When it comes to the heat of summer, there are a few tools that can keep you cool. Buying the best window AC unit can ensure that your living spaces are cool no matter how hot or humid the weather is outside.
Having a reliable window cooler unit that can stand constant use will make sure that you have a respite all summer long. There’s nothing quite like the brisk chill of the air conditioner when coming in from a long day running errands or working.
While there are a ton of options available, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it. Below is a review of the Top 10 best window mounted AC units. We’ve scoured the internet to find the top units and narrowed them down for your convenience.
Contents
Why Should You Trust Us?
While there are a ton of reviews around the internet that you could use to base your decision, we’re the review that you can trust to get you the best window AC units for sale no matter your budget or circumstances.
We have years of product research and testing experience and tested the products ourselves, including such other types of air conditioners as split and portable air conditioners. We want to be part of the review process and not just one of those sites that rewrite the same information over and over. On top of our own expertise, we have: consumer insiders, professionals, repairmen, and homeowners contributing their experiences to make sure that we’ve covered all of the bases to give you the best comprehensive review of window AC units.
We are looking for the best window AC unit no matter what brand. We’ve reviewed 35 units from more than 8 brands to make sure that there was no bias. We’ve also found the best window AC unit for your unique situation no matter your needs.
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner
When trying to find the best window AC for your situation, it’s important to find out which factors are most important to you. While it can be confusing comparing them head to head, we’ll show you the most important factors to consider.
Room Size-The square feet of the area that you are trying to cool down will be the major factor to consider first. If you’re looking to cool a small room or your whole home or apartment, you have different square footage needs. Measure the space to get an idea of your requirements.
Here is a convenient chart with the square footage and the capacity in BTUs needed per hour. Consult this chart to find what capacity you’ll need for your space.
| Room Area | BTU Capacity |
| 100 up to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 up to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 up to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 up to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 up to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 up to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 up to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 up to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 up to 1000 | 18,000 |
| 1000 up to 1200 | 21,000 |
| 1200 up to 1400 | 23,000 |
| 1400 up to 1500 | 24,000 |
| 1500 up to 2000 | 30,000 |
| 2000 up to 2500 | 34,000 |
Dehumidification– Similar to the square footage, you’ll need to consider your humidity requirements before purchasing your new window AC unit. Dehumidifiers base their ratings on the pints per hour.
The pints per hour of water removed from the air could be different if you’re living in a dry or humid area. For damp rooms or humid areas, an AC that has a higher capacity dehumidifier is preferable. With constant high humidity, there could be a number of issues including mold, breathing issues, and dampness.
Energy Efficiency Ration– Electricity consumption is important for the yearly operation costs. The more efficient your window AC unit, the less money it will take to keep your area cool. Different AC units have different options to help reduce usage and increase efficiency.
Some of these can be variable fan speed, 24-hour on/off timer, sleep mode, and energy save mode. All of these tools combine to increase efficiency and some of the window AC units have earned the Energy Star certification. This certification signifies that this unit is in the top 10 percent of the most energy-efficient window ac units.
People – The number of people in the room can be a factor. The more people the more heat is generated. If you’re on the cusp of two different window ac units, the larger BTU choice would ensure a better cooling experience no matter how many people are in the room.
Layout of room – With different furniture layouts and space requirements, the amount of stuff in the room can also be a factor. The more barren the room, the quicker and more efficiently the space will be cooled by the window mounted AC unit.
Amount of electrical appliances in the room – These also affect the window AC unit’s ability to cool the room. Like our bodies, the electrical appliances also can emit heat and counteract the window AC unit’s ability to cool the area.
One thing to keep in mind is lights – Lights emit a lot of heat, especially the incandescent type. We recommend switching to energy efficient lights to reduce the cooling load for your room.
Location of room and windows – Location is important relative to the house itself and the window locations throughout your room. Rooms that have access to the afternoon sun can be increasing warm and hard to cool. Lots of windows or poor location of windows can also be barriers when trying to cool your area.
Features – With tons of available options and features, there are a ton of choices to indulge in any lifestyle. Some of the many available features include differential fan speeds, auto cool functions, sleep modes, filter checks, clean air ionizer, and air direction control. These, along with the standard features, make your best window AC unit, a reality that can easily be programmed to accentuate any lifestyle no matter your needs.
Why Purchase a Window AC Unit Instead of a Split AC?
The window air conditioner is better for smaller rooms and areas. The window AC unit is the more energy efficient solution and can easily cool a room or small space without the hassle of a split air conditioning unit. Whether you have a single room, small apartment, or office, the window AC unit is the best option quite clearly.
If you have a hard to cool area, consider a stronger window AC unit rather than switching to the split AC instead. This stronger unit can withstand your needs while still being a more efficient solution than the split AC units. The amount of operating cost savings will make the larger unit a better choice for the long run.
Another thing to consider when designing your cooling plan for your space is the installation of multiple window mounted AC units. If you’re working with multiple floors, difficult to cool spaces or high temperature areas, your cooling solution may be more multi-faceted. This can easily be met by considering multiple window AC units if your situation calls for it.
The window AC unit is easier to install and maintain. While the split AC needs professional installation and maintenance, the window AC units have been designed to be user-friendly and easy to work on. This saves hundreds of dollars on repair and maintenance costs. More than just a difficult installation, additional parts may be needed or multiple units making this a difficult job for even professionals.
In addition to the installation, maintenance is much easier for the window AC unit than its competitor. With easy to change filters, you can easily make sure that your window AC unit is decreasing allergens and improving air quality while cooling down the area.
