Buying guide for best window air conditioner
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Central air conditioning isn't the best option for every dwelling. Sometimes, it's more cost-efficient (and energy-efficient) to invest in a window air conditioner that just cools the room you’re in — bedroom, office, family room or wherever you happen to be. To get the most for your money, it’s wise to research the best window air conditioner for your situation.
At BestReviews, we take shopping seriously. That's why we researched, evaluated and listened to customer feedback on over 50 models to gain solid knowledge of what’s available. To find the best for your home, you must first understand how powerful the unit needs to be and which features would provide the most comfort. You may also want to consider a window air conditioner's energy efficiency and any bells and whistles that come with it, such as smart operation.
Our top pick is the LG 10,000 Btu Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Window Air Conditioner. It suits rooms up to 450 square feet and can save you money on your energy bill.
Editors' picks
Midea 8,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Editors’ Favorite
Performance: 8,000 Btus with inverter compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 350 sq ft | Convenience: Remote control, SmartHome app | Noise Level: 32 dB
The Midea 8,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner offers all the features that homeowners could want in a window AC unit: powerful, energy-efficient performance, convenient smart features and quiet operation. It provides 8,000 Btus of cooling power, allowing it to cover an area of up to 350 square feet. Featuring advanced inverter technology, this Energy Star-certified unit doesn’t use as much energy as other window models and can save you up to 35% on energy costs.
Its high-efficiency system also helps keep its noise levels down. It only reaches 32 decibels on its low setting, making it as quiet as a whisper. The design helps your window block out exterior noise, too, making it an ideal AC unit for a bedroom. We also like that its U-shape design gives you the freedom to open your window for fresh air and maintain your view, even with the air conditioner installed.
Operating it couldn’t be easier, either. It comes with a remote that allows you to adjust settings without getting out of bed. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled, so you can use the Midea SmartHome app to control the unit from anywhere via your iOS or Android device. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant smart home devices for voice commands, too.
Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner
Great Value
Performance: 5,000 Btu with traditional compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft | Convenience: Remote control | Noise Level: 52 dB
The Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner proves you don’t have to break the bank to keep your room cool and comfortable. It provides 5,000 Btus of cooling power, so it can cover a space of up to 150 square feet. It allows you to customize its cooling, with its custom temperature controls, three fan speeds and six-way directional airflow. It has an Eco mode, though, which reduces energy use, and a Sleep Mode that gradually increases the temperature overnight to help you sleep comfortably while reducing energy consumption.
It also features a 24-hour on/off timer, so the air conditioner operates according to your schedule. In addition to its cooling settings, it has a Dry mode that lets it act as a dehumidifier, removing excess moisture from the air to keep your home more comfortable. You can adjust these settings from across the room with the included remote, too, for more convenient operation.
Best of all, this Frigidaire window AC is easy to maintain. It provides Clean Filter alerts to let you know when it’s time for a cleaning, helping extend its lifespan. The filter is washable, too, so you don’t need to buy replacements.
LG 6,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner
Easy to Use and Install
Performance: 6,000 Btu with traditional compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 250 sq ft | Convenience: Remote control | Noise Level: 52 dB
The LG 6,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner is designed for quick, easy installation. It comes with a window kit, making installation straightforward enough for a single person to handle. Maintenance is just as easy, thanks to the washable, reusable filter that slides out for quick cleaning.
The unit is powerful enough to cool an area up to 250 square feet, making it ideal for medium rooms, like a bedroom or home office. It also offers three cooling and fan speeds, so you can customize the cooling to suit your needs. In addition to the cooling and fan settings, it has a dry mode to extract moisture from the air on damp days.
This LG window air conditioner also stands out for its user-friendly operation. It has an easy-to-use control panel and a remote control for adjusting settings from across the room. The panel even displays a light to alert you when it’s time to clean your filter. You don’t have to worry if your power goes out, either — the auto-restart feature automatically turns the air conditioner back on once the power is restored to ensure your home stays cool.
