Keep It Cool with the Best Window Air Conditioners
With central air conditioning installation and repair costs running up to thousands of dollars, using a window air conditioner is a more prudent option for combating the summer heat. Window air conditioners may not be as attractive and easy to install as portable units, but they generally cost lower and cool large spaces more efficiently. To help you find the best window air conditioners in 2021, we're sharing our favorite white-colored models from the most reliable brands.
Best Window Air Conditioner
LG Window Air Conditioner
– Best Smart Window AC
This 8,000BTU air conditioner has a maximum cooling capacity of 340 square feet. Its high BTU implies that it offers more cooling power. You can use its SmartThinQ app or its remote control to adjust its fan or cooling speed, set the timer, and activate Auto Restart, which saves and restores the airconditioner settings after a power outage. You can install this 57-pound unit on standard single or double-hung windows that are 22 to 36 inches wide and up to 13 inches high. The unit requires a 115-volt outlet.
- Removes 2.2 pints of moisture per hour
- Filter check reminder and washable filter
- Max indoor noise of 58 decibels
- Can be troublesome to operate using the non-LG app
Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner
– Most Compact
This 5,000BTU air conditioner can cool spaces up to 150 square feet. You can easily choose from any of its fan speed settings: low fan, high fan, low cool, and high cool. You can also set the device to turn on or turn off in half-hour intervals. This 41-pound unit includes a pleated quick-mount kit with extendable side panels that can be attached to windows that are 23 to 36 inches wide and up to 13 inches high. It needs a 115-volt power socket to work.
- ENERGY-STAR certified
- Washable filter
- Max indoor noise of 56.5 decibels
- Manually operated
Midea Window Air Conditioner
– Best Budget
This 5,000BTU fan-air conditioner has 7 temperature settings that can be adjusted via remote for cooling rooms up to 150 square feet. It requires a 110-volt to operate. It’s a 43-pound unit that can fit into windows that are 23 to 36 inches wide and up to 13 inches high.
- Two-way air direction
- Washable filter
- Maximum indoor noise of 56.2 decibels
- No timer and energy-saving mode
Friedrich Window Air Conditioner
– Best Quality
This 8,000BTU, remote-controlled unit can cool spaces up to 350 square feet. The unit’s louvers can swing to and fro by themselves when you turn on Auto Air Sweep. Meanwhile, its MoneySaver mode allows the device to go on fan mode when the weather or room temperature becomes cool. It also has a 24-hour timer, an Auto-Restart feature, and remote control for setting adjustments. The air conditioner must be plugged in a 115-volt outlet. This 63-pound unit can be fitted into windows 20 inches wide, 13 inches high, and 36 inches deep. It also comes with a sleeve for through-the-wall mounting.
- Stale air exhaust
- Removes 2.2 pints of moisture per hour
- Filter alert and antimicrobial, washable air filter
- Bulky
- Other wall sleeves won’t work
Amana Window Air Conditioner
– Most Lightweight
This 40-pound, 5,000BTU air conditioner features a 24-hour on and off timer, Auto Restart, and Sleep Mode that gradually raises the room temperature from the hour it’s activated. You can adjust settings using its rotary dials or by remote control. This unit can be mounted on windows 22 to 35 inches wide and at least 14.5 inches high.
- Eight-way directional louvers
- Clear filter reminder and reusable filter
- Maximum indoor noise of 55 decibels
- Support bracket sold separately
TOSOT Window Air Conditioner
– Best Modern Style
This unit is one of the most visually appealing with a modern style. At 8,000 BTUs, it can cool up to 350 square feet. A smart thermostat is built into the remote, and a touch panel is on the unit.
- Unique remote with embedded thermostat
- Visually-appealing modern style
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Energy-star rating not listed
Frigidaire White BTU Window Air Conditioner
– Best Traditional
This compact 5,000 BTU unit can cool 150 to 200 square feet. It has manual control knobs, with 7 temperature settings, 2 cool modes, and 2 fan speeds. The antibacterial filter is washable.
- Removable, washable antibacterial filter
- Auto-restart with multiple cooling, temp, and fan modes
- Extra-long 3 prong extension cord
- No remote
TaoTronics Window Air Conditioner
– Best High-Power Unit
This 10,000 BTU unit cools up to 460 square feet, with 3 fan speeds, many cooling modes, and auto settings like a 24-hour timer. The remote, onboard buttons, and digital display offer full control.
- Quick and easy to install
- Built-in dehumidifier
- 12.0 energy-efficiency rating
- The Washable filter isn’t antibacterial
Best Window Air Conditioners Buying Guide
Whether it’s your apartment that doesn’t have central air conditioning or your workstation that gets stuffy, using window air conditioners can help improve hitherto hot spaces. Window AC units have several benefits that make them a better choice over other AC units.