Size- The window AC unit takes up much less space than a split AC unit which normally needs two units. This frees up space and can remove eyesores caused by large, loud units. With tons of options throughout your home for the best windows to mount the ac, there is a flexibility that the split AC units do not allow.
Cost-The window mounted AC units are significantly less. Both in initial investment and cost of operation, the window AC unit is the much better choice. No matter if you have a small budget, there are many different window AC units to choose from.
How We Picked and Tested
We have scoured the internet and reviewed over 11,000 user reviews of all of the window AC units that are on the market. From the hundreds of window AC units that were reviewed, we narrowed all of them down to the top 25 best window mounted AC units. With reviews directly from those that have used the different units, we got a great start to finding the diamonds and duds.
We cataloged each product with their different features and styles. We further categorized them into their different BTU ranges and compared them head to head to know that we were comparing apples to apples.
We continued our research and visited the manufacturer’s websites. We read all of the product guidebooks and user manuals. We compared the descriptions written by both the manufacturers and businesses who list them to get an idea of marketing choices and features lists. We went through each of the features and compared them to see which the best were and how each compared to the other window AC units that were reviewed.
After we did our first round of research we finally narrowed the list down to the top 25. We conducted our own product research and analysis. We compared them head to head, feature by feature.
We took our reviews and compared them to research data that we had accumulated from the internet. This included customer surveys, purchasing figures, and consumer reports. We continued this fact-finding mission and painstaking process until we were confident that we knew each of the window AC units inside and out.
With that treasure of information, we finally narrowed them down to the top ten best window AC units that are safe to use and can confidently say that with the information below you can definitely make an informed decision to know that you are purchasing the best window AC unit for your situation. No matter your unique needs, we’ve reviewed all the window ac units to find the best one for you.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of purchasing the best window AC unit. We’ve done the research and tested these units to give you a review that you know you can trust.
Our Top Ten Product List
For our review, we have narrowed the variables down to 40 different features, not including different BTU ranges, which we reviewed concurrently. By having consistency between products and how we compared them against one another, we were able to easily narrow the top 25 window AC mounted units to the top ten.
This also ensured that we were consistent throughout the review. We took the feature listings directly from the manufacturer’s specifications sheets though we did also review marketing information that was provided with the product including any brochures. We considered the pricing and value when narrowing our list. Reliability, durability, and life of the unit were determined by user’s reviews and purchasing frequency.
With all of the information that we gathered, we’re confident that we’ve found the top 10 best window AC units. With a combined approach of comparing features, value, length of unit life, and durability you have all you need. To get more information regarding which features we compared and the BTU ranges, you can refer to our attached report for better understanding or more information.
Our Picks From 5000 BTU Window ACs
Best 5000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire FFRE0533S1, 115V
Before going into the details, let’s review why the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is our number one pick. Here are the reasons why it’s our top pick:
Why have we chosen this product as our Top 5000 BTU pick?
-
Number One!
Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 (5,000 BTU)
Top pick for cooling
Frigidaire FFRE0533S1
This is our favorite choice and the perfect air-con for any home! It is really affordable, with a handy remote control and washable filter.
- The Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 is the top window AC unit because it has 29 of the top 40 positive features making this the best window AC unit in the 5000 BTU range.
- This window AC unit is quite a steal and list price is just below $160.00. This is relatively low when compared to other 5,000 BTU range window ac units. Other 5,000 BTU range window AC units can retail for more than $20.00 more than the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1.
- This window AC unit had the second highest reviews among every 5000 BTU range window AC unit on the market. On Amazon, it was quick to garner positive reviews and received its latest 10 reviews in 54 days. The previous 10 reviews in 48 days and even earlier ten reviews in 97 days at the time of research. This unit garnered a lot of positive feedback and users wanted to share their experiences.
- The remote control makes all the difference. Even though this is listed as only a 4 star unit with just about 350 reviews, the full function remote allows you to easily control the temperature and/or fan speed from the comfort of the couch. In addition to these features, there are multiple other options that are only a touch of the remote away. This convenience makes the Frigidaire unit a great choice.
- The Frigidaire has also earned the ENERGY STAR certification. This means that the cost of using the window AC unit is dramatically less. The Energy Efficiency Ratio, known as the EER, is 12.2. This is the highest among any BTU window AC ranges.
- In addition to the ease of use, it even lets you know when the filter needs to be cleaned or changed. The other features include auto cool function, energy saver mode, filter check, and 24-hour on and off timer.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
The dimensions of the unit are 15.2 x 16 x 12 inches. It weighs 42 pounds and can easily be installed by one person. This product is tan with green digital readout and grey buttons.
Performance:
This is a high-performance unit that can quickly cool a space measuring up to 150 square feet. It’s equipped with a washable filter made of mesh. This filter helps to reduce bacteria, unwanted odors, and other airborne pathogens or particles to ensure a cool environment year round. Washable filters reduce costs for the lifetime of the unit.
Cooling Features:
The Frigidaire was a low power startup. This operation helps to increase efficiency and save you operation costs year round. There is also a ready-select control that electronically resets to your comfort level. This conveniently allows the room to be as cool as you like it depending on your preferences. The 4-way air direction feature means you can to easily direct the cool air to where you want it in the space. This allows you to custom cool the room depending on your needs.
Additional Features:
There is an easy to read temperature readout. This display allows you to quickly and easily set the temperature to your preference and comfort level. Both the speed of the can and the room temperature can are programmable via the remote control.
Price:
Coming in at under $160.00 when comparable units can be 20.00 more expensive the Frigidaire is the value solution that is still feature-rich hat you’ve been looking for. With tons of reviews and a consistent 4-star rating, this unit gives you the bang for your buck. With a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, you have peace of mind.
