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10 Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Daikin 18,000 BTU 19.5 SEER2 LV Series Ductless Mini-Split Wall Mount Heat Pump Air Conditioner with 15' Installation Kit, Wall Bracket, 1/2 Electric Whip, 30A Fuse -230V

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,403
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
22 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers excellent performance in spaces like garages, maintaining strong and reliable cooling.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, making it unobtrusive for everyday use and comfortable environments.
Additional Features
The unit is well-made with quality components, avoiding cheaper alternatives and justifying its price.

The Daikin 18,000 BTU LV Series mini-split air conditioner is a solid choice if you're looking to cool or heat a medium-sized space up to about 1,000 square feet. It offers strong cooling power at 18,000 BTUs and even better heating capacity with 21,600 BTUs, which makes it a flexible option for year-round comfort. One of its standout features is its high energy efficiency, rated at 19.5 SEER2 and 12.7 EER2, meaning it can save you money on electricity compared to less efficient models. The unit runs quietly at around 37 decibels, so it won’t disturb daily activities or sleep. As a ductless mini-split, it’s ideal for homes or rooms where installing ducts is difficult or unwanted, such as sunrooms, basements, or garages. It also comes with a useful 15-foot installation kit and remote control, simplifying setup and daily use.

Advanced features like the Intelligent Eye sensor adjust airflow based on room occupancy, and the built-in air purifying filter improves indoor air quality. On the downside, this model requires a 230V electrical setup and isn’t Energy Star certified, which might be a consideration if you want the highest eco ratings. Also, the initial cost and installation may be higher than window units, but the efficiency and comfort benefits can justify this. This Daikin unit is excellent for those wanting efficient, quiet, and versatile heating and cooling without ductwork, making it especially suitable for renovation projects or additional living spaces.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,403
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
22 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers excellent performance in spaces like garages, maintaining strong and reliable cooling.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, making it unobtrusive for everyday use and comfortable environments.
Additional Features
The unit is well-made with quality components, avoiding cheaper alternatives and justifying its price.
#2

Daikin 24,000 Btu 18 SEER2 Ductless Mini-Split Wall Mount Heat Pump Air Conditioner - R32 w/ 15' Installation Kit, 1/2 Whip, 30A Disconnect, and Wall Bracket

The Daikin 24,000 BTU ductless mini-split air conditioner is a strong choice for homeowners looking to cool or heat spaces up to about 1,500 square feet without ductwork. It offers a solid cooling capacity right at 24,000 BTUs and heating capacity up to 27,300 BTUs, making it versatile for year-round comfort. The 18 SEER2 rating means it runs efficiently, helping lower electricity bills compared to older or less efficient units. Noise level is quite low at about 38 decibels, so it won’t disrupt quiet rooms. Being a wall-mounted mini-split, it’s good for rooms where installing ducts is difficult, like additions, basements, or garages. The included installation kit and accessories simplify setup.

On the feature side, it offers customizable airflow, several operating modes including energy-saving ECO+, and even an air purification filter to improve indoor air quality. However, it’s not Energy Star rated, which might matter if you’re looking for the strictest energy certifications. This unit leans toward mid-to-upper pricing and requires professional installation due to its split system design.

If you want a reliable, efficient, and quiet mini-split for moderate-size spaces and value advanced features like heat pump heating and air cleaning, this Daikin model is a suitable option. For those with tighter budgets or who prefer Energy Star certification, comparing other models may be beneficial.

#3

Daikin 24,000 Btu 21 SEER2 Oterra Series Ductless Mini-Split Wall Mount Heat Pump Air Conditioner - R32 w/Installation Kit, 1/2 Whip, 30A Disconnect, and Wall Bracket

The Daikin Oterra Series 24,000 BTU mini-split is a strong choice for cooling and heating spaces up to about 1,500 square feet. With a cooling power of 22,400 BTU (variable between 7,000 and 26,400 BTU) and heating capacity up to 23,600 BTU, it offers flexible temperature control thanks to its DC inverter technology. Its high energy efficiency is notable, boasting a 21 SEER2 rating and excellent EER of 12.0, which means it uses less electricity while keeping your space comfortable year-round. This makes it a smart pick for those wanting to save on energy bills while staying cool or warm.

The unit works well in a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold to hot, making it suitable for different climates and various rooms like basements, sunrooms, or garages where traditional ACs aren't practical. It includes features like an anti-corrosion heat exchanger, automatic defrost, and a washable air filter, which help the system last longer and keep air quality high. The package comes ready with installation parts and a remote control, simplifying setup.

If you are looking for an energy-efficient, versatile ductless solution with strong heating and cooling abilities, the Daikin Oterra is a solid option, especially for medium-sized rooms and homes aiming for comfort and savings.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners

Choosing the right air conditioner can significantly enhance your comfort at home or in the office. The key is to understand your specific needs and match them with the right features and specifications. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting an air conditioner:
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because an air conditioner with too low a BTU rating won't cool the room effectively, while one with too high a BTU rating will cool the room too quickly without removing humidity, leading to a damp, uncomfortable environment. To choose the right BTU, consider the size of the room: smaller rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.) typically need around 5,000-6,000 BTUs, medium rooms (150-350 sq. ft.) need 7,000-8,000 BTUs, and larger rooms (350-550 sq. ft.) may require 10,000-12,000 BTUs.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of an air conditioner by comparing its cooling capacity to its power consumption. A higher EER means the unit is more efficient, which can lead to lower energy bills. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. For those who prioritize energy savings and environmental impact, choosing an air conditioner with a higher EER (10 or above) is advisable.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the air conditioner will be during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially in bedrooms or offices. Air conditioners generally range from 40 dB (quiet) to 60 dB (louder). If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the unit in a quiet space, look for models with lower dB ratings.
Type of Air ConditionerThere are several types of air conditioners, including window units, portable units, split systems, and central air conditioning. Window units are easy to install and suitable for single rooms, portable units offer flexibility and can be moved between rooms, split systems are efficient for cooling multiple rooms without ductwork, and central air conditioning is ideal for whole-house cooling. Your choice should depend on the space you need to cool and whether you prefer a permanent or flexible solution.
Additional FeaturesModern air conditioners come with various additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort. These may include programmable timers, remote controls, sleep modes, air purifiers, and smart connectivity for remote operation via smartphone apps. Consider which features are important to you based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, a programmable timer can help you save energy by turning the unit off when you're not home, while smart connectivity allows for easy control from anywhere.

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