• Mikaela Shiffrin, 30, says she worked with a psychologist to "desensitize" herself to the Olympics.
• That way, she would be able to better manage the pressure of the competition.
• She said she even visited Paris two summers ago to get a feel for the Olympic atmosphere.

Mikaela Shiffrin, 30, may be a three-time Olympic gold medalist, but there was a time when just hearing the name of the Games felt overwhelming.

On Friday's episode of "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce," Shiffrin said getting ready for one of the biggest competitions in sports took years of work, much of it away from cameras and crowds.

"My Olympic experiences have been so wildly different. Now it's four, and I'm really aware, right now, of all of the work that's gone into — actually, not the medal — but the work that's gone into showing up on race day, and being able to show up with the mentality and the skiing that I wanted to do," Shiffrin told podcast host Kylie Kelce.

The grind continued even away from the slopes, she said, especially when it came to managing the pressure that comes with the Games.

"Even this summertime, the amount of conversations I had with my psychologist talking about all the different feelings surrounding the Olympics, and like desensitizing to the word, and imagining the vibe, imagining the colors," Shiffrin said.

She added that she even visited Paris two summers ago to get a feel for the Olympic atmosphere and "desensitize" herself to it.

Not only that, Shiffrin has structured her life around staying physically and mentally ready at all times.

"There's just so much life outside of the sport, but we do so much of our life, you know, it's all geared towards the sport," Shiffrin said, adding that she hasn't had alcohol in two years because it tends to make her sick.

"And I'm like, I can't afford to be sick, literally ever. So, we're just going to not have any alcohol. Like, we're going to drink electrolytes, man," Shiffrin said.

It still throws her off that something she's trained for over years can be decided in seconds.

"But you spend so much time doing all of this work and training for something, and then the moment it happens is, you know, 47 seconds, or like in the blink of an eye, and it's just really weird," she said.

Shiffrin is widely considered the greatest alpine ski racer of all time, with 108 World Cup wins. She made her Olympic debut at the 2014 Sochi Games at age 18, winning her first Olympic gold in slalom and becoming the youngest athlete in history to do so.

On Wednesday, nearly a decade later, she earned another gold medal in slalom — her first Olympic victory since 2018.

This isn't the first time Shiffrin has spoken about the steps she takes to stay focused.

Speaking to WDSU News on Friday, she said she deliberately avoided social media in the lead-up to her races at the Winter Olympics.

"If I was scrolling my feed or something, I just knew I was going to come across things that would get into my brain that would be not at all conducive to the experience that my team and I came for," Shiffrin said.

On Saturday, she told NBC Sports that she chose not to "set expectations" for herself heading into the Milan Cortina Games — a mindset she said ultimately helped her ski her best.

"On race day, I felt like I skied my best skiing, and that was really my goal," she said.

• The season one finale of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" aired on Sunday.
• The episode features key scenes that don't exist in George R. R. Martin's book, "The Hedge Knight."
• Showrunner Ira Parker told Business Insider that he was careful not to contradict the original text.

Spoilers ahead for "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" season one, episode six, "The Morrow," and the book "The World of Ice & Fire."

HBO's "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" stuck the landing on Sunday after a highly praised first season.

The prequel show, which was meticulously adapted from George R. R. Martin's "Tales of Dunk and Egg" series, managed to toe the line between faithfully bringing Martin's characters to the screen and adding a few new twists.

That was especially true of the season one finale, "The Morrow," which features several key scenes that don't exist in Martin's original novella "The Hedge Knight" — two of which have major implications for the show's plucky duo and their many adventures to come.

Dunk's flashback scene implies that he's lying about his knighthood

"The Morrow" includes a flashback to Dunk's recent past, when he was a squire for Ser Arlan of Pennytree.

As Arlan is propped against a tree, pale and babbling and apparently dying, Dunk asks, "Why did you never knight me? Did you think I'd leave you? I wouldn't have. Or was it something else?" He doesn't get an answer.

The scene is filmed in the same place as the season opener — on the hillside where Dunk buries Arlan's body.

Book readers have long suspected that Dunk is lying about his knighthood. He tells people that Arlan knighted him just before he died, with "only a robin, up in a thorn tree" to bear witness. When Dunk tries to enter the jousting tournament at Ashford Meadow, he's told to find a lord or another knight to vouch for him, but no one can verify his claim. Hardly anyone even remembers that Arlan existed.

Privately, Dunk struggles with his identity and how he presents himself to the world. In "The Hedge Knight," after it's revealed that Egg is a Targaryen prince in disguise, Dunk is shocked and embarrassed for having been deceived, but he also feels a twinge of compassion and solidarity: "He knew what it was like to want something so badly that you would tell a monstrous lie just to get near it."

"A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" showrunner Ira Parker told Business Insider that he wanted the scene to be up for interpretation.

"A lot of the exposition around whether or not Dunk was knighted is internal thoughts in his head. And we get pretty, pretty close to him coming out and just saying it. It's just like, what else could he be thinking of? What else could he mean by this?" Parker explained. "But it's not said in black and white."

Throughout season one, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" drops subtle hints that Dunk was only ever a squire — that he's lying to give himself a fighting chance at a better future. When he meets Egg in the premiere, the boy tells him plainly, "You don't look to be a knight." In episode four, Dunk hesitates when Raymun Fossoway asks to be knighted so he can fight in Dunk's Trial of Seven.

"Go on, Ser Duncan," Lyonel Baratheon urges. "Any knight can make a knight."

Still, Dunk doesn't draw his sword to fulfill the request. Is that because he doesn't want his friend to die in a dangerous trial by combat? Or because he doesn't know the words to recite if he never heard them himself? ("In the name of the warrior, I charge you to be brave. In the name of the father, I charge you to be just," etc.) It's also possible that Dunk doesn't want to risk Raymun's honor with a knighting ceremony by a fake knight.

During his loaded pause, Lyonel gives Dunk a searching look, but these questions remain unasked.

Parker said he made sure to preserve the ambiguity surrounding Dunk's knighthood, which is "100% the way George would like it."

In the finale's flashback scene, just when it seems like Arlan is gone forever, he startles awake. We never actually watch the old man die, so it's still possible that he knighted Dunk offscreen.

"It is just as wide open as it ever was," Parker said. "So that was very important to maintain, but also — it's just fun. And I know fans of the book are going to be thinking about that question, so we're just trying to enjoy ourselves as much as possible with it. And it's a little bit of a tease."

The irony, of course, is that Dunk is a truer knight than most, even if he never took the sacred vows. He's brave and just, and he risks his own life to protect the innocent — quite unlike the dishonesty and bloodthirst of his Trial of Seven opponents. These characters ask us to consider what real honor looks like in a place like Westeros, and to question the substance of titles like "ser," "lord," and even "prince."

In turn, Egg lies about getting his father's blessing to travel with Dunk

After the Trial of Seven is over, Egg's father, Maekar, asks Dunk to pledge himself to House Targaryen and return with their family to Summerhall. He says that Egg has grown fond of Dunk and wishes to serve as his squire.

