What is the Quietest Window Air Conditioner to Buy in 2020

Having the quietest window air conditioner is a sure way to make your living space feel cozy, comfortable and welcoming.

The great thing about a quiet window AC unit is that it’s one of the simplest ways of installing an air conditioning system in your home. Unlike other AC models, it is simply mounted on windows or walls — hence the name.

A window air conditioner is also sometimes called a room air conditioner.

Window ACs are generally single units that cool certain rooms or areas. This means that one unit will not cool an entire house. And the number of units you need to buy depends on several factors, including square footage.

So, what is the best window air conditioner? Is the quietest window air conditioner necessarily the best one, or is noise a secondary factor to other specifications?

This article hopes to help you find the best quiet window air conditioner by first reviewing the top models and then following up with a detailed buying guide.

Top 8 Quietest Window Air Conditioners Reviews 

Typically, a quiet window air conditioner should have a noise level below 60 dba. Here are some of the top whisper quiet window AC units currently available on the market.

Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series – Under 45 dBA

Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Marketed as producing a lot less noise than the average air conditioner, the Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series is only slightly louder than a gentle rain. This makes it one of the most energy efficient and the quietest window air conditioner in the market.

This Haier model also boasts a lot of features that make it a strong competitor for the top slot in our review. Its four modes (cool, fan, energy saver, and dehumidify) allow you to customize the settings according to your needs. If you live in a humid area, for example, you can turn on the dehumidify setting while you’re at work, and then change it back to cool when you return home.

The energy-saving function is good for the environment and also saves you money. The timer allows you to save energy by only turning it on when necessary.  And the sleep mode adjusts the temperature in your bedroom to ensure a comfortable night’s rest.

The only real downsides of this window air conditioner are its relatively low BTU rating and bulky dimensions. It’s quite a large unit and sits far out from where it’s mounted. So it might be an eyesore or take up a lot of space if you’re using it in a small room.

The BTU rating means that it can’t cool a room that’s any bigger than 10′ x 20′. Typically, BTU ratings can sometimes be a bit conservative, so consumers often buy a unit that exceeds the size of the room. Some window air conditioners have as much as 36,000 BTU, so you can see that this falls on the lower end of the BTU spectrum.

Pros:

• Cool, Fan, Energy Saver, and Dehumidify Modes
• Uses a standard 115-volt electrical outlet
• High EER rating of 11.2
• 24-hour timer
• Sleep mode
• Energy Star qualified

Cons:

• Relatively low BTU rating
• Bulky dimensions

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2. Friedrich Chill Series CP15G10B – 45 dBA

Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Friedrich Chill Series has a range of models that have different features. The cool-only models ranging from 5450 to 23500 BTUs do not have the slide-out chassis feature included in the Chill heat/cool and Kühl premium models. Moreover, only the Kühl models have Wi-fi control.

Despite this, CP15G10B window-mounted air conditioner still has a lot of useful features that makes it a good all-rounder for your air conditioning needs. It boasts a powerful 15,500 BTUs, which can cool rooms up to 700 sq ft room.

Installing this quiet window air conditioner is easy thanks to the installation kit and slide-out chassis. You might hire an HVAC technician to install it or set it up yourself. 

Unlike many other window-mounted air conditioners, the power cord can run either directly from the casing. This prevents you from having to invest in an unsightly extension cord if your outlet is too far away from one side of the casing.

The auto-restart setting allows you to save your customized settings in case of a temporary power shortage. It will automatically restart, and restores all the previous settings. The washable air filter is another innovative element in this unit. Clogged filters are a common reason for malfunctions and costly repairs. So being able to keep an eye on the filter cleanliness and maintain it yourself can potentially save you a lot of money.

Pros:

• 15,500 BTUs
• Installation Options
• Auto-restart setting
• Washable air filter

Cons:

• Lacks the features of other Friedrich Chill and Kühl models

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3. Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 Window-Mounted Air Conditioner – 50 dBA

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The Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 has an exceptionally high EER rating for a cheap and quiet window AC. Most window AC units have an EER of around 9.5 or less. The low 5,000 BTU doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. This BTU cools a room up to 150 sq ft, so it’s suitable for small rooms such as study room or bedroom. 