Pros:
- Remote Control
- Value
- Washable Filter
Cons:
- Only cools rooms or spaces to 150 feet
- Unit is heavy
Verdict:
at around $160.00, this efficient and affordable AC unit is an excellent pick up for any home. Although heavy, this AC unit will easily fit inside your home, as the compact design and engineering is done extremely well. This combined with its remote control and plethora of positive reviews, it makes the top spot of our list.
Budget 5000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 115V
Why have we chosen this product as our Budget 5000 BTU Pick?
Budget Bargain
Frigidaire FFRA0511R1
Easy to use
Frigidaire FFRA0511R1
This is a perfect unit for smaller rooms. It is really easy to use, amazingly cheap and well-recommended. A bargain all-rounder!
While it’s more utilitarian and lacking some features, it is the workhorse that you’ve been looking for. With no remote control and mechanical controls only, this is the budget choice for a reason. Since there are only buttons on the unit, they can wear out faster due to overuse. With less features than some of the other units, it is the simple AC unit you need in a pinch.
If you’re looking for a simple AC unit without the bells and whistles that’s affordable, the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is a great budget choice.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
The unit measures 15 x 16 x 12 inches, making this a relatively compact unit that is easily capable of fitting most apartment, home, or office windows. The unit weighs in at 41 pounds and is a great grey color with grey rotary controls. This utilitarian unit may not earn extra style points but is a great workhorse window AC unit that you can count on.
Performance:
This unit effectively cools 150 square feet and is equipped with 2 fan speeds for ease of use. The ultra-quiet Frigidaire quickly cools the room while not being overly loud during operation or keep you awake throughout the night.
Cooling Features:
This unit is equipped with easy-to-use mechanical rotary controls. These controls include top, full-width, and 2-way air direction controls. The window mounted AC also is equipped with a low power startup mode to conserve money and help you to save money over the life of the air conditioner.
Additional Features:
Equipped with a washable filter for ease of maintenance and to reduce the operation costs over the life of the unit. The filter can help remove unwanted room odors or bacteria and reduce unwanted airborne particles. There is also a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that you have peace of mind and a window AC unit that you can trust.
Price:
This budget unit is high quality but comes in at a shockingly low total of about $140.00. This low price allows all to reap the benefits while getting the top window AC unit for any budget. With high ratings and a low price, you can easily get the best of both worlds.
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
- Utilitarian
Cons:
- Mechanical Rotary Controls
- No remote
- No additional features
Verdict:
While lacking in remote control, this budget AC unit makes up for it with affordability and easy usage. While catering towards smaller rooms, one can find a substantial amount of positive reviews on Amazon for this product. A highly recommended air conditioner for cooling smaller spaces.
Advanced 5000 BTU Window AC: Keystone 115V Window AC (5,000 BTU)
Why have we chosen this product as our Advanced 5000 BTU Pick?
Super-cool
KEYSTONE 115V WINDOW AC (5,000 BTU)
Packed with features
KEYSTONE 115V
This AC unit is the one for you if you live in a really humid place or by the ocean. You can customize the settings and it has loads of high-tech features.
The Keystone has special features include temperature sensing technology. Equipped with an LCD remote control. You can conveniently see, set, and maintain your room’s temperature from the ease of your couch.
Some of the other features to enjoy are three cooling speeds and 3 fan speeds for added customization. With three separate cooling modes, the fan and compressor work together to bring down the temperature of the room quickly. The fans can also run independently of the compressor to circulate air throughout your room. There is also a sleep mode that will gradually increase the temperature while you sleep to reduce your electricity bill. These are just some of the features making this the most advanced window AC unit in the 5,000 BTU range.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
Weighing in at about 45 pounds, this unit is about equal when it comes to weight. The dimensions of the Keystone window AC unit are 15.5 x 17.5 x 18.2 inches. The Keystone is a high-quality brand that you can trust to keep you cool summer after summer.
Performance:
The Keystone has a cooling area of about 150 feet. The dehumidification level of 1.3 pints per hour makes this a good choice for those living near the ocean or other humid areas. Equipped with an energy saving, sleep, and 24-hour timer modes, you can completely customize your cooling experience. The Keystone has even earned the Energy Star Certification. This ensures low operating costs and high electric efficiency for added peace of mind.
Cooling Features:
There are three cooling speeds and fan speeds for ultimate customization. It even has a washable filter to make upkeep quick, free, and easy.
Additional Features:
With both a remote control and electronic controls you can easily control the unit no matter if you’re at the unit or sitting on the couch. The remote control has large buttons that are easy to read. There is even an auto-restart function that can save your settings if the power goes out.
Price:
With a retail price similar to the other 5.000 units, this advanced choice is still a great value. Keystone also offers a one-year full warranty and a limited warranty for 2-5 years. This continued peace of mind is one of the best in the industry.
Pros:
- Remote Control
- Auto-Restart
- High Dehumidification Level
Cons:
- Heavier than other 5,000 BTU units
- Larger than other 5,000 BTU units
Verdict:
While not the lightest or smallest AC unit, this exceptionally customizable product specializes in dehumidifying and caters towards those in humid climates or properties near the ocean. While perfectly viable for a not-so humid, dryer area, a different unit would be recommended for people not looking to reduce humidity. Comes with 2.5-year warranty for just under $160.00 price range.
Our Picks From 6000 BTU Window AC’s
Best 6000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire FFRE0633S1, 115V
Why have we chosen this product as our Top 6000 BTU Pick?