Dunk offers instead to bring Egg on his travels. He believes that growing up among smallfolk rather than servants will help Egg learn compassion and humility.

Naturally, Maekar says no. He's not about to let his youngest son, the latest in a long line of royal Aegons, wander around Westeros with only a hedge knight to protect him. "Princes are not made for sleeping in ditches and eating hard salt beef," he tells Dunk in the book.

Dunk counters that Egg's older brothers, who are known as Daeron the Drunken and Aerion the Monstrous, never slept beneath the stars or ate less-than-perfect food. Maekar leaves without saying another word.

Then, as Dunk is readying his horses to leave Ashford, Egg suddenly reappears.

"My lord father says I am to serve you," Egg says, and they ride off together, heading south toward Dorne.

Why and when does Maekar have a change of heart? In the book, it remains a mystery, but the show offers a plainer explanation: He didn't.

The final scene of the episode shows Maekar riding away from Ashford with the rest of the Targaryens. When he realizes Egg is nowhere to be seen, he begins panicking and shouting for his son.

Parker said he created the scene because it makes sense for the character of Egg. "[The story] started by him sneaking off and getting into trouble. And of course, he just goes and he does the same thing, because we all make the same mistakes over and over and over again, and then we die."

As for Maekar, the added scene reflects his stubbornness as a father and his pride as a Targaryen.

"He's just a curmudgeon, and probably a shitty father, but I actually do think he really does love his children. I do think he cares about them, even though he's not able to raise them well, he still wants to," Parker said of Maekar. "The idea of letting Egg go off with someone else just felt like too much for me. It felt like he could reasonably say no in this moment, even though he knows it would be better for Egg."

Although the show's version of events doesn't directly contradict the book, it does add a troubling wrinkle to Egg's family lore. Maekar eventually becomes king of Westeros, and he may not take kindly to Dunk's absconding with his heir. He may even misinterpret the event as a treasonous kidnapping.

"We'll never be in Maekar's POV, but this will rear its head at some point," Parker hinted for future seasons. "Many ways were discussed about how to deal with this. Hopefully, people like the way we've chosen."

The second season of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," adapted from Martin's "The Sworn Sword," is slated for a 2027 release.

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If you really want your living room to feel like a home theater, screen size matters — and the best 85-inch TVs deliver a level of scale and immersion that smaller sets just can't touch. Movies feel more cinematic, sports feel bigger, and video games pull you in. The downside? Prices climb fast once you hit this size, so picking the right model is key if you want standout performance without overspending.

To help narrow it down, I've rounded up the best 83- and 85-inch TVs you can buy right now. I've spent more than a decade reviewing home theater gear, and I evaluate TVs with a close eye on picture quality, smart features, and overall value. For most people, the TCL QM7K strikes the best balance. This midrange QLED gets impressively bright, delivers vibrant color, and comes in at a reasonable price for its size. If you're shopping on a tighter budget, the TCL QM6K is a strong alternative. It's not as bright as the QM7K, but it's often available for around $1,000, which is a steal for such a large screen.

One quick sizing note: LED and QLED TVs are typically sold in 85- or 86-inch options, while OLED panels are commonly available in 83 inches. That's why you'll see 83-inch OLED models included here.

Our top picks for the best 85-inch TVs

Best overall: TCL QM7K 4K QLED TV - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best midrange OLED: LG C5 4K OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best premium model: LG G5 4K OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best overall

For overall value, the TCL QM7K QLED is the best 85-inch TV I recommend. It often dips to around $1,500 during sales — an excellent price for a big-screen model in this class.

With its QLED panel and Mini LED dimming, the QM7K delivers a bright, punchy picture with strong contrast and solid black levels. I measured peak brightness at roughly 1,800 nits, which is more than enough to make HDR highlights really shine.

Explosions and other bright effects pop, and dark scenes show better contrast control than what I saw on this TV's predecessor, the QM7. Minor light bleed still exists, but it's less noticeable than it was on the previous model. Just keep in mind that black levels don't fully disappear in a dark room, as they do on OLEDs or higher-end QLEDs.

Viewing angles are also improved. Colors and contrast still fade a bit off-center, but not nearly as much as older TCL TVs. On the software side, Google TV runs smoothly, and after weeks of testing, I encountered no significant glitches.

Gamers get plenty of perks, too. A pop-up game menu shows key video and performance settings, and the TV supports up to 144Hz with a PC or up to 120Hz with a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

You can find better-looking 85-inch TVs, but the price jump to reach that next tier is significant. For what you pay, few large-screen models offer the QM7K's blend of brightness, features, and overall picture quality.

Check out our guides to the best TCL TVs, best smart TVs, and the best TVs for sports.

Best on a budget

The best 85-inch TVs don't come cheap. Even entry-level models rarely dip below $700, and those sets make key sacrifices to keep costs down. However, TCL's QM6K is a bit of an outlier. The 85-inch size is often available for around $1,000 and features advanced capabilities that most budget-friendly sets lack.

Like the pricier QM7K, the QM6K utilizes a QLED panel with a Mini LED backlight and supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. This gives the TV a wider color range, higher contrast, a brighter picture, and smoother gaming performance than regular LED sets that lack these features. The TV's contrast control is great for a display in this class, and its black levels are solid.

However, dark scenes aren't quite as inky as they are on OLED TVs or pricier QLED models, and this is the dimmest TV in this guide. I measured a peak of around 560-730 nits across various test patterns. Those are decent numbers for the money, but bright HDR content lacks the impact I've seen on TVs with higher luminance. Like most QLED displays, the QM6K's viewing angles are limited, though slightly better than those of older TCL models like the Q65.

The TV's Google TV interface is a breeze to use, and I didn't run into any major lag or glitches. The included Google Assistant voice remote even has backlit keys, a nice perk that Samsung and LG remotes lack.

Though performance between all QM6K sizes is comparable in most areas, the 85- and 98-inch models have one notable feature that smaller sizes lack. The 85-inch QM6K features a matte screen coating that reduces reflections. This is great if you plan to use the TV in a room that struggles with sunlight. However, matte screens tend to reduce contrast under certain lighting conditions, so if you don't have glare in your room, you might prefer a traditional glossy-style TV.

Read our TCL QM6K TV review.

Visit our guides to all of the best TVs and best budget TVs.

Best midrange OLED

The 83-inch LG C5 OLED isn't as budget-friendly as competing QLED TVs in this size range, but it delivers a clear step up in overall picture quality.

Thanks to its self-emissive OLED panel, the C5 can control brightness and contrast at the pixel level, producing perfect black levels, excellent shadow detail, and ultra-wide viewing angles that no QLED can match. These traits make it especially impressive for movie nights or home theater setups in darker rooms.

That said, I still give TCL's QM7K QLED an edge in overall value at this screen size, as OLED pricing jumps dramatically once you reach 83 inches. However, if you're willing to spend the money, the C5's infinite contrast ratio makes it a superior TV for cinematic viewing. In a dark environment, its black levels and contrast performance far exceed those of any midrange QLED.

