Window air conditioners are the best option for beating the heat without spending so much money on your electricity bills.
Central air conditioners are a common installation for many big homes, but they are not always the most affordable option if you want to cool specific zones.
Since summer is soon approaching, we want you to take advantage of window ACs, which are often overlooked. However, going to an air conditioner shop is not a walk in the park.
Many models and choices can be overwhelming unless you know what to look for. This is why we have come up with a list of the best window air conditioner brands on the market.
Best Window Air Conditioner Brands
- Haier Window Air Conditioners
- LG Window Air Conditioners
- Koldfront Window Air Conditioners
- Kenmore Window Air Conditioners
- Frigidaire Window Air Conditioners
- Friedrich Window Air Conditioners
- GE Appliances Window Air Conditioners
- Emerson Quiet Kool Window Air Conditioners
- Sunpentown (SPT)
- Whirlpool Window Air Conditioners
- Midea Window Air Conditioners
11 Best Window Air Conditioner Brands On The Market
Last update on 2023-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Haier Window Air Conditioners
- MAXIMUM COMFORT FOR SMALL ROOMS: Three fan speeds and four cooling modes provide total flexibility with optimal home comfort and air conditioner efficiency; or set to Eco Mode which automatically turns off the fan and compressor, saving you money on utilities.
- ULTRA QUIET - This quiet air conditioner reaches sounds as low as 42 dB, providing maximum comfort and minimum noise; the ultra quiet operation keeps the air flowing with minimal disruption
- BEST FOR ROOMS UP TO 250 SQ FT: This AC unit is the right size for delivering quiet, 6200 BTU cooling capacity to small areas like bedrooms, studio apartments, guest rooms, and home offices; Energy Star-certified for lower energy use and utility bills
- ELECTRONIC CONTROLS WITH REMOTE - Program air conditioner settings with ease using simple digital controls, or use the included remote so you can adjust the unit from anywhere in the room.
- DRY MODE DEHUMIDIFY: This 3-in-1 unit includes dehum mode, which is a built-in air conditioner humidity setting that balances humidity levels in the room to maintain your comfort and make it easy to breathe.
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Is affordability top of your purchasing factors? If yes, consider getting a Haier window air conditioner. Haier, a Chinese manufacturing company, leads in sales worldwide.
Their products are popular and cost-effective. Luckily, their low prices don’t mean low quality. Their window air conditioners are small and easy to install, operate, and have great features.
Whereas you cannot compare Haier window air conditioners to the top brands in terms of noise, the sound they produce is bearable.
However, if you don’t mind spending a little more money, buy their portable air conditioners. They are among the quietest.
Unfortunately, while you will save a lot of money by buying a Haier window air conditioner, you will need to worry about energy consumption.
Why? Because Haier’s window air conditioners rank low on the list of the most energy efficient! If you do not intend to use your window air conditioner for prolonged periods, Haier is your go-to brand.
It will serve you, and you will not feel the pinch of high energy consumption.
Also Read – Top rated Casement Window Air Conditioners.
2. LG Window Air Conditioners
- Low Noise Performance - operates at sound levels as low as 53dB (in low mode) eliminating unnecessary noise.
- Energy Star Certified - This air conditioner has met the high standards of the ENERGY STAR Program using energy-efficient technologies that translate into electricity savings.
- Multiple Fan Speeds - 3 cooling and fan speeds with Auto Cool allow you to customize your cooling.
- Maximum Usability- Easy to use electronic controls with remote
- Cools Rooms Up to 550 Sq. Ft.- LW1216ER is ideal for cooling medium rooms (22' X 25')
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LG, the Life’s good company, is a household name across the world. Their window air conditioners, though readily available, are among the best—especially the 6,000 BTU.
Their repair rates are very low, and this also applies to their window air conditioners. While the best models of window air conditioners have an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 10, the EER of most LG models is 12 or more.
