6 Brands That Make the Best Quality Air Conditioners, Experts Say
Stay cool all summer long with these reliable, powerful AC units.
For many, having a trusty air conditioner to make their home cool and comfortable is a must during the sweltering months. If that's the case for you, it's important to understand that not all cooling units are created equal. To make sure it runs smoothly all summer long, you'll want to invest in a trustworthy product from one of the best quality air conditioner brands.
"Good quality air conditioners are designed to provide superior cooling power with less energy, while also helping to reduce your monthly electricity bills," says Shaun Martin, an interior design and real estate expert and owner/CEO of We Buy Houses in Denver. "They come equipped with features such as adjustable temperature settings, powerful fans, filters that trap dust particles and other allergens, and multiple speeds that allow you to adjust the airflow. Furthermore, they are built to withstand long-term use and will likely require fewer repairs than lower-quality options."
Still not sure where to start? As you begin shopping for a new AC unit, consider the following expert-recommended brands.
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The Best Quality Air Conditioner Brands
1. Daikin
Whether you're looking to install central air conditioning in your home or place of business, you can't go wrong with the Japanese brand Daikin.
"Daikin is known for its innovative and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions," says James De Meo, HVAC engineer and master plumber for This Fixed House. "They excel in offering advanced inverter technology that ensures consistent temperature and humidity control while reducing energy consumption."
According to De Meo, one of the main selling points for Daikin's product line is their proprietary "Intelligent Eye" feature, which detects room occupancy and adjusts cooling accordingly, thus optimizing comfort and energy savings.
Joe Fairley, vice president of business development at Laser Facility Management, notes that one of the most important factors to consider when buying an AC is the manufacturer's warranty. And that's a reason why Daikin is also one of his top-recommended brands: It offers 10-year to 12-year parts limited warranties.
2. Mitsubishi Electric
In 2022, Mitsubishi Electric won the CHOICE Best Brand of Air Conditioners award for the fifth consecutive year. The consumer advocacy group CHOICE based this award on years of product reviews as well as customer satisfaction and reliability information.
"Mitsubishi Electric stands out as a premium brand with reliable and high-quality air conditioning products," says De Meo. "Their systems offer cutting-edge features such as the 3D i-see sensor technology, which monitors room occupancy and adjusts cooling for optimal comfort and efficiency."
Another unique feature, according to De Meo, is their "Plasma Quad Plus" air purification technology—which provides superior air quality by eliminating common allergens, bacteria, and viruses. That makes Mitsubishi air conditioners an excellent choice for people who have seasonal, dust, or pet allergies.
Mitsubishi Electric specializes in ductless mini-split systems, which are perfect if you only need to cool certain rooms in your home.
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3. Samsung
Samsung is one of the most trusted appliance brands worldwide—and like many of their other home products, experts say their air conditioners are top-notch.
"I recommend Samsung air conditioners because they offer high-quality products at reasonable prices," says Martin. "They have an extensive line of window, portable, and central air conditioning units that are designed to be energy-efficient and reliable. Plus, their air conditioners come with features such as automatic temperature control, timer settings, humidity sensors, and adjustable fan speeds."
4. Friedrich
Fun fact: This brand has been making air conditioners since the 1950s—and today, it's the sole remaining North American manufacturer of room air conditioners.
Friedrich makes window, portable, and central air conditioning units—all of which Martin says "have a reputation for being strong and durable."
Regardless of the type of AC, Martin notes that every product is designed to be energy efficient. "Their filters make sure that indoor air is free from dust particles and other allergens," he says. "Moreover, they come with features such as adjustable fan speeds, sleep mode, and digital temperature display."
It's also worth noting that most of Friedrich's window and portable air conditioner models are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi operation.
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5. LG
"I trust LG air conditioners because they are known for their dependability and innovative technology," Martin tells Best Life. "They offer a wide range of window, portable, and central air conditioning units that come with features such as…energy-saving modes and precise temperature control."
According to De Meo, LG excels in providing energy-efficient systems with advanced features like "Dual Inverter" technology, which reduces energy consumption and ensures consistent cooling.
Another feature that makes LG stand out, says De Meo, is its "SmartThinQ" technology, which enables users to control and monitor their air conditioners remotely through a smartphone app for added convenience and smart home integration.
6. Whirlpool
Whirlpool is the world's largest home appliance company, and Martin says their air conditioners "provide great value for money."
"Their window, portable, and central air conditioning units are designed to be energy-efficient and quiet," he explains. "They also come with features like adjustable temperature settings and sleep mode." Plus, he notes that they feature special filters to help remove dust particles and other allergens from the air.
