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A window air conditioner is the only way to beat the heat for those who lack the comforts of central air conditioning, especially during a midsummer heatwave. Advancements in technology have made window air conditioning units more efficient and versatile than ever. Many AC window units feature Energy Star ratings and are Wi-Fi ready, allowing you to change temperature settings from virtually anywhere. Some even have technology that makes them quieter than the average refrigerator.
Window air conditioning units range in power from 5,000 British thermal units (BTUs) designed to cool small rooms up to 18,000 BTUs, which are capable of cooling up to 900 square feet. With so many sizes and options available, choosing the right model can be more than a little overwhelming. We awarded top honors to the Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Window Air Conditioner thanks to its high energy efficiency, quiet operation, and Wi-Fi capabilities. Ahead, learn about what features are crucial to consider when shopping for the best window air conditioners, and don’t miss our list of some of the top models on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Midea 8,000-BTU U-Shaped Window Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Mount Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review - MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT: LG 14,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMART: LG 10,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Wi-Fi Control
↓ Jump to Review - BEST QUIET: GE Profile 8,200 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: GE 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Tosot Chalet 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Window Air Conditioners
We used several important criteria to narrow the more than 20 window air conditioners we reviewed down to our top eight. Energy-efficient air conditioners are more common and affordable than ever, so we limited our search to only those that carried the renowned Energy Star rating. In addition to efficiency, we also chose mainly Wi-Fi–ready window air conditioners that can be controlled via a smart device or a digital assistant. Where possible, we chose models with attractive designs that would detract less from a room’s aesthetics than other window air conditioners. Finally, we leaned toward models that offered quiet modes that would make them less audibly noticeable in a room.
Our Top Picks
The following list narrows the field to some of the best window air conditioners on the market. All of the air conditioners on our list are Energy Star certified and most are Wi-Fi ready, allowing them to be controlled from virtually anywhere via a smart device.
Best Overall
Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Window Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 15 Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER)
- BTUs: 8,000
- Dimensions: 13.26 inches high by 21.9 inches wide by 19.17 inches deep
What We Like
- Quiet air conditioner for windows at 42 decibels
- Wi-Fi enabled for quick adjustments
- Allows window to open and close while in use
What We Don’t Like
- May be a little tricky to install
This Midea model features dual inverter technology that provides an energy efficiency rating of 15, which translates to about 35 percent savings over a standard window air conditioner. In addition to making it energy efficient, the dual inverter is also quiet, producing just 42 decibels of noise at lower speeds.
The Midea has a U-shaped design that allows the window to close significantly farther than most window AC units, adding to its energy efficiency by limiting drafts. This design also has the added benefit of allowing the window to open and close, a feature that isn’t possible with most window air conditioners. Since the Midea is Wi-Fi ready, you can control the air conditioner via an app or even voice when paired with a digital assistant.
Get the Midea window air conditioner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Mount Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 12 CEER
- BTUs: 8,000
- Dimensions: 13 inches high by 18.5 inches wide by 15.5 inches deep
What We Like
- Programmable 24-hour on/off timer
- Wi-Fi capabilities
- Remote control can adjust air cooling capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report the remote does not work well
The Frigidaire 8,000 BTU model proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a powerful, energy-efficient air conditioner. Users can choose from three different fan speeds, and the unit will maintain the preset temperature of the room. It comes with an extra-long power cord, so there’s no need to fish the extension cord out of storage. With an Energy Star certification and CEER rating of 12, you’ll save on your energy bill.
The Frigidaire also comes with a remote control, an easy-to-clean washable dust filter, and a programmable 24-hour on/off timer. Sleep Mode ensures that the unit gradually increases the temperature of the room overnight, keeping sleepers comfortable and saving energy.
Get the Frigidaire window air conditioner at Amazon or Frigidaire.
Most Energy Efficient
LG 14,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 14.7 CEER
- BTUs: 14,000
- Dimensions: 15 inches high by 23.625 inches wide by 24.8 inches deep
What We Like
- Energy Star certification saves energy and cost
- Wi-Fi ready for smartphone app
- Sleep setting produces just 44 decibels of noise
What We Don’t Like
- Large size may not fit some windows
Despite its large 14,000 BTU output, which is enough to cool an 800-square-foot room, this window AC unit is efficient enough to earn a 14.7 CEER. And, since dual-inverter compressors operate more quietly than standard compressors, the LG is one of the quietest window air conditioning units on the market, producing just 44 decibels when set to sleep mode.
