I was sweating buckets last summer, and I knew I needed a solution fast. That’s when I stumbled upon Cool Living air conditioners, and let me tell you, they’ve been a game-changer for keeping my home cool and comfortable.
These units are affordable, efficient, and designed with the user in mind, making them a fantastic choice for anyone battling the heat. Whether you’re in a small apartment or a larger home, Cool Living has a model that fits your needs.
Trust me, you’ll want one of these to survive the scorching days ahead!
My Experience With Cool Living Air Conditioners
Last summer, my old window unit gave up on me right in the middle of a brutal heatwave.
The air in my apartment felt like a sauna, and I was desperate for relief.
After some research, I decided to give Cool Living a try, specifically their 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner.
I was skeptical at first—could a compact unit really cool my 400-square-foot living space?
But when I unboxed it, I was pleasantly surprised by its sleek design and sturdy build.
It didn’t look like some clunky, outdated machine; it had a modern vibe that blended well with my decor.
Setting it up was a breeze. The instructions were clear, and the included window kit made venting straightforward, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a DIY expert. Within 20 minutes, I had the unit up and running, and cold air was already pouring into the room.
I felt the temperature drop almost instantly, and by the end of the hour, my living room went from stifling to downright refreshing. The digital display was intuitive, letting me tweak the temperature and fan speed with ease. I even used the remote control to adjust settings from my couch—talk about convenience!
What really stood out was how quiet it was. I’ve had air conditioners in the past that sounded like a jet engine, but this one hummed along at around 52 decibels, which is like a soft conversation. I could watch TV or have a phone call without cranking up the volume.
Over the weeks, I moved it between my living room and bedroom, thanks to the caster wheels, and it handled both spaces well. The dehumidifier mode was a bonus, especially during those muggy nights when the air felt heavy.
My only gripe was the hose felt a bit flimsy, but a little duct tape fixed that right up. Overall, my experience with Cool Living was a lifesaver, and I’m already looking forward to using it next summer.
Pros of Cool Living Air Conditioners
- Affordable Price Point
Let’s talk money first because, honestly, who doesn’t love a good deal?
Cool Living air conditioners are wallet-friendly without skimping on performance.
I paid around $300 for my 10,000 BTU portable unit, which is a steal compared to some premium brands charging double for similar specs.
For budget-conscious folks like me, this makes Cool Living a no-brainer.
You get solid cooling power without breaking the bank, which is perfect if you’re furnishing an apartment or just need a temporary solution.
- Energy Efficiency That Saves You Cash
I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient my Cool Living unit was. With an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of around 11, it’s designed to keep your electricity bills in check. Many models, including mine, come with energy-saving modes like sleep settings and programmable timers.
I set mine to turn off during the day when I’m at work, and it’s saved me a noticeable chunk on my utility bill. If you’re eco-conscious or just hate overpaying for electricity, this feature is a big win.
- User-Friendly Design
Cool Living gets major points for making their units easy to use. The digital touch panel is straightforward, and the remote control lets you adjust settings without getting up. I love that I can change the temperature while lounging on my couch.
The portable models also have caster wheels, so moving them from room to room is no hassle. Even the window units come with clear instructions and kits that make installation a snap, even for someone who’s all thumbs like me.
- Quiet Operation
If you’ve ever owned a loud air conditioner, you know how annoying it can be. Cool Living units, especially the portable ones, are impressively quiet. Mine runs at about 50-55 decibels, which means I can sleep or work without feeling like I’m in a factory.
It’s not silent, but it’s a far cry from the rattling beasts I’ve dealt with in the past. This makes it ideal for bedrooms or home offices where noise is a dealbreaker.
- Versatile Features
Cool Living packs in some handy extras that make their units stand out. My portable model doubles as a dehumidifier, which was a lifesaver during humid summer nights. Some models even have self-diagnosis indicators that alert you when it’s time to clean the filter or check for issues.
These little touches show that Cool Living thought about what users actually need, not just the bare minimum.
Cons of Cool Living Air Conditioners
- Limited Cooling Capacity for Larger Spaces
While my Cool Living unit worked wonders in my 400-square-foot living room, it’s not built for huge spaces.
If you’ve got an open floor plan or a room bigger than 500 square feet, you might find it struggling to keep up.
I noticed it took longer to cool my friend’s 600-square-foot studio, and the air didn’t feel as crisp.
For larger areas, you might need to spring for a higher BTU model or consider a different brand with more powerful options.
- Hose Durability Issues
The exhaust hose on my portable unit was a bit of a letdown. It’s functional, but it feels flimsier than I’d like, and I had to secure it with tape to keep it in place. I’ve heard similar complaints from other users, so it seems like a common quirk.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re moving the unit around a lot or setting it up in a tricky window.
- Basic Smart Features
While some Cool Living models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, the app isn’t as polished as what you’d get with pricier brands. I tried connecting my unit to my phone, but the app was clunky, and the setup process was a hassle.
If you’re a tech junkie who loves seamless smart home integration, you might find Cool Living’s smart features lacking compared to brands like Midea or LG.
- Availability Can Be Spotty
Finding Cool Living units can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. They’re sold at places like Walmart and Home Depot, but stock varies, especially during peak summer months. I had to order mine online because my local store was sold out.
If you’re in a rush to beat the heat, this could be a frustration, so plan ahead.
Maintenance Tips For Cool Living Air Conditioners
- Clean the Filters Regularly
One of the easiest ways to keep your Cool Living unit running smoothly is to clean the filters every couple of weeks. I pop mine out, rinse it under warm water, and let it air dry before putting it back. It takes maybe 10 minutes, and it makes a huge difference in airflow and efficiency.
