When summer temperatures climb, there's only so much a fan can do to cool down a room, especially when you're trying to sleep. But if you don't have a central air conditioning system, you know as well as anyone how difficult it is to get shut-eye without some form of cool breeze. Luckily, there's a simple solution to this problem: small-space air conditioners. Typically available as a window unit or portable appliance you can move from room to room, the mechanism can easily cool down any area of your home, but they're especially great for bedrooms and home offices.
When shopping for an air conditioner, be sure to check the British Thermal Units, or BTUs—which measure cooling capacity—to see which size is appropriate for your space. Typically, a unit will use 20 BTUs per square-foot to cool a room, so for a 100 to 250 square-foot room, you'll need about 5,000 to 6,500 BTU. Choose an appliance that's cooling capacity matches the size of your space, and you'll effectively bring down the temperature, as well as eliminate unwanted humidity.
Whether you're looking for a window unit or a portable device, we've rounded up the best air conditioners for small spaces that will effectively cool the more intimate areas of your home.
Related: How to Cool Down a Room Without Using Air Conditioning—and More Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer
With a dual hose operation that allows for quick cooling, this portable design is multifunctional—it serves as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan all in one. It also has a full thermostatic control remote that ranges from 61 to 89 degrees, so you can set it to your desired temperature without even getting up. Another big plus: The unit's advance auto-drain technology uses and recycles water collected during the cooling process (so you won't have to babysit the water tank). We also love the auto-restart function, which is ideal for when summer storms cause power outages.
Cooling rooms up to 350-square-feet, this in-window air conditioner gives you a bit more control over temperature thanks to a digital thermostat and three different fan speeds. It also has six-way air direction that allows for even cooling throughout your room. If you're gone for long stretches of the day, utilize the programmable timer, which gives you the chance to cut down on energy consumption without coming home to a hot home.
Ideal for small rooms, this floor-standing portable air conditioner has an adjustable fan speed and cools the air to 65 degrees at the coldest setting. You won't have to worry about the fuss of installation with this design—just wheel it into any room with a double hung or sliding window and attach the included hose and window adapter, then plug it into an outlet. When you're ready to clean it, simply slide the filter out and rinse it thoroughly under running water then pop it back in place. Light sleepers should take advantage of sleep mode, which makes the appliance extra quiet while you rest.
If you're just looking for a device to quickly cool down an office space and don't need something heavy and hard to move, go miniature! This small air conditioner and humidifier has a small, easy-to-fill water tank that will spit out cold air for hours on end while you sleep or work. The mobile appliance has three levels of wind speed—low, medium, and high—so you can find something that works for you and your cooling needs.
Cool down a 250-square-foot room or smaller at a lower price point with this option from Frigidaire. The highly rated appliance maintains your room's desired temperature, so you'll feel comfortable at all times. Thanks to the included handheld remote you'll be able to control the air conditioner's setting from across the room for optimal convenience. It also has a built in timer that allows you to preset the unit to turn on and off every 30 minutes, so your room will stay cool whilst conserving energy.
This portable air conditioner from LG has built in smart technology that allows you to control your appliance from anywhere. You can start or stop cooling, change the mode, or set the temperature while you're at home or on the move. The device also works with Amazon Alexa and Hey Google so you can change the settings with voice commands rather than fussing with the buttons. The three-in-one operation allows you to cool your home and dehumidify it on hot days, while fan mode circulates air throughout your home.
Few things are as disruptive to your sleep cycle as a loud air conditioner droning on throughout the night. This appliance from Frigidaire was build with quietness in mind. What's more, the device is lauded for being energy efficient; in fact, it offers up to 46 percent annual energy savings over a standard air conditioner. Worried about its air reaching the entirety of your room? It has optimum air circulation to reach more angles of your room for ideal cooling thanks to its auto swing louver and three different fan speeds.
Remove the humidity and heat from your home simultaneously with this dual-action air conditioner that easily provides cool air throughout any space up to 250 square feet. The machine also boasts two way up and down air deflection that eliminates hot spots and provides air to the entirety of your room. Be sure to utilize the included remote control for easy temperature, fan speed, and timer adjustments without needing to move from where you are.