Optimize Your AC
The Wirecutter Show · Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell, Rosie Guerin, Liam McCabe, Thom Dunn
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (dts.podtrac.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
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 FHWW084TE1
- Weatherizing gear: Frost King Silicone Weatherseal and Frost King Extra Wide Heavy Duty Door Sweep
- Blackout cellular shades: Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout Shade
- The best vortex fan: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator
More about the Midea U recall
- Midea 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 inside
Additional reading:
- The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025
- The 6 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025
- The Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
- With Air Conditioners, Bigger Could Actually Be Worse
- It’s Actually Okay to Run the AC All Day, Even If You’re Not Home
- 7 Times a Portable Air Conditioner Actually Makes Sense Over a Window AC
- A Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home—Here’s What to Know
- How to Find a Competent Heat Pump Installer
- How 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 Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: 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.