The 5 Best Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners To Keep You (And The Planet) Cool

The Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner is EnergyStar certified, works with smart home devices, and runs quietly—in other words, everything you could hope for in the best energy-efficient air conditioner.

The Midea U’s CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is 15. This rating measures the ratio of measured cooling output to measured average electrical energy input and measured off-mode power consumption.

Since the unit is U-shaped, it’s easy to install and allows you to still open or close your window. What’s more, the Midea U is the first window air conditioner to receive EnergyStar’s “Most Efficient” rating in 2020, offering more than 35% energy savings compared to traditional air conditioners. And of course, it'll keep you nice and cool: You can feel the airflow from up to 20 feet away, though some reviewers note that it doesn't keep rooms as cold as they'd like (normal for an energy-efficient machine).

The Midea U has easy WiFi setup, and you can control it from anywhere using Alexa, Google Assistant, or the MSmartHome app (for iOS and Android). Easily remove and wash the filter when needed.

Who should try it: People looking for something quiet

Who should skip it: People who aren’t used to installing home appliances themselves

The LG Dual Inverter comes in multiple different BTU models so you can choose the one that works best for the square feet coverage you need. The CEER rating is 15.5 and the unit is EnergyStar certified. This unit can save you approximately $26 per year compared to a non-inverter (the inverter technology helps the unit operate more efficiently).

Control the AC from anywhere using your smartphone, or a smart home device like Alexa. With four cooling and fan speeds and a 24-hour timer, it’s simple to create a cooling schedule that works for you. 

Other features you can enjoy with the LG Dual Inverter include a removable and washable filter; a “check filter” alert; an LCD remote control; and an easy window installation kit. The company also says the unit is as quiet as a library. And if the power goes out, the auto restart feature will automatically turn your unit back on when power is restored.

Who should try it: People who want a smart AC that works with smart home devices

Who should skip it: People on a budget

The GE Ultra Quiet Window Air Conditioner is hard to beat on energy efficiency. While it’s a little more expensive than similar products, the savings make it worth it: With a 15.7 CEER rating, this unit produces 44% more energy efficiency. The inverter technology helps maximize energy efficiency while also reducing noise.

Similar to other units, the GE has built-in WiFi and a mobile app, letting you control temps from wherever you are. It also works with smart home voice controls like Alexa. And one area where it beats out competitors is the energy reporting feature, which monitors your energy consumption and reports how much you’ve used so you can adjust where needed.

Eco Mode senses when the room is cool enough and automatically turns off the fan and compressor. The GE is also equipped with a sophisticated geofence technology that tracks your location using your smartphone and adjusts the AC settings for when you’re home. The unit comes with a total of three cooling settings and fan speeds.

Who should try it: People with a larger space to cool; people looking to reduce their energy use

Who should skip it: People shopping for a small room—this can be overkill

This Frigidaire air conditioner is a more affordable choice for those looking to stay cool without breaking the bank. The lower cost does mean sacrificing some of the more sophisticated features of other AC units on our list (like WiFi and smart home tracking). But this option still includes all of the basics you need. 

The AC unit has three different fan speeds and a programmable 24-hour timer, allowing you to customize your schedule. The unit will maintain the preset room temperature and also includes a Sleep Mode that slowly increases the temperature in the evening to save energy. While its CEER rating is just 12, it’s still EnergyStar certified and includes several features that make it easy to run in an energy-efficient way. 

Who should try it: People who don’t need a smart AC

Who should skip it: People who work from home (this is a noisier option)

The Windmill AC is committed to doing what’s right for the environment. This unit uses a responsible, eco-friendly refrigerant (R32) with 68% less global warming potential than what’s commonly used (R410a). Plus, it’s more visually appealing than other products, making it a good fit if you’re trying to keep a room cool without messing up the design flow.

Like other units, the Windmill is quiet; has app and voice controls, as well as a remote control; and three cooling settings, plus three fan speeds. Double-insulating side panels help with efficiency and cosmetics. Filters are washable and last about three months. The Windmill’s CEER is 11.8.

Who should try it: People who value aesthetics

Who should skip it: People who don’t need a smart AC