Air conditioners: cool deals.

If you're in the market for a room air conditioner, now is a great time to buy, Overall, they're more energy efficient and a better value than they were even a year ago; our tests of 36 models include CR Best Buys in all sizes.

Across the board, prices have dropped about 10 percent per year. Top-rated small, midsized, and large models now sell for $180, $260, and $300, respectively. The ability of big retailers such as Wal-Mart to negotiate lower prices is one reason. Another is the competition among manufacturers, including start-up companies in China and South Korea. Improvements include the following:

Energy efficiency for less. No longer do models that use the least electricity cost the most. Our five CR Best Buys and most others in our tests exceed the 10.7 energy-efficiency rating (EER) required for Energy-Star status. Energy Star is a voluntary federal program that helps identify models at least 10 percent more efficient than the standard. To find an energy-efficient model, look at the EER; the higher, the better. Energy-efficient units not only help the environment, but may qualify for rebates in some areas: see www.energystar.gov for details. All models meet the 9.7 EER required for units below 8,000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.) and the 9.8 EER for those 8,000 to 13.999 Btu/hr. The high performance scores of energy-efficient models suggest that all air conditioners could be made to meet the higher Energy-Star benchmark.

More features. Some that we like include many coolness settings and variable-speed fans to give you more options and potentially save energy. Some also have new modes such as "sleep," which raises the room temperature a few degrees in the first hour and lowers it seven hours later. Most tested models have digital temperature readouts, timers, energy-saver settings, and remote controls. With one model, the large Frigidaire Electrolux, you set the remote for a desired temperature, place it somewhere, and the air conditioner will kick in when the remote signals that the target area is getting hotter. Most models also have electronic touchpad controls.

Some units also now have integrated air cleaners; we don't recommend that you buy a model based on this feature.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Use our free online calculator at www.ConsumerReports.org to assess your specific cooling needs. These will be among your considerations: