Beat the heat with Prime Day air conditioner deals, handpicked by our HVAC expert
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It's mid-July, and we've already seen record temperatures this summer. If you've suffered through the heat without air conditioning, Amazon Prime Day, which runs July 16 and 17, offers some relief. During the sale, we're seeing great discounts on top air conditioner brands, including a few deals on picks from our guides to the best air conditioners and best portable air conditioners.
We weeded through hundreds of Prime Day air conditioner deals to compile these recommendations. While we haven't tested every air conditioner below, we only highlight discounts from reputable brands we've tested firsthand.
Our favorite deal is up to 25% off Midea air conditioners. The Midea U ($40 off at Amazon) is our top pick for the best energy-efficient AC. Its unique design allows you to open the window on cooler days without taking the unit out — a great feature if you live somewhere with variable weather during the summer. Below, you'll also find deals from popular brands like GE, Frigidaire, and Whynter.
Our top 3 air conditioner deals
- Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
$379.99$339.99 at Amazon - Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
$599.99$416.50 at Amazon - Frigidaire Inverter Window Air Conditioner
$499$379 at Amazon
The best Amazon Prime Day air conditioner deals
What should you look for in an air conditioner?
Window AC vs. portable AC: We think a window AC is best for most people; they're more energy efficient, better at cooling, and less expensive upfront. However, a portable AC might be a good option if you don't have windows that will accommodate a traditional unit. Check out our guide to portable air conditioners versus window air conditioners for a more detailed breakdown.
Wall units: While window and portable ACs are the best options if you rent, you may consider a wall unit if you own your home. Wall ACs come in two styles: through-the-wall units and ductless mini-split units. We don't generally recommend a through-the-wall AC unless your home already has a sleeve for one. Ductless mini-split air conditioners are a good alternative to through-the-wall ACs and a great option for homes that want the experience of central air without installing the ductwork. These units consist of a wall-mounted air conditioner connecting to a small condenser outside your home. You'll still need to drill through the wall (and should consult professional installation), but it's much less expensive than installing central air.
Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient units are better for the environment and keep your cooling costs low. Most window AC picks in our best air conditioner guide are Energy Star certified, but no portable units have earned this designation.
Btu: Btu is the cooling power of your air conditioner. While purchasing an air conditioner, it may be tempting to get as high of a Btu as possible, but that isn't always the best option. If you get a unit that is too big for your room, it will cool too quickly without removing the moisture, leaving a cold, clammy environment. Alternatively, a too-small AC will be overworked, boosting your energy bills. Use the table below (from the Energy Star website) to determine what Btu your room requires:
| Room size | Cooling power needed |
| 100 to 150 square feet | 5,000 Btu |
| 150 to 250 sq. ft. | 6,000 Btu |
| 250 to 300 sq. ft. | 7,000 Btu |
| 300 to 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 Btu |
| 350 to 400 sq. ft. | 9.000 Btu |
| 400 to 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 Btu |
| 450 to 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 Btu |
| 550 to 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 Btu |
| 700 to 1,000 sq. ft. | 18,000 Btu |
| 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft. | 21,000 Btu |
| 1,200 to 1,400 sq. ft. | 23,000 Btu |
| 1,400 to 1,500 sq. ft. | 24,000 Btu |
| 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft. | 30,000 Btu |
| 2,000 to 2,500 sq. ft. | 34,000 Btu |
You might opt for a slightly larger Btu if the room you're looking to cool has a ceiling over 8 feet high, is very sunny, or is a kitchen. Remember, it's common for model numbers for the same units to vary by one or two digits. This usually denotes different Btu ratings and colors.