The Best Smart Air Conditioners to Save You Money This Summer
The Best Smart Air Conditioners to Save You Money This Summer
Keep your home chill and cooled to perfection with a smart AC. A smart air conditioner is connected to the Internet via WiFi and can be controlled via an app on your phone. This allows you to perform a range of remote functions without having to be home — useful if you want to start the AC while on your trek home from work instead of arriving to a hot house. Some smart ACs even let you track energy usage and alert you when the filter needs to be cleaned. Of course, paramount is the device performing it’s main function well: Cooling your space.
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s engineers have evaluated all type of air conditioners, including both window air conditioners and portable AC units. We made the following picks from top tested brands and platforms, options with rave online reviews, and styles with new, exciting features.
Important features for a smart air conditioner:
Check the BTUs: When buying an air conditioner, it's important that you buy the correct power for your space. Too high of a capacity and you'll waste energy and money on your electric bill each month. Too low and you won't be able to adequately cool your space. BTUs (British Thermal Units) refer to the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. The larger the room, the more BTUs you'll need. Make sure to not only consider the room's square footage, but also high ceilings and location (for example, kitchens tend to run warmer).
Voice commands: If you already own an Amazon Alexa or Google Home, look for a smart air conditioner that is compatible with these devices for seamless home integration.
Check filter indicator: You may not be able to tell when the filter needs to be cleaned, so opt for a smart air conditioner that will alert you when it's time to clean. Some will have a visual indicator on the machine.
1) 8,000 BTU Window Smart Air Conditioner
LG Electronics
homedepot.com
$287.50
Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, it’s never been easier to control your room temp. This LG model is a great value and it allows full control from the app, when many other smart ACs only give you partial control. You can control the temperature, scheduling mode, and fan speed adjustment all from the LG SmartThinQ app. With 1,500 reviews on Home Depot, reviewers love that this style comes with a remote too.
Cooling area: 340 square feet
Dimensions: 19.38 x 19.56 x 12.38 inches
Weight: 58 pounds
2) 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Cylinder Portable Air Conditioner
Frigidaire Gallery
walmart.com
$599.99
If you want to be able to easily move your AC from room to room, this model from Frigidaire is entirely portable with a sleek, modern design. The Frigidaire Smart Appliances app gives you complete control over the AC, adjusting temperature, fan speeds, and program schedule all via WiFi. Plus, it’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home too. The app can track use and even notify you when the filter needs to be cleaned. It has to be plugged into the wall, but has a 6.5 foot long cord.
Cooling area: 550 square feet
Dimensions: 12.63 x 12.63 x 36.81 inches
Weight: 85 pounds
3) Kuhl 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Friedrich
pcrichard.com
$869.97
This luxury smart air conditioner has excellent smart capabilities for precise control over your home's temperature. From the Friedrich Connect app, this AC offers seven day scheduling, while most other styles only offer weekend or five days. You can make commands via Alexa or Google Home. Friedrich also offers a simpler, more affordable option too.
Cooling area: 350 square feet
Dimensions: 21.38 x 19.75 x 14.25
Weight: 85 pounds
4) 10,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire
walmart.com
$439.00
If you hate the appearance of bulky window air conditioner units, opt for this sleek model from Frigidaire. With three fan speeds, three cooling speeds, and a 24-hour on/off timer, this air conditioner can cool a 450 square foot room. You can turn it on and off, change the temperature, and adjust scheduling settings from the Frigidaire Smart App. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Reviewers rave about the aesthetic appearance of this model and that it was easy to remove the magnetic filter when cleaning.
Cooling area: 450 square feet
Dimensions: 19.75 x 19.0 x 14.5 Inches
Weight: 63 pounds
5) Sky Smart Air Conditioner Controller
Sensibo
amazon.com
$119.00
Turn your “dumb” AC into a smart one with the Sensibo smart air conditioner controller. It will allow you to adjust the temperature from the app on your phone and can even leverage location services, so your AC will automatically turn on when you leave your office. It can react to the current climate, keeping the temperature in your home between set parameters. It’s compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri shortcuts. Note that this device only works with AC units that have IR sensors.
No need to leave the AC on all day.