If the BTU rating suits your needs, you’ll find the Frigidaire to be an economical option for your new window air conditioning system. At an RRP of around $180-$220, it’s certainly on the lower end of the price range for even window air conditioners with low BTUs.

You can rest assured that this unit won’t eat up your electricity, as it’s energy star rated. It also has a dehumidifier feature and can dehumidify up to 1.1 pints of moisture in the air per hour. 

So, if you’re looking for the quietest window air conditioner that will cool a small room, this unit may be the choice for you.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• High EER rating of 12.2
• Dehumidifier feature

Cons:

• Low BTU

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4. LG Energy Star Window-Mounted Air Conditioner – 52 dBA

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The LG Energy Star window-m0unted air conditioner has multiple features that enable you to keep your home comfortably cool. It includes a slide-out washable filter for easy maintenance, an auto-restart feature for convenience during power outages, and a variety of cooling and fan speeds.

This unit is also energy star rated and capable of cooling a room up to 550 sq ft. It has an energy saver function and a 24-hour timer, both of which will save you money by switching off when the room is cool enough.

With a 12.1 energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating, it seems like the LG Energy Star has no flaws. But that’s not the only feature you should consider. For instance, it has a decibel rating of 52, making it one of the quietest room air conditioner units. It might not be the most quiet window air conditioner compared to some of the units we’ve reviewed, but it’s better than many other models out there.

Pros:

• Slide-out washable filter
• Power Failure Auto-restart
• 3 cooling and fan speeds

Cons:

• Known for being noisy

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5. Kenmore Smart 04277087 Room Air Conditioner –57 dBA

Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a smart library quiet window air conditioner? There is no better option than this affordable 8,000 BTU AC. While it can cool rooms up to 350 square feet, it also features the Smart AC app that lets you connect it to your smartphone so you can keep your space cool and comfortable. The best part is that it works with Elexa.

Apart from cooling your space, the unit also has a dry setting that uses a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air. You have to choose between 3 cooling fans to set your desired temperature.

Many homeowners think that smart appliances are not energy efficient. Well, that’s not the case with this unit because it is ENERGY STAR certified with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 12.1, and a Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) of 12.0. Also, you can take advantage of the Kenmore Smart AC app to program the AC to run when you need it, thus reducing energy wastage.

This AC is easy to operate. You can use either the remote or the control panel to turn the unit on and off, change the temperature, set schedules, and control modes and fan speeds for comfort and energy savings.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Quiet
• Smart AC
• Energy efficient
• Can dehumidify
• Electronic control panel and remote

Cons:

• It takes a little bit more time to set up

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6. Koldfront WAC10002WCO Window Air Conditioner – 56 dBA

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The Koldfront WAC10002WCO is one of the affordable and quietest window AC you can buy. It costs under $300, a reasonable price for a window air conditioner with a 10,000 BTUs. It uses a standard plug, so you don’t have to go and buy extra materials for the installation. And the recommended room size for this unit is 450 square feet.

Like the Frigidaire FFRA1022R1, it includes a feature that warns you when the filter needs to be changed. It also has three separate fan speeds, allowing you to control the speed of circulating cool air throughout the room. This is a very useful feature because sometimes the lowest fan setting, coupled with the temperature you like the room to be, is more than sufficient for staying cool. High fan settings can sometimes be much too airy, even when the temperature itself is comfortable.

Other features of this window AC include sleep mode, dry mode, energy saver mode, and a 24-hour timer. All of these settings allow you to customize the unit according to your cooling needs. This will ultimately save you money in the long run.

One downside of this unit is the limited temperature range. It can keep your room between 62 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this isn’t too worrying because anything outside of this room will likely be too cold or too warm for the average person. Sixty-five degrees is the temperature often perceived as the sleeping temperature, but most people will find 70 a more comfortable option. Thus, the limited temperature range isn’t something to stress over.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Energy Star rated
• LED filter alert

Cons:

• Limited temperature range

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7. Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner – 50 dBA

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With a BTU of 10,000, the Frigidaire FFRA1022R1 is an impressive all-round air conditioner. While 10,000 BTU might not be exceptionally high, it can still cool a room up to 450 square feet. With three cooling and fan speeds, it can be adjusted to suit your cooling needs. It uses a standard 115-volt outlet and has a powerful dehumidifying function. The dehumidifier can expel up to 2.7 pints of moisture per hour.