On the downside, the C5's brightness can't quite match that of a midrange or high-end QLED. For a brighter 83-inch OLED, you'd have to spend up on LG's high-end G5, which uses a more advanced screen with brightness-boosting capabilities.

Even so, the C5 is plenty bright for typical use. While testing the 65-inch model, our reviewer measured a peak of roughly 1,175 nits — a good number for an OLED of this class — and the 83-inch version should perform similarly. While it won't cut through glare quite as effectively as brighter QLEDs or the G5, HDR movies still look fantastic, with deep contrast and rich color.

LG's webOS smart TV platform works well enough, and I appreciate that you can disable banner ads on the homepage. That said, I don't love how prominently shopping recommendations appear on the page. LG's Magic Remote offers a choice between standard click-button controls and motion controls. The latest remote also has a more streamlined, compact, and comfortable design compared to previous models. However, I wish LG hadn't removed the dedicated input and mute buttons.

As an alternative in this class, I also recommend the Samsung S90F OLED. At this size, the S90F and C5 deliver extremely similar image quality, but the C5 has the added benefit of supporting Dolby Vision, which Samsung TVs do not. However, if you happen to find the 83-inch S90F on sale for less than the C5, it's a very worthy option.

Read our LG C5 4K TV review.

Visit our guide to the best LG TVs.

Best high-end model

LG's 83-inch G5 OLED is the ultimate high-end TV in this size. It's the most advanced OLED available at 83 inches, besting the overall picture quality of all my other picks. Of course, it also has the highest price tag of any TV you'll find in this guide.

Part of what makes the G5 so impressive is its high brightness. In fact, this is the brightest OLED TV on the market. While testing the 65-inch model using the TV's HDR Filmmaker Mode (its most accurate setting), I measured a peak of 2,410 nits. The 83-inch model should deliver the same performance. LG's older G4 maxed out at 1,550 nits, so this model offers a substantial upgrade.

This exceptional brightness, combined with the OLED panel's infinite contrast ratio and perfect black levels, produces stunning HDR images without the blooming or backlight imperfections typically found on QLED TVs. The G5 also features wide viewing angles, providing a great image from virtually any seating position.

But as impressive as the G5 is, it's not quite perfect. The TV initially experienced posterization (blocky, rather than smooth, gradations of color and shadows) in some isolated HDR content, but LG released firmware updates to address it. With that in mind, I don't consider this a major problem. Throughout weeks of testing the TV, I only noticed minor flaws, and the G5's strengths far outweighed those shortcomings.

LG's webOS smart TV interface rounds out the package with solid navigation speed, access to every major streaming app, and nice perks like hands-free voice control. However, the interface emphasizes shopping recommendations too prominently, and I find other systems, like Google TV, to be more stable and consistent.

Buyers should also note that the G5 is designed for wall mounting, to the point that it doesn't even include a traditional TV stand. Instead, you get a bracket that lets you mount it flush to your wall with virtually no gap. It looks beautiful hung this way, but you need to buy a stand separately if wall mounting isn't an option for your room.

This set is expensive, but if budget isn't a concern and you want the most impressive image quality at this size, the LG G5 is the best 83-inch TV available.

Read our LG G5 4K TV review.

Visit our guides to the best TVs for picture quality and best gaming TVs.

How we test 85-inch TVs

To select the best 85-inch TVs, our team of experts relies on hands-on testing informed by over a decade of experience covering the home entertainment product market.

When reviewing TVs, we typically evaluate each model's 65-inch option since that's the industry's flagship size. However, a specific model's overall performance often remains comparable across sizes 55 inches and up. For example, the 83-inch and 65-inch LG G5 OLED models have identical specifications. The only notable difference is the size of each panel.

However, QLED TV models with local dimming, like the TCL QM7K and QM6K, use fewer dimming zones on smaller models. This can lead to some variances in contrast performance across sizes, but not to the point that it would alter our overall takeaway. We take all differences into account when recommending TVs and detail these instances as they arise.

To evaluate displays, we examine key picture-quality elements, including color performance, clarity/sharpness, contrast control, HDR brightness, refresh rate, smart-TV interface speed, off-angle viewing, and overall value. We use a colorimeter and test patterns on the Spears & Munsil HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to check brightness and other objective image attributes.

We also use each TV we test for day-to-day viewing over multiple weeks, relying on various movies and TV shows to assess real-world performance in both bright and dark rooms. We've selected specific scenes to compare the quality of each TV, with black levels, shadow detail, HDR capabilities, and upscaling in mind. Sources include 4K, 1080p, and standard definition (SD) material from Blu-rays, streaming services, and cable TV. We also test gaming capabilities using a PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

For more information on our review process, visit our page detailing how we test tech products.

85-inch TV FAQs

Is 85 inches a good TV size?

The best 85-inch TVs can provide a level of immersion that smaller displays can't achieve. They're especially suitable for larger rooms, as you can sit farther away and still enjoy a cinematic experience. Although there are fewer 85-inch models than smaller screen sizes, several of our picks for the best 4K TVs are available in sizes ranging from 83 to 85 inches.

However, many rooms simply can't accommodate a TV this big, and 85-inch sets are typically pricey. If you need a smaller display, check out our guides focused on other sizes:

• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 43-inch TVs

And if you want an even larger display, check out our guide to the best 100-inch TVs.

Why are some TVs offered in 83 or 86 inches rather than 85 inches?

Differences in panel manufacturing processes across brands and screen types result in slight variations in screen size options, depending on the TV you buy. OLED TVs are only produced in 83 inches, while some LED/LCD panels may be produced in 86 inches instead of exactly 85 inches. In practice, the difference of an inch or two is subtle, so you're still getting an extra-large, theater-like experience.

When will 2026 85-inch TVs be released?

New 2026 85- and 83-inch TVs were announced at CES in Las Vegas. Some models, like the TCL X11L, are already available, but release dates for most sets are still pending. Based on typical TV release patterns, we expect most 2026 models to launch in spring. We'll review new TVs for consideration in this guide once they're available.

That said, shoppers should keep in mind that 2025 TV models will remain in stock for much of the year. And since 2026 models will be more expensive, 2025 85-inch TVs will likely remain a better value in most cases.

How much should you spend on an 85-inch TV?

Generally, you should expect to pay at least $900 to snag one of the best 85-inch TVs, though high-end models can cost $5,000 or more.

We've seen cheap entry-level 85-inch LED TVs on sale for as low as $600, but budget QLED models typically start at around $900. Midrange options with local dimming and higher brightness capabilities sell for around $1,200 to $1,800. High-end 85-inch QLED 4K TVs with the best performance typically cost around $2,000 to $4,000, while 8K models can range from $4,000 to $7,000.

If you want one of the best OLED TVs in this class, 83-inch options start at around $2,000, while high-end OLEDs this big can cost as much as $6,500.

Unfortunately, 85-inch TVs under $500 are virtually nonexistent unless there's a particularly great deal during a big sales event.

If you're looking for a more affordable set and are willing to compromise on size, check out our guide to the best TVs under $500 for our top recommendations.

Is OLED or QLED better at 85 inches?

