CBS Essentials is created independently from the CBS News staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
Have you gone one too many hot summers without air conditioning? If you don't have central AC, consider installing a window air-conditioner unit.
Top products in this article:
Midea 12,000 BTU U-shaped smart inverter window air conditioner, $459 (reduced from $499)
LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner, $450
LG 8,000 BTU Energy Star window air conditioner with remote, $310 (reduced from $380)
How do you pick a window AC unit? First, consider the air conditioner's British thermal unit (BTU) rating. The greater the BTU, the more square feet the air conditioner is supposed to be able to cool. According to a guide published by Lowe's, these are the BTU numbers you want to keep in mind when shopping for air conditioners:
Below are the best window air conditioners from Amazon, Wayfair and Walmart to keep you cool this summer . These window AC units are all rated at least 4 stars (out of 5) on their respective sites. They work for a variety of room sizes, and boast a range of features. Some are even on sale!
This energy-efficient window AC unit promises to be ultra-quiet. It sports a U-shape design that allows you to keep your window open even while it's sitting in it. It also has an anti-theft mechanism that locks your closed window. As a smart AC unit, it can be controlled with your phone or via voice assistant. Choose from three BTU ratings.
Midea 12,000 BTU smart window air conditioner, $459 (reduced from $499)
This affordable, quiet AC unit from GE has 10 temperature settings and two fan speeds. This simple air conditioner is ideal for small spaces.
GE 5,000 BTU air conditioner, $167 (reduced from $189)
This AC unit is ideal for small rooms. Choose from seven temperature settings, two cooling speeds and two fan-only speeds. This quiet, energy-efficient window air conditioner has a washable filter.
Midea EasyCool 5,000 BTU window air conditioner, $160 (reduced from $179)
This window air conditioner has a washable filter and expandable side panels (to help you fit it in a window properly). It comes with an extra-long power cord. Choose from six BTU ratings.
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window-mounted room air conditioner, $163 (reduced from $179)
This window air conditioner by LG has three cooling and fan speeds, plus a 24-hour timer (so you can create a cooling schedule). The unit controls humidity, and its filter is washable. Choose from seven BTU ratings.
LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner, $450
This smart window AC unit by LG has four cooling and fan speeds. It has a 24-hour timer so you can create a cooling schedule, and it comes with a remote control. The unit controls air humidity; its air filter is washable. Choose from four BTU ratings.
LG 14,000 BTU dual inverter window air conditioner, $671
First published on June 1, 2022 / 8:00 AM
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released a bulletin Friday saying it "has no evidence that these vulnerabilities have been exploited in any elections."
A 53-year-old Michigan man was arrested outside the Capitol Friday.
The Amazon executive in charge of the company's worldwide consumer business is resigning after 23 years with the company.
Highway safety agency has been investigating phantom braking in Tesla's Models 3 and Y for over a year.
One columnist says student debt affects not just individuals, but "all of our economic futures."
The Amazon executive in charge of the company's worldwide consumer business is resigning after 23 years with the company.
Highway safety agency has been investigating phantom braking in Tesla's Models 3 and Y for over a year.
One columnist says student debt affects not just individuals, but "all of our economic futures."
President Biden wished the Tesla CEO "lots of luck on his trip to the moon" in response to his doubts about the U.S. economy.
The IRS is boosting audits on higher earners, with the audit rate jumping fourfold on filers earning more than $10 million.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers say they are making progress on gun reform legislation in wake of recent mass shootings.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released a bulletin Friday saying it "has no evidence that these vulnerabilities have been exploited in any elections."
Representative Adam Schiff, Senator Pat Toomey, Dr. Walter J. Koroshetz and more appear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this Sunday.
A 53-year-old Michigan man was arrested outside the Capitol Friday.
Former Pence chief of staff Marc Short expects to be one of the witnesses to appear before the Jan. 6 committee.
Federal health officials released new details Friday on the monkeypox outbreak, which has risen to at least 23 cases in the U.S. and hundreds around the world.
Russia's assault on Ukraine is being felt worldwide, and the U.S. health care system is not immune.
Specific lots of cheddar, brie and pecorino are among the products potentially tainted with a harmful bacteria.
The rate of COVID-19 infections is still highest among the unvaccinated, according to figures through April.
Product safety regulator says bed rails "have trapped and strangled older adults at alarming rates."
Strict dress codes are just the beginning.
"They put a bag over my head and then began beating me. I was so severely beaten, I lost consciousness," victim says.
The police official allegedly gives law enforcement information to the Jalisco drug cartel "in exchange for bribes."
Britain's monarch is doing more of what she likes and less of what she doesn't, but for a monarch who's earned huge affection and respect, there have been a few bumps in the road.
Buckingham Palace said the queen would not join other royals for Friday's service of thanksgiving after experiencing "discomfort" at Thursday's parade.
