As is the case for many people, my home cannot be retrofitted with central air. My 100-plus-year-old Brooklyn apartment, which features prominently in my seven years of air quality reporting for WIRED ...
For window units, we measured the distance a cool breeze could be felt (known as throw) and recommend models that throw cool air at least five feet. For portable units, we turned the fan speed to high ...
We got our hands on multiple units and looked for models that are quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to install.