Noise levels. All air conditioners in operation make a fan-like noise, but they vary by as much as ten decibels, which could make all the difference when you’re trying to sleep.

Case in point: I ran out of testing space trying to push the B+D past its limits. Like Midea U, it does a good job even in a larger room than the rated 450 square feet. Mini-split AC units. Example: Mr Cool mini-split units have the highest SEER rating of above 20 EER. If you want a more thorough job, you could also pay a professional to service your machine. How long do air conditioners work? Feature-wise, it offers the standard 3-in-1 functionality with a fan, dehumidifier, and cooling mode. You can also set the unit to go off on a timer, and it has a sleep mode for night-time energy savings.It's easy to use, too, whether you choose to use the simple buttons on the control panel or connect the unit to your phone via WiFi.

For smaller spaces (example: camping air conditioners for tents), you can use portable battery-powered AC units. Find out which retailers are rated highly by Which? members with our guide on the best and worst shops. Can you hire or rent an air conditioner?In all, we're fans of this air conditioner: it works how it should and, if you can stomach the price, you won't be disappointed. There are three main types. Desk fans, as their name suggests, are smaller fans designed to sit on a desk or table and cool you while you sit close by, while pedestal and tower fans are designed for a whole room. Choose a suitable model for the size of the room Those with a lower BTU in a large space will have to work harder to cool it, which is going to use more electricity. Electric fans come in many shapes and sizes. They range from basic models right up to the expensive and multi-functional Dyson Hot + Cool, which doubles as an electric heater.