When you’re on a budget, it’s important to avoid overspending if it will cause other difficulties in your life, like not being able to pay rent, your mortgage, or buy groceries. It’s often helpful to make a spreadsheet of your current expenses and how much money you have saved to determine the right amount to spend on an AC unit.
Many people who don’t want to spend too much will search for options like the best budget air conditioners under $1,000 or cheap air conditioners under $100. While it might not seem like it at first glance, there are actually several options in these price ranges, especially in the $300 to $600 range. A lot of companies just don’t push them since they want to try selling you on higher-priced units.
What Are the Best Types of Cheap Air Conditioners?
Generally, the best types of air conditioners you can find for cheap are:
- Window air conditioners: This is the simplest type of AC unit. All the components are contained in one box that’s mounted on a window and plugged into a traditional electrical outlet. They typically cool your room by extracting the hot air and moisture and pushing it outside.
- Portable air conditioners: The best alternative to window AC units. Instead of being mounted in a window, they’ll be free-standing units that sit in the main room you want to cool. They’ll typically have a hose that goes out the window and will plug into a traditional outlet. They work by extracting hot air and circulating cool air in the room.
- Mini-split air conditioners: A mini-split system will have one box mounted on a wall inside your home and another box installed outside. These units are connected directly to a heat pump, making them very energy-efficient. Plus, many can provide both heating and cooling in a space, making them a terrific value.
We have all these types of affordable AC units available for sale at Surplus City Liquidators. Our team buys in bulk from wholesalers, so we can pass the savings on to you when you need something budget-friendly while still getting some of the best brand names on the market.
Which AC Is Best for a Low Budget?
When you’re looking for the best low-budget AC, the recommended models and types can vary by how much you’re able to spend.
The best options for $100 or less are usually portable air conditioners. However, in this price range, pretty much any model you buy will have several limitations, and they usually aren’t from the top brand names on the market.
These models will usually be very limited in how much space they can cool (usually about 100-400 square feet), and they won’t last quite as long. That said, if you can only spend $100, you can start with a cheaper unit and save to upgrade to a better model later on.
Recommended Price Range and Models for Low-Budget ACs
The recommended price range for low-budget ACs is between $300-600. Here, you’ll be able to get some better brand-name models of window ACs, portable ACs, or mini-splits that are proven to be effective and long-lasting. Here are some good choices to look at as you begin your search:
- Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioner: This is a nice compact unit that will cool an average of about 450 square feet. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more premium models, but it does come with some nice extras, like three fan speeds, to adjust the temperature in your space.
- Trane Mini Split AC: This is a nice compact unit that can cool a small space between 150 and 400 square feet. It can be operated by remote control, is relatively energy efficient, and will fit most homes. One drawback of this one is it’s AC only, so it can’t heat the room like many mini-splits are capable of.
- Excess Mini-Split AC: Very similar to the Trane mini-split. However, this one is slightly more energy efficient and can perform both heating and cooling while still being about the same price.
We have several other models similar to these that are ready and available for purchase at Surplus City Liquidators. You can easily search on our website for window ACs, portable ACs, or mini-split ACs to find the right one for your needs.
What Is the Cheapest Air Conditioner Brand?
When you’re looking for the cheapest air conditioner, you don’t always have to sacrifice the brand name. Several top brands like Frigidaire and GE will often have lower-budget models of mini-split systems, window ACs, or portable ACs.
Some of the best budget AC brands to look for that still offer great quality on lower-end models are:
- Frigidaire
- GE
- Johnson Controls
- Toshiba
- Trane
- Excess
Additionally, if you can find LG or Mitsubishi models within your budget, those are brands that commonly get the best reviews. However, due to their popularity and consistently high performance, they do tend to be higher priced.
We have ACs from all these brands available for purchase at Surplus City Liquidators. Plus, since we buy in bulk and work with wholesalers to get lower prices, you’ll often find options here that are much more affordable than buying elsewhere.
What Features Should You Look for When Comparing Inexpensive AC Brands?
When you’re reviewing different types of ACs, you’ll likely notice a lot of terminology you aren’t familiar with. Let’s quickly break down the meaning of some of the important terminology and features you should be looking at when buying one.
Cooling Capacity in BTUs
One of the top features to review when looking at inexpensive AC brands and models is how much square footage they cover. Their cooling power will usually be measured in British thermal units (BTUs), so that’s the number you’ll need to look at when comparing models. Here’s a quick breakdown of how many square feet different-sized BTU units can cover:
- 9,000 BTU: 150-400 square feet
- 12,000 BTU: 400-550 square feet
- 18,000 BTU: 550-1,000 square feet
- 24,000 BTU: 1,000-1,250 square feet
- 30,000 BTU: 1,250-1,350 square feet
- 36,000 BTU: 1,350-1,500 square feet
Generally, it’s recommended to get at least a 9,000 BTU unit to ensure it can cool a large enough space. The average living room is about 216 square feet, so usually, a unit that size will be able to cool a nice sitting space for you, your family, or any house guests.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Another important feature to look at is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which measures how efficiently the unit runs. For most cheap wall-mounted or portable units, a good range to aim for is a SEER of 13-20. If you can find one higher than 20, that’s even better and will help keep your electric bill as low as possible.
