Summer calls for more preparations. As things start getting hot, one of the items that you may be shopping for is an air conditioner that will keep your room cool so that you don’t spend your summer period disgruntled.
If you’re looking for a window-mounted air conditioner, then we will help you select the best window air conditioner that is of best brand. Our air conditioner review is focused on a system that is energy efficient, affordable, has high cooling capability, warranty, and convenient features that make it better than the rest in the market.
There are window air conditioner brands that are not worth your bucks. Some will serve you for few months before they break down as they’re built of lower quality. This is not what we want for those who rely with our reviews to make informed decision on the type of air conditioner to purchase.
Our engineers and HVAC specialist have reviewed different window air conditioners since 2010. They have used more than 240 hours collecting more than producer designs and specifications for more than 25 models and researching on this vital home improvement subject.
Thus, we have formulated a list of 10 best air conditioner brands that are well built and more energy efficient. But before highlighting on our top 10 pick, it is important to ask yourself this question:
What BTU rating do you need for your space?
Quick Tips
For a room that is 150 to 350 sq feet, you will need 5,000 to 8,000 BTU
For room that is 350 to 550 sq ft, you will require 8,000 to 12,000 BTU
For a room that is 550 to 1,050 sq feet, you will require 12,000 to 18,500 BTU
For a space of 1,050 to 1,600 sq feet, you will need 18,500 to 25,000 BTU
10 Best Rated Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire FRA052XT7 5,000-BTU Mini Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire FRA052XT7 is the best window air conditioner for small room that measures up to 150 sq. ft.
The window monitor cools a room on summer or any other hot days. It is fairly quiet during its operations and it will not wake you up when you’re asleep.
The unit has a 2-way air directional control that ensures there is a free inflow and outflow of air from the room. It has anti-microbial mesh filter with side out access to clean air ensuring that all harmful bacteria in the air.
The system is also energy efficient as it has a low voltage start-up that conserves energy. It has effortless that resume its operation automatically when power is restored. You can use it in both small office rooms and home.
The 5,000 BTU cooling capacity fits in a window that measures 23-36”. Windows that is smaller than 23” cannot use this unit.
What we loved
- Easy to install
- Fairly quiet
- Anti-bacterial mesh filter type
- Energy efficient
- 2-wy air direction control
- Auto-restart features
What we didn’t like
- You must use a Plexiglas to prevent rain water from collecting in this unit
Friedrich Chill CP06G10B 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
If you are looking for the best medium window air conditioner that can perfectly cool a room of up to 250 square feet then Friedrich Chill CP06G10B is the best choice. It has 6,000 BTUs that makes it powerful and can be able to cool your room quickly and maximally. It is designed to produce less noise and comprises auto air sweep louvers that oscillate the louvers automatically and continuously to left and right side thus cools the room thoroughly. This unit is also Energy Star qualified and comes with a 24-hour programmable time which conserves energy and saves you money.
Features
- The three cooling and three fan speeds ensure flexibility during cooling as you will be able to adjust the speed at which you want the fan to operate at and the level you want the room to be cooled.
- It comes with a digital remote control that allows you to adjust and control the settings to achieve the temperature you desire from anywhere in the room.
- Comprises auto sweep swing louvers that move from the right to the left side during cooling, therefore, ensuring that the cooled air is evenly distributed in the room.
- The unit is energy star qualified with money saver settings that save you money because the fan only operates during the cooling process.
- It comes with a 24 Hour timer that allows you to program it to either switch on or off at the scheduled time, therefore, saving you energy and money. If you want to come to a cooled room when you are from work then this allows you to set it.
- The unit has a slide-out chassis and a power cord that is able to run to the left or right making installation of the unit easy. You can install it in the window or through the wall.
- It has an antimicrobial and washable filter that ensures that the filter is free from debris and that any particles, pollen and room odors are removed leaving you with clean and fresh air.