A dirty filter forces the unit to work harder, which can spike your energy bill and wear out the compressor faster. Some models even have a filter-clean indicator, which is super handy for forgetful folks like me.
- Check the Exhaust Hose and Window Seals
The exhaust hose and window kit are critical for efficient cooling, so make sure they’re secure. I check mine monthly to ensure there are no leaks or loose connections. If you notice warm air sneaking in around the window panel, grab some foam tape to seal the gaps.
I had to do this when I first set up my unit, and it made the room cool faster. Also, inspect the hose for cracks or wear, especially if you’re moving the unit often.
- Keep the Condenser Coils Dust-Free
Dust on the condenser coils can reduce your unit’s efficiency, so I give mine a gentle vacuum every few months. You don’t need to be a pro—just use a soft brush attachment and go lightly to avoid bending the fins.
If you live in a dusty area, you might need to do this more often. Keeping the coils clean ensures your unit cools effectively without overworking itself, which can extend its lifespan.
- Use Energy-Saving Modes Wisely
Cool Living units come with features like sleep mode and programmable timers, and I’ve found they’re key to saving energy. I set my thermostat to 78°F during the day and use the timer to turn the unit off when I’m not home.
At night, sleep mode adjusts the temperature slightly to keep things comfortable without running the compressor full blast. These small tweaks have kept my electricity bill manageable, even during the hottest months.
- Store It Properly in the Off-Season
When summer’s over, I store my portable unit in a dry, cool place to protect it from dust and moisture. Before storing, I clean the filter and wipe down the exterior to prevent mold or mildew. If you’ve got a window unit, consider removing it from the window to avoid wear from winter weather.
Proper storage keeps your Cool Living unit in top shape for next season, so you’re not scrambling to replace it when the heat hits.
Comparison of Cool Living Air Conditioner With Other Brands
- Cool Living Vs. Arcoaire Air Conditioners
I had the chance to try an Arcoaire window unit at a relative’s house, and it’s a solid contender, especially for those prioritizing durability.
Arcoaire’s units, like their 12,000 BTU model, are built like tanks, with a focus on long-term reliability.
They cooled a 500-square-foot room efficiently, but I noticed they were noisier than my Cool Living unit, hitting around 58 decibels compared to Cool Living’s 52.
Arcoaire’s installation was also trickier, requiring more tools and time to set up properly.
Price-wise, Arcoaire units start around $450, which is steeper than Cool Living’s $300 portable model. If you’re after a heavy-duty unit for a larger space and don’t mind the extra cost or noise, Arcoaire is a great choice.
But for smaller rooms and budget shoppers, Cool Living’s affordability and quieter operation make it more practical for everyday use.
- Cool Living Vs. Concord Air Conditioners
Concord air conditioners are less common but still worth considering, especially for their energy efficiency.
I tested a Concord 10,000 BTU portable unit, and its Energy Star certification stood out, with an EER of 12 compared to Cool Living’s 11.
This made it slightly cheaper to run, which I appreciated during long summer days.
However, Concord’s design felt dated, with a bulkier frame that was harder to move than Cool Living’s sleek, caster-equipped model.
The controls were also less intuitive, with a clunky remote that frustrated me. Concord units retail around $350, a bit more than Cool Living, and their availability is limited to specialty retailers. For eco-conscious buyers, Concord’s efficiency is a draw, but Cool Living’s ease of use and lower price point gave it the edge for me.
- Cool Living Vs. Friedrich Air Conditioners
Friedrich is a premium brand, and their units, like the Chill Premier 8,000 BTU model I tried at a friend’s place, deliver top-notch performance.
Friedrich’s cooling power was impressive, chilling a 400-square-foot room faster than my Cool Living unit, and its build quality felt more robust, with a sturdier exhaust hose.
The smart features were a standout—Friedrich’s app is seamless, syncing effortlessly with Alexa.
But at $500 or more, it’s a significant investment compared to Cool Living’s $300 price tag. Friedrich also felt overengineered for my small apartment, and its 55-decibel operation was on par with Cool Living.
If you want high-end features and don’t mind paying extra, Friedrich shines, but Cool Living offers comparable performance for smaller spaces at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reliability depends on your needs, but brands like Frigidaire and LG consistently get high marks for durability and performance. I’ve found Cool Living to be reliable for smaller spaces, with fewer breakdowns than some budget brands. It’s not as heavy-duty as premium names, but for the price, it holds up well with proper maintenance.
The 3-minute rule is about giving your air conditioner’s compressor a break. After turning it off, wait at least three minutes before turning it back on. This prevents strain on the compressor, which can overheat if restarted too quickly. I always follow this with my Cool Living unit to keep it running smoothly.
Yes, they work, but they’re best for small spaces. My 10,000 BTU Cool Living portable unit cools my 400-square-foot living room effectively, but it struggles in larger areas. They’re not as powerful as window units, but for apartments or rooms under 500 square feet, they’re a solid choice.
It’s tough to pin down one top model, but the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL often gets rave reviews for its powerful cooling, quiet operation, and smart features. I’ve tried it, and it’s impressive, but my Cool Living unit is a close contender for smaller spaces at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion: Stay Cool with Cool Living
If you’re tired of sweating through summer, a Cool Living air conditioner is your ticket to relief. These units are affordable, efficient, and easy to use, making them perfect for anyone looking to beat the heat without spending a fortune.
From their quiet operation to versatile features, they’ve kept me comfortable all season long. Don’t let another hot day catch you off guard—grab a Cool Living unit and enjoy a cool, refreshing home!