Updated Nov 7, 2026
How to choose an air conditioner: what today's catalog shows
Type, cooling and today's price.
Not sure which air conditioner to buy?
See the guideStep 1 of 3
First, the type
Each type has its own price range.
Each type of air conditioner costs something different, so we only compare within the same type.
| Type | Models today | Median price | Cheapest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable | 41 | $649 | Costway Ashrae 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, $300 |
| Window | 58 | $944 | Frigidaire FHWC054WB1 Window Air Conditioner, $295 |
| Split | 27 | $1,400 | Fanbulous 42 Inch Modern Ceiling Fans, $86 |
Step 2 of 3
Then, the cooling
More is not always better for everyone: it is what you pay for.
Cooling is what separates prices most within a type.
| Cooling | Models today | Median price |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8000 BTU | 41 | $650 |
| 8000 to 12000 BTU | 35 | $860 |
| Over 12000 BTU | 33 | $1,125 |
Step 3 of 3
Finally, today's price
Compare with similar items, not with just any.
Today there are 126 air conditioners in the catalog, with a median price of $867, read on 07/11/2026. The chart on the main page shows each air conditioner by price and how far it is below its own normal price.
Today's cheapest:
What the catalog shows
- 126air conditioners in the catalog
- 07/11date of the prices
Choosing an air conditioner starts with the type and cooling; the price is compared with similar items. Catalog of 07/11/2026: 126 air conditioners, median price $867.
The best by price range
Next step
See the air conditioners that fit your criteria
Each point is a new air conditioner, by price and spec score.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an air conditioner cost today?
Read on 07/11/2026, there are 126 air conditioners, with a median of $867; the cheapest costs $86. It is the catalog product price.
How do I know if a air conditioner price is good?
Compare it with air conditioners of the same type: the chart on the main page shows how far each air conditioner is below its own normal price.
Read next
Where the numbers come from
The guide only states what the day's catalog shows: each number comes from the reading on 07/11/2026, and the median is for air conditioners with the data.
The guide helps you decide and doesn’t recommend a air conditioner for you: the final price is the one at the store, and the spec score doesn’t measure real cooling or noise or durability.
Data from Nov 7, 2026.