About Window Air Conditioners

Efficiency: Good for the Environment, Good for Your Budget

Energy efficiency is important for both the environment and your budget. Air conditioners measure energy usage in watts and cooling performance in BTUs. To make comparison easier, the U.S. government requires manufacturers to assign an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to each unit. A higher EER indicates a more efficient unit that saves money and energy .

Size Is Everything

Choosing the right size air conditioner is crucial. The unit must provide enough BTUs to cool the room effectively without wasting energy. It must also fit the window dimensions, with a slight downward tilt for proper drainage .

Cool, But Noisy

Noise is a common complaint about window air conditioners. The units reviewed here include noise ratings in decibels (dB), ranging from quiet (50 dB) to noisy (70 dB) .

How We Chose Units To Review

The units were selected based on manufacturers' specifications and customer reviews, focusing on decibel rating, EER, and weight. They are ranked by noise level, with the quietest units first.

Top 10 Best Window Air Conditioners

1. LG LW8017ERSM Smart Window Air Conditioner

This unit is significantly quieter than most others due to soundproofing around the compressor. It features a remote control, sleep setting, and 24-hour timer.

2. Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner

The remote control has a built-in thermostat, allowing you to set the temperature from anywhere in the room. It also includes a programmable timer, energy-saver switch, and sleep mode.

3. KEYSTONE 12,000 BTU 115V

This unit has a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, and energy-saver mode. The remote control has a built-in temperature sensor for complete control from anywhere in the room.

4. LG LW6019ER

This unit features a 24-hour timer, automatic restart, sleep mode, and a remote control with full unit control.

5. FRIGIDAIRE Energy Star 6,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini

This unit includes a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, and a filter cleaning notification. The remote control allows temperature and fan adjustment from anywhere in the room.

6. LG LW8017ERSM

In addition to the remote control, this unit can connect to Wi-Fi and be managed through a smartphone app.

7. Friedrich 10,000 BTU

This heavy-duty unit comes with a 24-hour timer and remote control.

8. FRIGIDAIRE Energy Star

This low-profile unit includes a full-function remote control with timer and sleep mode controls.

9. FRIGIDAIRE FFRE103ZA1 20

This unit features a full-function remote control with sleep mode and timer.

In Conclusion

Selecting the best window air conditioner depends on your specific needs. Local hardware or appliance stores can provide valuable assistance in finding the right model for you.

Sources:

1. "Air Conditioner Efficiency." Energy Star, https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/air_conditioning_room/air_conditioner_efficiency.
2. "Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide." Consumer Reports, https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/window-air-conditioners/buying-guide/index.htm.
3. "Decibel Level Comparison Chart." Yale Environmental Health & Safety, https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/decibel-level-chart.pdf.