It depends on your room and budget. OLED delivers perfect black levels and superior contrast, which look incredible in dark rooms. However, OLED options at this size are limited and expensive. QLED TVs are more common at 85 inches, typically get brighter, and cost significantly less, making them a better fit for bright living rooms and for shoppers focused on value.

You can learn more in our QLED vs. OLED comparison.

Is wall-mounting an 85-inch TV safe and practical?

Yes, wall-mounting an 85-inch TV is generally safe and practical, as long as you use a high-quality mount rated for the TV's weight and secure it to wall studs. You can find top recommendations in our guide to the best TV wall mounts.

Because these TVs are large and heavy, it's important to have at least one extra person (or a professional installer) help with the mounting. Wall-mounting can free up floor space and looks great, but make sure you have enough clearance and a plan for cable management before committing.

Can you buy an 80-inch TV?

No major brands currently sell 80-inch TV models. The closest options are 75-, 77-, 83-, 85-, and 86-inch TVs.

Is 4K resolution enough for an 85-inch TV?

Generally, 4K resolution is enough to deliver a sharp, detailed image on an 85-inch TV. That said, the higher pixel density of an 8K display can slightly improve picture clarity if you sit very close to your TV.

Improvements in pixel smoothness on an 85-inch 8K display should be most noticeable when you sit less than five feet from it. However, for typical viewers, this subtle benefit is not worth the additional cost of an 8K TV.

However, if you're determined to buy an 85-inch 8K TV, Samsung's QN990F QLED is our top recommendation. The QN990F impressed us with its bright, high-contrast image. But we still think cheaper 83-inch 4K OLEDs, like the LG C5, deliver better overall picture performance.

Do 85-inch TVs have good sound quality?

Though there are exceptions, even the best 85-inch TVs tend to offer middling audio performance. Built-in TV speakers typically use small drivers placed in areas that can cause a muffled sound. They can get the job done for casual viewing, but we recommend that shoppers invest in a dedicated speaker system or a soundbar for the best audio performance. We especially like models that support Dolby Atmos, as this format can deliver an immersive surround-sound experience.

Check out our various soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations for different needs:

• Best soundbars
• Best soundbars with subwoofers
• Best budget soundbars
• Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• Best Bose soundbars
• Best Sonos soundbars
• Best surround sound systems

Do you need an 85-inch TV with HDMI 2.1?

Many midrange and high-end 85-inch TVs include at least one HDMI 2.1 port. HDMI 2.1 supports a 4K/120Hz signal (some brands support up to 165Hz), along with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). These features are designed for gaming enthusiasts, enabling smoother motion with reduced lag when paired with a compatible gaming console or PC.

To enable HDMI 2.1 features, all your home entertainment products need to support HDMI 2.1. Therefore, if you have a console connected to a soundbar plugged into your display, all three components must be HDMI 2.1 compliant. Likewise, you need to connect them all with an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable rated for 48Gbps. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for our top recommendations.

All of our best 85-inch TV picks support HDMI 2.1.

• Lisa Lucas and her husband were feeling worn down by the logistics of modern family life.
• They rented out their home and spent a year living out of backpacks with their two young daughters.
• Living and sending their kids to school in Japan, the US, and the Netherlands allowed them to focus on family time.

We were racing to keep up with our packed family schedule. Days blurred into school, work, gymnastics, birthdays, and dinner parties — energizing in theory, exhausting in reality. We were scraping by.

I remember peak multitasking: listening to my 6-year-old read aloud while making breakfast, and trying to finish putting on eyeliner while the eggs finished cooking in the pan.

My husband and I longed for wide-open days to actually connect, but school holidays were never long enough to decompress. We could see how easily the years might slip by, buried in logistics, until suddenly the kids were packing for college.

We wanted to freeze time. So we hatched a plan to leave our "normal" life for a year and have a wild adventure together as a family.

We came up with a plan

In July 2024, we rented out our London home, stored our belongings, and took the bus to Heathrow with two backpacks and a carry-on.

We weren't wandering aimlessly. We planned to live in three locations, traveling for five weeks before and after each stop.

I pivoted my marketing consultancy toward travel writing and speaking, while my husband's academic research guided our shortlist of places we wanted to live. His research enabled legal residency which allowed the girls to attend school. We chose Japan, the US, and the Netherlands, staying three to four months in each.

We picked Tsukuba, Japan, to immerse ourselves in a completely unfamiliar culture; Great Neck, New York, near where we're both from, to give our daughters a taste of American life and spend rare time with family; and Leiden, the Netherlands, to experience its bike- and water-centered lifestyle.

Residency came with a lot of admin.

For Japan, we had originally planned to homeschool. Our 8-year-old surprised us by asking to attend a local Japanese school, despite only knowing a few phrases she had picked up during the three weeks we spent traveling around the country.

The school welcomed both girls. Like their classmates, they walked to school alone, changed into indoor shoes, helped serve lunch, and cleaned the classrooms.

In New York, we lived with family outside the city. The girls rode a yellow school bus for the first time, while my husband commuted by train. It was a stark contrast to London — no uniforms, more complicated mornings, and the sobering reality of active-shooter drills.

In Leiden, the girls attended a small international school. Students biked along canals and tended their own garden plots as part of a Dutch gardening program.

We packed light

Living out of backpacks forced minimalism. I loved escaping the endless to-do list of home life and focusing on actually living.

I wore a single black maxi dress almost every day in Asia — biking through alleys or hiking through the jungle — and it somehow worked.

If anything, I'd bring even less next time. With fewer possessions, our mental bandwidth expanded. We could focus on fun, without guilt.

Parenting on the road

When we first told the girls about our plan, our youngest cried. They loved their friends, their teachers, and the rhythm of school. They couldn't imagine leaving and not coming back. We tried tempting them with volcanoes and snorkeling in Indonesia.

They came around, somewhat. They loved most moments, but they also always wanted to go home. We promised it would only be a year.

Our priority was making them feel safe and secure. We talked about adaptability as a life skill, but we also held them close and reminded them they were loved.

Most days, we'd say, "We're still on the trip," and it made us feel like a team. The girls learned how to be the new kid, make friends, and settle into unfamiliar rhythms. They learned you can reinvent your life more than once.

The intensity bonded us. We had waterfalls to ourselves, watched wild snow monkeys, and made friends who invited us to visit them in Cozumel. I celebrated my usually grim January birthday on a Thai beach.

In the US, we were present for heavy family moments, including my grandfather's passing.

We were still on the trip — until we weren't

Returning to London after 13 months felt surreal. Our 6-turned-7-year-old kissed the ground at Heathrow.

The trip changed us. It gave us shared memories — Hokkaido cream, a road trip from New York to Miami, sunsets from an Alpine hut — but more importantly, it clarified what matters: slow time together, not renovations or packed calendars.

We're happy to be home, blender included. But we're already dreaming about our next extended adventure.

Do you have a story about taking a gap year that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com.