Freeze Machine
Frigidaire FFRE0633S1
Perfect for big rooms
Frigidaire FFRE0633S1
This AC unit is awesome value for money, with the power to cool the largest of rooms. It does more than other units, so is a bit pricier as well.
The Frigidaire is an affordable option coming in at about $190.00. This is below many of the other units in its class but still rich in features. Most other of the units in the 6000 BTU range can retail for over $250.00.
Many people took to the internet to review the Frigidaire. With the second highest number of reviews for all of the 6,000 BTU units, it earned its latest 10 reviews in 33 days. The previous 10 reviews occurred in 52 days and the earliest 10 reviews in 108 days at the time this research was compiled. The review frequency is much higher than any other of the 6000 BTU AC range and it seems to increase each day.
This is a highly rated and popular choice.
Another reason we have chosen this product as our best because the AC has the highest number of reviews. This unit has stood the test of time. With reviews spanning over 491 days ago, this is the popular choice that has withstood other AC units coming on the market. This perennial champion is not going to go obsolete anytime soon.
This unit has some standout features, including a clean air ionizer. This ionizer removes pollen and other impurities. This provides relief for allergy sufferers and elderly alike. The Frigidaire has three different speeds for flexibility and an 8-way comfort control design for perfect customization and precise temperature control.
It has also earned the ENERGY STAR certification. With an Energy Efficiency Ratio, known as EER, of 12.2, the Frigidaire is the highest rated among the 6,000 BTU window AC units we have researched.
The Frigidaire is further removed from the other units with great features like notifying you when the filter needs to be cleaned. It also has auto cool function, energy saver mode, filter check, 24-hour on/off timer and many more.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
Weighing in at 41 pounds, the Frigidaire is equitable in weight to the other 6,000 BTU models. The dimensions of the unit are pretty standard at 18.5 x 15.5 x 13.4 inches. The grey color and easy-to-read controls make this an easy-to-use AC unit.
Performance:
This unit can easily cool rooms or offices up to 250 square feet. This high power window AC unit is great for larger spaces. The dehumidification level of 1.3 makes this a great choice for anyone that is living in a humid climate or near the ocean. The Frigidaire is also equipped with an energy saving function for added peace of mind on the performance front.
Cooling Features:
With three fan speeds and cooling settings and an 8-way comfort control design, the Frigidaire is a great choice for someone who needs a workhorse for a larger space. With ultimate customization and easy set full function remote, you can precisely control your window AC unit from anywhere in the room.
Additional Features:
The Frigidaire is equipped with a clean air ionizer. The clean air ionizer is designed t clean the air of pathogens, particles, and allergens. Perfect for both the elderly and allergy sufferers, the clean air ionizer is the perfect choice for most households.
Price:
At about 190.00, this is the best budget choice in the 6,000 BTU range. While some of the other units can retail for over $250.00, at $190.00 price range this is a value option with all the bells and whistles you need to cool up to 250 feet! The Frigidaire also comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. With peace of mind for years to come and a popular choice among those that have purchased, Frigidaire FFRE0633S1 is the budget 6,000 workhorse you need.
Pros:
- Value priced when compared to other units
- Full Function Remote
Cons:
- No auto-restart function during power outages
- Other units have higher dehumidification levels.
Verdict:
Considered by us as the ‘best’ product on our list, this extraordinary unit is perfect for large spaces. This AC does much more than your standard unit, accompanied with an ionizer to reduce pollen count in the air, a dehumidifier, and even efficient energy use technology! This may sound like a very expensive AC, however, it comes in at a shockingly affordable price around $190.00. Finally, there will be no need to worry after purchasing, as this product comes with two years warranty.
Our Picks From 8000 BTU Window AC’s
Best 8000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire FFRE0833S1 115V
Why we’ve chosen this product as our Top 8000 BTU Pick?
Efficient Cooler
Frigidaire FFRE0833S1
Fast-paced AC
Frigidaire FFRE0833S1
This AC unit is quite big and bulky, but it does a great job of cooling rooms really quickly. If you have a large space to cool then this is the AC for you.
Most of the 8000 BTU air conditioners can retail at around 300.00 but the Frigidaire costs only about $250.00. This value price makes this quite an affordable option.
While it has a 4-star rating, the number of reviews that the Frigidaire unit has garnered more than 450 reviews. This 8000 BTU window AC has the highest amount of reviews. It had received is latest 10 reviews in 37 days. The previous 10 rs in 36 days and an even earlier ten reviews in 23 days at the time of this research. This strikes home the fact that a lot of people are both purchasing this unit and are writing lots of reviews.
A full-function remote control can allow you to control the temperature precisely. Whether you’re looking to control the fan speed or cooling modes, the remote control allows you to easily set the window AC unit from the convenience of your couch.
The Frigidaire has also earned the ENERGY STAR Certification. The EER on this unit is 12. The Frigidaire has earned the second highest among 8000 BTU window AC range.
The feature-rich Frigidaire product is a great choice for those looking to customize their cooling experience. It can notify you to clean the filter, has an auto cool function, energy saver mode, filter check, and 24 hour on/off timer, and adjustable side panels. The adjustable side panels easily allow you to install the unit into different window sizes.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
The Frigidaire 8,000 measures in at 18.5 x 17.5 x 13.4 inches. With adjustable side panels, there is a bit more flexibility during installation. This added flexibility allows you to easily install the unit no matter your window size. Weighing 52 pounds, the Frigidaire is a heavy unit.
Performance:
Cooling up to 350 square feet, the Frigidaire is the heavy-duty solution you’ve been looking for. It can quickly cool the room no matter how hot the temperature is. With a dehumidification level of 1.7, this is a perfect solution for anyone living in a high humidity area. The Frigidaire has also earned an ENERGY STAR certification.
