Summer heat waves are completely exhausting, and they become almost unbearable if you don’t have a great HVAC system in your home/apartment. And you might not get any relief at work, either, if they’re stingy on the cooling costs. So, what are you supposed to do to beat the heat and keep yourself together on the hottest of days?
Buy a window air conditioner, of course! They can be used in most standard sliding/hanging windows, and they’re incredibly effective at cooling off entire rooms without too long of a wait. Many of them will also double as dehumidifiers to combat the icky heaviness of the hot air. There are options to suit rooms and budgets of all kinds.
If you think a window air conditioner is the best way to feel more comfortable in the summer months, that’s great! And we’re here to help you find the best possible match. Window air conditioners will vary in things like price, cooling power, fan settings, dehumidifying capabilities, temperature settings, intended room size, and more! And every feature matters.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best window air conditioners in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Window Air Conditioners Right Now
Our Small Room Pick for The Best Window Air Conditioner
Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
The Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner was an easy choice for our small room pick this year. As long as you go in with reasonable expectations, you can’t help but admire this machine. It’ll start kicking out cold air as soon as you turn it on, and since it has two fan speeds, it can adapt to different demands. Plus, it has two fan speeds without cooling to replace your stand-up fan on more moderate days!
We’re big fans of the basic controls on this one, and we bet you will be too. It makes it so simple to use! Just turn one dial to adjust the temperature and another dial for the fan speed/mode. Easy peasy. It’s exactly as quiet as a small air conditioner should be, too. It won’t interrupt your sleep or interfere with your daily living. You just can’t beat the price, either.
Of course, as our small room pick, you won’t be happy with the cooling power of this one if you try to use it for medium-sized rooms (or larger). That’s not what it’s intended for, and you certainly won’t get the results you’re looking for. It just doesn’t have the power needed for big jobs. It’s also lacking some advanced features like a remote, a dehumidifier mode, and precise temperature settings. Just so you’re aware.
Overall, the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is as good as it gets for small spaces, and it sets a very high bar for its competitors. With easy-to-use controls, a budget-friendly price, and effective cooling power, you really can’t ask for much more. It’s a winner!
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
Reviewers have a great opinion of the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner. They’ve used it in offices, bedrooms, and even outdoor sheds, and it performs flawlessly in every space. The simple controls make it very easy to use, but some would prefer being able to set an exact temperature. Installation was easy even for newbies, and the noise level is very low.
Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d like to use it as a regular fan in addition to an air conditioner
Simple controls appeal to you
You’ll be using it in a room that demands quiet (bedroom, office, etc.)
Budget-friendliness is a priority
Don’t Buy If…
Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner Specifications
Our Large Room Pick
Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner
We’re big fans of the Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner. It’s one of the most effective air conditioners out there, and that’s why it’s so great for large spaces. Its recommended room size is 450 square feet, but it can still be effective in even larger rooms! You won’t have to wait long for that cool air to refresh the space, either. Thank goodness.
It’s got a dehumidifier mode to keep the humidity levels down as well, and since it’s also super quiet, you won’t even be plagued by constant noise drowning out your conversations, TV shows, or the thoughts in your head. It doesn’t need a ton of power to do its job, so it’s easy on the environment and your electricity bill, and a washable filter minimizes your maintenance needs. We weren’t wrong about how great it is, were we?
Honestly, the only people who might not love this machine are the ones who would need it to work in a small space or aren’t fighting off the highest temperatures. This is a highly powerful and effective machine, and it can quickly make a room too cold to be in — it’s really best for large spaces and extra hot/humid climates. Otherwise, it’s just more AC than you could possibly need.
All in all, the Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window AC really has everything going for it. Unless you’re targeting a small room or only need to take the edge off the heat, you’ll love everything about this machine. It’s reasonably priced, too!
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Reviewers have amazing things to say about the Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conidtioner. It cools medium-large spaces very quickly (we’re talking minutes here!) even on the lower setting, and it’s still incredibly quiet even with the fan at maximum speed. For some of them, it even works too well! They think the washable filter is a really nice touch.
Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Energy efficiency matters to you
You’re combatting heat and humidity in a large space
You’d prefer a low-noise option
Low maintenance needs are preferred
Don’t Buy If…
Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6 10,000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner Specifications
Dimensions: 19.4” x 13.6” x 22.4”
Weight: 62.6 lbs
Cooling Power: 10,000 BTU
Maximum Room Size: 450 sq. ft
Fan Speeds: 3
Remote Control: Yes
Warranty: 2 years
Our Upgrade Pick
Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
There are so many things to admire about the Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner. Believe it or not, you’ll actually still be able to open your window fully even with the air conditioner mounted in. Hello, fresh air! Anytime you want it. Plus, it’s energy-efficient. And we’re talking 35% better than competitors. You can do your part for the environment and save money!
Its cooling performance is nothing to scoff at either. Although it’s very quiet, it’s also very effective. You’ll be able to crank this thing up to maximum power while still being able to enjoy a book, TV show, or family dinner. It takes only minutes to cool a large room, and the airflow can travel as far as 20 feet! The best part is you can change settings with voice assistants, a remote, or the buttons on the machine. Talk about convenience.
One of the only things that doesn’t quite meet expectations with this option is the quality of the companion app. It isn’t very user-friendly and it has some serious privacy concerns. Best to stick with the voice assistants or traditional controls with this one. Otherwise, the high price tag is the only other thing that might sway you in a different direction.
Overall, the Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is a pretty fantastic choice as long as you don’t mind spending a little extra money. You won’t run into any problems with cooling performance, noise (or light) pollution, or longevity! This is one of the really, really good ones.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner. They like that they can still open the window for fresh air when it isn’t hot enough for AC, and on scorching days, this machine cools down their large rooms in no time at all. The voice assistant control works very well, and they have no issues with noise levels being too high.
Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d love an energy-efficient machine
Voice assistant compatibility is a must-have
You’d like your window to still be usable
You need a machine that’s exceptionally quiet
Don’t Buy If…
Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner Specifications
Dimensions: 19” x 13.75” x 22-36”
Weight: 67 lbs
Cooling Power: 10,000 BTU
Maximum Room Size: 450 sq. ft
Fan Speeds: 3
Remote Control: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Our Budget Pick
Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
The Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is a pretty solid choice for such a great price. And it really could not be easier to use. It weighs half the amount that other window ACs do, which makes it a lot easier to install, and with only two mechanical knobs to worry about, it’ll only take you a few seconds to get it functioning perfectly for your needs.
This option is truly the best for small bedrooms, dorm rooms, RVs, and other similar spaces. It’s fairly quiet, and since you can direct the airflow where you need it most (towards a bed, work desk, etc.), you’ll always be able to make the most of its cooling power. It comes with a washable filter, too, so maintenance is easy (and free!).
As is the case with most budget-friendly items, this air conditioner has a few quality control issues. Its durability is fairly poor — unless you’re using it on a seasonal basis for a couple of months of RV camping or something like that, it likely won’t last you more than a couple of years. Also, it has limited settings and can’t dehumidify, so it won’t be as versatile as some of you will want/need.
Overall, the Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is our top pick for budget-conscious shoppers. It simply could not be easier to use, and as long as you don’t exceed its intended room size, you’ll find it cools very effectively. Just don’t expect it to last as long as other options. It’s a temporary fix.
Performance: 4/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 3/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner. Many of them have experienced problems with cooling power deteriorating over time, and the more basic design doesn’t work for everybody. Most people, though, are really pleased with how easy it is to use, and they find it cools well in all of their smaller spaces.
Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You don’t want to spend money on new filters
Affordability is your priority
You’re cooling a small space like a bedroom or RV
You’d like to direct the airflow
Don’t Buy If…
You need help with humidity levels too
You want to set specific temperatures
You’re looking for a permanent solution for heat control
Amazon Basics Window-Mounted Air Conditioner Specifications
Also Great
Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
We like a lot of things about the Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner. With three fan settings, a dehumidifier mode, and 24 temperature settings (you can set it anywhere between 62 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit), even the hottest summer days won’t be able to beat the cooling power of this machine. It’s adaptable enough to suit all kinds of room sizes too, with a max of 550 square feet.
