Optimize Your AC

Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to look for in a window AC unit and a simple hack for your ceiling fan that will help beat the heat. Then, we learn all about what heat pumps have to do with keeping cool from senior staff writer Liam McCabe. Plus, everything you need to know about the Midea U recall. Products we recommend: The best budget window AC: Frigidaire FHWW084TE1Weatherizing gear: Frost King Silicone Weatherseal and Frost King Extra Wide Heavy Duty Door SweepBlackout cellular shades: Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout ShadeThe best vortex fan: Vornado 630 Medium Air CirculatorMore about the Midea U recallMidea Is Voluntarily Recalling Our Favorite Air Conditioner. Here’s What You Should Know.A diagram for checking if your Midea U air condition has mold growing insideAdditional reading: The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025The 6 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025The Best Ductless Mini Split Air ConditionerWith Air Conditioners, Bigger Could Actually Be WorseIt’s Actually Okay to Run the AC All Day, Even If You’re Not Home7 Times a Portable Air Conditioner Actually Makes Sense Over a Window ACA Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home—Here’s What to KnowHow to Find a Competent Heat Pump InstallerHow to Keep Your Home Cool  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.