An LG window air conditioner is one of your best choices if you look for efficiency and energy saving. Their price tag is fair compared to others that match the high quality, efficiency, standard, and durability.
Unlike some renowned manufacturing companies specifically catering to the niche that buys premium, LG offers various models; varying in tonnage capacity, specifications, and prices.
Whether you are on a tight budget and need a standard window air conditioner, or are planning to acquire a top range model, make a stop at LG.
Check out their LG LW8016ER 8,000 BTU. It has exciting features, including remote and thermostat control, four-way air deflection, digital electronic touch controls, automatic restart, 24 hours on or off timer, and filter alarm.
Also, Read – Budget Window Air Conditioners under $100
3. Koldfront Window Air Conditioners
- PLEASE NOTE: This product does not ship to California. It is not approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for sale in California.
- 12,000 BTU 1100W/5.0A cooling; 11,000 BTU 3500W/16.0A heating functionality
- 450- 550 sq. ft. coverage area; Remote control included; 4 operation modes; Installation hardware and weather seals included; 4-way air directional louvers
- Please note: Special 230V electrical outlet required (unit will not work with a standard 115V outlet)
- For a cool only version of this unit see model # WAC12002WCO; energy saver mode; EER 10.9;
Last update on 2023-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rick Lundbom set up Koldfront in 1999. Its mother company is Living Direct. At first, their mainstay was boats and RVs appliances, and then they diversified over time.
His passion for manufacturing appliances sprung from a life of selling and marketing boat and RVs appliances alongside his father and grandfather.
His dream was to manufacture affordable, but quality appliances that meet customer’s exact needs, and the make, finishing, and efficiency of Koldfront window air conditioners reflect this.
They are Energy Star certified hence energy efficient, with an EER of 12—above the internationally accepted standard, 10, and they have great features.
Their cooling power ranges from 8,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU, but they consume about 20 percent less energy compared to other models with the same BTU.
Plus, with the programmable timer, you can decide when it goes on or off, how long it needs to run for; and save more energy.
Koldfront window air conditioners are built to function in any environment and fit in any place. Additionally, they give you the option of a permanently installed window air conditioner that fits in the wall or a portable one that you can place on any of your windows.
4. Kenmore Window Air Conditioners
The Kenmore brand is an American darling. The century-old industry leader in the manufacture of smart and classy appliances is renowned for simplifying customers’ lives, and their window air conditioners are not an exception.
Kenmore strives to give more than the standard features in every window air conditioner, keeping abreast with technology, innovation, and the changing times.
But, of course, that increases the cost of their models compared to others with similar specifications. For instance, their window air conditioners feature the Smart Air Conditioner app.
Once installed on your smartphone and connected with their air conditioner, you can set or program your air conditioner from wherever you are.
You can turn your air conditioner on or off, schedule it, and even set speed and such.
5. Frigidaire Window Air Conditioners
Frigidaire, formerly The Guardian Frigerator Company, is a US company that was founded in 1916. On seeing The Guardian Frigerator Company’s innovation potential, Ford Motors bought it and renamed it Frigidaire.
In 1918, Frigidaire developed its first self-contained refrigerator. Over several decades in the 20th century, the company grew to a household name in the US and worldwide.
Today, Frigidaire features on every list of the most trusted brands. Their products are top of the range. Making service calls over a malfunctioning Frigidaire product is rare.
Most Americans swear by Frigidaire products. As a matter of fact, before other brands started giving Frigidaire a run for its money, most Americans just referred to ‘fridge’ as a ‘Frigidaire’ regardless of the manufacturing company.
Frigidaire offers a wide range of window air conditioners, including portable ones, with various attractive features, plus they come in different types and sizes.
So whether you need a 5,000 BTU or 25,000 BTU, Frigidaire has you covered. Their products are great and reasonably priced, relatively small, and quite easy to install. They are known for energy efficiency too.