Other useful features of this ultra quiet window air conditioner include a washable mesh filter and a check filter alert. The washable mesh filter allows you to keep the filter clean without having to buy costly replacements. And the check filter alert is great to help you monitor the filter before it clogs. 

Unfortunately, this unit is not energy star certified. This means that it might not be as energy-efficient as other models. This could mean higher utility bills, and a greater strain on the environment. Another slight disadvantage is the fact that this particular Frigidaire model doesn’t have the auto-restart function. So if you lose power for some reason, you need to switch it back on and re-adjust any of the programmable features you’d saved.

Despite the cons, this unit is still a decent window air conditioner, especially considering its good EER rating of 10.9 and its 8-way air direction. The more air directions, the better, as it means improved circulation throughout the room.

Pros:

• Powerful dehumidifier
• Washable mesh filter
• Check filter alert
• Energy Star certified

Cons:

• No auto-restart
• Not Energy Star Certified

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8. Koldfront WAC25001W Window Air Conditioner – 57 dBA

Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Koldfront WAC25001W window-mounted air conditioner is an interesting product. First, it is a multi-function window air conditioner. There are times when the temperature drops to uncomfortable levels, even in warmer states like Florida. This unit allows you to cool and warm your home at the same time, an excellent investment and takes up less space than if you were to buy AC and space heater separately.

However, it should be noted that the heating isn’t quite as efficient as the cooling mechanism. The impressive 25,000 BTU only applies to the AC. It can cool a room that is up to 1500 square feet but can only heat a room up to 700 square feet. Therefore, if your room is larger than 700 square feet, you should not expect this unit to keep your room warm during the winter. As such, you should only purchase this with both heating and cooling in mind if your room is 700 square feet or ideally less.

So, the 25,000 BTU becomes kind of void and useless in this respect. It’s only a 16,000 BTU unit where heating is concerned. Still, this is pretty standard for most heat/cool devices, so it’s not a deal-breaker. This feature is probably the factor that will determine your decision more than anything else. Yes, it has a lot of great features, but most consumers buying a heating and cooling system need the unit to heat a specific size of the room.

Pros:

• 25,000 BTU
• Heats and cools
• 4-way air directional louvers
• Can remove 137 pints of moisture per day

Cons:

• Doesn’t use a standard plug
• Can’t heat as well as it cools

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How to Select the Best Quietest Window Air Conditioner

Now that we’ve considered some of the lowest dB window air conditioners on the market, it’s important to examine the variety of factors that will influence your choice of a room air conditioner. Truth be told, buying an air window conditioner involves a lot of research beforehand.

Luckily, we’ve done all the legwork for you. All you have to do is read this buying guide, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Here are the most important factors you should consider when trying to decide which window air conditioner is best for you.

First things First: Why Choose a Room Air Conditioner?

You might be shopping around for a new air conditioning system and can’t decide what to buy. There are so many options and so much jargon that can be confusing for an average consumer.

Central systems? Ductless ACs? Wall Acs? And for the skeptics out there, you might be wondering why on earth you would buy a window air conditioner at all when you can opt for the entire snazzy system instead.

5 Benefits of Using a Window Air Conditioner

1. Low Cost

Not only are windows AC units affordable, but they are also extremely energy efficient. That means low monthly electrical bill making them fairly inexpensive to operate and maintain. 

To clarify, you need to note that a central air conditioner costs from $3,500 to $7,525 and a ductless HVAC system costs from $500 to $5,000 for the average sized home. Room air conditioners, on the other hand, usually cost $200 to $2000.  So, unless you have a house with twenty rooms, you are still going to pay less overall. Luckily, we have already reviewed some of the cheapest window air conditioners if you want to go that route.

2. Easy to Install

The installation process of many window AC models is rather straight forward, and you do it yourself without hiring an HVAC professional. 