- The EntryGard anti-intrusion protection ensures that the side of the unit and the window is well covered thus no intruder can be able to enter your house through it.
- It has a contemporary, white and sleek design that will perfectly match with your home décor thus making it a great choice.
- The unit comes with standard installation hardware that enables you to install it quickly and easily and has side curtains that are expandable to cover any space left if it cannot fit well.
What we loved
- Has EntryGard anti-intrusion protection
- The filter is antimicrobial and washable
- It has a sleek and contemporary design that matches your home
- Comes with standard installation hardware
- The remote control is digital
- Comprises 3 cooling and 3 fan speeds
- It has an auto-restart function
- It comes with a 24-hour programmable timer
- It has expandable side curtains
- It operates quietly
What we did not like
- The warranty is limited to one year
- It cannot cool a room that measures over 250 square feet
Frigidaire FFRAO511R1 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air conditioner with mechanical controls
Are you looking for a cheap window air conditioner that will cool your 150 square feet space? Look o more because Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is the ideal unit for you as it costs less than 140$, therefore, budget friendly than other units.
Apart from being cheap, the unit also has great and excellent features. The FFRA0511R1 features two cooling and two fan settings, a 2-way air direction and a dehumidifier that is able to dehumidify a space up to 1.1 pints per hour. The unit has 5,000 BTUs that makes it ideal for cooling small rooms of up to 150 square feet.
Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 tends to have few features and settings than other units but it is the easiest to control. The two mechanical rotary controls make control of the various button combination less complicated. The downside about it is that it cannot handle a big room and it does not have many cooling settings.
Features
- The unit has 5,000 BT and can dehumidify a room up to 1.1 pints per hour therefore ideal for cooling a room of up to 150 square feet quickly.
- It features two cool speeds and two fan speeds that enhance flexibility when cooling. This will allow you to set your unit to your desired level to attain the temperature you want.
- The mechanical rotary control allows you to manage and control the two fans and cooling speeds to perfectly cool your room.
- The unit also features a top, full-width, 2-way air direction control that enables you to direct air to the place you want to be cool.
- It has an antibacterial mesh filter that is able to slide out, therefore, making it able to remove any bacteria leaving you with clean and cool air. It operates quietly hence no disturbance when sleeping.
- It comes with a pleated window kit that makes mounting quickly. It has side panels that ensure that the air conditioner fits your window properly. There is no need for extension cords since it has a three-prong power cord of 6.5 feet.
- Low power start-up greatly conserves energy, thus, saving you money and the ability to auto restart to its previous settings due to power outage makes it the most convenient unit.
What we loved
- -It is cheap
- -Energy efficient
- -Features a mechanical rotary control
- -Has two fan and cooling settings
Lower power start-up operates quietly and auto restarts
-Easy to use
What we did not like
- -Not suitable for larger rooms
- -Comprises few cooling settings
HomeLabs Cold Window Air Conditioner 5,000 BTU
If you are looking for a window air conditioner that will cool your room of up to 150 square feet during hot days, then Homelabs cold window is the ideal AC. This is ideal for your bedroom or a smaller apartment. It is heavy duty and often comes with an air conditioner kit which comprises a filter, side panel covers, support bracket and a user guide to help you install your unit.
The unit is ideal for windows that have a width of 23 to 36 inches and height of 13 inches.
Homelabs cold window air conditioner also features 2-way airflow, 7 speeds and fan settings that you can adjust so that your unit is able to reduce hot temperatures powerfully and quickly. It is able to cool your room in less than ten minutes.
It has a filter that is eco-friendly and reusable. The filter can be also be washed easily by using warm water and soap or vacuum and dried before installing. The colors are neutral therefore it will match with your décor.
Features
The unit comes with a long cord of six feet that has 3 prong grounding plug and a power cord that protects it from shock hazards.
It also comes with a built-in drain hole that allows you to drain it easily without requiring you to add any tubing.
