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.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
