Summer’s coming, and so is sweaty misery, if you’re in an area that bakes during the hottest part of the day. Even the most powerful AC systems sometimes can’t keep up, but you can help keep your home cool with these low-tech solutions.
For this list, we’ve focused on standard items that don’t need elaborate installations, for those who can’t afford full home systems or can’t install much in the way of hardware since they’re renting. (Landlords don’t always see powerful, efficient air conditioning as a priority for their tenants.)
We’re going to focus on two options here: air cooling and circulation, with things like fans and portable/non-permanent air conditioning units, and heat exclusion, keeping heat and light outside of your home. Check out our selections below.
The Best Window-mounted AC Unit: GE AEM08LX ($289)
A window-mounted air conditioner has the best bang-for-your-buck in terms of immediate cooling power. Although it’s limited to a single room, this GE model can blast you with blessed freon-cooled air without the expense or power draw of a full central AC system.
At a little under $300, it’s also inexpensive enough that it can supplement an existing system if it’s not doing the job for a bedroom or office, or stand on its own for an external garage or workshop. You may need a bit of help installing it if you can’t lift the 60-pound unit, but it comes with an installation bracket and plastic blocker in the box. Once it’s set up, plug it into a standard outlet, and you’ll get a blast of cold air right away.
The Best Portable AC Unit: Whynter ARC-14S ($480)
For those who don’t have the option of a semi-permanent window installation or need to be able to move the AC from room to room, a portable solution will serve them best. We have a whole roundup dedicated to portable AC units, but the best overall pick is the Whynter ARC-14S.
With a massive 14000 BTU output, it can cool a single 500-square foot room or supplement cooling for something larger like a living room. You still need to find a window for the exhaust air and humidity, but it can be set up and broken down in just a couple of minutes.
The Best Window Fan Unit: Holmes HAWF-2041 ($43)
If your budget won’t stretch to an AC unit or you only need an occasional burst of cool air, this Holmes window fan might suit your purposes better. The dual fan design sits in your window and expands to fit, with options for drawing in cool air, blowing out hot air, or running the twin fan blades in opposite directions for full air exchange. It’s an excellent solution for anyone who doesn’t want an elaborate installation or needs to move from one uncomfortably hot room to another. And the price makes it reasonable to pick up two of them—then you can position them so one fan is pulling in cool air and one is pushing out hot air across your room or apartment.
The Best Air Circulating Fan: Lasko 20″ QuickMount ($70)
A traditional floor fan might be all you need if you just want a little air circulation. If that’s the case, skip the fancy futuristic designs for this more conventional 20-inch Lasko fan. There’s some deceptively smart design packed into this unit: the controls are on the front, unlike many high-air-volume models, and its V-shaped bracket can be used on a floor or table or hung on the wall with the included steel mount.
The Best Heat-Blocking Blinds: Belle Max Honeycomb Cellular Shades ($30)