We love that you get a remote control with this air conditioner since you’ll never have to get up from your comfy couch or bed to adjust the settings. You can even set schedules so you don’t even need the remote for a while! The washable filter makes maintenance a breeze, and since it’s quieter than a refrigerator, it won’t interrupt your daily living. Thank goodness.
The only thing we don’t absolutely love about this option is the price tag. It’s more expensive than a lot of other window air conditioners, and although it does have the performance and quality to back it up, it might just not be a realistic option for everybody. Especially if you don’t have an extra-large room to take advantage of its full potential.
Overall, the Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is a pretty awesome unit. You’ll definitely need two people to get it installed, but after that, you’ll never have to suffer on hot days again. We promise this one is worth the extra money.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
Reviewers really like the Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner. It works very quickly to cool a room down and remove humidity. The washable filter makes it really easy to keep the air clean and the air conditioner working properly, and most of them don’t have any issues with the amount of noise it produces. Almost all of them would buy it again, or already have.
Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’re dealing with humidity as well as high temperatures
You don’t like a lot of background noise
You’d prefer a low-management option
Low maintenance is ideal
Don’t Buy If…
Midea 12,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner Specifications
Dimensions: 19” x 15” x 23-36”
Weight: 74.8 lbs
Cooling Power: 12,000 BTU
Maximum Room Size: 550 sq. ft
Temperature Settings: 24
Fan Speeds: 3
Remote Control: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
How to Properly Choose Your Window Air Conditioner
Price
The price of a window air conditioner will generally fall between $200 and $800. Typically, more expensive options will have better cooling performance, will excel in larger spaces, will offer better longevity, and will have advanced features such as precise temperature settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, and more.
Cooling Power
The cooling power of a window air conditioner is measured in BTU and can range between 5000 and 24,000. Most people won’t need a machine higher than 12,000 BTU for the home, though. For small rooms, 5000 BTU will be enough, and for extra-large spaces, you’ll want at least 10,000 BTU.
Maximum Room Size
Every window air conditioner will have a maximum room size that is linked to its cooling power. Smaller units will land around 150 square feet, but some models will be effective in spaces larger than 1000 square feet. Make sure you match the intended room size of the machine to the space in your home for best results.
Extra Functionality
Almost all window air conditioners will offer additional functionality in the form of a fan mode (purely for air circulation). Many of them, however, can also act as dehumidifiers to keep excess moisture out of the air and make your living space even more comfortable in the summer.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
Although no one likes a know-it-all, they dominate the Internet.
The Internet began as a vast repository of information. It quickly became a breeding ground for self-proclaimed experts seeking what most people desire: recognition and money.
Today, anyone with an Internet connection and some typing skills can position themselves, regardless of their education or experience, as a subject matter expert (SME). From relationship advice, career coaching, and health and nutrition tips to citizen journalists practicing pseudo-journalism, the Internet is awash with individuals—Internet talking heads—sharing their “insights,” which are, in large part, essentially educated guesses without the education or experience.
The Internet has become a 24/7/365 sitcom where armchair experts think they’re the star.
Not long ago, years, sometimes decades, of dedicated work and acquiring education in one’s field was once required to be recognized as an expert. The knowledge and opinions of doctors, scientists, historians, et al. were respected due to their education and experience. Today, a social media account and a knack for hyperbole are all it takes to present oneself as an “expert” to achieve Internet fame that can be monetized.
On the Internet, nearly every piece of content is self-serving in some way.
The line between actual expertise and self-professed knowledge has become blurry as an out-of-focus selfie. Inadvertently, social media platforms have created an informal degree program where likes and shares are equivalent to degrees. After reading selective articles, they’ve found via and watching some TikTok videos, a person can post a video claiming they’re an herbal medicine expert. Their new “knowledge,” which their followers will absorb, claims that Panda dung tea—one of the most expensive teas in the world and isn’t what its name implies—cures everything from hypertension to existential crisis. Meanwhile, registered dietitians are shaking their heads, wondering how to compete against all the misinformation their clients are exposed to.
More disturbing are individuals obsessed with evangelizing their beliefs or conspiracy theories. These people write in-depth blog posts, such as Elvis Is Alive and the Moon Landings Were Staged, with links to obscure YouTube videos, websites, social media accounts, and blogs. Regardless of your beliefs, someone or a group on the Internet shares them, thus confirming your beliefs.
Misinformation is the Internet’s currency used to get likes, shares, and engagement; thus, it often spreads like a cosmic joke. Consider the prevalence of clickbait headlines:
You Won’t Believe What Taylor Swift Says About Climate Change!
This Bedtime Drink Melts Belly Fat While You Sleep!
In One Week, I Turned $10 Into $1 Million!
Titles that make outrageous claims are how the content creator gets reads and views, which generates revenue via affiliate marketing, product placement, and pay-per-click (PPC) ads. Clickbait headlines are how you end up watching a TikTok video by a purported nutrition expert adamantly asserting you can lose belly fat while you sleep by drinking, for 14 consecutive days, a concoction of raw eggs, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar 15 minutes before going to bed.
Our constant search for answers that’ll explain our convoluted world and our desire for shortcuts to success is how Internet talking heads achieve influencer status. Because we tend to seek low-hanging fruits, we listen to those with little experience or knowledge of the topics they discuss yet are astute enough to know what most people want to hear.
There’s a trend, more disturbing than spreading misinformation, that needs to be called out: individuals who’ve never achieved significant wealth or traded stocks giving how-to-make-easy-money advice, the appeal of which is undeniable. Several people I know have lost substantial money by following the “advice” of Internet talking heads.
Anyone on social media claiming to have a foolproof money-making strategy is lying. They wouldn’t be peddling their money-making strategy if they could make easy money.
Successful people tend to be secretive.
Social media companies design their respective algorithms to serve their advertisers—their source of revenue—interest; hence, content from Internet talking heads appears most prominent in your feeds. When a video of a self-professed expert goes viral, likely because it pressed an emotional button, the more people see it, the more engagement it receives, such as likes, shares and comments, creating a cycle akin to a tornado.
Imagine scrolling through your TikTok feed and stumbling upon a “scientist” who claims they can predict the weather using only aluminum foil, copper wire, sea salt and baking soda. You chuckle, but you notice his video got over 7,000 likes, has been shared over 600 times and received over 400 comments. You think to yourself, “Maybe this guy is onto something.” What started as a quest to achieve Internet fame evolved into an Internet-wide belief that weather forecasting can be as easy as DIY crafts.
Since anyone can call themselves “an expert,” you must cultivate critical thinking skills to distinguish genuine expertise from self-professed experts’ self-promoting nonsense. While the absurdity of the Internet can be entertaining, misinformation has serious consequences. The next time you read a headline that sounds too good to be true, it’s probably an Internet talking head making an educated guess; without the education seeking Internet fame, they can monetize.
TORONTO – A new survey says a majority of software engineers and developers feel tight project deadlines can put safety at risk.
Seventy-five per cent of the 1,000 global workers who responded to the survey released Tuesday say pressure to deliver projects on time and on budget could be compromising critical aspects like safety.
The concern is even higher among engineers and developers in North America, with 77 per cent of those surveyed on the continent reporting the urgency of projects could be straining safety.
The study was conducted between July and September by research agency Coleman Parkes and commissioned by BlackBerry Ltd.’s QNX division, which builds connected-car technology.
The results reflect a timeless tug of war engineers and developers grapple with as they balance the need to meet project deadlines with regulations and safety checks that can slow down the process.
Finding that balance is an issue that developers of even the simplest appliances face because of advancements in technology, said John Wall, a senior vice-president at BlackBerry and head of QNX.
“The software is getting more complicated and there is more software whether it’s in a vehicle, robotics, a toaster, you name it… so being able to patch vulnerabilities, to prevent bad actors from doing malicious acts is becoming more and more important,” he said.
The medical, industrial and automotive industries have standardized safety measures and anything they produce undergoes rigorous testing, but that work doesn’t happen overnight. It has to be carried out from the start and then at every step of the development process.
