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Contents · Winter edition

Climate gear, sized and compared on certified specs.

Size the problem first. Then compare models on DOE, ENERGY STAR, AHRI and NEEP numbers, not box claims.

In season · Oct–Feb
A calm, sunlit home interior

Winter: dry air

Start with moisture levels, room size, and an output you can maintain.

The index

Four hubs, winter order

Humidifiers

In season

Compares

gallons/day output

Output, tank size, and the work of keeping it clean.

Humidifiers: home environment

Mini splits

Compares

SEER2 / HSPF2 · 5°F capacity

Cooling efficiency and heating output when it gets cold.

Mini splits: home environment

Dehumidifiers

Compares

pints/day · DOE 2019 · 65°F

Certified water removal, drainage, and operating temperature.

Dehumidifiers: home environment

Portable ACs

Compares

SACC BTU

Compare the DOE adjusted capacity, alongside the box claim.

Portable ACs: home environment
Tape measure for sizing a space

Tools

Size it before you shop.

How we pick

We don't test products by hand.

We read the certified numbers, score documented specifications out of 10, and date every price.

DOE · ENERGY STAR · AHRI · NEEP

How we rate →
Illustrative figures showing how to read a spec; these are not product recommendations.
On the box Certified · what we compare
Dehumidifier · box claim DOE 2019 · 65°F / 60% RH
Portable AC · ASHRAE BTU SACC · DOE adjusted BTU
Mini split · nominal heating Heating output at 5°F · NEEP