With its smooth front, LG’s 14,000 BTU AC unit is also one of the sleeker-looking air conditioners on the market. It’s Wi-Fi ready and uses LGThinQ technology, which allows the user to control the air conditioner from virtually anywhere via the compatible app.
Get the LG 14,000 BTU window air conditioner at Lowe’s or Walmart.
Best Smart
LG 10,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Wi-Fi Control
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 12 CEER
- BTUs: 10,000
- Dimensions: 15 inches high by 23.62 inches wide by 22.2 inches deep
What We Like
- Wi-Fi compatible through LGThinQ app
- Between 53 and 55 decibels, depending on setting
- Includes remote control
What We Don’t Like
- Not as sleek looking as other models
While many window air conditioners come with built-in smart technology, few integrate Wi-Fi technology as well as LG does. This 10,000 BTU window air conditioner uses LGThinQ technology, which allows you to manage all of your LG appliances via a single app. LGThinQ uses artificial intelligence to monitor activity in the household and then suggests schedules to automate its operation and improve efficiency.
Aside from its smart capability, this air conditioner is efficient, with Energy Star certification and noise levels as low as 52 decibels when running in low mode. In addition to the LGThinQ, the AC unit can also be controlled via its front panel or remote control.
Get the LG 10,000 BTU window air conditioner at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Quiet
GE Profile 8,200 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 11.4 CEER
- BTUs: 8,200
- Dimensions: 12.4375 inches high by 21.25 inches wide by 18.125 inches deep
What We Like
- Registers only 43 decibels on Quiet Mode
- 3 cooling and 3 fan-only settings
- Features dehumidify function and Eco Mode
What We Don’t Like
- Some users have reported mechanical problems
The GE Profile room air conditioner is one of the quietest on the market, producing just 43 decibels on Quiet Mode, which is less than the noise level most refrigerators make. This makes it an ideal choice for places in which a noisy air conditioner might be a problem, such as in a bedroom or nursery. The touch controls on the front of the unit give it a modern look and feature LED lights that automatically dim to prevent glare at night.
This air conditioner is also energy efficient and Wi-Fi ready. It’s compatible with both the GE Comfort App and the SmartHQ app, allowing the user to adjust the temperature settings while away. The GE Profile model can even be set to turn down the thermostat when it senses the owner’s smart device is not nearby, and then turn back on when it’s in close proximity.
Get the GE Profile window air conditioner at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart, or AJ Madison.
Best For Small Rooms
GE 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 11 CEER
- BTUs: 5,000
- Dimensions: 12.5625 inches high by 16.4375 inches wide by 15 inches wide
What We Like
- Cools rooms up to 150 square feet
- Affordable price
- Only 50 decibels A at its most quiet setting
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t include any bells and whistles
If you’re looking for a small window AC unit that can cool a bedroom, guest room, home office, or studio apartment (up to 150 square feet), then you’ll want to check out this GE 5,000 BTU model. The unit features two cooling modes and two fan speeds, plus 10 temperature settings to make your space comfortable.
The included EZ Mount installation kit means setup is a cinch; the unit has a fixed chassis and installs into a double-hung window. The removable filter of this AC for a small window can be cleaned easily, which GE recommends be done every 30 days for best performance. Although this model doesn’t include many of the extra features of other units on our list, it does the job at an affordable price.
Get the GE 5,000 BTU window air conditioner at Amazon or Wayfair.
Best For Large Rooms
Tosot Chalet 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Energy efficiency: 12 EER
- BTUs: 12,000
- Dimensions: 15.75 inches high by 21.34 inches wide by 22.76 inches deep
What We Like
- Cools up to 450 square feet
- Sleek design fits into a window seamlessly
- Fan-only and dehumidifying modes
- Remote control includes integrated thermostat
What We Don’t Like
- Not Wi-Fi capable
With its 12,000 BTU output and Energy Star certification, this air conditioner is capable of cooling rooms up to 450 square feet without spiking the electric bill. Cooling a larger room evenly can be a challenge for a window air conditioner. The Tosot uses a remote with a built-in thermostat that allows it to take temperature readings from the far reaches of a larger room, helping it to cool more evenly.
In addition to its high output, the Tosot air conditioner has a sleek design that features an all-metal front with a smaller air intake than other models. A control panel that consists of a simple LED temperature readout and small touch controls add to its modern look.
Get the Tosot window air conditioner at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Window Air Conditioner
While selecting the right size air conditioner to meet the room size is crucial, other factors are also vital to consider, including energy efficiency, noise level, and smart-home compatibility.
Window and Room Size
Selecting the right size of AC unit for an area is vital when shopping for window air conditioner units. Choose a unit that’s too small and it will struggle to cool the space. If it’s too large, the air conditioner will waste electricity and strain the motor with frequent short cycles. An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is listed in BTUs. Models range from small window air conditioners that produce 5,000 BTUs up to large window AC units that can produce 18,000 BTUs or more.
Determining the right size window AC unit for a room involves making a simple calculation. Multiply the length times the width of the room and multiply that number by 25. For example, a 20-foot-long by 12-foot-wide room would require a 6,000 BTU air conditioner while a large 20-foot-long by 20-foot-wide room would require an 10,000 BTU AC unit.
In addition to room size, it’s also important to take into account the window size to ensure the air conditioning unit will fit. A window must be wider than the air conditioning unit and also must open wider than the height of the air conditioner.
Energy Efficiency
The condenser that creates the cool air that air conditioners pump out uses a considerable amount of power. In fact, depending on the size of the AC unit and the outdoor temperature, a window AC unit adds between $15 and $47 per month to the electric bill.
One way of bringing that number down is by purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner. The efficiency of a window unit is determined by its CEER, which is determined by dividing the air conditioning unit’s BTU output by its wattage, plus the measured standby power consumption in watts. The higher the CEER, the more efficient the air conditioning unit. An Energy Star-certified air conditioner has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as energy efficient.
Noise Level
Since a window AC unit has both its blower and compressor in the window of the room, it can produce a significant amount of noise. In fact, the average window AC unit produces about 60 decibels, which is similar to an electric shaver. Some AC units are quieter than others, with decibel levels in the 40s, which is the equivalent to the sound of light traffic.
An air conditioner is loudest when it’s working at maximum capacity. Some units have quiet sleep modes that operate the air conditioner at lower speeds to reduce noise levels. Keep in mind that the condenser won’t produce as much cool air on sleep mode, forcing it to run longer to maintain the internal air temperature.
Smart-Home Compatibility
As with most household electronics these days, many window air conditioning units can connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network. Once connected, a smart air conditioner can be controlled on a smart device via an app or even by voice when paired with a virtual assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These smart capabilities allow the user to adjust temperature and turn the air conditioner on and off from virtually any location.
Other Features
Air conditioning units come with other features that make them easier to operate and maintain. Check-filter lights let the operator know when it’s time to clean or change the filter. Many AC units come with remote controls that allow the user to operate the air conditioner from the comfort of their bed or sofa. Some remotes also double as remote thermostats, helping to ensure more even cooling throughout the room.
Installation
Per their name, all window air conditioner units mount inside a window between the sash and the sill. Most air conditioners include plastic slides that extend from either side of the AC unit to cover the gaps in the width of the window. An air conditioner should also include the brackets and hardware necessary to attach the window unit to the window, ensuring it doesn’t shift or fall out during operation.
FAQs
Ahead, learn why window air conditioners are almost always a better choice than portable units and why it’s OK to leave a window air conditioner running all day.
In general, a window air conditioning unit is more efficient, more effective, and more affordable than a portable air conditioner. The primary reason one might consider a portable air conditioner is because they don’t have windows that are compatible with a window air conditioner.
It is safe to keep an air conditioner running all day. There are no parts that will overheat, and the AC unit has a thermostat that will turn it on and off based on the set temperature. In fact, keeping a window air conditioning unit on all day at a slightly higher temperature is often more efficient than shutting it off and later forcing it to cool a hot and humid space.
Modern window air conditioners do not use water. Instead, they compress air, which creates condensation that drains out of the AC unit to the home’s exterior.
While it’s dangerous to cover an AC unit while it’s in use, you will want to cover the exterior portion when summer ends to prevent snow, ice, and leaves from collecting on it, which could damage the coils or restrict the airflow out of the unit.
Window air conditioners are not designed to create temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Most window air conditioners work best when the thermostat is set no lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
The average window air conditioning unit lasts about 10 years. Signs that you need to replace the window AC unit are odd noises and higher utility bills.
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