Every RV air conditioner gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Units are grouped by cooling capacity (under 12,000 BTU, 12,000 to 14,000 and over 14,000), and value has its own scale for each group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per 1,000 BTU of cooling | 30% |
| Efficiency | running amps per 1,000 BTU | 20% |
| Starting current | the surge at start, which sizes the generator | 15% |
| Noise | rated sound level inside | 10% |
| Warranty | warranty on the unit | 25% |
Where the numbers come from
Cooling capacity, running and starting current, noise and warranty come from the maker’s spec sheet, product page or installation manual. Prices are checked at Amazon, the maker’s own store and other retailers, and the lowest is used. The product page says whether that price includes the ceiling assembly.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the rated cooling capacity, per 1,000 BTU, on a log scale, so going from $120 to $60 per 1,000 BTU counts as much as going from $60 to $30. Under 12,000 BTU, $170 scores zero and $75 full marks; from 12,000 to 14,000, $140 and $60; over 14,000, $120 and $50.
Efficiency is the running current while cooling divided by the cooling capacity: amps per 1,000 BTU, where lower means more cooling from the same hookup or generator. 1.25 A per 1,000 BTU scores zero and 0.7 A full marks.
Starting current is the surge the compressor pulls to start, which decides whether a generator or a 15 A outlet can run the unit at all. 75 A scores zero and 20 A full marks. When a unit has a soft start or an inverter compressor built in but the maker doesn’t publish the figure, it scores 70 and the product page marks it as estimated.
Noise is the maker’s rated sound level inside the RV: 75 dBA scores zero and 55 dBA full marks. Makers measure at different fan speeds and distances, and the product page notes how when the maker says.
Warranty is the limited warranty on the unit: 1 year scores zero and 3 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Heat pump or heat strip, ducted or non-ducted fit, height above the roof, weight and app control are listed but not scored. A heat pump has its own page.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.