• Greg Kitzmiller and his wife, Jen, moved from Michigan to Panama in 2018 after they retired.
• They live in a two-bedroom condo they bought for $210,000.
• Kitzmiller says being surrounded by a community of artists in Panama has sparked his own passion for writing.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Greg Kitzmiller, a 64-year-old American retiree living in Panama. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I was born and raised in Michigan, where I met my wife, Jen, and where we built our life together.

In 2016, I retired from my job as a manufacturing supervisor. My wife retired from her law career over a year later.

The year before she retired, my main goal was to find a place where we could live the best life during our retirement. I did a lot of research on various countries, and Panama kept coming to the top of the list.

We were eager to escape the snow, so my first priority was eternal summer. We also wanted to stay close to the US to make traveling back easy. The fact that Panama uses the US dollar only added to its appeal.

We hadn't spent our whole lives planning to retire abroad, but after watching HGTV shows, we both thought that this was something we could do.

Panama also offers a special Pensionado visa for retirees, which comes with incentives such as discounts on utility bills, medication, and even transportation.

Before making the move, we took a few exploratory trips to Panama. Our first trip was a weeklong in October 2017. After my wife retired, we came back in February 2018 for a nine-week trip, touring different areas to see if it felt like the right fit.

During that trip, the weather was beautiful. When we went home to Michigan and saw the snow on our driveway, my wife turned and said to me, "We're moving, right?" And I said, "Yeah, we are."

We sold our house quickly. We held a few garage sales, donated what we didn't need, and fit our lives into five suitcases. In June 2018, we officially moved to Panama.

Our kids were OK with the decision.

We have two daughters in Texas and one in Alabama. We're no further from them now than we were in Michigan. Moreover, the world has gotten so small. We can get on a video call with the kids and the grandkids anytime.

With the help of a real-estate agent, we bought our two-bedroom condo for $210,000 in Coronado, which is about an hour and a half from Panama City by car.

Our condo is in a country club community, where the golf course wraps around our building, and we have 180-degree views of the ocean and the mountains.

Even though I've joined several Facebook groups, it's the people we met at church that make up the core of our social circle.

Moving to Panama sparked an unexpected passion for writing.

When we started talking about moving here, one of Jen's friends at work said, "Well, you should write a blog."

It wasn't that easy, since I'm not very tech-savvy, but I did it. I still maintain the blog and publish a newsletter. And, right after we got here, I connected with a writer's group.

Being a part of that group led me to do a lot of things in my retirement that I never thought I would do.

I published my first book in 2020 about our experience of retiring in Panama. Since then, I've started writing in different ways, including a detective fiction series — I'm working on the fourth installment.

Writing wasn't something I expected to do in my retirement, but there's a strong community of artists, authors, and musicians here. When you surround yourself with other people who are talented in those ways, it fosters your own talent.

My retirement has been very fulfilling.

Our health is better, too. It helps that there is always an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables around.

If I had it to do over, I would've learned Spanish when I was young. When you're in your 60s, it's hard to learn a new language. I almost always understand what's being said, but don't verbalize very well, unlike my wife, who is fluent.

Every day's a little different. We have a few social groups, including one where we play dominoes every week. We rotate between houses, someone makes lunch, and we spend the afternoon playing.

Initially, we figured we'd come for 10 years and then evaluate if we wanted to stay. It's only been eight years, but we've already decided that this is where we want to be.

We're not planning to move back to the US. There's honestly not much we miss.

Do you have a story to share about relocating to a new city? Contact this reporter at agoh@businessinsider.com.

• A product manager who worked at a Chinese tech giant says Chinese AI products differ from the West.
• Chinese and overseas markets are fundamentally different, said Yilin Zhang, who worked at Meituan.
• Zhang, who moved to an AI startup, said more people are choosing entrepreneurship over traditional paths.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Yilin Zhang, an AI product manager at AI startup Kuse who worked at Meituan for more than three years. It has been edited for length and clarity. Business Insider has verified his employment and academic history.

I graduated from Tsinghua University with a master's degree in computer science in 2021 and then joined Meituan — one of China's biggest tech firms — as a product manager.

At Meituan, China's platform for local services, especially known for food delivery, I worked on two AI projects. One was a consumer-facing AI assistant that helps users complete various tasks, including ordering food. The other was a merchant-facing AI agent designed to help businesses manage their daily operations, including handling reservations, managing orders, and supporting routine operational tasks.

The main difference between how products are built in China and in the US comes down to the market.

Why Chinese tech companies are so cost-efficient

Across most large Chinese tech companies, AI product development accelerated more aggressively around 2025.

The AI initiatives I worked on at Meituan started around April or May of that year. It coincided with the surge of interest around DeepSeek, when attention around AI agents took off.

Large companies began racing to build AI projects, and almost every business unit launched its AI initiative.

For a long time, especially before 2021 or 2022, Chinese tech companies were primarily focused on domestic competition rather than overseas expansion. Because competition in China is intense, tech companies were forced to become extremely efficient. Their execution methods have been sharpened to an almost frightening degree.

Constraints have also pushed Chinese AI companies to pursue different paths, with a strong focus on open-source models and cost efficiency. These limitations forced exploration in new directions, and those paths have proven valuable in their own way.

DeepSeek is a good example. Because of international restrictions, it couldn't access large numbers of GPUs and was forced to innovate around efficiency instead.

Why Chinese AI products differ from the West

Chinese and overseas markets are fundamentally different, leading to distinct user bases, expectations, and product designs.

Chinese users have a much lower willingness to pay for software; hence, many mass-market AI products, such as Doubao, tend to be free. The core objective is often to scale active usage.

Many capabilities are packaged into a single prompt you can ask, essentially a chatbox interface with a low barrier to entry.

International AI products target users doing high-value tasks. They are more often designed for desktops than for mobile devices, with interfaces better suited to work contexts. These products explore how AI and humans can collaborate and intersect across different work scenarios, helping users complete tasks more effectively and efficiently.

In China, that user group is relatively small. That makes it harder for its mainstream AI products to move beyond chat-based forms into more advanced products.

China's internet success over the past decade has also largely come from consumer-facing apps. That environment forces product managers to obsess over user feedback and relentlessly polish even the smallest features.

Teams may spend enormous effort refining a tiny feature just to win over a small group of users. In markets with less competition, that level of detail isn't always necessary.

The AI startup scene is growing in China

After three to four years at Meituan, I felt I had learned most of what I could from that environment. I left to join the AI startup Kuse in October.

AI is evolving extremely fast. In large companies, iteration speed can be slower. Many of my friends across different Big Tech companies share this same frustration. Smaller, more agile companies can adapt faster.

In the past, top graduates had basically two paths: becoming a civil servant or joining a Big Tech company.

That's changing. Especially over the past year, many AI startups have emerged, and more young people are choosing entrepreneurship. AI has created a new path outside Big Tech.

By 2025, not being involved in AI at all will feel like staying in the PC internet era of 2010 instead of joining the mobile internet wave.

Do you have a story to share about working in a Chinese tech company? Contact this reporter at cmlee@insider.com.

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It might not feel like it yet, but summer heat is on the way, and early spring is one of the best times to buy a portable air conditioner before prices rise and popular models sell out. While portable ACs aren't as powerful or effective as central air or mini-splits, they fill an important gap: cooling a single room without permanent or seasonal installation. For renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone dealing with uneven home cooling, they can be the most practical way to stay comfortable as temperatures climb.

In our testing of 14 portable air conditioners, performance varied widely, especially in noise levels, real-world cooling power, and energy efficiency. Newer models are improving in meaningful ways, with higher efficiency ratings, more intelligent controls, and increasingly common inverter compressors.

One important caveat: If you can install one, a window AC is usually the smarter buy. The best window air conditionersare typically less expensive, quieter, and more efficient. Still, not all windows or living situations accommodate them. For a detailed breakdown, see my guide to portable versus window air conditioners.

The best portable air conditioners

Best overall: Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner (MAP14S1TBL) - See at Amazon

Best budget: LG Portable Air Conditioner (LP0621WSR) - See at Amazon

Best for large rooms: Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner - See at Amazon

Best with heat: Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner (BPACT14HWT) - See at Amazon

Quietest: Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter Portable Air Conditioner (ZHV16DA) - See at P.C. Richard & Son

Best battery-powered: EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner - See at Amazon

Best overall

In my tests, the Midea Duo was among the best at cooling and operating quietly. Its unique hose-in-hose design replaces the hot air removed from your room with cool air for more efficient cooling. It's easy to install, though the hose doesn't stay clipped into the window slider. I had to use duct tape to keep it in place.

However, it used the most electricity. The Midea used 2.16 kWh, about 0.2 kWh more than the overall hourly average in our tests. Running this portable AC eight hours a day all summer would cost an average of about $240 extra, based on average electricity rates.

It has several innovative functions not found in most other portable ACs. You can turn off the LED to avoid light pollution and set a "sleep curve" that adjusts the temperature throughout the night to balance comfort and power use. In the app, you can set the AC to turn on or off depending on whether you're home and control the airflow direction.

The Midea Duo is also our best smart portable air conditioner because it works with the feature-packed SmartHome app and pairs with Alexa or the Google Assistant for voice control. I can turn the AC on/off and set a schedule from anywhere using my phone. I scheduled the Midea to turn off during surge electrical pricing and to come back on afterward to ensure the room is comfortable by bedtime.

The Midea Duo is also available with a heating mode, though we haven't tested this model.

Read our full Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner review.

Best budget

Considering its price and Btu rating, the LG LP0621WSR did a surprisingly good job of cooling. Our best budget portable air conditioner is designed for rooms up to 250 square feet, but it cooled the 550-square-foot test room by more than 2 degrees over the 2-hour test period. That's pretty good.

Its performance was impressive, considering it used the least power of any model in our guide. The LG LP0621WSR was easy to set up and install. Within 10 minutes of opening the box, I had it cooling the room. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver to secure the window panels. The panels fit a wide range of window sizes, a nice feature since I have extra-wide windows.

The air conditioner is relatively light at 60 pounds and has handles that make it easy to move up and down stairs. However, I ran into issues moving it from one room to another on the same level. The unit is low to the ground and top-heavy. It fell over as I rushed to roll it to the next room.

Whether on low (55 decibels) or high speed (57 decibels), the LG LP0621WSR's noise output was average, about as loud as a quiet office or an everyday conversation.

LG has a newer, 7,000-Btu version, model LP0721WSR, if you need more cooling power. We haven't tested it yet, but it may be worth the $50 extra if you're trying to cool a larger room.

Best for large rooms

This Whynter Arc 14-S is monolithic. With its large, imposing, flat front, our best portable air conditioner for large rooms looks like something from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Besides its appearance, the Whynter's most notable feature is its dual-hose construction. A single-hose portable AC removes hot air through the hose, lowering the pressure in the room, which causes outside air to rush in to equalize the pressure. With two hoses, the Whynter replaces the removed air with cool air, improving efficiency.

It was among the best in my cooling test, decreasing the room temperature by 3.6 degrees over two hours. However, it was also one of the loudest models, at 58 decibels.

Weighing 86 pounds, the unit is heavy and lacks handles, making it hard to move from room to room. The initial installation took me half an hour (longer than most models require for setup) because I had to screw the fixtures into the window slider by hand. The slider wasn't long enough for my 47-inch window opening, so I used Styrofoam packaging to fill the gap. Additionally, it doesn't come with foam seals, which are helpful for efficient cooling.

Additionally, Whynter offers a version with heating capabilities, the ARC-14SH, which we tested and also recommend.

Best with heat

In addition to being one of the top performers in our cooling tests, the Black+Decker BPACT14HWT Portable Air Conditioner is the best portable air conditioner with heat, which makes it great for year-round use.

I purchased it three years ago, and it's still going strong. I particularly like that I don't have to store it during the winter. Instead, I use it to heat the living room, which tends to run colder than the rest of the house. It's also available without heat.

Installation took about five minutes, and I didn't need any special tools. I like that the window slider extends to 60 inches, which is more than enough for my needs. However, I wish it came with window security brackets to make it harder for someone to push the window open and gain access to my house. Fortunately, this hasn't been an issue.

It was in the middle of the pack in electricity use. Over two hours, it consumed 1.83 kWh. It's also one of the louder units we tested, and when I neglected to clean the filter regularly, the Black+Decker produced jarring sounds as it changed fan speeds.

Also, my air quality monitor recorded a 50% increase in VOC levels during testing. However, the levels weren't high enough to cause concern.

Quietest

We feature several quiet portable air conditioners in this guide. Still, the Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter ZHV16DA does the best job of balancing quiet operation, cooling performance, and energy efficiency. For these reasons, it's also the best portable air conditioner for bedrooms.

At high levels, it's only 53 decibels, which is quieter than everyday conversation. On low, it isn't much more peaceful (51 decibels), but it is quiet enough to earn a spot in my bedroom this summer. I especially like that the Friedrich ZoneAire's inverter compressor doesn't make jarring noises because it isn't constantly turning on and off, as other portable units might.

The Friedrich is one of the best dual-hose portable air conditioners I've tested. Dual-hose units tend to do better than single-hose ACs in larger rooms because the dedicated air intake hose equalizes the room's pressure, keeping hot air from leaking in to fill the vacuum. The Friedrich Zoneaire demonstrated the dual-hose benefits perfectly. In two hours, it reduced the testing room's temperature by 4 degrees, the best result in my tests. Equally impressive is that it only uses an average amount of electricity.

The unit only took about 15 minutes to set up and didn't require tools. I spent five minutes of the setup time connecting to the user-friendly FriedrichGo app. Reinstalling the AC in another room was also quick, taking about a minute.

It's pretty expensive at about $700. Still, if quiet operation and powerful cooling are your top priorities, the Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is your best bet.

Best battery-powered

With a battery attached, you can use this AC almost anywhere. Unlike the other units in our guide, the EcoFlow Wave 3 doesn't require an electrical outlet, making it the best portable air conditioner for cars, camping, and other situations where electricity isn't available. The EcoFlow Wave 3 was just released earlier this year as an update to our former battery-powered pick, the Wave 2. The Wave 3 is more powerful and adds dehumidification.

