Here are the 15 best window conditioners based on our extensive window conditioner reviews. Buying a window air conditioner can be a difficult task because there are many brands to choose from and several important factors to consider. The most important factor is selecting the right amount of BTU to cool the square footage you have. For information on how to know which size unit is best for your room see, figuring out your cooling needs Another important factor is selecting the features you prefer such as remote or great energy savings. A third, and fairly obvious factor is that the air conditioning unit needs to fit in a window in your home to get adequate ventilation and drainage. You may need to make adjustments so that it will fit properly. The window air conditioners that I have reviewed are all available through Amazon. A common factor with these units is that some arrive damaged from shipping. If this is the case, be sure to contact Amazon quickly to get your unit exchanged or repaired.
Besides window air conditioners, you may also be interested in the energy efficient air conditioners,best high efficiency air conditioner, best rooftop air conditioner and the best RV air conditioner.
Following is a list of the best window air conditioners:
Friedrich CP06G10A Window Air Conditioner
This 6,000 BTU air conditioner is an energy star unit with several great features. It cools a room up to 250 square feet with 3 cooling speeds and a fan only option. It has an oscillating fan feature and an auto air sweep mode to cool things down. It also features a timer you can set up to 24 hours. This unit is well built and cools well. For more information about Energy Star air conditioners see, Key Energy Star Criteria Users report that the instruction manual is poor and installation tricky depending on your window type and size.
Check Price on Amazon: Friedrich CP06G10A
Frigidaire FRA052XT7 Window Air Conditioner
This model Frigidaire has 5,000 BTU and cools up to 150 square feet. It has 2 fan settings, 2 cooling speeds, and a filter to clean particles out of the air as it cools. This unit has rotary controls instead of digital. It comes with optional side panels to help with installation. Users say it cools well but that the vents do not direct the air very well. Several recommend purchasing foam tape to seal any gaps when it is installed. It is inexpensive.
Check Price on Amazon: Frigidaire FRA052XT7
Frigidaire FFRE0633Q1 Window Air Conditioner
This 6,000 BTU air conditioner has a clean air ionizer and several settings such as auto cool, sleep, and energy saver. It is fairly quiet for an air conditioning unit and comes with a handy remote. Users report loud beeping when you reset the unit and that installation can be tricky.
Check Price on Amazon: Frigidaire FFRE0633Q1
Keystone KSTAW05A Window Air Conditioner
This 5,000 BTU air conditioner cools up to 150 square feet and comes with a great “follow me” remote. This senses the room temperature from across the room and allows you to set the unit’s temperature accordingly. There are 3 cooling speeds and 3 fan speeds, an energy saver mode, and 24 hour timer. There is an easy to clean mesh filter to purify the air too. This unit is energy efficient, installs fairly easily and has a full 1 year warranty.
Check Price on Amazon: Keystone KSTAW05A
SPT 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
This 6,000 BTU air conditioner is well priced with basic features like compact size, energy star rating, and adjustable temperature. This unit has air vents that don’t adjust too much but it cools well, keeps the set temperature, and doesn’t cost too much to run.
Check Price on Amazon: SPT 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Danby DAC6011E Window Air Conditioner
This window air conditioner has 6,000 BTU to cool a space up to 250 square feet. It has electronic controls, a handy remote, and both energy saver and sleep modes. This way you can set the air conditioner temperature and the unit will self adjust. This unit is well priced and users report it cools well.
Check Price on Amazon: Danby DAC6011E Window Air Conditioner
LG LW8014ER Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
The LW8014ER has 8,000 BTU to cool a space up to 340 square feet. It has 3 cooling speeds, 3 fan speeds, and 4 way directional air with easily adjustable deflectors. The unit really cools well and is fairly energy efficient. There is a remote that works well if it is unobstructed. One user emphasized to make sure the unit is balanced and well sealed in your window for best efficiency. It comes with a 1 year warranty.
