If the unseasonably high temperatures of spring are any indication of what we’re in store for this summer, you should definitely make sure you’re prepared to keep your indoor space cool. David Gregg, senior editor of BehindTheBuy.com joins us with some of the most affordable and highly rated air conditioners currently available. He’s also found some interesting room fans to help you to keep your cool too!
Kenmore 70051
The Kenmore 70051 5,200-Btu model starts at $120. It features a digital display, built-in timer, auto-fan speed, energy saver mode, dirty filter indicator, a remote control, and up/down louver control. Energy Star rated. Filter Check reminds you to Clean filter and stay cool. Kenmore air conditioners are sold at Sears and Kmart. Best of all prices start at only $99;www.sears.com, www.kmart.com
LG LW8011ER
The LG LW8011ER 8,000-Btu model starts at about $200. Three cooling and fan speeds with Auto Cool. 4-way air direction. Power Failure Auto Restart automatically restarts the a/c after a power outage. Remote Control. 12 hour on/off timer. www.lg.com/us/appliances/air-conditioners
Frigidaire LRA107BUI
This $250 AC unit has 10,000 Btu’s. It has a digital display, built-in timer, auto-fan speed, energy-saver mode, dirty filter indicator, a remote control and up/down louver control. Cools room up to 500 square feet. Washable, anti-microbial filters reduce bacteria, odors and other particles. Multi-speed fan with three speeds cools down a room at the rate you decide. Exclusively available at Lowes; www.lowes.com
Haier CPN10XHJ 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner and Heater
As a new addition to Haier’s Commercial Cool Series, this portable air conditioner / heater combines a powerful cooling capability and user-friendly features and a sleek new design. This 10,000-BTU unit comfortably cools a small- to mid-sized room with ease and includes separate dehumidifier and fan-only functions for more flexible operation. Additionally, this portable AC is packed with features to make day-to-day operation a snap. This unit automatically evaporates collected condensation by way of its hot air exhaust – without any work required by you. This will free you from the headaches often caused by traditional portable ACs, which require you to empty water collection buckets multiple times throughout the day. Use the electronic controls to set your desired operating mode, temperature, and fan speed. You can also program on/off operation using the built-in 24-hour timer. This not only saves power, but ensures that you always come back to a cool environment. Features also include a full-function remote control to allow you to configure operating conditions from a comfortable distance. $390.00; www.haier.com
Fanimation “Fargo”
The Fanimation Fargo fan is a throwback to the classic desktop bank fans of the 1920s, with its 360 degree lateral airflow with a 3 speed motor switch on the rear, it ingeniously creates a big breeze without rustling the paperwork beneath it. This small (20” tall) table top fan is conveniently designed to be easily transported from home to office or living room to bedroom. No tools are required for assembly; it ships fully assembled. It comes with protective rubber feet, 8 foot power cord, and a limited lifetime motor warranty. (color options: brushed brass, oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel). $149.00 www.amazon.com
Vornado 184 Tower Circulator
The 184 Vornado Tower Circulator offers a more effective way to circulate air with V-Flow Circulation. Uniquely contoured air outlets create a wide span of constant airflow, without the need for oscillation. Typical tower fans oscillate due to limited range of air movement. You feel the airflow for only seconds at a time. With V-Flow Circulation, a high volume of air is continuously moving throughout the room, creating quiet, comfortable Whole Room Circulation. The 184 features a remote control that magnetically cradles at the top of the unit, so the remote is always in reach. 4 Speed settings allow you to tailor the airflow perfectly for your needs. The 184 includes a 2, 4, or 8 hour timer ensures you run your Tower Circulator in an energy-saving, efficient way. Vornado has eliminated the wobbly base found on oscillating tower fans in favor of a solid and sturdy system that stands the test of time. Like all Vornado Whole Room Circulators, the 184 is backed by a 5 year warranty. 41″ tall. $100.00; www.vornado.com
Dyson Air Multiplier
James Dyson, best known for revolutionizing the vacuum cleaner, has turned to the fan. The Dyson Air Multiplier modernizes the conventional fan, with its sleek bladeless design that is easy to clean and safe to the touch. The fan draws air into the base and amplifies it up to 18 times depending on the model, with an uninterrupted flow of cooling air. Unlike conventional fans with two or three settings, the Dyson Air Multiplier has a dimmer to adjust the air speed. And because its motor is at its base, the Dyson Air Multiplier can be tilted with a tap, and won’t easily topple.ll $270-$405 10″/12″ Table Fan-Pedestal/Tower Fan; color options: blue/white/silver; www.vornado.com