It has a full-width, two-way airflow that directs the cooled air to the direction you want therefore perfectly cooling your room.
The unit has a re-usable antibacterial filter that easily slides out making it washable. This will highly remove any room odors and at the same time filtering harmful particles leaving you with clean air.
It has an ERR of 11.1 and a low power start-up, hence, costing you less than 41$ in a year and greatly saving you money.
The digital thermostat and remote allow you to adjust and control the room temperature to the desired level from anywhere in the room.
What we loved
- -It cools the room quickly in less than fifteen minutes
- -The unit is energy efficient with an ERR of 11.1
- -It comes with readable instructions that make installation easy
- -The noise is not too loud
- -It is able to start-up at low power, thus, saving you energy and money
- -The filter can slide out hence making it washable. You can also remove and reuse it thus removing room odors and bacteria leaving you with clean air.
What we did not like
It is a bit heavier thus you may require a hand when installing it
The box has no outer box which may make the unit dented
The vent can only go from one side to another but cannot go upwards or downwards and also lacks multi-directions
Keystone KSTAW05B
This window air conditioner has 5,000 BTUs making it suitable for cooling a room of up to 150 square feet. Keystone KSTAW05B is the most compact and lightest unit weighing 40 pounds, hence, easy to install. It is small in size and consumes less power therefore it will cost you less to run it compared to most units.
The unit is energy star certified with an 11.2 ERR rating, therefore, energy efficient. The best thing about Keystone AC is that it has all the convenient features making the best pick. The features include a programmable timer, remote control, and auto mode. Other features include a sleep mode and dehumidifier mode. Keystone AC comes with a 5-year compressor warranty making it a better option. However, despite this unit being cheap it often has limitations that make it only suitable for a small room with a low airflow of 129 CFM.
Features
The sleep mode raises your room’s temperature gradually at night when sleeping, therefore, leaving you with warm and cool air.
The energy-saving mode greatly saves you energy and in particular money, you pay for your electricity.
The unit is able to auto-restart in case power is interrupted since the settings are saved and will automatically restart when the power comes back.
The LED electronic control display enables you to select options easily by only touching a button. This makes it the best pick.
It features a temperature sensing LCD remote control which allows you to adjust and control the room’s temperature from anywhere in the room.
The 2-way directional airflow allows you to control the direction at which the air flows therefore perfectly cooling the space you want to use.
The 24 Hour programmable timer allows you to set it to either switch on or off at the scheduled time even when you are not around hence saving you energy.
It has filters that tilt out making it easy to clean and a filter indicator that allows you to know if the unit needs cleaning.
What we loved
- -It is affordable
- -The energy cost is low
- -Has a five –year compressor warranty
- -It is light and very compact
What we did not like
- -Only suitable for small rooms
- -It has a low maximum airflow
- -The direction of airflow is limited
- -It has no 4-way directional airflow
2.Up to 25o sq.ft
LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
Is summer just around the corner and you are worried of the heat? Worry no more because LG LW6017R is the best window air conditioner that will perfectly cool your room that measures up to 260 square feet. This unit can dehumidify your room up to 1.8 pints per hour and has an energy saving mode. It comes with several features that make it convenient such as a 24 Hour on/off timer, 3 cooling and 3 fan speeds.
This LG unit has patented gold fin with a coat that is resistant to corrosion hence making it last for long. It also comes with an installation kit and has 6,000 BTUs that makes it powerful and fit for cooling your room faster.
Features
The 24 Hour timer enables you to program the unit to switch on or off at the set time. If in case you are far from home you can set it to switch on and you will always get home to a perfectly cooled room.
It comes with an installation kit that has installation hardware that often makes installation quick and easier without having to seek help from someone else.
The three fan and cooling speeds allow you adjust your unit to the speed at which you want the fan to run and which you want the roomed to be cooled thus make the cooling process flexible and your stay comfortable.
It has a gold fin that is patented and has an anti-corrosion coating that prevents your unit from rust, therefore, making it durable.