Midea 5,000-Btu EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner
Best for Small Rooms
Performance: 5,000 Btu with traditional compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft | Convenience: N/A | Noise Level: 57 dB
The Midea 5,000-Btu EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner is an ideal option for cooling smaller rooms. It delivers 5,000 Btus, effectively covering spaces up to 150 square feet. It also has seven temperature settings, two fan speeds and two-way air direction, allowing you to customize the cooling to suit your needs and the weather conditions.
This is an excellent model for keeping energy costs down. It has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate (CEER) of 11.0, so it doesn’t use as much energy as models with lower ratings and ensures you save money throughout the year.
This Midea is easy to use, too, featuring mechanical controls that let you quickly set the temperature and mode. It has a removable, washable filter that keeps dust, dander and other allergens out of your home’s air and makes maintenance a breeze. Installation is just as straightforward. The unit includes all the required mounting accessories, so you only need a screwdriver to install the air conditioner.
Hisense 14,000-Btu Smart Window Air Conditioner
Best Smart Air Conditioner
Performance: 14,000 Btu with traditional compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 700 sq ft | Convenience: LED display, electronic controls, remote control, smart app | Noise Level: 56 dB
The Hisense 14,000-Btu Smart Window Air Conditioner makes keeping your home cool as convenient as possible. It features a dual-control system that lets you use the easy-to-read LED display and control panel to adjust the unit’s settings, or the included remote control to change them from across the room. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled, so you can use the ConnectLife App to control the AC from anywhere on your smartphone or tablet.
Not only is this AC unit easy to use, but it’s also extremely powerful. It provides 14,000 Btus of cooling power, allowing it to effectively and efficiently cool an area up to 700 square feet. It also offers four-way airflow, so you can customize it to suit your preferences. The unit is versatile, too, offering fan and dry modes in addition to its cooling function.
If you’re looking to save on energy costs, the model’s smart 24-hour timer can help. It lets you set automatic programs that turn it on and off according to your schedule, so your home stays comfortable without wasting energy. Plus, it’s compatible with voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Windmill 10,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner
Best for Large Rooms
Performance: 10,000 Btu with inverter compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 450 sq ft | Convenience: LED display, electronic controls, remote control, smart app, voice control | Noise Level: 42 dB
With 10,000 Btus of cooling power, the Windmill 10,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner can keep even large rooms cool and comfortable. It’s powerful enough to cover up to 450 square feet and delivers cool air at a 45-degree angle to ensure even distribution throughout the room. You can choose from three cooling settings and three fan speeds to customize the cooling, too.
This model also boasts an energy-efficient design that can help you save money. It has a dual air intake system that draws in air from the front and bottom to reduce energy consumption, as well as double-insulated side panels that help keep cool air inside. It’s not just cool air loss that’s reduced, though. The panels help block outside noise, and the unit can operate at as little as 42 decibels, making it the ideal model for bedrooms.
This window air conditioner has plenty of features to make operation easier and more convenient, too. It is Wi-Fi-enabled for smart app control when you’re away from home and also includes a remote for adjusting the settings from across the room. Its LED display automatically dims at night, too, and even includes an activated charcoal filter in addition to the standard mesh filter to ensure your home’s air is clean.
Midea 10,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Most Versatile
Performance: 10,000 Btu with inverter compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 450 sq ft | Convenience: Remote control, smart app | Noise Level: 32 dB
The Midea 10,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner features a U-shaped design that helps your window block outside noise. Additionally, its inverter compression technology reduces vibration and operational noise, making it 10 times quieter than traditional window units. In fact, it reaches just 32 decibels at its lowest fan speed, making it ideal for bedrooms.
An energy-efficient model, it helps reduce energy consumption and costs. In fact, it’s one of the few window air conditioners to earn Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Overall, it can help you save up to 35% on energy costs over traditional models.
For many homeowners, though, it’s this air conditioner’s user-friendly design that makes it such an impressive model. It’s Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can control it from anywhere using the Midea SmartHome app on your Android or iOS device. It’s also compatible with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It has a 24-hour timer, too, so it can automatically turn on and off according to your schedule.