Check Price on Amazon: LG LW8014ER Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire FFRE0833Q1 Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
This 8,000 BTU unit comes with an air ionizer and filter to remove particles as it cools a space up to 350 square feet. It is an efficient unit that has various modes such as auto cool, sleep, and energy saver. The unit has a stepped instead of flat bottom making it a bit tricky to install for some window types. It does cool well and the remote works also. This unit comes with a 5 year limited warranty but owners report that customer service is slow to respond.
Check Price on Amazon: Frigidaire FFRE0833Q1 Window Air Conditioner
SPT 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner WA-8011S
This 8,000 BTU window air conditioner is a sturdy, compact unit that cools well. It comes with a remote and several cooling modes. Users say it works well to set the unit temperature a few degrees lower than the desired temperature you want.
SPT 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Review
Check Price on Amazon: SPT 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire FRA106CVA1 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
The FRA106CVA1 has 10,000 BTU and cools a room up to 500 square feet. It has a dehumidifying feature and 3 cooling speeds as well as 3 fan speeds. It also has a clean air ionizing feature with an antibacterial mesh filter. The cool air blows in up to 8 different directions. This window air conditioner is also pretty energy efficient. Some customers did report receiving bad units which they were able to exchange.
Check Price on Amazon: Frigidaire FRQ106CVA1 Window Air Conditioner
Keystone KSTAW12A Window Air Conditioner
This 12,000 BTU unit comes with the “follow me” remote like the 5,000 BTU unit. This handy remote does need an unobstructed view but can sense the room temperature and set the unit from across the room. It has 3 cooling speeds and 3 fan speeds as well as a 24 hour timer. This air conditioner is a bit loud but is fairly easy to set up and cools well. It has a 1 year full warranty.
Keystone KSTAW12A Window Air Conditioner review
Check Price on Amazon: Keystone KSTAW12A Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire FRA126CT1 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FRA126CT1 has 12,000 BTU and cools a space up to 640 square feet. It has a clean air ionizer with antibacterial mesh filter, energy saving modes, and a remote that will take the room temperature and adjust the unit accordingly. The sleep mode gradually raises the room temperature through the night. This thing cools well. One user suggested having it serviced once a year to keep it clean and running well. It is fairly easy to install but because it is a larger, heavier unit, more customers reported damage from shipping.
Frigidaire FRA126CT1 12,000 BTU Review
Check Price on Amazon: Frigidaire FRA126CT1
SPT 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner WA-1211S
The SPT 12,000 BTU has a thermostat to sense room temperature, 3 fan speeds, and an energy saving mode. It also has a washable air filter, handy remote, and dry mode to dehumidify. It is heavy and because of this, installation can be tricky but not overly difficult. This unit cools well and is not too noisy. Owners report that customer service is not great if you have difficult issues with the unit.
Check Price on Amazon: SPT 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Friedrich CP15G10 Chill Series Room Air Conditioner
The CP15G10 is a 15,000 BTU unit which will cool up to 700 square feet. Like the other Friedrich unit I reviewed, this unit is a bit pricier but very well built and durable. It is a quiet air conditioner and very energy efficient for the size. It has a 24 hour timer and thermostat control. To see more about the features of the Chill Series Air Conditioners see,
Friedrich CP15G10 Air Conditioner Review
Check Price on Amazon: Friedrich CP15G10 Chill Series Air Conditioner
Frigidaire FRA256SV2 Window Air Conditioner
This large air conditioner has 25,000 BTU and requires a special 230 volt outlet. Professional installation is recommended. But if you have an area up to 1,672 square feet, this unit can really cool it. It has a clean air ionizer, temperature sensing remote, and several cooling modes. The filter is easy to clean and air directional control is functional. Because this is a big unit, it can arrive damaged from shipping so check the unit over carefully when it arrives. Owners report warranty service was average.
Check Price on Amazon: Frigidaire FRA256SV2 Window Air Conditioner
Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide – 15 FAQs
1. Why a window air conditioner?
Heat is exhausting, and during the summer we all need a way to cool off. Window mounted air conditioner units are ideal for the job because they don’t take much space, are not as hard to install and maintain as wall mounted units are, and are ideal for those situations where drilling holes in walls is not an option.
