If you live in an apartment finding a good air conditioning unit is easy enough with several options available.
The more popular options include portable and small packaged window units.
Here is a break down of the main types of heating and cooling units.
Types of Air Conditioners
Central: These units are built to cool an entire house and are big and expensive.
Mini Split: working the same as a big central unit but mini split’s are smaller and cost less.
Portable: Portable A/C units are mobile often on wheels and pump out hot air through a tube roughly 5-7 inches wide.
Window A/C: Window units are very poplar and low-cost they simply sit on a window ledge blowing in cold air.
Which Type is Right for You?
Since most apartments are rented buying a unit that can be taken with you when you move is the best option.
This would include portable and window units.
Window units are often the first thing most people buy but if using a window is not an option a portable A/C would be best.
There is also through-the-wall A/C units for those who do not have a window but requires cutting a whole in a wall.
Through-the-wall A/C units work the same as window models only sit in a section of wall that has been cut out.
There are many good units available with those below our picks.
As always be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, here, or elsewhere to be sure an adapter is a good fit for you.
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Our Picks for Best Air Conditioning Units for an Apartment 2020
- BLACK and DECKER BPACT08WT
- Hessaire MC37M
- Frigidaire FFRA0511R1
- hOmeLabs
- Danby DPA140BBUBDB
BLACK + DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner 8,000 BTU
The BLACK and DECKER BPACT08WT is a portable unit that pumps heat from a room outside through a hose.
It is small and compact with wheels to roll it around making it very versatile.
The cooling capacity us 8,000 BTU which is rated to cool a space up-to 350 Square Feet.
Small portable units fit very well in an apartment and are easy to pack up and take with you if moving.
Hessaire MC37M portable Evaporative Air Cooler for 750 sq. ft.
This unit from Hessaire is an evaporative model which means it cools using water.
Evaporative units only work well in dry areas such as the American south west.
If you are located in a dry climate they work very well and are low-cost to operate.
If you live in a wet humid climate a standard A/C unit will be a much better option.
Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5, 000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner with Mechanical Controls
This unit from Frigidaire is small 15 x 16 x 12 inches, so it fits into a very small window opening making it good for a small apartment.
It is 16 inches wide and 12 inches in height so be sure to measure your window for a good fit.
It comes with side panels that fill in any side space that is left open.
The cooling capacity is 5,000 BTU which has a rating to cool a room up-to 150 square feet (10ft x 15ft).
It weighs roughly 50 pounds which makes installing it easier compared to bigger and heavier units.
The controls are basic mechanical fan/cool which keeps the cost low.
While basic is small and low-cost which makes it ideal in many scenarios including an apartment.
hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window Mounted Air Conditioner – 7-Speed Window AC Unit Small Quiet Mechanical Controls 2 Cool and Fan Settings with Installation Kit Leaf Guards Washable Filter – Indoor Room AC
This unit from hOmeLabs is 16 inches long x 12 inches high x 15.4 inches deep making it a small unit able to fit into a small window.
It is 5000 BTU unit which is rated for a room up-to 150 Sq Ft.
The unit has two mechanical controls for temperature and cooling.
Danby DPA140BBUBDB Heat Pump 14,000 BTU Black
This portable model from Danby is a nice unit that has a large cooling ability.
It has a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity which is rated for up-to 700 square feet of space.
Like most all portable units it pumps out hot air through a hose which is placed in a window or other outside opening.
This would be a good unit for an apartment with more space needing to be cooled down or very hot climates.
Best Air Conditioning Units for an Apartment Comparison Table
| Name | BTU's | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK & DECKER BPACT08WT | 8,000 BTU | Portable Air Conditioner |
| Hessaire MC37M | ----- | Portable Evaporative |
| Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 | 5,000 BTU | Window Air Conditioner |
| hOmeLabs | 5000 BTU | Window Air Conditioner |
| Danby DPA140BBUBDB | 14,000 BTU | Portable Heat Pump Air Conditioner |
Summary
There are many good options when it comes to cooling down an apartment.
Since most apartments will come with some type of cooling often supplemental cooling is all that is needed.
Supplemental cooling is when the main unit struggles to keep a space cool and needs an additional unit.
Every situation will be different and need to match the environment it will be placed in.
Another thing to keep in mind is how noisy a unit will be with some window A/C units quieter than others.
Do you have a good unit for an apartment let us know in the comments below.