Frigidaire GHWW085TE1 Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Quietest Air Conditioner
Performance: 8,000 Btu with inverter compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 350 sq ft | Convenience: Remote control, smart app | Noise Level: 41 dB
The Frigidaire GHWW085TE1 Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner features inverter technology that helps reduce noise. At its lowest speed, it reaches just 41 decibels, so it won’t disturb you when you’re trying to sleep. The variable-speed inverter also allows it to more effectively regulate the room’s temperature, helping reduce energy use and lower your electricity bills.
It delivers 8,000 Btus of cooling power, so it can easily cool an area between 300 and 350 square feet. It also has an auto-swing louver that circulates cool air throughout the entire space. The three fan speeds let you customize the cooling, too, ensuring your home is always comfortable.
The Frigidaire GHWW085TE1 is Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with the Frigidaire app. That lets you turn the unit on and off and adjust the temperature and fan speed from anywhere using your smartphone. Maintenance is easy, too. The air conditioner has a removable, washable dust filter, allowing you to clean it periodically to maintain performance.
Amazon Basics 5,000 Btu Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Performance: 5,000 Btu cooling capacity with 2 fan speeds | Coverage: Designed for rooms up to 150 sq ft | Convenience: Intuitive controls, a washable filter, and an adjustable window installation kit | Noise Level: Up to 56 dB
If you're outfitting a small space and need a no-nonsense air conditioner, this Amazon Basics 5,000 Btu Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is a practical option. It covers rooms up to 150 square feet and includes both cooling and fan modes, along with simple dial controls that anyone can use. The washable filter is easy to access and helps keep your air a bit fresher.
Installation is straightforward, especially with the included adjustable side panels. While cooling performance is generally reliable, some users note it may take a while to bring down the temperature, and the noise level is a toss-up depending on the unit you get. It's not fancy, but it’s functional for the price.
Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Small But Capable
Performance: 5,000 Btu with traditional compressor | Coverage: Cools rooms up to 250 sq ft | Convenience: NA | Noise Level: 52 dB
The Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is a flexible, easy-to-use model, ideal for smaller spaces. Its 5,000 Btus allow it to cool areas up to 250 square feet, while its seven temperature settings and two fan speeds let you customize the cooling based on your needs. The dial controls make choosing your setting quick and easy, too.
The air conditioner features an extra-long power cord, so you can plug it into most outlets without an extension cord. Installation is easy, too. Its adjustable side panels ensure it fits perfectly in your window, so there are no gaps that might let air escape.
Allergy sufferers will also appreciate the unit’s filter, which is designed to capture dust and other small particles from the air and prolong its lifespan. Plus, the filter is washable and easy to clean, so you don’t have to buy replacement filters to keep the air conditioner working properly.
How we chose the best window air conditioner
Our search for the best window air conditioners required many hours of research and consulting. The BestReviews team considered 50 models and evaluated the customer experience of 60 individuals. We researched desirable features and studied the metrics used to express performance. After compiling and scrutinizing the data, we picked eight top window air conditioners, purposely including a variety of models so you could quickly find the best one regardless of your needs.
What to know before buying a window air conditioner
Assessing your cooling needs
Window air conditioners have different cooling abilities. Some are made for large spaces, such as a family room, while others are made to operate in small spaces, such as a bedroom. If a window air conditioner is too small for the space, it will run constantly and possibly never get the room down to a comfortable temperature. If it’s too big, it will turn on and off quicker than the manufacturer intended — the cooling cycle should last 15 to 20 minutes — and put additional wear and tear on the unit.
The cooling power of an air conditioner is expressed in British Thermal Units, or Btu. The higher the Btu, the more cooling power it has. To get the right air conditioner, you need to know the square footage of a room. You can easily figure this by multiplying the length by the width of the space. For example, a room 20 feet long by 12 feet wide would be 240 square feet. To get a rough estimate of the needed Btu power, multiply the square footage by 25. In this example, 240 times 25 gives us 6,000. This means a 6,000-Btu air conditioner like the LG from our list would be the right fit.
It is important to realize that hotter climates, poorly insulated rooms, open doors and south-facing rooms require a higher Btu rating. Add roughly 10% for each of these factors to get more accurate results.
Energy efficiency and cost considerations
There are two ways the energy efficiency of an air conditioner is measured: the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Both EER and SEER involve dividing a unit's Btu rating by its input wattage.