Queen Elizabeth II missed a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London after Buckingham Palace said she experienced "discomfort" during a military parade the day before. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were cheered when they arrived at the service. Holly Williams has more details.
The actor, who suffers from alopecia, is using "the moment" on her influential show to shed light on the autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
It's the couple's first public visit to the United Kingdom since they quit as senior royals over two years ago.
Elaine Bredehoft, actress Amber Heard's attorney, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss her reaction to the court's ruling in favor of actor and ex-husband Johnny Depp, and what her legal team plans to do next.
On her talk show "Red Table Talk," Jada Pinkett Smith addresses her husband Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.
Billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss announce their cryptocurrency company Gemini Trust is laying off 10% of staff. The company, founded in 2014, isthe latest in the industry to see significant losses. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson joins CBS News anchor Tanya Rivero to discuss what this means for Gemini Trust and crypto overall.
Tesla shares fell more than 7% on a report the CEO is considering layoffs over a "super bad feeling" about the economy.
Planning some family fun this summer? CBS News Reporter Dan Patterson shares some of his favorite apps to help organize and save a little money this season.
Longtime Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg is leaving Facebook's parent company after 14 years. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is giving his employees an ultimatum on remote work. CBS News tech reporter Dan Patterson breaks down the biggest stories in tech.
Former employee of world's largest NFT marketplace used confidential information to cash in, prosecutors allege.
The exotic insects are intentionally set free into the wild to provide biological control against invasive species.
The "groundbreaking" procedure appears to be the first 3D-printed implant made of living tissues.
More than 6 million Californians are under new water restrictions as of June 1. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California made an urgent call for a 35% reduction in water use, as nearly the entire state is under severe drought. CBS's Elaine Quijano spoke with Adel Hagekhalil, the water supplier's general manager, about how these new rules will affect people's lives.
Millions of people in southern California are facing new water restrictions thanks to a megadrought crippling the Southwest. But southern Nevada has been conserving water for years. The area's latest move is to tear out all non-functional grass to save nearly 10 billion gallons of water. CBS News senior environmental correspondent Ben Tracy reports.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope could soon provide some answers about other planets in the far reaches of the Milky Way. Assistant astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute Néstor Espinoza speaks with CBS News anchor Lana Zak about the what scientists hope to learn from these other planets.
In an interview with the Associated Press, a Texas state senator said the commander who ordered officers to remain outside a Robb Elementary School classroom during a mass shooting was not carrying a police radio as the massacre unfolded.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers say they are making progress on gun reform legislation in wake of recent mass shootings. But the measures being discussed fall short of President Biden's proposals. Scott MacFarlane takes a look.
A retired New York City police officer was arrested outside the U.S. Capitol after authorities said he presented a fake badge and had ammunition and a BB gun in his vehicle. Nikole Killion reports.
The police official allegedly gives law enforcement information to the Jalisco drug cartel "in exchange for bribes."
A weekslong manhunt in Texas for a convicted killer ended in a shootout Thursday night. Police say escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez shot at officers south of San Antonio and the officers fired back, killing Lopez, who's suspected of murdering a family of five earlier in the evening. Vladimir Duthiers has more.
The contracts are valued at up to $3.5 billion.
"Amateur and professional astronomers around the world have been tracking its spectacular disintegration for years," NASA said.
A successful fueling test will clear the way for the moon rocket's first test flight as early as August.
SpaceX launched 59 small payloads while Boeing wrapped up its Starliner space station flight
For the first time, two U.S. astronaut ferry ships, from two different vendors are docked at space station.
Strict dress codes are just the beginning.
One of these shows could be your next binge obsession.
Looking for something fresh to watch? Here are the top films available on the streaming platform.
Find out which U.S. metropolis took the top spot on Orkin's latest "Rattiest Cities" list.
Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush – how do the presidents of our era compare with those who came before?
“Her Majesty the Queen: A Gayle King Special” celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s unprecedented 70-year reign and looks ahead to the future of the British monarchy. The one-hour special features interviews with best-selling author and royal expert Tina Brown and Sir Paul McCartney who talks about his lifelong admiration for the queen. The special airs on Thursday, June 2 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and will be available to stream on the CBS News app and Paramount+.
As a young trumpet player, Baset Azizi fled Afghanistan when the hard-liners sought to ban Western music and punish musicians. Years later, he had an emotional reunion with his family in Kansas City after they fled. Steve Hartman shares more in "On the Road."
High gas prices are turning into a major speed bump as the summer travel season kicks into high gear. The national average for regular gas is nearing $5 per gallon. Kris Van Cleave has more on why gas prices are increasing.
Queen Elizabeth II missed a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London after Buckingham Palace said she experienced "discomfort" during a military parade the day before. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were cheered when they arrived at the service. Holly Williams has more details.
After 100 days of war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said "victory will be ours." Despite being outgunned and outmanned, Ukraine is still fighting back with a vengeance. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Copyright ©2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.