It's also lightweight for a portable AC. At 38.4 pounds, the Wave 3 is a little heavier than the Wave 2 but still much lighter than any other unit in our guide. It took longer than most to set up because you need to rig your own window slider for the two hoses. I used plenty of duct tape to attach the hoses to the window slider of another unit. You don't need a window for the Wave 3, but you do need to have an opening to the outside world for the air intake and exhaust hoses.

Connecting to the EcoFlow app was seamless, and I found it user-friendlier than the on-unit controls, which could get confusing.

If you're not off the grid, choose a different portable AC. I tested the EcoFlow Wave 3 in my standard 550-square-foot test room, initially with it connected to a wall outlet, but it struggled. The manufacturer says the AC is recommended for spaces up to 180 square feet, which is about a third of the size of the testing area. It barely decreased the room's temperature. I retested it in a 200-square-foot space relying solely on the battery. It lowered the room's temperature by almost four degrees — much better.

On battery power, it'll give you about 2 to 8 hours of cooling. When cranked to maximum power, the Wave 3's battery barely lasted the 2-hour test. On lower settings, it can last up to eight hours. Recharging the battery takes less than 90 minutes and can be done with a wall outlet, solar panels (sold separately), or a car charging cable. The battery attaches to the Wave 3 and adds about 21 pounds to its weight.

At $1,449 with the battery, the Wave 3 is expensive, but during summer heat waves, it can make your RV, tent, or car more bearable. It's also worth having around for heating and cooling if the power goes out.

Read our full EcoFlow Wave 3 review.

What to look for in a portable air conditioner

Btu and room size: One British thermal unit (Btu) equals the heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In cooling, Btu measures the amount of heat removed from a room. The more Btu per hour an air conditioner is rated for, the better it should be at cooling a space.

That said, you shouldn't just choose an AC based on Btu. You'll also want to consider room size. Higher Btu units are better at cooling larger spaces, but they're louder and can be overpowering in smaller rooms (leading to unnecessarily high cooling costs). Use the table below (from the Energy Star website) to determine what Btu your room requires:

Recommended Btu by room size

Your Btu needs will be higher if the room has a ceiling over 8 feet, is very sunny, is regularly occupied by more than 2 people, or is a kitchen.

Energy efficiency: Even the best portable air conditioners are not energy-efficient, and none are Energy Star certified. Still, if you're hoping to save on cooling costs or reduce your carbon footprint, consider energy efficiency. There are two factors to look at here: the compressor and kWh usage.

A portable air conditioner's compressor pushes hot air outside, allowing cold air to circulate in your room. Dual-inverter compressors, like the one in my top pick, are the most energy-efficient. These compressors have variable-speed motors that use much less energy than traditional compressors.

To get an overall feel for your AC's energy usage, look at kWh (kilowatt-hour) usage. Most electricity utilities use kWh to measure your power use, and I use it to measure the energy consumption of the air conditioners I test. The lower the kWh usage, the better.

Window size: Portable ACs usually come with a window slider, a long, adjustable piece of plastic that fits into your window opening. The hose from your portable AC connects to the slider to send the hot air emitted from the unit outside. You'll want to measure your window before purchasing your AC to ensure the slider will fit.

Noise: No one expects an air conditioner to be silent, but you'll want a unit with minimal noise output, especially if you use it while sleeping. We measure noise output with a decibel meter, but generally, you can expect units with more Btu to be louder.

Smart features: Depending on your needs, you may consider a WiFi-enabled unit that lets you control the air conditioner from your phone. This feature makes it easy to set a schedule or adjust settings without getting out of bed. Expect to pay a bit more for the convenience of app connectivity.

How we test portable air conditioners

I have tested and reviewed air quality, cooling, and heating devices for six years, including 14 portable air conditioners. I also consulted with Enesta Jones, a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spokesperson, and Joanna Mauer, the technical advocacy manager for the Appliance Standards Awareness Project.

Based on my research and interviews, the main features to look for when shopping for portable air conditioners are how well they fit your window, energy consumption, and cooling abilities. Our testing methodology encompasses the following evaluation criteria.

Setup: I timed how long it took to remove the packaging and install each unit, noting if tools were needed.

Cooling: I set my home's heating system to 75 degrees. Once at the set point, I cranked the portable air conditioner to its highest fan speed and lowest temperature. Using a digital thermometer placed on the other side of the 550-square-foot testing room, I compared the initial temperature to the temperature two hours later to see how well the unit cooled.

Noise: A loud air conditioner can make watching TV, working, or sleeping difficult. I measured each unit's noise output by holding a sound meter 6 feet from the AC as it ran on its highest setting. It lost points if the compressor made jarring sounds as it turned on and off.

Power use: I measured how much energy each unit used while running on high for two hours using a smart plug. The least energy-efficient window air conditioner I tested still uses less power than the most efficient portable unit.

Air quality: Before and after running the air conditioner for two hours, I compared particulate matter and VOC measurements using an air-quality monitor. I didn't weigh this category heavily, but I noted when there were significant changes in the air quality.

Portability: I timed how long it took to uninstall the AC, move it to the next room, and reinstall it. Between the rooms, there is a 3/4-inch threshold, making handles advantageous. I also considered the air conditioner's weight.

Extras: All units in this guide have at least a one-year warranty and a fan. ACs need more than this to earn extra points. For instance, a heating mode, remote control, dehumidifying, WiFi connectivity, foam seals for efficient cooling, and a more extended warranty contribute to a more favorable assessment of a portable air conditioner.

Portable air conditioner FAQs

Why do portable ACs have two Btu numbers?

According to Mauer, the Department of Energy's Btu rating, known as seasonally adjusted cooling capacity (SACC), is more accurate than the Btu published by the manufacturer (known as ASHRAE) because it considers hot air infiltration and heat losses through the ducts.

Mauer said ASHRAE, the manufacturer's Btu, doesn't account for the significant heat released back into the room by the exhaust hose. There is also no consistent testing standard.

The DOE established the SACC Btu rating using standardized testing to account for the heat that ends up back in the room. My guide references the SACC ratings.

Is a portable air conditioner or window air conditioner better?

As outlined in my portable air conditioners vs window air conditioners article, window ACs are the better option for most people.

In my tests, the most efficient portable AC still used 60% more power than my top window pick. The window unit also cost less and did much better cooling.

I strongly recommend buying a window AC if you have a window that supports it. Portable units are only preferable when you don't have a single- or double-hung window.

Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without windows?

Yes, but the hot air needs a way to leave the space. Otherwise, the unit won't provide any cooling benefits. Your portable AC just needs an opening big enough for the ventilating hose to send the exhaust outdoors.

Can portable ACs help with wildfire smoke and air filtration?

To some degree, yes. Most portable air conditioners have some degree of air filtration, and running your AC during smoke emergencies can help keep smoke out. However, the EPA recommends opting for a dual-hose unit, like our recommendations from Midea, Whynter, and Friedrich. You'll also want to ensure that the seal between the hose casing and the window is as tight as possible. We recommend checking out our guide to the best air purifiers for the best air-filtering options.