3. Portable

Unlike central air conditioning, these ACs can be moved and installed in any room with a window. They’re perfect for renters since you won’t need to buy a new unit when you move.

4.Extremely Energy Efficient

Another important benefit of these ACs is good cooling capacity. To stay cool without skyrocketing your energy bills, consider a model with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating.

5. Takes up no square footage

If you’re fresh out of floor space or live in a tiny house, these ACs may just be the perfect units for you.

Top 5 Factors to Consider When Buying The Quietest Window Air Conditioner

Understanding why you need a window AC is a great step in the right direction. However, there a lot of other things to consider when looking for the quietest window air conditioner. 

Let’s discuss the factors in detail;

1. The Size of the Room

This is the most critical factor you need to consider before purchasing a window air conditioner. You should never buy a unit without measuring the room you intend to install it in. If your house has several large rooms, you need to ensure the unit you buy has the power you need. Otherwise, you might as well not have the unit installed at all.

So, to help you buy the correct size of room air conditioner for your room, here are some useful measurements for you to consider:

And so on. You probably won’t need anything larger than this for a residential space, but if you do, some units go as high as 36000 BTU (previously mentioned).

But How Do you Measure the Size of Your Room?

Perhaps you’ve never measured a room. Well, don’t worry, it’s pretty easy. Square or rectangular rooms are the easiest to measure. You simply take a tape measure and measure the length, and width. You multiply the two numbers, and that is your square footage. If the measurements aren’t even numbers, you choose the BTU that is closest to your room size (not less: always more).

If your room has an odd shape, you estimate the measurement by visualizing a square or rectangle in its shape and allowing some more square footage for the extra space. You should always aim higher than your calculations if your square footage is the same as its corresponding BTU to allow for inconsistencies.

For example, if you want an efficient unit that can keep you cool as a cucumber and your room is 150 square feet, why not opt for a 7000 BTU unit instead? There is no harm in going bigger, especially if many people will occupy the room, but you should never go smaller.

Keep in mind that some window air conditioners can fit in casement windows. Many homeowners don’t realize that casement window air conditioners are designed for such windows, and most often than not, install portable AC or ordinary room air conditioners on crank windows.

2. BTUs – Power Vs Room Size

There are many reasons why you might want to buy a unit that can cool a larger room than the one you need it for. First, BTU capacities are just estimations and do not take into account the specifics of the actual space.

For example, a room that has lots of windows, or is facing the sun during the day, will require a 10% higher BTU than average. Conversely, a shady room with no windows that always seems cooler than the rest of the house can manage with a 10% lower BTU.

Still, it is always better to exceed the BTU you need. A unit that is higher than you need will probably last longer, will cool the room more quickly, and will generally work more efficiently. As such, it is a good idea to pick the BTU that is one step above the BTU required for the dimensions of your room.

3. Operating Costs – how much does it cost to run a window air conditioner?

ACs use a lot of energy. So apart from the upfront cost, you should also consider the running cost.

 –  So, how do you determine the running cost of your AC

Generally, a window air conditioner cost between $40 and $100 annually to run. To gauge how much you’ll need to spend, use this calculator to estimate the annual running cost. 

– What Factors Impacts Electricity Usage in a Window Air Conditioner?

The running cost mostly depends on; 

• The AC effectiveness –  relies upon energy efficiency, BTU ratings and the condition of the unit.
• Insulation  – Better insulation translates to less energy used to maintain low temperatures.
• Outdoor and Indoor Temperature – You’ll consume much less energy if you’re ambient temperature is low than if it’s high due direct sunlight.

4. Noise Levels – how to measure AC sound level. 

As earlier mentioned, the quietest window air conditioner units produce sounds of up 60dB. But what exactly will you hear if you stand near the AC? Well, the table below will give you a good idea;

As you can see, all our reviews of the quietest window air conditioner started with checking the decibel rating.  The level of sound produced mostly depends on the age of the unit, the type of AC and its condition. Therefore, it’s best to pick a unit that is designed with noise reduction in mind.

