When the heat of summer hits, getting an air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable is a no-brainer. But if you’re not sure what to look for while shopping, you might lose your cool.

When the heat outside makes the environment inside your home too hot to handle, an air conditioner is the obvious solution. Every model is designed to cut the heat and humidity indoors so everyone inside your home – especially those who are vulnerable to heat and humidity – are comfortable all day and all night.

Best Buy carries a variety of air conditioners for every home and budget, but how do you decide which unit is right for you? Read on to find out more about air conditioners so you can be sure to get the best one for your home.

Types of Air Conditioners

Window-mounted:

These units are perhaps best suited for rooms that have double-hung, sliding, or casement windows. They’re designed to be easily installed, and offer a semi-permanent solution for any room in your home on those hot summer days.

Once installed, a window-mounted air conditioner can comfortably cool between 300 and 1600 square feet. Most models also feature handy controls and a remote that allows you to adjust the fan speed, temperature, and timer settings from across the room.

Portable:

If you find yourself frequently moving from room to room, then a portable air conditioner is your best bet. Thanks to a set of wheels, you’ll have the freedom to roll a portable unit into any room you like and keep the cool while you work, play, or simply relax.

A portable air conditioner can typically cool a room up to 400 square feet in size. They boast many of the same features and remote control capabilities of their window-mounted counterparts, but since there’s no installation needed, you can start cooling off right out of the box. They’re also usually equipped with an internal bucket that collects condensed water, which you will need to empty from time to time.

Some models also come with a window exhaust kit for quick and easy setup.

Choosing the Right Size

When shopping for an air conditioner, you want to be sure that you’ve got the right size for your space. Too small and the unit will run non-stop; too large and it will not properly remove the humidity from the air making it feel damp. Choose an air conditioner that meets your room’s size needs and you’ll be sure to get the cool air you want without any humidity. Having the right size will also be energy-efficient too.

To determine the size you need, you'll want to:

1. Figure out the square footage area of the room you want to cool.

a. For square and rectangular rooms, simply multiply the length by the width. For example, a room 20 feet (length) x 15 feet (width) will be a total of 300 square feet in size.

b. For a triangular room, you will need to multiply the length of the area by the width and divide by 2. For example, if your room is 20 feet (length) x 15 feet (width), you simply divide that number by 2 (300/2) for a size of 150 square feet.

c. For odd shaped areas, you can break it into square, rectangular, and triangle shapes and use the same measurement calculations. Add the totals together, and you’ll figure out the square footage of any room.

2. Once you know the square footage of the room you want to cool, use this handy chart from ENERGY STAR to determine how many BTUs you’ll need your air conditioner to come with.

Look for this symbol when shopping for an air conditioner and you’re sure to find a unit that comes loaded with energy-saving options so your air conditioner runs efficiently.

Take the Next Step

Once you’ve decided the size and type of air conditioner you need, check out the selection at your local Best Buy. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for to keep cool all summer long.