How do I clean and maintain my portable air conditioner?

To keep your portable air conditioner working optimally, you need to clean the filter at least once a month, more if you use it frequently. Below are other cleaning tips to ensure you get the most out of your unit.

Weekly:

• Remove condensation: Regularly remove the condensation that builds up from the cooling process. Many portable units make this easy with a built-in dehumidifier or drain hose. When you put the AC away for the season, remove condensation to avoid mold buildup.
• Keep the hose short: You can improve your portable air conditioner's efficiency and reduce dust and moisture buildup by keeping the hose as short and straight as possible.
• Wipe the exterior down: Run a damp cloth along the exterior of your unit to remove dust.

Monthly:

• Clean the filter: A filter helps reduce allergens in your air and allows for optimal airflow. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how often to clean the filter. The best vacuums outfitted with a crevice tool attachment should get the job done. You can wash the filter with water, but ensure it dries completely before reinstalling it.
• Check the insulation: To keep your air conditioner running efficiently, check to make sure the insulation remains in place and seals any cracks. If your unit doesn't have foam seals, consider buying affordable adhesive strips. Apply insulation every time you move the AC.

Twice per season:

• Vacuum the condenser coils: Grab a screwdriver and remove the back panel to access the condenser coils on the back of your unit. To keep your AC running efficiently, use a vacuum with the crevice attachment and run it lightly over the coils. Do not press hard; you don't want to dent the coils.

• A significant winter storm will pummel much of the Northeast from Sunday to Monday.
• Airlines are delaying and canceling thousands of flights as a result.
• Adding to the travel chaos, Homeland Security said it would shut down TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

The Monday morning commute won't be messy in New York City. It will be nonexistent.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency and a travel ban during a press conference on Sunday as a giant winter storm bore down on much of the Northeast. Rhode Island, Boston, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Connecticut have also declared states of emergency, putting in place commercial vehicle bans and travel restrictions.

The National Weather Service said to expect blizzard conditions and up to 20 inches of snow over the next 24 hours. Parts of New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts could get up to 25 inches.

"The state of emergency closes the streets, highways, and bridges of New York City for all traffic," Mamdani said. The travel ban begins at 9 p.m. Sunday and lasts until 12 p.m. on Monday. DoorDash, notably, also said it was suspending deliveries Sunday night.

US airlines, meanwhile, are canceling and delaying thousands of flights. As of Sunday night, airlines had canceled over 3,000 flights and delayed over 22,000, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.

New York City's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports have the highest number of cancellations, followed by Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Anyone hoping to catch a flight in the region on Monday can also expect major disruptions, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. At LaGuardia Airport, for example, 82% of flights scheduled for Monday have been canceled.

Adding to what will likely be a chaotic 48 hours for travelers, the Department of Homeland Security announced Saturday night that it was suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to the partial government shutdown.

Despite the announcement, however, TSA Precheck and Global Entry lanes remained open at major airports on Sunday. In a statement, the Transportation Security Administration said it is evaluating the situation "case-by-case."

"At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public," a spokesperson said. "As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly."

The federal government entered a partial shutdown earlier this month, delaying funding for some agencies, like DHS. TSA agents are essential workers, so they're still working — for now. During the full government shutdown earlier this year, TSA agents and air traffic controllers went 43 days without a paycheck.

Rail disruptions, school closures

All rail service will be suspended by 9 p.m. as the storm intensifies, NJ Transit said on Sunday.

Some trains would stop earlier, and no new rail trips would start after 9 p.m. from their origin points, it added.

NJ Transit will monitor conditions overnight into Monday to decide when it's safe to resume service, it said.

Several school districts, including those in New York City and Boston, announced that schools will be closed tomorrow.

Outside New York City, states like Pennsylvania and Massachusetts have declared disaster emergencies.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the declaration "will allow Philadelphia to more effectively fight this large and dangerous storm as it rolls in."

Her office said the move frees up additional resources to respond to the storm's impact, with about 1,000 personnel and more than 800 pieces of equipment — including snowplows, salt spreaders, and excavators — set to be deployed across the city.

Power outages are increasing across New Jersey, with more than 15,000 customers without electricity as of 9 p.m. ET, according to PowerOutage.com.

The governors of New York and Massachusetts have also activated National Guard troops to assist residents and support emergency response efforts as blizzard conditions worsen.

• The US State Department urged American tourists in parts of Mexico to shelter in place on Sunday.
• Violence erupted across the country after the local government killed a cartel leader.
• The US warned tourists of violence in Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Tulum, and elsewhere.

The US and Canada urged their citizens in parts of Mexico to "shelter in place" on Sunday as a Mexican cartel retaliated for the death of its leader.

In videos shared online, burning vehicles and plumes of smoke could be seen rising from Puerto Vallarta and other cities in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta media reported that cars near a Costco and several other stores were set on fire. Costco did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Flights already on their way to the region from the US turned around, and Air Canada said it was suspending operations to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday and Monday.

"While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta," the US State Department said. "Seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels."

As the violence spread, the State Department updated its travel warning to include other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, including Cancún and Tulum.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations for Americans and Canadians. The area gained fame from the 70s and 80s show "The Love Boat," which was often set there.

The Mexican government said the retaliatory violence came after it killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday.

The State Department announced last week that it had sanctioned Kovay Gardens — a Mexican timeshare resort — and 17 other companies and five individuals linked to "timeshare fraud schemes" organized by the Jalisco cartel.

"Many of these individuals and entities are based in or near Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination that also serves as a strategic stronghold for CJNG," a press release from the Treasury Department said.

In 2024, the US State Department said it would pay a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Cervantes. The department said that under Cervantes, the cartel has killed rival trafficking groups and law enforcement.

• President Donald Trump says he is sending a "great hospital boat" to Greenland.
• The president said many people on the Arctic island are sick and need care.
• Greenland has free, universal healthcare.

President Donald Trump seems to be trying a new approach in his quest to take over Greenland: The president said Saturday the US would send a hospital ship to the territory.

"We are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there," the president wrote on Truth Social. "It's on the way!!!"

Greenland, however, isn't interested.

Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said in a subsequent Facebook post that "it's going to be a no thank you from here." Greenland provides free universal healthcare for all permanent residents and citizens.

"We have a public health system where treatment is free for citizens. It's a deliberate choice. And a basic part of our society. It's not like that in the United States, where it costs money to go to the doctor," he wrote. "We are always open to dialogue and collaboration. Also with the U.S. But talk to us now instead of just coming up with more or less random outbursts on social media."

Trump has had his sights set on the Arctic island, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, since his first term in office. Trump has suggested the US could buy Greenland or even take it by force.

The president says Greenland's location makes it strategically important as the melting of Arctic ice opens up new shipping routes and intensifies competition with Russia and China.

The island is also rich in critical minerals and already hosts a key US military base, which American officials say is vital to missile defense and Arctic security.

Major European leaders, including those from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Denmark, released a joint statement last month defending Greenland.

"Greenland belongs to its people," the statement said. "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."