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In this review:
  1. Cheap Air Conditioners: Best Cheap AC
  2. Energy Star Air Conditioners
  3. Air Conditioner Controls, AC Filters
  4. Air Conditioner Reviews
  1. Best AC
  2. Air Conditioner Deals
  3. Discount Air Conditioners Features Comparison Table
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Air Conditioners Features

There are dozens of cheap AC models to choose from, many with similar assortments of features. The most important distinguishing characteristics of budget air conditioners are capacity, measured in BTU (as discussed on the previous page); energy efficiency; and the number of cooling modes and fan speeds.
Typical features on the best ACs include adjustable air-flow louvers, a remote control, a reusable filter, and an on/off timer.

Energy Star Air Conditioners.

All air conditioners these days incorporate energy efficient technology. Many receive an Energy Star label, which indicates they are at least 10% more efficient than the minimum standard set by the federal government for their size and design. The critical number to note is an air conditioner's energy efficiency ratio, or EER, which takes into account the BTU and wattage (the amount of electrical power used). The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit. Energy use drops 1% for each 0.1 increase in the EER, according to Consumer Reports. Budget air conditioners generally carry an EER of at least 9.7 and Energy Star air conditioners start at about 10.7. All the units on our list are Energy Star air conditioners.

An Energy Star label has little impact on price. While Energy Star air conditioners are usually more expensive than equivalent, less efficient models, the extra money often buys a few additional features as well. For example, the Energy Star qualified Frigidaire FRA054XT7 has an EER of 10.7 and starts at $159, while the Frigidaire FRA052XT7 has an EER of 9.7 (too low for an Energy Star label) and starts at $100. Both have a capacity of 5,000 BTU, but the Energy Star model also comes with features including a remote control, a 24-hour on/off timer, and an energy saver mode, while the cheaper model has mechanical controls.

An Energy Star air conditioner also saves money on utilities; exactly how much depends on factors such as the unit's capacity, the number of hours it's used, its position relative to the sun, and, of course, the local price of electricity. In any case, the government requires that the savings from an Energy Star air conditioner eventually make up for any difference in cost, according to the Energy Star website. Consumers who purchase Energy Star air conditioners may also be eligible for rebates and sales tax exemptions or credits. Check the Energy Star site for any special offers available in your area.

Review continues below

AC Fan Speeds and Cooling Modes.

Inexpensive models usually feature two or three AC fan speeds and cooling modes. On the cheapest models, including the 5,000 BTU Frigidaire FRA054XT7, two fan-only speeds and two cooling options are the norm. Thrifty shoppers looking for ACs with more cooling flexibility typically have to pay the price; however, the Kenmore 70051 offers three AC fan speeds and three cooling modes -- and a slightly higher capacity -- for a slightly lower price than the FRA054XT7. The mid- to large-capacity air conditioners on our list, which range up to 10,000 BTU, are pricier but generally provide even more functionality.

The standard AC fan speeds are low, medium, and high. The Haier ESAD4066 also comes with a quiet mode. Frigidaire equips many models with a variable-speed fan that adjusts automatically (or can be adjusted by the user). Users note in reviews that a high AC fan speed cools a larger area, while a low speed produces less noise. The cooling modes are high, low, and, depending on the manufacturer and model, some combination of dry, fan only, energy saver (meaning the fan shuts down with the compressor and periodically restarts to check the temperature until the compressor is needed again), and sleep (meaning the temperature rises automatically and incrementally to a desired level and holds steady all night).

The energy saver setting is found on numerous cheap AC models, including all our picks. Some users opt not to use it, however. In reviews of the LG LW8011ER (starting at $199, Amazon) at Home Depot, one user complains of being unable to sleep through the constant on and off. Another prefers to set the unit to high and let it run continuously. Sleep mode is available on the Kenmore 70051 and the Frigidaire LRA074AT7, FRA086AT7, and FRA106BU1. Users posting reviews of the Kenmore 70051 at Sears appreciate the money and energy savings from the gradual increase in temperature, which also keeps them from waking up cold in the middle of the night.
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Best Cheap Air Conditioners

Kenmore 70051
Gold Medal

Kenmore 70051

(5,200 BTU) This Energy Star unit boasts an energy efficiency ratio of 11 and a price that belies its feature set, which includes three fan speeds and cooling modes, a 24-hour on/off timer, sleep mode, energy saver mode, and an indicator light that reminds users to clean the filter. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals
Buy it From Sears
Frigidaire LRA074AT7
Gold Medal

Frigidaire LRA074AT7

(6,500 BTU) This model gets consistently high marks in reviews by experts and users for its features and quiet, effective operation. It's exclusive to Lowe's and comes with an Energy Star label and a five-year full in-home warranty. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals
But it from Lowe's
LG LW8011ER
Gold Medal

LG LW8011ER

(8,000 BTU) Users praise this Energy Star unit for its cooling performance, although some say it could be quieter. It's backed by a five-year in-home warranty on parts and labor. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals
Frigidaire FRA106BU1
Gold Medal

Frigidaire FRA106BU1

(10,000 BTU) This Energy Star model comes with a full feature set to match its high cooling capacity. Its remote control includes a thermostat that can sense the temperature elsewhere in the room. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals

Good Cheap Air Conditioners

Frigidaire FRA054XT7
Gold Medal

Frigidaire FRA054XT7

(5,000 BTU) Despite a few reports about durability problems and fewer fan speeds and cooling modes than the comparable Kenmore model, this Energy Star unit garners praise from experts and users alike. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals
Frigidaire FRA086AT7
Gold Medal

Frigidaire FRA086AT7

(8,000 BTU) Even users who complain this model is too noisy are impressed with its cooling performance. It boasts an Energy Star label and a remote control with a thermostat. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals
LG LW1011ER
Gold Medal

LG LW1011ER

(10,000 BTU) Users applaud this model for its easy installation and rapid and effective cooling. It features an Energy Star label and a five-year warranty on parts and labor. Read more »
Air Conditioners Deals
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap Air Conditioners

Haier ESAD4066

(6,000 BTU) This model boasts an energy efficiency ratio of 12, easily the highest among the cheap air conditioners we researched, but it's expensive compared with others of its size. Customer service appears unresponsive even for units under warranty. Read more »

Friedrich CP08F10

(7,800 BTU) Users say this model doesn't live up to the high standards they have for Friedrich products, especially when it comes to noise and installation. This unit is also much pricier than comparable 8,000 BTU models with better reviews. Read more »

 
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