Last Updated May 26, 2011 1:57 PM EDT Here are the top budget picks, by size: Before you buy any model, CR recommends the following tips: An air conditioner that's too small (5,000 to 6,500 Btu) may fall short when it comes to cooling an entire room. If your room is greater than 300 square feet, consider sizing up. If you have a room that's between 250 to 400 square feet, consider a midsize air conditioner (7,000 to 8,200 Btu) and finally, large rooms with 350 to 650 square feet usually require a large air conditioner (9,800 to 12,500 Btu). If you want your AC as quiet as possible, get into the details on the Consumer Reports ratings. The models that got an excellent or very good rating in CR's noise tests have minimal sound. The only noise might be the sound of the fan running. Others that didn't score at least "fair" for noise could keep light sleepers awake! Psych Yourself Rich, Get the Mindset and Discipline You Need to Build Your Financial Life Photo courtesy: RedJar's photostream on Flickr

Danby 10000 BTU Window Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU air conditioner cools up to 450 sq. ft. Environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant Electronic controls with remote and LED display 4 way air direction Sleep Mode: Prevents the room from becoming too cold at night Auto on/off: Have the unit start or stop to meet your schedule Energy Saver Switch: Cycles the fan on and off after the compressor shuts off Variable temperature control from 62ºF - 86ºF (17ºC - 30ºC)ac units for rooms Expandable window installation kit accommodates windows from 23" - 36" wideac units for free Minimum window height required: 15.5 in. (39.4 cm)air conditioning unit will not turn on 12 months parts and labor coverage. Installation and/or yearly maintenance (cleaning) are not covered under warranty.

Can I leave my AC in place through the winter? Will this damage it? Can I put an extension on the power cord? Why do I hear water in the unit? What are the standard wattage and amps used? What does automatic mode mean? Is there supposed to be styrofoam in the unit? How much does it cost to run the unit? Is my electricity bill going to sky rocket?Learning Center » A/C & Heating » Window Air Conditioners » How to Select the Right Room Air Conditioner for Your SpaceHow to Select the Right Room Air Conditioner for Your SpaceCustomers of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation will again have the opportunity to trade in and recycle their old, working window and wall air conditioners and receive rebates of $50 to $100 with the purchase of new Energy Star® units. To highlight this offering, an Air Conditioner (AC) Turn-In event will be held at the Sears parking lot located at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Customers may continue to turn in air conditioners through Sept. 15, 2015, at participating Mid-Hudson Valley Sears locations.

“Year after year, our customers respond very favorably to this event, as it makes it easy for them to save on their energy bills while protecting the environment,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson. He explained that during the AC Turn-In event on Saturday, customers can quickly drop off their working air conditioners at the designated station in the Sears parking lot at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. An attendant will remove the old units from their vehicles and provide them with a Proof of Recycling certificate to receive a rebate with the purchase of a new Energy Star® unit. “This program encourages our customers to reduce waste by replacing their inefficient air conditioners with newer models that use less energy,” he said. Laurito also explained that the turned in air conditioners are properly recycled. “The refrigerant is captured, and metals and plastic components are processed for reuse, saving even more energy, protecting the environment and preventing additional trash from reaching landfills,” he said.

Central Hudson’s residential customers are eligible to recycle and receive rebates for up to four air conditioners per residential account. The Sears locations in the Poughkeepsie Galleria, the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston and Newburgh Mall will continue to accept units after the turn-in event until Sept. 15, 2015. Customers may then purchase new Energy Star® window or through-the-wall air conditioners from any retailer before the program deadline. To receive a rebate, they must send in the Proof of Recycling certificate, rebate form and their purchase receipt for a $50 rebate on a new, Energy Star® window air conditioner or $100 for a through-the-wall unit. Energy efficiency programs offered since 2009 by Central Hudson will save participating customers a combined $15.4 million dollars per year on their utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 225 million pounds annually. “Thousands of our customers have found ways to reduce their energy use, help protect the environment and save money by taking advantage of Central Hudson’s energy efficiency programs,” said Laurito.

Central Hudson’s energy efficiency programs are offered to residential, commercial, institutional and municipal customers. “Using energy efficiently just makes sense, and our energy efficiency programs help our customers to save,” said Laurito. Examples include: “Since 2009, our customers have turned in and recycled more than 17,000 refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners; installed 2,700 high efficiency central air conditioning and heat pump systems; purchased 570 heat pump water heaters; replaced more than 2,800 gas heating and water heating systems; installed 2,800 programmable thermostats; and upgraded lighting at nearly 3,800 municipal and commercial buildings,” said Laurito. Energy saved by these measures would power nearly 11,000 homes, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of removing 26,000 cars from the road or planting 84,000 acres of forest. “These energy savings and benefits continue year after year,” said Laurito. . Central Hudson collects older, inefficient window and wall air conditioners at Sears locations for recycling, and offers $50 to $100 rebates toward the purchase of new, more efficient Energy Star units.