6. Friedrich Window Air Conditioners
- POWERFUL - With 8,000 BTUs of cooling power, this durable room air conditioner will cool up to 300 square feet. This trusted air conditioner will keep your home cool whether you install as a window air conditioner or in a wall.
- ULTRA QUIET OPERATION - AC units can be noisy but with this Friedrich Chill Series Air Conditioner is designed to cut operation noise to a minimum, giving you the luxury of enjoying the peace and quiet in your home.
- CONTINUOUS AUTO AIR SWEEP - Experience the coolness of this energy star air room conditioner across your entire home. This compact AC unit automatically oscillates its louvers left and right during cooling, making sure you can feel the coolness everywhere.
- POWER CORD FLEXIBILITY - Installation has never been easier. The power cord attached to this air conditioner can run either left of right, out of the side or front of the unit.
- SPECIFICATIONS - 20.7 x 18.6 x 13.9 inches (DxWxH)
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130 years of innovation, design, and manufacturing have perfected their products, elevating Friedrich to a leader in the HVAC industry.
Their strong warranty and out-of-the-world customer service endear them to many regardless of the price tag on their products.
Friedrich window air conditioners are costly compared to others with the same features and BTU rating.
But if you want a quiet window air conditioner—that does not announce its presence in your living room or interrupts your sleep if installed on the bedroom window, consider buying a Friedrich window air conditioner.
The quietest air conditioners are their forte, especially their Kuhl Series like the Friedrich 5,800 BTU Window Air Conditioner.
Friedrich is credited for developing the world’s first room air conditioner. They also wear the honorable badge of the first manufacturing company to cool a theatre, a hotel, and an office building.
Friedrich’s products are known for their tenacity. They work long hours without complaining. That is likely thanks to the quality materials and their hard-wearing components.
Their commercial-grade is a sure bet no matter the environment they are required to cool. Their residential room air conditioners are much applauded by their customers too.
They come with an installation kit and feature 8-way airflow, Entry Guard Protection, an anti-microbial air filter, a wall and window sleeve, and a high EER.
Most users are especially impressed that the window air conditioners from Kühl are customizable and vary in design.
For instance, Kühl front panels are colored and interchangeable, and the smart ACs can be controlled from anywhere on a smartphone using the FriedrichLink app.
Environment-conscious buyers also appreciate Friedrich’s energy-saving efforts. A member of Energy Star—the world’s leading advocate for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Besides inbuilt energy-saving mechanisms, Friedrich’s window air conditioners feature thermostats and timers. So with a Friedrich window air conditioner, you don’t have to worry about wasting energy or money.
Also Read – Best Window Air Conditioner with Heat Reviews
7. GE Appliances Window Air Conditioners
- Electronic digital thermostat and remote control 3 cooling / 3 fan speeds ENERGY STAR qualified EZ Mount window installation kit included Fixed chassis
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GE Appliances window air conditioners come with EZ-mount installation and snugly fit in traditional-style windows. Most customers are particularly happy about GE AEM08LX Window Air Conditioner.
Despite its small size, they attest that the 8,000 BTU air conditioner packs a strong cooling punch and dehumidifies up to 2.3 pints every hour.
In addition, its filter is easy to remove hence hassle-free cleaning, and the unit’s programmable 24-hour on/off timer helps save energy and money.
GE Appliances pride in being the first to launch voice-enabled air conditioners. With these units, you do not need to lift a finger to turn on and off, adjust the temperature or speed.
Just talk… They also have an app installed on your smartphone to operate your window air conditioner while away.
Most of their appliances come with at least one year manufacturer’s warranty and are Energy Star rated.
Also, Read – Most Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioner Units
8. Emerson Quiet Kool Window Air Conditioners
- Quiet Cooling for Small to Medium Rooms: This 8,000 BTU window air conditioner efficiently cools up to 350 sq. ft while saving you money thanks to its Energy Star rating. At 52dB, this unit is among the quietest in the industry, making it ideal for bedrooms and other small to medium sized rooms.