The remote control allows you to adjust the unit’s settings and control it from any direction in the room.
It is able to auto restart to previous settings when there is power outage as those setting are saved thus making it convenient.
It has a filter alarm function through which you can know if the filter has dirt that needs to be cleaned or replacement. This ensures that the operation runs smoothly.
The 2-way air direction enables you to adjust it to let air flow to the direction you want to be cool.
What we loved
It has a remote control
3 fan and 3 cooling speeds
24-hour on/off timer
Has a thermostat control
2-way air direction
Auto restart function
Energy saver function
Filter alarm function
What we did not like
It has a limited warranty of 1 year
Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 10,000 BTU Slider/Casement Room Air Conditioner With Full-Function Remote Control
If you want a window air conditioner that will beat the heat during summer then look no more because Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 is the ideal AC for you. It has 10,000 BTUs that makes it powerful and suitable for cooling a room that measures up to 450 square feet. Its design makes it ideal for windows that slide horizontally and not those which double-hung. It can dehumidify a room up to 3.4 pints per hour and a 10.4 ERR.
It comprises ready-select electronic controls and a full functioning remote control. It also features a 3 fan speed, 4-way air direction control and washable mesh filter that is able to slide out.
Features
The multi-speed fan consist of the three fan speeds that make cooling flexible since you can adjust the speed at which you want the fan to cool the room.
The four-way air direction control enables you to direct air to whichever place you want to be cool.
It has ready-select electronic controls which will allow you to select options easily by only touching a button.
It comes with a full-functioning remote control through which you can be able to control the fan speed and the temperature from the comfort of your couch or your bed.
The 24 hour on/off timer allows you to set it to operate or to shut down at a specific time. With this, you can come to a cooled room even when you are not in the house.
The filter is meshed and washable to prevent any dirt from accumulating and removes any particles from the air. It also has a check filter indicator that enables you to know if the filter needs cleaning or servicing.
The energy saver mode and sleep mode enables the unit to switch off when the room has been completely cooled thus conserving energy and saving you money.
What we loved
It operates quietly thus best choice if you are a light sleeper.
Consists multi-speed electronic controls
Has a 4-way air direction
Washable mesh filter and a check filter alert
Has a 24 Hour on/off timer
Comprises an energy saver mode, auto cool, and a sleep mode
What we did not like
It is not fit for standard window installation.
LG LW1216ER Window-Mounted Air Conditioner with Remote Control, 12,000 BTU 115V
LG LW1216ER window air conditioner is ideal if you want to cool your room that measures up to 550 square feet. The unit has an energy saving mode, full-functioning remote, and a 24-Hour on/off timer. It has an energy efficiency ratio of 12.1, a slide-out washable filter, 4-way air direction and 3 fan and 3 cooling seeds.
Features
The 4-way air direction control enables you to direct airflow to cool the room in four directions, therefore, cooling your room well.
It comes with a 24-Hour on/off timer that allows you to program your unit to switch on or off at a particular time.
The full-functioning remote control enables you to adjust and control the temperature and fan settings from any direction in the room.
The energy saver mode enables you to cool a lot of space and at the same time saving a lot of energy and money.
The LG patented gold fin has anti-corrosion coating which has a protective shield that makes sure that your unit lasts for long.
The filter is able to slide out making it easy to wash in order to remove debris thus making sure that operation is not disturbed.
What we loved
- -The unit comes with an installation kit
- -Auto restart function
- -It cools a room of up to 550 square feet
- -It is energy efficient
- -Has a side out and washable filter
- -It has three fan and three cooling speeds with auto cool
- -Four-way Air direction
- -The unit has a 12.1 energy efficiency ratio
- -Full- functioning remote control
What we did not like
- -The unit has a 1-year limited warranty
Frigidaire 15,100 BTU Window-Mounted Median Air Conditioner with Temperature Sensing Remote Control
If you are looking for a window-mounting air conditioner that can cool a bigger space of up to 850 square feet then Frigidaire 15,100 BTU is the ideal AC unit for you. The best thing about this unit is that it can perfectly cool your room during hot days quietly thus best for your bedroom. It can dehumidify a room up to 3.8 pints per hour and 11.8 Energy Ratio Efficiency and is fit for windows that are 18.5 inches wide and 28-40.5 inches long.