“What makes safety and security difficult is it’s an ongoing thing,” Wall said. “It’s not something where you’ve done it, and you are finished.”
The Waterloo, Ont.-based business found 90 per cent of its survey respondents reported that organizations are prioritizing safety.
However, when asked about why safety may not be a priority for their organization, 46 per cent of those surveyed answered cost pressures and 35 per cent said a lack of resources.
That doesn’t surprise Wall. Delays have become rampant in the development of tech, and in some cases, stand to push back the launch of vehicle lines by two years, he said.
“We have to make sure that people don’t compromise on safety and security to be able to get products out quicker,” he said.
“What we don’t want to see is people cutting corners and creating unsafe situations.”
The survey also took a peek at security breaches, which have hit major companies like London Drugs, Indigo Books & Music, Giant Tiger and Ticketmaster in recent years.
About 40 per cent of the survey’s respondents said they have encountered a security breach in their employer’s operating system. Those breaches resulted in major impacts for 27 per cent of respondents, moderate impacts for 42 per cent and minor impacts for 27 per cent.
“There are vulnerabilities all the time and this is what makes the job very difficult because when you ship the software, presumably the software has no security vulnerabilities, but things get discovered after the fact,” Wall said.
Security issues, he added, have really come to the forefront of the problems developers face, so “really without security, you have no safety.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2024.
As online shoppers hunt for bargains offered by Amazon during its annual fall sale this week, cybersecurity researchers are warning Canadians to beware of an influx of scammers posing as the tech giant.
In the 30 days leading up to Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday, there were more than 1,000 newly registered Amazon-related web domains, according to Check Point Software Technologies, a company that offers cybersecurity solutions.
The company said it deemed 88 per cent of those domains malicious or suspicious, suggesting they could have been set up by scammers to prey on vulnerable consumers. One in every 54 newly created Amazon-related domain included the phrase “Amazon Prime.”
“They’re almost indiscernible from the real Amazon domain,” said Robert Falzon, head of engineering at Check Point in Canada.
“With all these domains registered that look so similar, it’s tricking a lot of people. And that’s the whole intent here.”
Falzon said Check Point Research sees an uptick in attempted scams around big online shopping days throughout the year, including Prime Days.
Scams often come in the form of phishing emails, which are deceptive messages that appear to be from a reputable source in attempt to steal sensitive information.
In this case, he said scammers posing as Amazon commonly offer “outrageous” deals that appear to be associated with Prime Days, in order to trick recipients into clicking on a malicious link.
The cybersecurity firm said it has identified and blocked 100 unique Amazon Prime-themed scam emails targeting organizations and consumers over the past two weeks.
Scammers also target Prime members with unsolicited calls, claiming urgent account issues and requesting payment information.
“It’s like Christmas for them,” said Falzon.
“People expect there to be significant savings on Prime Day, so they’re not shocked that they see something of significant value. Usually, the old adage applies: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Amazon’s website lists a number of red flags that it recommends customers watch for to identify a potential impersonation scam.
Those include false urgency, requests for personal information, or indications that the sender prefers to complete the purchase outside of the Amazon website or mobile app.
Scammers may also request that customers exclusively pay with gift cards, a claim code or PIN. Any notifications about an order or delivery for an unexpected item should also raise alarm bells, the company says.
“During busy shopping moments, we tend to see a rise in impersonation scams reported by customers,” said Amazon spokeswoman Octavia Roufogalis in a statement.
“We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance. We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe.”
Falzon added that these scams are more successful than people might think.
As of June 30, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre said there had been $284 million lost to fraud so far this year, affecting 15,941 victims.
But Falzon said many incidents go unreported, as some Canadians who are targeted do not know how or where to flag a scam, or may choose not to out of embarrassment.
Check Point recommends Amazon customers take precautions while shopping on Prime Days, including by checking URLs carefully, creating strong passwords on their accounts, and avoiding personal information being shared such as their birthday or social security number.
The cybersecurity company said consumers should also look for “https” at the beginning of a website URL, which indicates a secure connection, and use credit cards rather than debit cards for online shopping, which offer better protection and less liability if stolen.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2024.