Cooling Features:
The Frigidaire has three separate cooling functions for increase precision. It even has a remote control that can sense the temperature. Not only can this set the temperature but it can route the cool air to anywhere in the room.
Additional Features:
The remote control can do more than just route the air, it can show the current temperature and has easy to see buttons. With an added filter that can be cleaned instead of replaced. By cleaning the filter you can save money and operating costs throughout the life of the unit. With the added clean air ionizer, allergy suffers will benefit from removing allergens and other irritants from the air.
Price:
With 2 years warranty, you have peace of mind directly from the manufacturer. Priced at about $250, this is an affordable choice for the window AC unit. With comparable units retailing at over $300, this is the budget choice that still has all the bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Adjustable side panels
- Cools up to 350 square feet
- Full feature remote control
Cons:
- Heavy
- Bulky Unit
Verdict:
At just around $250.00, this is a heavy and bulky unit – and rightfully so. With precise remote control, the room can be cooled significantly faster than other units on this list. Coming with two years warranty, this air conditioner is definitely recommended for people looking to dehumidify and cool larger spaces fast and efficiently.
Advanced 8000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire Smart Window AC, 8000 BTU
Why we’ve chosen this product as our Advanced 8000 BTU Pick?
Looks Good
FRIGIDAIRE SMART WINDOW AC, 8000 BTU
Super high-tech
FRIGIDAIRE Smart Window AC
If you’re looking for an AC unit to suit your Smart home, then this is the one for you. It works with Alexa, smartphones and tablets and is still reasonably priced.
In addition to the app, this unit can be integrated with Amazon’s Alexa. This brings your window AC into this century by allowing voice control of the unit. You’ll need to purchase Alexa separately to enjoy this feature.
The Frigidaire Smart Window AC has a remote control that is fully functional. You can now easily maintain the room temperature conveniently from across the room. It even has a 2-way slanted louver on the top of the unit. This directs the airflow in upward circular motions. This ensures that the room is even cooled and is a unique feature for this window AC unit in the 8000 BTU range. This unit is feature rich and has all the bells and whistles.
Coming it about $300 price range, it is on the high side when compared to other units of the same range. While this could have been our Best Pick, we chose this as our advanced pick due to the pricing. If you’re looking for a tech-friendly window AC unit, this is your best choice in the 8000 BTU range.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
This stylish window AC unit is a welcomed style addition to any room. With a sleek design and rounded corners, this unit stands out against other window AC units. The dimensions of the unit are 16 x 18.5 x 13.4 inches. It weighs 54 pounds.
Performance:
Capable of cooling up to 350 square feet, this unit can cool your room or office easily. Programmable by the full function remote control for 24 hours a day comfort, you can customize your cooling experience easily. The dehumidification of 1.7 makes this a great choice for high humidity environments.
In addition to the controls on the unit, it is equipped with the Frigidaire app. This app allows your full control to turn the unit on and off, change the temperature by changing the control modes or fan speeds. It can even send alerts for up-to-date notices to clean the filters and other important notifications. Available on both the Google Play and Apple Stores for your convenience.
Cooling Features:
With complete customization and 2-way slanted louvers at the top of the unit, you can easily cool your room with a few taps on your smartphone. The louvers help to direct the airflow in upward circles. The upward circles help bring the cool air to all corners of the room for even cooling throughout.
Additional Features:
The Frigidaire Smart Window Air Conditioner with Wi-Fi and compatible with Alexa is the feature-rich window AC unit you’ve been searching for. With a fully functional app and easy to use controls, this is the easy to use window AC unit in the 8000 range.
Price:
While this isn’t the most budget-friendly of the 8000 BTU range window AC units, the features and Alexa connectivity make this the perfect addition for any technology geek’s room or office. Retailing at around $300, it isn’t the cheapest, but you do get your bang for your buck with this feature-rich window AC unit.
Pros:
- Alexa Connectivity
- Control by Smart Phone App
- Louvers that provide even cooling
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
Verdict:
Packed with features, this unit is renowned for being extremely aesthetically pleasing. A fantastic addition to any high-tech homes, alongside being pleasing to look at, this ac is fully controllable via smartphones and tablets. A significantly better than average air distribution is also another trait of this fantastic unit. Comes at a reasonable price of around $300.00.
Our Picks From 10000 BTU Window ACs
Best 10000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire 115V, 10,000 BTU
Why we’ve chosen this product as our Top 10000 BTU Pick?
Small Pick
Frigidaire 115V Window AC
A little unit
Frigidaire 115V
This is a good AC unit if you want a small unit that can still do a good job of cooling and dehumidifying. It comes in at a good price, so won’t break the bank either!
Retailing at just below $300, this is the budget-friendly window AC unit on the market. While most of the 10000 BTU air conditioners cost around $350, the Frigidaire is a clear choice. While this AC has below 4 stars on Amazon from around 130 reviews, the features make up for that with a ton of extras, including a clean air ionizer to remove pollutants and allergens from the air. This improves the quality of life for the elderly and those with respiratory problems.
This window AC unit has also earned the ENERGY STAR Certification. The EER for this unit is 12 and among the highest rated among other 10000 BTU window unit tested. It also has the highest of all the dehumidification levels at 3.0 pints/hour.
There are a ton of other features making this clearly the best 10000 BTU window AC. Other features include: notifications to clean the filter, auto cool function, energy saving mode, filter check, and 24 on/off timer.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
The Frigidaire 10000 BTU window AC unit measures at 19 x 21.5 x 14.5 inches. Weighing in a 62 pounds, the heavy unit weighs more than others we tested. For the 10000 BTU units, this is about standard for the weight.