Voltage
You should also check each unit’s voltage to ensure the outlets in your home can provide enough power. The average home’s electrical outlets are generally 120 or 240 volts. Since that number can vary, check the voltage of the outlets in your home before buying.
Fan Speeds and Temperature Controls
Some units will have multiple fan speeds or specific temperature controls you can adjust to optimize cooling levels to specific needs. However, cheaper ACs will usually have more basic versions of this. Still, it’s a good thing to check to determine how much adjustability you’ll have to ensure your space is as comfortable as possible.
Finding Cheap Air Conditioners Near Me
When you search for “cheap air conditioners near me” or similar terms, it isn’t always clear which places offer the best options.
Many bigger box stores, like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or Home Depot, will have cheaper windows or portable ACs available for you to look at. However, since these companies don’t specialize in HVAC, you might find it difficult to get help picking out the right brands or models.
You can also look for wholesalers or small suppliers of HVAC equipment in your local area, who will usually be able to provide you with more guidance when you’re picking one out. Surplus City Liquidators has showrooms in Indiana, Florida, and Texas if you’d like to see the units we have available in person.
Otherwise, online marketplaces are always a good alternative for finding many affordable AC models and options. They allow you to easily compare the specs of different models, order one, and have it shipped straight to your door.
If you need any assistance in evaluating the options available on our website at Surplus City, you can contact our service team, and we can help you with any questions you have before buying.
Lastly, if you’re looking for air conditioners near me and want the best prices, watch for sales at different retailers. Many ACs go on sale in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Or if you want the best prices year-round, we always aim to make ours as affordable as possible at Surplus City.
Considering a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners commonly appear when looking for options for cheap ACs. Since these have all the components in one compact unit, they’re generally much cheaper for companies to manufacture, making them more affordable.
That said, are they as good as wall-mounted or window-mounted units? In general, you’ll hear most people say that they don’t work quite as well as wall or window-mounted options, so you’re often better served by going with one of those options when you can.
However, if you’re renting and can’t mount one or don’t have space to mount one, a cheap portable AC is the next best alternative. Plus, they come with some benefits over mounted ACs since the initial installation is usually easier, they don’t block an entire window in your home, and you have some flexibility since you can move it to different rooms.
What is a Cheap Alternative for an Air Conditioner?
A good cheap alternative to an air conditioner is an evaporative cooler. These units will often look similar to portable air conditioners, but they work a little bit differently than a traditional AC system.
Evaporative coolers have wet pads inside them that add water to the air when it passes through. By adding water to the air it increases humidity and will have a cooling effect in dry places.
Evaporative coolers work best in places with dry climates like Arizona, Texas, or New Mexico. If you live in a region that’s too humid in the summer, these won’t be your top choice.
Other cheap alternatives to air conditioners include:
- Portable fans or ceiling fans
- Blackout curtains that prevent light from getting in
- Open the windows at night when it’s cooler and then shut them in the early morning to keep the cool air in
While these options will provide a little cooling assistance, many people still find they prefer to at least have a portable or window AC unit in the hottest months of the year. It’s usually the best budget cooling solution for most people to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Window Air Conditioners: Are They the Best Cheap Option?
As mentioned earlier, a window air conditioner usually works better than portable ACs. However, with that slight boost in performance, you’ll also typically need to pay a little more to get a good window AC. That said, if you want the best cheap option that’s under $1,000, going with a window-mounted AC or a mini-split will be your top choice.
Some good brands of window ACs to look for are GE, Frigidaire, LG, or Mitsubishi. If you can find any of these in your price range, they are all-time-tested brands that generally get good reviews from customers.
The main downside of window air conditioners is that they can take up part of or all of a window in your home. Therefore, they can block some light. If you’re renting, you might also have some restrictions on whether you can mount an AC unit or not, so make sure you check your rental agreement or ask your landlord before going this route.
Also, remember that a cheap window AC won’t come with all the bells and whistles that premium options have. You might only have the capacity to cool a small portion of your home with one, and they might come with limited temperature settings and controls.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Overall, while it might not seem like it at first glance, you still have several options when looking for budget air conditioners. Usually, your top options will be portable ACs, window ACs, or mini-split ACs that are in the $300-600 price range. These options are still limited, but they give you a good balance of affordability and cooling capacity.
Review your budget before buying to avoid overspending and stress in the long run. It’s okay to take your time making this decision and researching different options to determine which will be the right fit for you.
Also, consider the fact that most cheap ACs should still be professionally installed to ensure they operate correctly. That will add some extra costs, but it’s worth it to avoid any issues that might be even more expensive down the line. Plus, it’ll ensure your space is as comfortable as possible.
Buy a Cheap Air Conditioner from Surplus City Liquidators
When you need a reliable cheap air conditioner, Surplus City Liquidators has several models that will fit your needs.
We aim to provide our customers with the best brands while still keeping the prices as low as possible. We do that by working with wholesalers and buying in bulk to lower costs on our end as much as possible. Then, we pass the savings on to you.
All the AC units we sell are brand new to ensure top performance when they reach your doorstep. Plus, we provide top-notch customer service each step of the way if you ever have any questions or need help picking out the right option for your needs.
You can visit one of our showrooms in Indiana, Florida, or Texas to see the options we have available. Otherwise, you can order online from our website to efficiently pick out a cheap AC and get it sent right to your home.
Ready to get your home cooler and more comfortable? You can start shopping today or contact us with any other questions.