How much noise your room air conditioner produces depends on several factors. Air conditioners might also produce more noise when running on higher fan speed. Still, the quietest window air conditioner must be around 50-60 dB on the highest fan setting. That means that if your window AC is rated less than 50 dB, it’s ultra quiet.

5. Installation

 These units are easy to install if you follow the manual step by step. Just remember to get a pair of hands to help you out as some units are heavy, and might fall out of the window if you go macho.

How to Install a Window Air Conditioner

Below is a quick walkthrough on how to install your window AC unit like a pro. Still, follow your manufacturer instruction manual for specific instructions.

 Step 1: Pick the location of the unit.

The ideal location is the shady side of the room or a window that’s close to the center of the room.

Step 2: Open and Inspect the Window

Check the window sill as well as sashes for damage and schedule repair if necessary. It’s also important to get rid of any surrounding obstacles interfering with the installation process. 

Step 3: Attach the Side Panels on the AC

Screw down the side panels or slide them onto your unit. It’s crucial to make sure there is perfect contact between the unit and side panels.

Step 4: Position and Attach Your AC in the Window

Keep in mind that the weight of most ACs is majorly at the back. So make sure to seek help to lift and place it accurately on the window.

Step 5: Install L shaped Brackets

This step is to secure the AC from falling. Screw the L brackets on top of the window while it’s open. This is to help the window from getting down.

Step 6:Attach side panels to cover off the window

Side panels are vital in keeping the cool air in and warm air out. First, install the padding to preserve your window frame and avoid scratches. Then, on both sides (if required), extend and install your side panels to offer a tight fit.

Step 7: Secure AC Unit and Start Cooling

For your unit to stay snuggly, connect it’s interior side to the interior window sill using the brackets and screws.

What Features Should the Quietest Window Air Conditioner Have? 

Some features are more useful than others with regards to the quietest window air conditioner. 

The features that are actually useful include oscillating louvers, 24 hour times, thermostats, and power-saving features. These are all features that can potentially save you money and make cooling your home much more convenient.

• Oscillating louvers

They circulate the air around the room more effectively because the air is blown in different directions, allowing it to spread faster and more evenly.

• 24-hour timers

Are great because you can turn the unit on and off depending on when you’re in the house or sleeping. Instead of running your window air conditioner when the house is empty, you can program it to start up shortly before you come home. Similarly, if you’re sleeping, it can shut off once it reaches a specific temperature without having to get up and manually adjust it.

• A thermostat 

You set the thermostat to the desired temperature, and when it reaches this, it shuts off. Then, if the temperature rises again, it turns on back until it modifies the temperature to your pre-set one again. This ensures that the air isn’t blasting when it’s already cool enough in the room.

• Power-saving features

A quiet room air conditioner should run on less power, resulting in greater savings for you when the dreaded utility bill arrives in the mail.

Some of the quietest window AC units can also double as a heater. The primary function of these multi-function air conditioners is to cool the room while the heater can supplement your main heating system. It’s a great investment if you don’t want to invest in a space heater especially if you have a small room. Check out the best window air conditioners with heat.

How to Maintain and Improve Your Window AC to Get a Quiet Cooling Experience

Thankfully, window air conditioners are much easier to maintain than HVAC systems. You often need to have a trusted professional on standby for maintenance and repair when you have an HVAC system, but this is not the case with room ACs. You can do most of the standard maintenance tasks yourself.

Here are some ways you can keep your quiet window air conditioner running smoothly:

• Clean the air filter
• Check for leaves and debris.
• Clean the condenser coil

No matter what unit you buy, there will be a manual that will tell you how to maintain it. Make sure you follow these instructions, so you don’t unintentionally damage it by doing some spontaneous DIY.

Some window air conditioners have removable, washable filters which make things pretty easy. The condenser coil can be cleaned with mild detergent, and checking for leaves and debris is something you can do when you’re out working in the garden. Don’t forget to read the instructions!

Wrap Up

Today’s market for window AC is a testament to how far we’ve come in terms of creating a truly convenient and cost-effective way of environmental control within our homes. Now that you’ve perused the window air conditioner reviews and buying guide, we hope that you have all the information you need to invest in the quietest window air conditioner for your needs.