The ability to start-up and operate at low power conserves a lot of energy. The unit also features a sensing remote control, ready-select electronic controls, temperature readout display a clean air ionizer which gets rid of any impurities and pollen from the air and the 8-way air direction control that makes cooling process flexible.
Features
It is able to start-up at low power, therefore, conserving energy and in turn saving you money you could pay on energy consumption.
The easy temperature sensing remote control enables you to check, set and at the same time maintain the room temperature at your desired level from any place in the room.
It comprises ready-select electronic controls which enables you to set it to the level you are comfortable with and temperature readout display that enables you to see the set temperature.
Its multi-speed fan has three speeds that make cooling more flexible to achieve your desired temperature level.
The 8-way air direction control enables you to control the direction at which the cool air flows more easily to ensure every hot space is eliminated.
The unit has a clean air ionizer that eliminates any pollen or impurities that are present in the air leaving you with clean and fresh air. This is ideal for you if you have allergies.
What we loved
The unit has a clean air ionizer
8-Way air direction control
Energy star certified
Three fan speeds
Low noise level
Low power start-up
Ready-select electronic control
Temperature sensing remote control
It can cool a room of up to 850 square feet
What we did not like
It comes with a 1 year limited warranty
LG LW8017ERSM Energy Star 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Wi-Fi
If you are looking for a window AC that can cool your space and at the same saving energy then the LG energy star unit with 8,000 BTU 115V will be ideal for you. LG LW8017ERSM is ideal for cooling a room that measures up to 340 square feet. This unit is 2017 energy star and has an ERR of 12.1 and it can move and circulate 220 cubic feet of air in a minute thus cooling a room quickly.
The unit has a Wi-Fi control and a smart app that allows you to control the temperature, scheduling, fan speed and mode from your Smartphone. In case of power outage, your unit will be able to automatically restart to its previous settings.
Features
In case of power outage, the auto restart function enables the unit to turn back automatically to its previous settings when the power comes back.
The smart app enables you to adjust and control the temperature, fan speed, scheduling and the modes from your Smartphone and anywhere far from the house.
It has 4-way air deflection that you can adjust to direct the cool air to the place you want. This ensures that all the hot spots are eliminated.
The unit has three fan and three cooling speeds that makes cooling flexible since you can adjust the speed at which you want the fan to cool the room to a comfortable cooling level.
The dehumidify-only setting allows you to run it thus removing all moisture in the air but not cooling the room. Quickly removes moisture from the air and can dehumidify the room at 2.2 pints per hour thus a good option if the climate you live in is humid.
Has an energy saver mode that automatically turns off the fan whenever the compressor is off allowing the compressor and the fan cycle on and off automatically to cool the room.
The sleep mode raises the room temperature slowly on the thermostat during the night thus conserving energy and makes sure that the room is not over chilly. In this case, the compressor will not overwork.
The unit comes with a 24 on/off timer that enables you to program it to switch on or off at a specific time even when far from home. With this, you can always come to an already cooled room.
It has a remote control that allows you to adjust and control the temperature and fan speed across the room thus making it more convenient.
The filter alarm function alerts you whenever the filter is dirty therefore you can clean it or replace it if not in a good state.
What we loved
- It is able to remove moisture from rain compared to other AC units.