Performance:
This unit cools up to 450 sq ft. Whether you need a large room or office cooled off, this is the workhorse that will quickly cool off even the largest of rooms. The dehumidification level of this unit is unparalleled at 3.0 pints/hour making this the premier choice for those that live in high humidity or coastal regions.
With an EER of 12 and ENERGY STAR Certification, this is the efficient window AC unit that you need for large spaces and/or perfect for humid environments. This is the best of both worlds and a great day in and day out unit that won’t require any repair work in a few years upon your purchase.
Cooling Features:
The Frigidaire is equipped with a low power mode during startup. This helps to both save you money and conserve energy when just turning the unit on. With easy to use electronic controls, you can easily set the unit to any temperature conveniently. The remote control is easy to use and you can conveniently set the controls from the unit or the remote.
Additional Features:
You can control the direction of airflow with the 8-way venting design. This makes sure that the cool air is routed around the room for consistent cooling. It is even equipped with a clean air ionizer. This can help allergy sufferers by removing pollen and other impurities.
Price:
Coming in at just below $300, this is the best all-around choice. With tons of features, easy to use controls, and cooling up to 450 feet, this is our best choice for many reasons.
Pros:
- Cools up to 450 square feet
- Dehumidification level of 3.0
Cons:
- Heavy
Verdict:
Certainly not being a crowd favorite due to the reviews, this unit is still recommended for those desiring a small compact unit to powerfully dehumidify and cool a large space on a budget. This small yet heavy unit can also provide the user with notifications as to when it needs cleaning! Priced at around $300.00.
Budget 10000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire FFRA1022R1
Why we’ve chosen this product as our Budget 10000 BTU Pick?
Firm Favorite
Frigidaire FFRA1022R1 Window AC
A great price
Frigidaire FFRA1022R1
This AC unit is really budget friendly, coming in at the lower end of the budget. It works well and is a reliable choice that is really well recommended.
The EER coming in at 10.9 is a little below par when compared to other units. With a dehumidification level of 2.7 pints/hours it is higher than other units we tested but not comparable in the 10000 range. For these two factors, we’ve named this our best budget pick though it is on par with other units in most categories.
Coming in at about $270, this is the best affordable choice in the 10000 range also. With great features like an auto cool function, energy saving mode, filter check, and on/off 24-hour timer, this is the best budget choice in the 10000 range.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
Weighing in at 60 pounds, this is lighter than some of the other 10000 BTU window AC units but still heavier than many of the other window AC units that we tested. The overall dimensions are also large and measure 21.5 x 19 x 14.5 inches.
Performance:
Cooling up to 450 square feet reliably, the Frigidaire FFRA1022R1 is the large space window AC unit you need. With a dehumidification level of 2.7, this isn’t as great as some of the other units but can be a great choice for environments that aren’t coastal or in high humidity levels. This can quickly cool rooms of any size.
Cooling Features:
This unit has a low power start-up mode to help conserve energy. With easy-to-use electronic controls and ready-select controls, you can easily set the temperature from the convenience of the unit or remote control, whatever your preference. With three different fan speeds and cooling features, you can easily cool a large space no matter how hot it is.
Additional Features:
The 8-way comfort control design allows for complete control. You can control the air to cool the whole room no matter where the window AC unit is mounted, removing the necessity of a portable AC unit. The full-function remote control allows for complete customization and you can easily cool large areas quickly with this unit.
Price:
Coming in at just under $270, this is the budget choice while still being able to cool up to 450 feet. With 2 year warranty, you have peace of mind while still getting a budget unit chocked full of features.
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
- Weighs less than other 10000 units
Cons:
- No Clean Air Ionizer
- Relatively low dehumidification level.
Verdict:
With a price tag under $270.00 this AC has a considerable amount of outstanding reviews, and there’s no question as to why. While there are definitely better choices for more humid climates, this budget unit’s price gives it a very high ranking on our list. Highly customizable and accompanied with a 2-year warranty, it’s hard to go wrong picking up this unit.
Our Picks From 12000 BTU Window ACs
Best 12000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire Window Compact Air Conditioner
Why we’ve chosen this product as our Top 12000 BTU Pick?
Dehumidifying Demon
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window AC
A good pick for humidity
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window AC
A great pick if you are looking for a budget friendly dehumidifier and cooler. It is a little more expensive, but comes highly recommended for use in particularly humid places.
This AC has the highest number of reviews at around 450. This popular choice is highly rated coming in at about 4 stars. With all of the people rating this unit, it is clearly a well-researched and popular choice among consumers.
The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU window AC is also equipped with a full function remote control. The remote control can precisely control the temperature and/or fan speed from the convenience of your chair or couch. This full function remote has everything you need to control the unit without even having to get up. The unit also has electronic controls to ensure precision control.
With the Energy Star Certification, you will have peace of mind knowing that you’ll have low operating costs and a high-efficiency unit. The Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER of 11.3 is the second highest among all of the 12000 BTU window AC units that were tested. With a dehumidification level of 3.8, it has the highest of all the window AC units in the 12000 BTU range.
This unit is packed with great features. It lets you know when the filter needs to be cleaned, has an auto cool function, and energy saving mode. It also has the clean air ionizer for allergy relief and a ton of other features including auto cool function, filter check, and 24-hour on/off timer. With adjustable side panels, you can easily install the unit into any window large enough with ease.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
The dimensions of this unit are 21.5 x 19 x 14.5 inches. This unit is also equipped with adjustable side panels. These side panels can help you to install this in non-standard windows and ensure a seal for increased efficiency.