- Energy Star Rated Cooling: Energy Star efficiency saves you money on your electric bill (12.1 EER).
- Programmable Timer and Sleep Mode: Integrated 24-hour timer can be set via on-board controls or remote control. Intelligent sleep mode takes it one step further by slowly adjusting the temperature and fan speed to keep you comfortable overnight while saving you energy and money.
- Exclusive1-2-5 Warranty: Your Emerson Quiet Kool Wi-fi enabled air conditioner comes with an industry-exclusive 1-2-5 warranty that covers 1 year of labor, 2 years of parts, and 5 years on the compressor. Buy and use with confidence.
- Split Air Exhaust Vents: Two air exhaust vents (instead of one) combine with three fan speeds to give you 8-way flexibility to direct the flow of cold air where you want it when you want it.
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Emerson Quiet Kool is an American manufacturing and marketing company that was founded in 1949. As one of the renowned brands, the company boasts several innovative products that seek customers’ efficiency, comfort, and reliability.
They cater to both commercial and residential customers. So whether you need to cool your room at home or in a business environment, you can depend on Emerson Quiet Kool window air conditioners.
Their silent window units feature 8,000 BTUs to cool rooms from 250 – 350 square feet easily. They are Energy Star certified, can be fixed at 62-86 degrees, and have models with a higher BTU to cool larger rooms.
Emerson air conditioner models features
- Energy Star rating and UL listed
- Programmable 24-hour on/off timer
- Remote control
- Large LED display
- Optional expert setup
- Louvers that allow for 8-way airflow directional vents
- Three cooling speeds to choose from
- Three fan speeds to choose from
- Washable/reusable air filter
- One year warranty on labor, two years on parts, and five years on compressor.
Also, Read – Quietest Window Air Conditioner Units
9. Sunpentown (SPT)
- 3 fan speeds; 4 Modes: Auto, Cool, Dry and Fan
- Auto Restart feature
- Thermostat controlled energy saver
- Remote control; Up to 24 hours timer setting
- UL and Energy Star
Last update on 2023-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sunpentown International (SPT) is an appliances manufacturing company that started as Sunpentown Electric Company in 1985 at Keelung in Taiwan.
Today, it’s headquartered in California, USA, and has branches in major manufacturing countries, including Japan and China.
SPT’s mainstay is manufacturing home and kitchen appliances. While the induction cooker was their first domestic product, SPT has diversified, including humidifiers and air conditioners on their long list of products.
The beautiful part of SPT is that its prices are friendly. For example, their best window air conditioner models have three fan speeds; auto, dry, fan, and cooling modes.
They also have energy savers that are thermostat controlled, remote controls, auto restart option, and UL listing, and energy star rating.
10. Whirlpool Window Air Conditioners
- 5, 000 btu air conditioner for window-mounted installation
- 5.9-Ft. Lcdi power cord with 3-prong grounded plug uses 115V electrical outlet
- Cools a room up to 150 sq. Ft. With up to 1.06 pints per hour dehumidification
- Mechanical rotary controls with 2 fan speeds (low and high)
- After a power failure, unit automatically restarts when power is restored
Last update on 2023-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whirlpool is one of the most trusted manufacturers. Their window air conditioners are durable, efficient—with an EER of 10 and above, are UL listed for safety, Energy Star rated, and relatively low noise of 65 decibels.
For instance, Whirlpool 15000 BTU Window air conditioner features 3-fan speeds and 3-cool settings and efficiently cools living spaces of up to 700 square feet.
This remote controlled air conditioner is easy to install, fits into a 28 to 41 inches wide window, has an EER of 11.9, features an easy to read LED display, sleep mode, automatic restart, 8-way air venting direction, programmable 24-hour timer, and a washable/ reusable air filter.
This UL listed, Energy Star certified unit has a high Energy Efficiency Rating of 11.9, a 4.9-foot power cord, electronic control interface with an easy to read LED digital display.
The only problem seems to be poor customer care.
