Air conditioner help for bedrooms, apartments and garages

Find the right air conditioner for your room

Plain picks and side-by-side comparisons for portable and window air conditioners from brands like Black+Decker, GE, LG, TCL and Whynter. Start with your room size, the unit you're weighing or the recall check.

Latest guides

  • Simple Green Foaming Coil & Condenser Cleaner
    Sizing, Install & Fixes

    Do Window AC Units Have Air Filters?

    Yes, window AC units have air filters. Learn where the filter sits, how often to clean it, and how a clean filter helps your unit cool better.

  • Simple Green Foaming Coil & Condenser Cleaner
    Portable Air Conditioners

    Does a Hisense Portable AC Need to Be Drained?

    Yes, most Hisense portable ACs need draining: water collects in the tank and must be emptied. Here's how the tank, drain hose and pump options work.

  • Black+Decker 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner
    Sizing, Install & Fixes

    Can You Run a Window AC Inside?

    Can you run a window AC inside? Yes, if the unit vents outdoors. Learn vented setups, why a window unit won't cool a closed room, and the right gear.

  • Simple Green Foaming Coil & Condenser Cleaner
    Portable Air Conditioners

    Does a Portable AC Need a Drain Hose?

    Does a portable AC need a drain hose? Most units drain condensate themselves in dry air, but a hose or tank dump is needed in humid rooms.

  • MECHEER Watt Meter Power Meter Plug Home
    Window Air Conditioners

    Can a Window AC Unit Run Continuously?

    Can a window AC unit run continuously? Yes, if the unit is sized right and installed well. Learn when constant running is normal and when it signals a problem.

  • IKSTAR Portable AC Window Seal Kit 400CM/157
    Portable Air Conditioners

    Do All Portable AC Units Need to Be Vented?

    Do all portable AC units need to be vented? Every hose model does. Learn how venting works and how to fit a kit to sliding, casement and crank windows.

  • A/C Safe AC-160 Universal Heavy Duty Window
    Sizing, Install & Fixes

    Are Window AC Units Supposed to Drip Water?

    Yes, window AC units drip water when condensate drains properly. Learn where the drip should land and how to keep the drain clear.

  • Black+Decker 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner
    Recalls, Compare & Reviews

    Which Air Conditioner Brands Have Had Recalls?

    Researching air conditioner brands to avoid? Check model recalls, compare room size and window fit, and choose a replacement that suits your cooling needs.

  • Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window air conditioner
    Recalls, Compare & Reviews

    Best Air Conditioners for Apartments

    Find the best air conditioner for an apartment with room sizing, window fit checks, portable AC comparisons, renter setup tips and clear buying advice.