For instance, if a unit had a 5,000-Btu rating and needed 500 watts, the ratio would be 10 (5,000 divided by 500).
The rating systems differ because the EER is only calculated when the outdoor temperature is 95 degrees. The SEER, on the other hand, is an average over the entire season. It uses temperatures ranging from 65 to 104 degrees. The higher the number (in either case), the more efficient the air conditioner is. Ideally, you want to find a window air conditioner with an EER of 10 or above. If you use the SEER rating, strive for 16 or higher.
While many factors are involved, such as climate and usage patterns, you could save anywhere from 10% to 40% in operating costs with a higher SEER number. For example, upgrading to an air conditioner with a SEER of 14 could save you 10% to 20% in energy costs. Moving to a model with a SEER of 19 could potentially knock up to 40% off your energy bill. So, the savings are significant. However, it’s important to understand that the more energy-efficient an air conditioner is, the more it costs upfront. To get what is right for you, weigh the purchasing cost against the operational cost.
If you don't want to worry about these calculations, that’s okay. Just look for an Energy Star-certified window air conditioner. This means the unit uses 8% less energy than conventional models.
Our top picks: Energy efficiency and cost considerations
- Midea 8,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner: With a SEER rating of 15, this model can reduce energy use up to 35% compared to traditional window air conditioners.
- Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner: This model features Eco mode, which maintains a comfortable temperature in your home while reducing energy consumption by turning the unit on and off at regular intervals.
- LG 6,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner: This air conditioner uses just 520 watts in its full cooling capacity and features an Eco mode to help reduce energy consumption.
- Midea 5,000-Btu EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner: This model has a CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Rating) of 11 and uses just 450 watts of power, but it’s not Energy Star-certified.
- Hisense 14,000-Btu Smart Window Air Conditioner: With a SEER rating of 11.3, this unit meets modern energy-efficiency standards and even features a 24-hour smart timer that turns it on and off to optimize energy use.
Window specifications and installation requirements
Unlike portable air conditioners, which can be adapted to fit various window designs, a window air conditioner can only be used in a double-hung window — one with windows that slide up and down. You cannot install a window air conditioner in a window that slides from side to side or cranks open. Also, the air conditioner must be small enough (in both width and height) to fit comfortably through the window and rest on the sill when the window is open.
To secure your window AC unit, close the window on it, and install window locks. This helps hold the air conditioner in place and deters burglars looking for an easy entry.
You may use an air conditioner support bracket for added safety. The open space on the sides of the air conditioner must be sealed with the appropriate side panels (usually included). All air gaps should be sealed with weather stripping. If they aren’t sealed, hot air can enter the room and create efficiency issues.
Because air conditioners cannot run using an extension cord, choose a window with a nearby outlet. The preferable window is a north-facing window, as this will offer shade to provide optimum performance. Lastly, it is essential to keep the air conditioner free from possible obstructions — inside and outside — because efficient operation requires unobstructed airflow around the entire unit.
Noise levels
High noise levels aren't just annoying. They can cause permanent hearing loss by damaging cells and membranes in the cochlea. According to the Centers for Disease Control, prolonged listening to any sound above 70 decibels — the volume of the average vacuum cleaner — is all it takes to cause damage.
Fortunately, most window air conditioners operate at less than 60 decibels. While this makes them safe for your ears, some people may still find that volume level aggravating, especially when the unit is cycling on and off. If you are searching for a window air conditioner for your bedroom, a higher noise level may be a deal-breaker because it could disrupt your sleep.
\Some air conditioners run at volumes only slightly louder than a library. Assessing the unit's decibel rating will help you to determine how loud it will be when running. You can also look for models with vibration-dampening features, multiple fan speeds or a quiet mode.
Additionally, you can insulate the air conditioner by placing 2 inches of insulation foam around the unit and cleaning it regularly so no dirt or debris can increase the operating volume.
Our top picks: Noise levels
- Midea 8,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner: This model operates at just 32 decibels on its lowest settings. Its U-shaped design places the inverter outside your window for highly effective noise control.
- Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner: This model is fairly quiet for a window air conditioner, operating at just 52 decibels.