11. Midea Window Air Conditioners
- SPECIAL DESIGN - Mini compact for small room, cools 150 Square Feet, 5, 000 BTU
- HIGH CEERS - 11. 0 combined energy efficiency rate (CEER），helps reduce energy costs，
- FEATURES INCLUDE - 7 temperature settings, 2 cooling and fan settings, 2-way air direction ，easy to control
- EASY INSTALLATION - Installs easily without significant modification to the existing window frame. Fits windows 23''-36'' wide, minimum height 13''. All mounting accessories are included. A screwdriver is required for installation. For some window frames, pilot holes are recommended before installing screws. Please see included instruction manual for further detail
- WORLDWIDE - As a testament to our dedication to quality, we offer a one year parts and labor on this product
Last update on 2023-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Midea is a publicly listed Fortune 500 company that was established in 1968. It is headquartered in China, and they are specialized in refrigeration, air treatment, laundry, water appliances, floor care, lighting, and kitchen appliances.
With over 20 production facilities and more than 250 logistics centers across the world, Midea makes the list of the global manufacturing companies with the highest sales across the globe.
You can’t go wrong with a Midea appliance. The Arctic King 5,000 BTU Air Conditioner, for example, is quite affordable.
Yet, it is easy to install, has a compact design with enough power to cool a room of up to 150 square feet, has a 24-hour timer, 3 fan speeds, 4-way air direction, and a washable/ reusable air filter.
It is also quiet with decibels 55.1 on high and Energy Star and CEER rated.
Choosing the Right Window Air Conditioner: What you Should Consider Before Making a Purchase
To pick the best window air conditioner, you need to be clear about your desired features and functions.
This depends on a lot of factors, including the size and style of your window, the size of the room you want to cool, whether you want your window air conditioner to double up as a heater during winter, your estimated budget, how sensitive you are to noise, the smart features you fancy, and such. The list is endless.
To help you narrow down to what matters, pay close attention to:
1. The Size of the Room you want to Cool
The cooling capacity of a window air conditioner depends on the size of the room. This capacity ranges from 5,500 BTU/hour to 14,000 BTU/hour.
You need to get a window air conditioner with the right BTU for your room. One way to do this right is remembering for every square foot of space to be cooled, you need 20 BTU.
Getting an air window conditioner with higher BTU for a small room might seem like a good idea, but it’s counterproductive.
While it will cool your room fast, the humidity will still rent the air in your room. A window air conditioner with lower BTU will deal with both—slowly but surely.
On the other hand, a low BTU air conditioner for a big room will waste energy and a setup for disappointment.
How to Tell What Size your Room is
Multiply the length and width of your room and then do the math; factoring for every square foot, you need 20 BTU.
Basically, for rooms up to 300 square feet, buy a window air conditioner of between 5,000 BTU to 6,500 BTU.
Medium-sized air conditioners run 7,000 to 8200 BTUs per hour and cool rooms of up to 400 square feet.
Bigger rooms of up to 650 square feet need 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioners to cool efficiently. These units are large, heavy, and harder to install than the small and medium sized. For commercial use:
- 700 to 1,000 sq. ft = 18,000 BTU
- 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft = 21,000 BTU
- 1,200 to 1,400 sq. ft = 23,000 BTU
- 1,400 to 1,500 sq. ft = 24,000 BTU
- 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft = 30,000 BTU
- 2,000 to 2,500 sq.ft = 34,000 BTU
Note: For optimum performance, you will need to adjust your window air conditioner depending on the room’s temperature you want to cool, the number of people in the room, and the weather outside.
If the unit is meant to cool the kitchen, add 4,000 BTU; if there are more people in a room, add 600 BTU per person, and on hot days, increase your window air conditioner’s capacity by 10 percent.
2. Energy Efficiency
A window air conditioner’s efficiency is measured by EER, the ratio of cooling capacity to the power input. The higher the EER, the more energy efficient a cooling unit is.
