What are the best window A/C units?
There is a new kind of window unit shaped like a U that allows you to open and close the window. GREENSBORO, N.C.  Window air conditioners arent the most aesthetically pleasing appliances, but when the heat is on theyre often the only option if you want to keep cool. Consumer Reports just tested dozens of air conditioners. While not much has changed in how theyre installed, theres a newer A/C with a U-shaped design that allows you to open and close your window without the heavy unit falling out. Installation is a little different from a traditional window A/C. "It still needs a special bracket to be installed first. Once you do that you can slide the A/C into place, and the window closes down into this U-shaped groove. Just note that you might not be able to fit some windows with the screen," said Chris Regan, Consumer Reports. CR testers crank up the air temperature in a special chamber to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then measure how long it takes a window A/C to cool the room by 10 degrees. Most of the window air conditioners do a pretty decent job. "The best can do it quickly and quietly. And thats where two of the U-shaped units from Midea stand out," said Regan. Earning top scores for cooling and noise in CRs tests is the Midea U-shaped MAW08V1QWT for medium-sized rooms about 250 to 400 square feet about $360 and for larger spaces, CR recommends the Midea MAW12V1QWT U-shaped uni at $480. If you only need to cool down a small spaceanything under 300 square feet, the LG LW6019ER will get the job done for about $280.