It seems each summer has become more brutal than the last, as the heat seemingly continues to get worse and worse with little relief in sight. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says July was the hottest month ever — ever! — on earth. Without an air conditioner, an unbearable time of year can become downright uninhabitable if your current unit isn’t up to par. For those of us that aren’t lucky enough to have central air, portable and/or window air conditioner units are our best friends — but what if they could work smarter?
Just like most of our other modern day appliances, manufacturers have started to incorporate smart technology into A/C units as well. Advances in bluetooth and mobile apps have made it so that you’re just a tap away from being able to have full control over every aspect of your cooling experience, no matter where you are, making it even easier to cool down and relax once you’re out of the heat. Whether you’re in the market for a brand new unit or are just ready for an upgrade, we’ve rounded up five of the best smart air conditioners for you, below. Pair them with your phone (to, say, cool down the house before you come home) or turn on one the units’ smart settings to make sure you’re cool and comfortable when you’re home, and saving energy when you leave for the day.