Every 1.0 EER increases energy efficiency by 10 percent. To conserve energy and save money, find an air conditioner with an EER of at least 12.
Additionally, you might want to find a unit that is Energy Star certified. It will save 10 percent of energy compared to using other window air conditioners in the same class.
3. The Cost of Running the AC
Since October 26, 2015, Energy Star rated window air conditioners have met the Energy Star 4.0 standard, which sets power use at 10 percent less than the older window air conditioner models.
Old models and the low EER units are cheaper. However, the cheaper the unit, the costlier it will be in energy consumption and maintenance.
Conversely, top range window air conditioners with an EER of 10 and above are expensive to acquire but energy-efficient, and they hardly breakdown, or need costly maintenance. They are an investment.
Most people choose energy efficiency, and this has increased in-house technologies for further savings. For instance, some air conditioners come with Individual Temperature Control (ITC) sensor, which prevents over-conditioning.
Plus, some have motion sensors that reduce energy consumption by operating only when a room is in use. The smart air conditioners that feature these are pricier than the standard cooling units but worth every penny.
4. Smart Options
If you are keen on technology, innovation and always desire ease, speed, and efficiency, you might want to look at systems with smart modern functions.
For example, most of them give you full control over your air conditioner, e.g., programmable 24-hour timer; touchscreen LED Smart Display, remote control, air filter alert indicators, and an app that helps you control your mobile system phone or tablet no matter where you are.
5. Reliability
How long do you need the window air conditioner to serve you? If you need one for keeps, the pricier models and especially from the more reputable companies [like these we have covered] are the best buys.
They will save your money through low energy consumption and no repairs, and in the rare event your unit fails to function properly, you will promptly get the necessary assistance.
Mostly at no extra cost because major manufacturing often offers after-sale services. Plus, they have great customer care!
6. Noise
While the noise that comes from vibrations from the window frame, loose front grill, foreign objects getting in, bent fan blades, or lack of lubrication on the motor can be fixed, there is little you can do with a window air conditioner that operates with steady noise. Some are loud and annoying.
If you cannot stand background noise, it is important to check out the decibel levels before buying—especially if you intend to cool your bedroom, library, and such quiet rooms.
Friedrich, LG, and Frigidaire pride themselves in some of the most silent window air conditioners in the market, e.g., Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner. On high, its noise level is 56.5 decibels.
7. Electrical Requirements
Check whether your home’s or office’s electrical system meets the unit’s power requirements you intend to buy.
For example, most window air conditioners need 115-volt or 230-volt circuits. Standard households have a 115-volt branch circuit, but a bigger window air conditioner rated at 115 volts will need a dedicated circuit of 230 volts.
If you want to cool a big room, try models with high BTU like Friedrich Kuhl 11,900 BTU. Alternatively, you can always get one with a “turbo” fan mode to help drive air further.
8. Heating Ability
Buying a hot and cold window air conditioner that serves all year round, heating in winter, and cooling in summer is cost effective, especially if you find an energy-efficient one.
9. Style of the Window
Consider the type of windows in the room. For example, slider windows open by sliding to the side, casement windows swing out to open, and standard windows open and close up and down.
Most installation kits work with slider and standard windows, so if you plan to install the unit on a casement-style window, look for a window air conditioner that suits the window style.
Some people try their own DIY ideas, but it is not always good to cause an accident.
Summary
While it is difficult to pick the best window air conditioner brands from a pool of many.
This guide will make your search less stressful and ensure you settle for the best. If you’re on a tight budget, we’d recommend the Haier HWF05XCL 5,000 BTU.
If you want an energy efficient, reliable, small, and easy to install model, go with Frigidaire FFRA1022R1 10000 BTU. Before you embark on your search, calculate the square feet of the room you want to cool.
After that, consider your window style, your estimated budget, and then proceed to the finer details like noise, energy efficiency rating, smart features, and such, and you will end up with a model that not only suits your room but also complements your lifestyle.