- It cools the room quickly
- It can cool a room of up to 340 square feet
- It has a smart app and Wi-Fi connection
- Comes with a 24-Hour Timer
- Energy saver function
- Filter alarm function
- 3 cooling and 3 fan speeds
- Thermostat and remote control
- It a dehumidifying-only setting
- It has an auto restart function
What we did not like
It is expensive than other units
It costs more running it than other AC units
It is noisy when operating at high settings
It has a limited one year warranty
GE AEM05LX 19″ Window Air Conditioner with 5200 Cooling BTU, Energy Star Qualified in Light Cool Gray
If you are looking for a unit that can cool a room that measures up to 260 square feet then GE AEM05LX will be the best pick for you. The unit features a 3 fan and 3 cooling speeds, energy saver mode and it is Energy Star Qualified. It also has a 24 on/off timer and a EZ mount installation.
Features
The energy saver mode makes sure that the fan and the compressor switch off when the room has been cooled enough and then cycle on and off again to cool the room. This greatly saves you money.
The EZ Mount window installation kit comes with a fixed chassis that makes installation quicker and easier.
It consist a four-way air direction louvers that permit it to circulate air in the room more perfectly, thus, leaving no hotspot.
This unit has a higher ERR of 12.4 which make it perform averagely. It has 5200 BTUs and it air can flow at 145 cubic feet per minute.
It is compact and lightweight thus very easy to install on your own. It also comes with a window installation kit to aid the installation and to ensure that it fits into your window.
What we loved
It is one of the most energy-efficient unit
Comes with installation kit
Lightweight
Energy efficient
Low operation cost
What we did not like
It lacks a dehumidify mode and an auto-restart function
Removes water of 1.4 pints per hour
It has no auto restart feature or a sleep mode
The warranty is limited to one year for all parts and the compressor
Features to Consider when Purchasing a Window Air Conditioner (Buyer’s Guide)
Size of the Room
The size of the room often determines specification of power that will be considered in AC units. You should always first consider the amount of power that will be required to adequately cool your home or office.
Make sure that the AC unit you purchase is of the correct size and do not buy a huge unit that you don’t require or one that is too small to effectively cool your home.
An AC unit with 80 watts is always the best option to place in your bedroom and units that are rated at 125 square meters are best for living rooms.
The level of Noise
There are Ac unit that are very noisy when operating and you should avoid buying such since they are very irritating. Such units are not best option if you intend to place in your child’s room since his sleep will be disrupted. You will also be forced to speak loudly when communicating to another person in the house which may be disruptive even to the people living around you. Always consider buying units that produces low noise for your family’s and neighbors’ comfy.
Energy Efficiency
Models that are energy efficient are now available in the market due to technology evolution .When going out to purchase your unit make sure to check its SEER rating to know which one is best. A unit with high SEER rating means that the unit is much efficient. Also make sure that the unit has star logo and is certified as it guarantees its efficiency.
Warranty
When buying an AC unit always make sure that the manufacturer has given a warranty. This will assure you of its quality and the ability to perform. It should however not dictate on who has to do the installation as this is something you should be able to do on your own.
Installation and maintenance
Seeking an expert’s services in installing the unit is best thing to do if you cannot be able to. With this you will be assured of no disappointment in such services. Regular maintenance of the unit is also recommended for its effective operation.
FAQ
Why is a window air conditioner is is preferred over a central or freestanding air conditioner?
A window air conditioner is always more cheaper when compared to the central air conditioner which is always more expensive. Another best thing about the window conditioner is that it does not take slot of space on the floor since it is placed at the window.
What is the amount of maintenance required by a window air conditioner?
The air filter may require cleaning or replacement regularly but maintenance required is always little. It is always recommended that you clean the condenser coil and evaporator and use a fin comb to straighten the bent fins for effective functioning.
How noisy are the window air conditioners?
Many models in the market today tend to be less noisy when compared to older ones since manufacturers are more conscious on the amount of noise the units produce as they are concerned about the user’s comfort.
You can also read on the Best Window Air Conditioner for Small Rooms
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- Why HVAC enhances comfortable living
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- Why HVAC companies want their clients to delay from installing the smart system