Performance:
The unit can cool up to 550 feet. This can ensure that large rooms and offices are cooled quickly and efficiently on hot days. The dehumidification level of 3.7 makes this a great choice for humid environments or coastal areas. With an energy efficiency ratio of 11.3, you know that you’re getting an efficient model to lower operating costs over the life of the unit.
Cooling Features:
With the 8-way comfort control design you can easily cool a large area quickly. The multi-speed fan has three speeds for complete precision to direct the cool air throughout the room.
Additional Features:
The temperature sensing full function remote control is one of the great features of this unit. Equipped with an internal thermostat, its full functionality allows you to precisely control the fan speeds to quickly cool the room no matter the temperature.
There’s also a clean air ionizer to help allergy sufferers by removing the allergens and other particulates from the air. This ensures that the air quality of the room is high and great not only for allergy sufferers but the elderly also.
Price:
Coming in at just under $380, this is the best choice for a 12000 BTU window AC unit on the market. With tons of features including adjustable side panels, this is the workhorse you’ve been looking for.
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
- Adjustable Side Panels
- Full Function Remote
Cons:
- Lower dehumidification level than other models
Verdict:
At around $380.00, is the most highly recommended unit for humid climates, but not exclusively! With a steeper price than other units on this list, it’s no surprise. This is by far the best unit for dehumidifying and cooling large areas on this list.
Budget 12000 BTU Window AC: SPT WA-1222S 12,000BTU
Why we’ve chosen this product as our Budget 12000 BTU Pick?
Cheap Choice
SPT WA-1222S (12,000 BTU)
One for a tight budget
SPT WA-1222S
This AC comes in at one of the lowest prices ever. It has some great features and is really good at cooling down big rooms. A great pick.
While it does have a lower dehumidification level than the other 12,000 window AC units or equipped with a clean air ionizer, if you’re looking for a bare-bones unit that cools up to 550 square feet reliably, this is a great choice. This is our budget choice for all of these reasons.
With tons of functions including an auto-cool function, energy saving mode, filter check and 24 hour on/off timer, this feature-rich window AC unit is a great choice.
Detailed Review
Build Quality:
The dimensions of the unit are 19.69 inches wide x 20.94 inches deep x 14.75 inches high. Weighing in at 68 pounds, this is a relatively heavy unit.
Performance:
With a cooling area of between 450-550 square feet, this unit can cool larger rooms of offices with ease. The EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio of the unit is 11.3 and pretty standard when compared to other units. The SPT WA-1222S 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner also earned an ENERGY STAR Certification. This ensures that you’ll save money over the life of the unit with increased electric efficiency.
The dehumidification level of 3.2 is less than some other units but still considerably better than some of the units that are on the market. This will help to reduce the ambient moisture and is perfect for areas on the coast or with high humidity.
Cooling Features:
With adjustable louvers and multi-speed fans, you can quickly and conveniently cool the area. With adjustable fan speeds and cooling speeds you have all the precision control that you need.
Additional Features:
With multiple modes, including dry, auto, energy saves, and sleep; you can quickly and precisely control the window ac unit with pre-built controls. It even has a fresh air vent. This vent allows for added air flow to improve air circulation. This can even help to keep the air in your space smelling fresh by removing any odors.
In addition to the modes and vents, this unit has a ton of additional features including automatic restart due to power outage, washable filter, and flexible window mount.
Price:
Coming in at an affordable around $170.00 price range, this is the budget-friendly window AC unit that can cool your space up to a size of 450-550 square feet.
Pros:
- Fresh Air Vent to remove odors
- Adjustable louvers
- Multiple Operating Modes
- Affordable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Relatively low dehumidification level.
Verdict:
A feature-packed budget AC, this is the best unit by far for those on a budget looking to cool larger spaces, with a shockingly low price of just around $170.00.
Some Other Window ACs Worth Mentioning with Different BTU Ranges
5000 BTUs
The Home 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
The Home 5000 BTU Window Air Condition is a small, compact, and quiet unit. This product unit is equipped with mechanical controls and has a 7 speed and 2 cooling fans. Retailing at about $150, this is a great budget-friendly unit.
The Frigidaire FFRE053Q1 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FFRE053Q1 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner is a mini-compact and great for small spaces. It has a full-function remote that allows you to conveniently control the unit from the joys of your couch. The unit retails for about $190 and is a great choice for those looking for convenience without facing any common air conditioner issues.
The Frigidaire FFRA0511Q1 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FFRA0511Q1 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner is the mini-compact air conditioner you need. It is equipped with easy-to-use mechanical controls. With a retail price of about $150 it is a great comparable choice among the 5,000 window AC units that we tested.
The Frigidaire FRA052XT7 5,000 BTU Mini Window Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FRA052XT7 5,000 BTU Mini Window Air Conditioner is more feature rich than some of its competitors. It has two-way air directional controls including 2 cooling speeds and 2 fan speeds. It has mechanical rotary controls for ease of use.
The Frigidaire FRA054XT7 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (Mini)
The Frigidaire FRA054XT7 5,000 BTU Window-Mountable Mini Room Air Conditioner is Energy Star rated. This unit has 2-speed fan with 2-way directional controls. With a full function remote control to boot, this is a feature-rich window mounted AC unit if you’re only looking to cool a small size space. The retail of this unit is about $299 at the time of compilation.
6,000 BTUs
The Frigidaire FRA065AT7 6,000 BTU Mini Compact Window Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FRA065AT7 6000 BTU Mini Compact Window Air Conditioner is Energy Star rate and is equipped with a low-voltage start-up for increase electrical efficiency. It has a 2-speed fan with 8-way direction control and full function remote control for ease of use and consistency. Retailing at about $360, it’s a bit higher than some of the other units in the 6,000 BTU range.