- LG 6,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner: On its lowest fan setting, this unit reaches just 52 decibels, making it well-suited for a bedroom. However, users report that it can be fairly noisy on its high setting.
- Midea 5,000-Btu EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner: This model operates at 57 decibels on high speed and 50.5 decibels on low speed, so it’s never louder than regular conversation.
- Hisense 14,000-Btu Smart Window Air Conditioner: This unit reaches just 56 decibels at high speed, so it isn’t particularly loud
Features and functionality
A window air conditioner keeps you cool. But depending on the one you buy, it may increase your at-home comfort in other ways. For instance, an air conditioner functions similarly to a dehumidifier. As such, many models can help if you have high moisture content in your air. And the filter may help remove some particulates from the air. However, both features are side benefits. If you have a problem with humidity or unclean air, a dedicated dehumidifier is the best option.
Here are a few features you may want to consider when shopping for a window air conditioner.
- Heater: This allows you to use your air conditioner all year because it can lower or raise the temperature of a room, depending on your needs.
- Thermostat: A thermostat is a temperature-controlled switch that shuts off an air conditioner when the desired temperature has been reached. It can also turn the unit on when the temperature gets too high. This feature helps save energy.
- Multiple fan speeds: With multiple fan speeds, you have greater flexibility over the unit's cooling power.
- Adjustable air deflector: If you want to direct cool air to a specific spot, you need an adjustable airflow deflector. This feature functions like the adjustable air vents in your car, letting you direct the airflow.
- Sleep mode: Your body naturally cools down when you sleep. An air conditioner with a sleep mode gradually increases the room temperature while you sleep, keeping you comfortable and saving energy.
- Programmable timer: With a programmable timer, you can select when the air conditioner turns on and off, even if you’re asleep or not home. This saves energy because the unit can remain off until just before you arrive home.
- Remote operation: If you want to control your window air conditioner without getting out of bed or off the couch, you need a remote or one that can be adjusted via an app.
- Smart operation: Smart operation lets you control your air conditioner from anywhere. It also lets you tap into your smart-home hub so you can control the unit with your voice.
Our top picks: Features and functionality
- Midea 8,000-Btu U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner: This Wi-Fi-enabled model allows for smart control via the Midea app and also has a remote control, a programmable timer and five speed settings.
- Frigidaire 5,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner: This air conditioner includes a remote control and features a 24-hour timer, a Sleep mode and three fan speeds.
- LG 6,000-Btu Window Air Conditioner: This unit offers remote control, a 24-hour timer and three fan speeds to customize your cooling experience.
- Midea 5,000-Btu EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner: This model doesn’t offer as many features as higher-end models, but it offers two cooling speeds, two fan-only speeds and two-way air direction to give the ideal amount of cooling for every situation.
- Hisense 14,000-Btu Smart Window Air Conditioner: This unit is Wi-Fi enabled, offering smart control via the ConnectLife App and voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a remote and a 24-hour timer, plus a sleep mode to help save energy.
Maintenance and care
Considering how much a window air conditioner runs, surprisingly little maintenance is required to keep it in peak condition. The most important task is keeping the air filter clean. This essential component traps particulates and keeps the unit running efficiently. If the air filter gets too dirty, it increases the strain on the air conditioner and may shorten its lifespan.
Luckily, most models have reusable air filters you simply remove and clean according to the manufacturer's directions. The best air conditioners may alert you when this needs to be done. If not, we suggest cleaning it once each month. If your air contains an excessive amount of pollen or other airborne particulates, you will want to check the filter more often.
Alternatively, some models may have a disposable filter. For these air conditioners, you would need to purchase a new filter and dispose of the old one as directed in the owner's manual.
Besides keeping the air filter clean, make sure the unit is clean and the fins in the back are straight and clean. When wiping it down, use a damp cloth, and avoid the control panel to prevent sensitive electronic parts from getting wet.
Our expertise
Allen Foster joined BestReviews in 2018 as a product writer. Before that, he worked at one of the country's largest home improvement retailers. His training involved attending seminars and workshops on home products ranging from tools to appliances to learn how to accommodate customers’ needs. Allen is a knowledgeable DIYer who worked in construction after college to learn how professionals get the job done.