There are certain cases and scenarios in which you cannot opt for any of the other types of air conditioner units.
Most homeowner associations are a lot more permissive towards the installation of a window unit rather than having to deal with all the holes and all the noise that are required in order to install a wall-mounted split unit for example.
Unlike other units, the window air conditioner can be dismounted and mounted again on a different window if need be.
It is also easier to service, easier to reach and easier to replace consumable parts than on other types of air conditioners.
2. How can I know how powerful the unit is supposed to be?
First and foremost, you should know that the power of an air conditioning unit is measured in B.T.U. and on average, for an average room, you will need around 9000 – 12000 BTU.
There are some more details that are factored in, however most retailers will actually ask you questions regarding the room that the unit will be placed in, in order to figure out how powerful your unit is supposed to be.
Here is an article that should provide some ore information on the matter: How to select the right room air conditioner
3. Is installing the unit an effort?
First off, you will not be the person installing the unit, there will be a team of specialists that will be contracted in order to install, test and configure your unit.
Second, it is not as messy and as hectic as a wall mounted unit.
4. Does the unit require any kind of maintenance?
Yes, the unit requires regular maintenance.
A rule of thumb dictates that maintenance should be done every 12 months, however it depends on the unit and the cooling system that it sports.
5. Are there any filters or consumables that I should purchase in the future?
Yes, but only if strictly necessary.
Most of the filters that these units come with are washable, and can be cleaned and de-iced during the winter when the unit is not being used.
6. Can such a unit provide health concerns?
If used for extended periods of time, it can cause colds and even drafts, however if the filters are properly cleaned and the maintenance schedule is respected, then there are no infectious diseases that can be caught
7. Will such a unit affect my electric bill in a major way?
It depends on how often and how much you use the unit.
It will add some extra cost to your electrical bill, however the cost will be quite low, and hard to spot most of the time.
8. How sensitive is such a unit to the elements?
Considering that this is a unit which was designed to run while the elements are bashing away at it, it is safe to assume that it is tough enough to handle them quite well.
9. Is such a unit suited for a nursery or a room with small children?
Frankly, no.
Small children are a lot more sensitive to temperature changes. If the situation is that bad and the kid or kids require a bit of cooling off, then make sure that they are on the other side of the room and that the unit is turned on the lowest possible setting.
10. Are there any extra things or consumables that I am supposed to buy over time?
Only if the unit breaks down and it is not covered by its warranty, and if the filters are no longer washable or intact.
Other than those scenarios, there is no reason why you should concern yourself with added expenses.
11. How can we tell if the unit that we are buying is of good quality?
First and foremost, make sure that the material that the unit is made out of is solid and sturdy.
If it feels like cheap plastic, then you might be in for a few surprises along the way.
Second, pay attention to the part of the unit that will be facing outside the window. Make sure that it is sturdy and that it cannot be broken easily.
Third, check the user interface, and see how easy or complicate it is to use.
If anything looks out of place, or can be hard to comprehend, then it might be a cheap knock-off that was badly translated.
Here is some in-depth information on this topic: Air conditioner buying guide
12. Can these units fit into any window frame?
No.
First of all, the window frame must be large enough to accommodate the size of the unit in question.
Second, the frame has to be strong enough to bear the weight of the unit.
It is highly recommended that the units should be installed in a sturdy reinforced frame.
13. How long can this unit be used throughout the day?
You can use it as often and as long as you like, however in order to preserve the parts and prevent excessive wear, it is recommended that you don’t crank it up to full power if you are aiming to use it for an entire day.
14. Is it ok if I save some money by purchasing a second hand unit?
You should never buy a second hand air conditioning unit. There are too many health concerns regarding used units, plus you will end up paying more money on repairs and reconditioning the old one than you would of have paid on a brand new unit.
Here is a video that should help you with this problem:
15. Is this type of unit noisy?
It depends on the make and model of the unit, as well as the power of the unit.
I hope that this guide has served you well and that we were able to answer at least a couple of the questions that you might of have had.
Do you have others you would suggest adding to this list of the 15 best window air conditioners? Please comment below.
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