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Air Conditioners: Ratings of Sources

Total of 13 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Recommended Air Conditioners
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org evaluates 43 room air conditioners, though not all are current models. Editors test units for comfort, performance under brownout conditions, noise level and ease of use, among other factors. A large ratings chart is included, but brand reliability information is not. While owners can post their own ratings for air conditioners, few units receive more than a handful of scores. However, this review does rate left and right airflow separately.
2. Sears.com
As of April 2012
Window Air Conditioners
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentKenmore air conditioners are available only at Sears, making this site the best place to find consumer reviews on Kenmore products. We found Kenmore air conditioners with 4- to 5-star ratings in every size range, from a 5,200-BTU unit suitable for small rooms to a pricey 25,000-BTU unit that can cool a much larger area. Air conditioners from several other brands receive feedback here as well, although not as much as at some other sites.
3. Walmart.com
As of April 2012
Air Conditioners
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWalmart.com has a good selection of window air conditioners, some with a fair number of reviews. This is one of the few sites that include user comments on a large variety of air conditioner brands including Frigidaire, GE, Haier and Sharp. All of the top-rated models here are made by Frigidaire.
4. ENERGYSTAR.gov
April 26, 2012
Energy Star-Qualified Room Air Conditioners
by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis site is dedicated to promoting energy efficiency in consumer products, homes and businesses. It also lists all products that meet federal Energy Star efficiency criteria, and offers a regularly updated, brand-by-brand chart of room air conditioners that details power consumption and output. A general buyer's guide is also available, but air conditioners aren't tested or rated.
5. Retrevo.com
As of April 2012
Air Conditioner Products
by Editors of Retrevo.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentRetrevo.com describes its site as "unbiased buying advice and a marketplace with trusted merchants, low prices and high-quality products." Product pages include a list of both professional and consumer reviews links with a brief summary of each. There's some outdated information here and there, but it's a good source overall.
6. Lowes.com
As of April 2012
Room Air Conditioners
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLowes.com sells mostly Frigidaire window air conditioners, although model numbers differ from those sold through other retailers and listed on Frigidaire's site. A Frigidaire customer service representative explains: "These are basically the same units. The 'LRAs' [model numbers] are units we sell exclusively through Lowe's stores." Customers can leave comments and rate air conditioners on features, quality, design, value and ease of use, but not on noise. Owners do comment on noise within posts, and feedback on some units is relatively extensive.
7. Amazon.com
As of April 2012
Air Conditioners & Accessories
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNew air conditioners are hard to come by at Amazon.com. Large numbers of user reviews are for outdated units, which isn't always immediately apparent. Among the scattered feedback for ACs here, noise is the most common complaint. Still, it's hard to compare units because the majority of air conditioners get only a few reviews.
8. American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Not dated
Air Conditioning
by Editors of American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIf you're concerned about energy efficiency, the ACEEE is an authority on the subject. The council examines dozens of appliances each year, and publishes guides listing those that are the most energy-efficient. The site provides tips on reducing energy use with air conditioners, along with links to energy ratings, but the ACEEE doesn't recommend specific brands or models. It's unclear when this site was last updated and some information appears to be out of date.
9. BestBuy.com
As of April 2012
Air Conditioners
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMany window air conditioners are sold here, but few accumulate more than a couple of owner reviews. Only a handful of units -- all Frigidaires -- score better than 4 out of 5 stars, and just one gets more than 20 user comments.
10. HomeDepot.com
As of April 2012
Window Air Conditioners
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHomeDepot.com sells window AC units made by a handful of brands, but only one stands out: The SPT WA-6011S gets 4.4 stars out of 5 from more than 25 customers. This site is less helpful than most because you must click through to individual air conditioners to see their ratings.
11. Good Housekeeping
Not dated
Buying an Air Conditioner
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis article has some good buying advice on air conditioners, plus a tool for finding the right unit for your needs. No specific models are tested or recommended, but this is a valuable source for general information.
12. AJMadison.com
As of April 2012
Room Air Conditioners Reviews
by Contributors to AJMadison.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis online appliance retailer sells a large number of window air conditioners, so it's a good site at which to compare features and prices. Owners can post ratings and comments for products they've purchased. Six units have a dozen or more user reviews, but most air conditioners receive no more than one or two ratings.
13. Epinions.com
As of April 2012
Air Conditioners > Thru-Wall/Window
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEpinions.com has a huge listing of air conditioners, but don't expect to find more than one or two user reviews, if any, on a given window unit. Another downside is that many of the ACs listed are discontinued models.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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