Methodology

How we evaluate air conditioners

CoolVerdict is a data product, not a review blog. We don't claim to put every unit through a hands-on lab — and we think pretending otherwise is the biggest credibility problem in this category. Here is exactly what our recommendations are built on.

What our data is built on

Every unit in our database carries specs sourced from manufacturer documentation (BTU, coverage, noise, smart features), DOE and ENERGY STAR efficiency filings (CEER, EER, SEER2), aggregated owner-review patterns across major retailers, and street-price tracking. Where independent lab testing exists (consumer publications, HVAC trade reviews), we use it to sanity-check manufacturer claims.

Efficiency, stated honestly

Window and portable units are rated in CEER/EER; mini-splits in SEER2. These aren't interchangeable, so we never collapse them into one fake "SEER" column the way many comparison sites do — every efficiency figure on CoolVerdict is shown with its true metric. Our running-cost estimates convert seasonal ratings to steady-state draw using the standard ~0.875 SEER-to-EER approximation, at 8 hours/day and per-region electricity rates.

What gets a unit excluded

Active safety recalls are disqualifying — for example, we deliberately do not list the recalled U-shaped Midea window units despite their popularity. Discontinued models are removed as retailers sell through stock.

How we make money

"Check Price" links may earn us a retail commission, and contractor quote requests may earn a referral fee — both at no cost to you. Compensation never changes a ranking, a badge, or a spec. Rankings are derived from the data above before any monetization is attached, and we publish the same specs for units with and without commission programs.

Freshness & corrections

Prices and review counts are snapshots that move constantly; we re-verify the catalog on a recurring cycle and date our guides. If you spot an error, tell us — corrections ship fast, and we note material changes on the affected page.