If you've ever installed a window air conditioner, you know it's a hassle. These beasts can weigh over 100 pounds, and there's always the fear it could fall out and squash someone below.

An 8,000-BTU standard window air conditioner — one of the most commonly available sizes that can usually cool a room ranging from 250 to 350 square feet — could cost around $250.

In 2023, the Department of Energy adopted stricter energy-efficiency standards requiring all window air conditioners sold in the U.S. starting in 2026 to achieve a CEER score of at least 12.8 for ...