate a window AC, and mini-split installations can be costly. If you find yourself in one of those sticky situations, a portable air conditioner could make the difference between sweltering surroundings and comfort.

We recommend the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL. It’s quieter, more powerful, and generally more pleasant to live with than nearly any of the other two dozen portable ACs we’ve tested.

The best portable air conditioner→

The Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator is a simple, powerful, and reliable fan that can move huge amounts of air without making too much noise.

This isn’t a traditional fan—it’s an air circulator, designed to create a vortex that circulates all of the air in your room better than an oscillating fan, without the distraction of intermittent gusts.

The fan we’ve loved for nearly a decade →

A filthy fan or air conditioner is not only less efficient at cooling you down, it’s also a potential health risk, especially if you have sensitive lungs or allergies. Before you power on for the first time this year, be sure to remove dust buildup and clean the filter.

Step-by-step instructions here→

An original, vintage design makes this fan stand out against its plastic counterparts, and it performs nearly as well as our top recommendation.

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Costco members can get it here for $30 off→