But with several options out there in the market, how can you make the right choice? Keep reading to find out more.
Guide to Buying the Right Air-Conditioner for You
Here are some tips that should help you make the right choice when selecting a window air-conditioner.
Cooling capacity
This should be the first thing to consider before you buy your window AC. The cooling power of the air-conditioned is measured using British Thermal Units per hour. Go for a unit with a BTU level that is made for your space. If you buy an AC having little BTU power, it will keep running while cooling your space. This will cost you a lot of energy. If you get an AC with a BTU that is too big for your space, it will cause an uneven distribution of the cooling effect. This will cause some parts of your room to be hot while others will be cold.
Installation process
Note that the majority of window air-conditioning units are made to fit inside double-hung windows. You will find models you can install in customized wall space. This provides a unique option for people whose window dimensions are too big or too large.
Before installing the Air-conditioner, measure the internal dimensions of the window frames. Also, ensure to pay close attention to the width of the frame. Ensure to search for the maximum and minimum window width as indicated in the AC specification.
Features
One thing you need to consider before buying a window AC is the features that come with it. Some AC units come with Wi-Fi functions, others come with timers. But while such features are an added advantage, you should only buy a unit with features you intend to use.
Maintenance
Window air conditioners need regular maintenance to keep them in good working condition. Note that they get exposed to external debris and dirt which may accumulate at the back or inside. Also, there will be a build-up of particles and dust on the air filter with time. If this doesn't get fixed, they could all cause your AC to be less effective.
For a long-lasting operation, ensure you clean the unit one time a year at least. Using an AC that has a slide-out chassis will make the work easier because you only need to slide the unit out to be able to access it.
Benefits of Using a Window Air-Conditioner
Window air-conditioners have several comparative advantages over other types of ACs. Here are some outstanding benefits of using window ACs.
Lower cost
Window ACs are generally more affordable than the rest, this is in addition to the less expensive cost of operation every month. Although the cost of a window AC depends on the BTU capacity, brand, and features of the device, it is still the most affordable.
Energy efficiency
This is the biggest benefit of using window ACs. If you are looking to get the best cooling effect without spending too much, window AC units are the real deal. Most of these ACs come with a good energy efficiency ratio.
They are multifunctional
A lot of window air-conditioners do a lot more than giving the user cool air. Some of these AC units give both cooling and heating effects in homes and offices. With this dual-function, you can use the AC all year round.
They are portable
Living in a non-permanent house means you may have to move often, window ACs are perfect for this situation. Since they are easy to install anywhere there is a window, it makes them ideal for location nomads. Hence, when you are moving, you do not have to buy a new unit thus saving cost.
They can be used anywhere
Window AC units can be used in different places such as dorm rooms, sublets, and apartments. They may also be used in small businesses and offices as well as bedrooms.
Tips for Installing Your Window AC
When you buy your Window air-conditioner, you need to know how to install one especially if you want to do it yourself. Here are steps you should take when installing the AC unit.
Clean your window
Ensure your window is clean and dry before you install the AC unit. If you install the AC without cleaning it, you won't be able to clean either side of the glass.
Get it leveled off
Ensure you install the unit in a way that is level. If your installed unit faces downwards, the condensation may not drain out of the bottom.
Plug the gaps
the cool air will escape from your house regardless of how efficient your air conditioner is. This means you may have to pay higher energy bills. Ensure to fill the gaps between the window and upper sash. Also, fill the gaps around the panels.
How to Keep Your Window AC in Good Shape
Proper maintenance of your AC plays a big role in prolonging its lifespan and efficiency. Here are some tips that should help you maintain it yourself.
Clean the filters
As easy as cleaning the AC filters is, most people forget to do so. The easiest way to do this is by following the instructions from the manufacturer in this regard.
Clean the coils
The AC coil is the component that moves the cool air in and the hot air out, they also attract dust and dirt. You should clean them from time to time and ensure you dry them when done.
Keep the cool air in
Always do all you can to keep the hot air out and the cool air trapped in. To do this, ensure the curtains and shades are drawn during summer.
What Is the Price Range of a Window Air-Conditioner?
The cost of a window air-conditioning unit depends on the brand, size, and features. For instance, if you want to get an AC for a small room, a budget less than $200. For medium-sized rooms, you should have a budget between $200 and $500 depending on the unit's BTU. For large spaces, you need a unit that produces between 12,000 and 14,000 BTU units and they cost at least $400 each.
Window air-conditioning units help make life easier for the user. The pleasure you enjoy from using them depends on the choices you make when buying. This is why you need the right information about what to expect before you buy one.
