How we rank products

Every ranking on this site is calculated, not hand-picked. Here is the whole method.

1. Specs come from the manufacturer

We enter only figures published on an official ENERGY STAR certified-product record or a U.S. DOE Compliance Certification record, and we link the record we used under every product. If a figure isn't published we show "Not listed" instead of guessing.

2. Each spec is scaled from 0 to 1

Each criterion has a fixed reference range, from a "weakest reasonable" value to a "best in class" value (for example 1.70 to 2.20 liters per kWh for dehumidifier integrated energy factor). A product's figure is placed on that range and clamped between 0 and 1, so scores stay meaningful as products are added. Yes/no features count as 1 or 0. The ranges are listed below.

3. Weights decide what matters most

Each category lists its criteria and weights on the page. The score is the weighted average, multiplied by 10:

score = 10 × Σ(weight × scaled value) ÷ Σ(weight)

4. How missing data is scored

If a spec isn't published, the product scores at the lowest value any product in that category actually published, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one. The page marks each such cell with an asterisk. Yes/no features that aren't stated count as no. Nothing is ever scored at the category average. ENERGY STAR Most Efficient is scored as Yes only when the official ENERGY STAR record marks that criterion as Yes.

5. Prices and ratings switch on automatically

When our retailer feeds supply a current price or customer rating for at least 60% of products in a category, two more criteria join the formula: Price / value (20%) and Customer rating (15%, discounted when there are few reviews). Until then we show "Check price" and never estimate a price.

6. What the score can't tell you

Specs don't capture how loud a unit is in your room, how a portable AC hose is installed, or whether a dehumidifier's bucket is easy to empty. Dehumidifier capacity is the ENERGY STAR / DOE Appendix X1 water-removal rating, which is often lower than older 50-pint marketing claims. Portable AC capacity is DOE seasonally adjusted cooling capacity (SACC), which is usually lower than the ASHRAE BTU printed on many boxes. When we divide SACC or cooling capacity by CEER to estimate cooling power in watts, we label that figure computed. Use the score to shortlist, then read the pros, cons, safety notes and sources. When we add hands-on testing notes, we label them clearly.

7. Money never changes the order

We earn affiliate commissions from some retailers. Commission rates are not an input to the formula, and no brand can pay for placement. See our affiliate disclosure.

Criteria by category

Portable Dehumidifiers

• Water removal capacity: 34% · range 9 → 50 pints/day
• Integrated energy factor: 32% · range 1.7 → 2.2 L/kWh
• ENERGY STAR Most Efficient: 18% · yes/no
• Connected capable: 16% · yes/no

Portable Air Conditioners

• DOE SACC: 30% · range 5000 → 12000 Btu/h
• DOE CEER: 32% · range 6.1 → 14.7
• Dual-duct certification: 20% · yes/no
• Variable-speed compressor: 10% · yes/no
• Heating function: 8% · yes/no

Window Air Conditioners

• ENERGY STAR CEER: 32% · range 12 → 17.6
• Cooling capacity: 24% · range 5000 → 18000 Btu/h
• ENERGY STAR Most Efficient: 18% · yes/no
• Window-straddling installation: 14% · yes/no
• Heating mode: 12% · yes/no