CoolVerdict is a free, independent online tool that sizes rooms for air conditioners, estimates running costs, and matches users to window, portable, and mini-split units based on efficiency and price data rather than sponsored placements.
Key Features
- BTU calculator — Factors in room square footage, climate (Cool North, Mixed/Temperate, Hot & Humid, Hot & Dry), sun exposure, and whether the room is a kitchen, outputting a BTU range such as 8,000–9,000 BTU for a 320 ft² room.
- Spec-matched comparison — Sorts 45+ top units by efficiency, noise, price, and smart features in one table; units can be filtered by type (window, portable, mini-split).
- HVAC contractor directory — Lists established, top-rated AC repair, installation, and maintenance contractors across all 50 states, with Google ratings and years in business shown.
- State-by-state guides — Provides local sizing and cost guidance for all 50 states, grouped by climate type (e.g., Florida Hot & Humid, Minnesota Mixed/Temperate, Alaska Cool North).
- Buying guides — Editorial guides such as "The Best AC for Apartments & Renters in 2026" and "The Best Window Air Conditioners of 2026," updated regularly.
- HVAC Pulse newsfeed — A stream of curated HVAC and climate-related headlines from external sources like ZeroHedge, Dealnews, and Green Building Advisor.
- No sign-up — The calculator, comparison tools, guides, and contractor directory are all free and do not require an account.
What can you do with CoolVerdict?
- Size a room in 60 seconds: answer questions about room dimensions, climate, sun, and kitchen status to get a BTU range and matched AC models.
- Compare ACs side by side: sort 45+ window, portable, and mini-split units by efficiency (CEER, EER, SEER, SEER2), noise (dB), coverage, and estimated price.
- Find a local HVAC contractor: search the directory for AC repair, installation, or maintenance pros across all 50 states, filtered by rating and experience.
- Read local cost guides: open state-specific pages to see how climate and electricity rates affect AC sizing and running costs in your area.
How does CoolVerdict work?
The calculator asks for room size, climate zone, sun exposure, and whether the room is a kitchen. It returns a recommended BTU range (for example, 8,000–9,000 BTU for a 320 ft² room) and links to matched units in the comparison table. Running-cost estimates are based on each unit’s efficiency, about 8 hours of use per day, and average residential electricity rates.
Pricing
CoolVerdict is free. There is no sign-up required, and the calculator, comparison tools, buying guides, and contractor directory are all available without payment. The site states it has no sponsored rankings; any future affiliate links would be clearly labeled.
FAQ
Is CoolVerdict free to use?
Yes — the BTU calculator, comparison tools, buying guides, and HVAC-contractor directory are all free, with no sign-up required.
Is CoolVerdict independent?
Yes. Recommendations are based on specs and data, not paid placement — there are no sponsored rankings, and any future affiliate links will be clearly labeled and will not influence rankings.
Where does CoolVerdict’s data come from?
Product specs come from manufacturer documentation and independent testing, shown with each unit’s true efficiency metric (CEER, EER, SEER, or SEER2). Contractor listings are compiled from public information.
How accurate are the running-cost estimates?
They are estimates based on each unit’s efficiency, typical usage of about 8 hours a day, and average residential electricity rates — your actual cost varies with your utility rate and habits. The calculator personalizes it to your room and state.
