Click to see price 30 used & new fromShannon Stapleton / Reuters If you’re on a tight budget, sweating out the summer with no air conditioning may sound like a good way to save money. But a sizzling June brought record highs to more than 40 U.S. locales, and a heat wave is gripping much of the nation. So if you feel your willpower starting to melt, here’s how to find an air conditioner for less. Let’s start with the basics. The first thing to note in an air conditioner is its cooling capacity, which is measured in BTU, or British thermal units. The size of your space determines how much cooling capacity you need. Budget air conditioners range from 5,000 BTU, which can handle about 150 square feet, to 12,000 BTU, enough to cover about 550 square feet. Naturally, air conditioners with higher capacities have higher price tags. But beware of buying less (or more) than you need; you’ll pay the price in performance and efficiency. This government chart can help you determine the right size for you.

Another thing to look for is an Energy Star label, which signals that an air conditioner is at least 10 percent more efficient than the minimum standard set by the federal government. While an Energy Star model can cost more than a conventional air conditioner, the savings on utilities should make up any difference. Buying an Energy Star appliance can also qualify you for a rebate, sales tax exemption, or tax credit. Check the Energy Star website for offers in your area. Even low-cost air conditioners come with plenty of features, such as electronic controls and a remote control. A timer lets you set the air conditioner to turn off in case you forget or turn on before you expect to be home so the place is cool when you arrive. An energy saver mode strategically cycles the fan on and off, using the compressor only when necessary. Sleep mode gradually increases the temperature a few degrees while you sleep, conserving energy and keeping you from waking up cold in the middle of the night.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks in a variety of sizes: The 5,200 BTU Kenmore 70051 (starting at $150) has all the features of a bigger, more expensive air conditioner. It comes with an Energy Star label, three fan speeds and cooling modes, a remote control, a 24-hour timer, energy saver mode, sleep mode, and an indicator light to alert you when the filter needs cleaning. According to reviews, it’s easy to use and install. With 6,500 BTU, the Frigidaire LRA074AT7 (starting at $159) is big enough to cool up to 250 square feet. This Lowe’s model comes with a five-year in-home warranty and a full set of features that impresses users posting reviews. The LG LW8011ER (starting at $199) features an Energy Star label, three fan speeds and cooling modes, a remote control, a five-year in-home warranty, and a 12-hour timer. At 8,000 BTU, it has the cooling capacity for up to about 350 square feet. All that power generates a few complaints in reviews about noise, but overall consumers are pleased with this model’s performance.

The Frigidaire FRA106BU1 (starting at $237) boasts a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, enough to handle about 500 square feet. The remote control is equipped with a thermostat to monitor the temperature elsewhere in the room and adjust the AC accordingly. In reviews, users praise the air conditioner’s high quality and durability. Best cheap air conditioners Best cheap fans under $40 Where to find cheap sandals for womenIf you’re a homeowner or a commercial building owner looking to replace an AC unit, at Howard Air we understand that value is at the top of your list of concerns. outside ac unit does not turn onGenerally, our customers tell us that saving money is one of the most important factors when choosing a new air conditioner, and they ask lots of questions about which variables are worth a little flexibility in order to stay within budget.used air conditioner units for sale

Spending less money doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. You can outfit your home or commercial property with an excellent air conditioner, even if that unit comes from an economy line of products. Here are a few tips to help you pick through the options as you select an inexpensive, quality air conditioning unit for your home. We’ve developed a list of cheaply priced air conditioner brands and units that we believe provide the most bang for your buck, based not only on price but on features and on our personal experiences in installing, repairing, and maintaining these exact units.ac unit outside will not turn on With SEER ratings ranging as high as 16 and sound as low as 72 decibels, it’s easy to see why the Carrier Comfort Series is at the top of its game. Plus, several models in the line are Energy Star-rated, and our experience as a certified Carrier installer means we proudly stand behind this brand.

Trane’s economy line of air conditioner units brings energy efficiency at a lower price point. A SEER rating of 14.5 and a 10-year limited warranty are major selling points, and we like the optional advanced air filtration for customers with allergies, or for those who just want to cut down on household dust and pollen. We are also certified installers for this manufacturer. Rheem has some terrific, industry-leading technologies that our customers seem to love – from composite base pans and exceptionally quiet mufflers to nice looking units, which is a must if you’re worried about curb appeal or want to be sure that your outdoor unit blends seamlessly into the architecture of your property. We like working on Ruud units because they’re designed to allow for easier service. That said, it’s ironic how little service they need! 13-15.5 SEER, quiet operation, and a small footprint are popular features for this line. See more inexpensive Ruud ACs here. The Merit series, like so many other economy AC series, is a compromise on price, not quality!