The Freidrich Chill CP06G10B 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
The Freidrich Chill is an ENERGY STAR rated air conditioner for added peace of mind. With 3 cooling and fan-only speeds to choose from with the convenience of a remote control, this is the workhorse unit with a ton of conveniences too. Retailing at about $330, it is run of the mill price wise when compared to other units.
The Frigidaire 6000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner (Mini/Compact)
The Frigidaire has a clean air ionizer and is perfectly designed for elderly or allergy sufferers to keep the air free from allergens and other particulates. There are three different fan speeds and an 8-way comfort control design to easily route the cool air throughout the room. Retailing at about $250 and equipped with a full function remote, this unit is a great all-around choice.
8,000 BTUs
LG Electronics LW8014ER Window Air Conditioner
The LG Electronics LW8014ER Window-Mountable Air Condition is Energy Star Rated for those that are ecologically conscientious. With 3 cooling speeds and 3 separate fan speeds with 4-way air deflection technology, you can easily and quickly cool down your space. It also has a full function remote control for added convenience. Coming in at about $340, it is a great budget-friendly choice in the 8000 BTU range.
The Quirky + GE Aros Smart Window Air Conditioner
The Quirky + GE Aros Smart Window Air Conditioner is perfect for the technology geek. This smart air conditioner learns your usage and needs to help you automatically cool the room to your unique specifications. Equipped with 3 cooling modes and 3 fan speeds, you can quickly and conveniently cool down a room. Equipped with a smartphone app and remote control, this unit retails for about $700.00.
10,000 BTUs
The Frigidaire 10,000 BTU 115V Window, Compact AC
The Frigidaire has a clean air ionizer that is specifically designed for allergy sufferers and the elderly. With three different speeds and 8 way comfort controls you can quickly cool down the room no matter the temperature. With a temperature sensing remote control to boot, you can expect to pay about $400.00 for this unit.
12,000 BTUs
The LG LW1216ER Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control
The LG LW1216ER Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control has 3 cooling and fan speeds. It also has cool 4-way directionality to route the cool air throughout the room. Equipped with a fully functional remote control for your convenience, this unit retails about $360.
The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner (Compact)
The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Condition is Energy Star rated. This ensures a low operational cost throughout the life of the unit. Equipped with a clean air ionizer that’s perfect for the elderly and allergy sufferers alike, the three different speeds and 8-way comfort control with temperature sensing remote control make this a great choice for those looking for a dependable unit. Retailing at about $370, this is a great affordable option for most families.
The SPT 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner WA-1211S
The SPT 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner WA-1211S is Energy Star rated for added peace of mind. With 3 fan speeds, sleep mode, and operating modes for precise control, you can quickly cool your room. Costing about $400, it’s an average priced unit in the range.
Glossary:
BTU: British Thermal Units (BTU). BTUs are a traditional unit of heat and defined as the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
EER: EER, short for Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the ratio of cooling capacity (measured in BTUs) to the power input (in watts). The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. Those with high EER values will earn the Energy Star Certification.
Additional Information on Choosing the Best Window AC
When considering installing a window mountable air conditioner we recommend having at least 2 people. Lifting the unit into place and mounting can be difficult and dangerous if attempted by one person. Install the window mountable air condition directly into the window sill as directed. For your safety, we don’t recommend retrofitting the window sill in any way.
We also recommend that you clean the window sill and check any outlets before moving forward to ensure their functionality. This double check before installation can help to ensure a safe installation and reduce the need to remove the unit.
Make sure that the controls and remote control are easily accessed and set a standard place for the remote control to help you not to lose it. Take the time to read through the owner’s manual to make sure that you are using the unit properly at all times.
Care and Maintenance
Your air conditioner unit will need regular maintenance to keep it performing effectively and efficiently. If you neglect your unit it will begin to use more energy and its performance will steadily decline. Filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly. If filters are left dirty then the airflow will be hampered thus reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner. If air bypasses the filter because the filter is blocked, it may carry dirt into other parts of the unit. A clean filter could mean a difference of 15% efficiency! Despite regular cleaning and replacing of filters, there will come a time when the air conditioner coils also become dirty. As with the filters, dirt reduces the efficiency of the coils as it reduces air flow and also provides insulation, meaning the coil isn’t as good at absorbing heat. This should be checked and cleaned once a year.
If your air conditioner unit is only used during hotter months it is important that you do not neglect it over the winter. Make sure any outside parts are covered to protect them from the elements and debris of the winter months. Unused units can become a protective home for insects and small animal nests, which is another reason to use a cover! Also, it is a good idea to check the unit thoroughly before using it again.
Not all parts of air conditioner units can be maintained easily. It is best to hire a professional tradesperson from time to time to service your unit to make sure it is running as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Wrapping it Up
When you have decided to pick a window AC over other air conditioner types and now you are hunting for the best window AC, there are a lot of different options and features available. A great way to easily compare them is to take a look at our research report. We have easily cataloged them to show how they compare in 16 different categories.
By consulting our research report you’ll know how each unit sized up to the other. This invaluable information will ensure that you make the best choice for your particular circumstances. The report is all of our hard work compiled for your review so that you can make the easiest purchasing decision possible.
The research report lists all of the window AC units, their sizes, features, price factors, and additional comments so that you can quickly glance over to find the unit that has the features that are important to you, no matter what they may be. Take the time to check out our research report, you won’t be sorry!
