The homeowners who have big rooms or entire house spaces usually require a high capacity window AC which is operated on 220V (230V) power. These are high-powered units that offer high-powered cooling to large spaces and are more efficient and long-lasting.
The comparison of our best choices of the best 220V window air conditioners is provided below, with the focus on cooling power, efficiency, and special features.
| Model | Cooling & Coverage | Efficiency | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG LW2422IVSM | 23,500 BTU (up to ~1440 sq ft) | Dual Inverter, Energy Star | Ultra Quiet (44 dB), Wi-Fi (Alexa/Google), Remote |
| Frigidaire FHWW245WE2 | 24,000 BTU (around 1000+ sq ft) | Inverter, Energy Star | Quiet (48 dB), Wi-Fi (app/Alexa), Remote |
| Midea MAW24S2VWT | 24,000 BTU (up to ~1500 sq ft) | Inverter, Energy Star | Quiet Operation, Wi-Fi (app/Alexa), Remote |
| Friedrich Chill Premier 18K | 18,000 BTU (up to ~1000 sq ft) | Energy Star | Wi-Fi, Heat Mode, Slide-Out Chassis |
| Keystone KSTAW242C | 24,000 BTU (up to ~1500 sq ft) | Inverter, Energy Star | Quiet Operation, Remote (no Wi-Fi) |
| Whirlpool WHAW182BW | 18,000 BTU (up to ~1000 sq ft) | Energy Star | Sleep/Eco Modes, Remote (no Wi-Fi) |
#1 LG LW2422IVSM 23,500 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Window AC (230V)
The LG LW2422IVSM is a high-powered 230V window unit that provides 23,500 BTUs of cooling, which is more than sufficient to cool big rooms to a comfortable level of approximately 1,440 sq ft. Its Dual Inverter compressor technology keeps the speed constantly adjusted, providing up to 35 percent more energy efficiency than standard models (far more than the DOE minimum requirements).
This model is Energy Star rated and has the capacity of reducing electricity bills to a considerable extent given its size. The LG is very quiet considering its high cooling performance, with sound levels as low as ~44 dB on quiet mode, it is one of the quietest in its category.
This unit is Wi-Fi enabled with LG ThinQ app that makes it easy to control with a smartphone and use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. It is possible to turn it on/off, adjust the temperature, or program a schedule remotely.
It is also equipped with a digital remote control and 24-hours programmable timer to make it convenient. LG design is durable and has a smooth functionality that is valued by the homeowners. It has a slide-in chassis and also comes with an installation kit but at ~130 lbs weight, you will need two people to install it safely. In general, LG Dual Inverter is a perfect solution when you want to have the maximum cooling and minimum noise, which is suitable in large living rooms or several rooms connected with each other.
#2 Frigidaire FHWW245WE2 24,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC (230V)
Frigidaire FHWW245WE2 is a 230V window air conditioner with 24,000 BTU cooling capacity and is a combination of raw cooling and advanced inverter technology. It can cool spaces of up to 1,000 square feet and above, which is why it fits a small apartment or a large floor.
This Energy Star rated AC has a variable-speed compressor that makes it efficient and it does not have to cycle on and off to maintain a constant temperature. The first outstanding feature is its Quiet Performance of 48 dBA in ultra-low mode, which is approximately 10 times quieter than Frigidaire older large ACs.
This implies that the unit can be operated in the background without interfering with the conversation or sleep, which is a massive advantage of a high-BTU window unit.
Frigidaire has filled this model with intelligent features. In-built Wi-Fi allows connecting the unit to the Frigidaire app and controlling it remotely – change settings or program cooling in advance so that it is ready when you arrive.
It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to use voice control. It is design-wise modern with a digital interface and a full-function remote. The six-way directional louvers assist in the distribution of cold air in your room.
It needs a dedicated 230V outlet and a sturdy window frame (at least 27″) to be installed, and a kit that comes with it, as well as an optional support bracket, aid in keeping this ~100 lb appliance in place. The Frigidaire inverter AC is a great option to consider when you want to be comfortable and convenient in a large room because of its ultra-silent performance, intelligent connectivity, and powerful cooling.
#3 Midea MAW24S2VWT 24,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC (230V)
Another good choice of cooling very large rooms or open plan spaces up to approximately 1,500 sq ft is the Midea MAW24S2VWT with 24,000 BTUs of cooling power on 230V. Midea is an innovative company (they were the first to introduce the popular U-shaped quiet window AC) and this model is no exception with an inverter compressor and high efficiency.
It is Energy Star rated having a high combined efficiency rating (approximately CEER 13.3) which means that it consumes approximately 41 percent less energy than the federal standard of its capacity. The homeowners will enjoy high cooling performance with reduced operating costs. The noise is also maintained low by the inverter technology, in use it is said to be silent and smooth, unlike the older units that have a loud cycling hum.
This is a fully smart window AC of Midea. It has an in-built Wi-Fi and can be operated by the Midea Air app on your phone or by voice control with Alexa/Google Assistant.
You may change the temperature, modes or timers at any location. It has several settings such as Eco which is energy-saving and a dehumidification setting to draw moisture on swampy days. On-site operation is also easy since it has a digital display and remote control. It can be installed easily using the kit provided, however, remember that this is a wide and heavy unit, make sure that your window is large enough to fit it and use a support bracket to make it safe. The Midea 24K inverter model is a good candidate to consider in case you need a high-capacity AC that is not expensive to operate and has a lot of smart features.
#4 Friedrich Chill Premier 18,000 BTU Smart Window AC (230V)
The Chill Premier range of Friedrich is a high end product with high build quality and reliability in the room AC market. This 230V, 18,000 BTU model is a high-performance air conditioner that is suitable to cool large rooms (~700-1000 sq ft) and is manufactured by a brand commonly applied in light commercial applications due to its strength.
It has a powerful rotary compressor (some models available now with inverter technology to increase efficiency) and receives an Energy Star rating with a 13 SEER/CEER efficiency rating. Although it has a higher sound level than the ultra-quiet inverter units, the Chill Premier is heavy-duty insulated and has a stiff chassis to absorb noise. It is also quieter than the normal old fashioned units of the same capacity to many users.
Friedrich Chill Premier is unique in its build and flexibility. It is slide-out chassis, which implies that you can take out the inner unit out of the outer sleeve to install and maintain it with ease.
It can also be installed through-the-wall (in a wall sleeve) should one want to, not necessarily in a window. It is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can operate the unit using the Friedrich smartphone app or connect it to Amazon Alexa and Google Home to use voice control. This particular model (CEW18B33A) is unique in that it has an added feature of electric heating besides cooling and it has 18,000 BTU cooling and a heat option during winter months. That makes it a comfort solution all year round – cool in summer and take the chill out in colder seasons (though the heat is best in moderate cold or supplemental use).
The other features are 3 fan speeds, auto-swing louvers 8-way air flow, filter-clean alert, and a remote control. The Friedrich Chill Premier is a high-end product that would be a good option in case you require a long-lasting window AC that could serve as a heater and be used heavily.
#5 Keystone KSTAW242C 24,000 BTU Inverter Window AC (230V)
The Keystone 24,000 BTU Inverter window air conditioner is a powerful air conditioner that targets the practical homeowners who want value. It provides heavy cooling to rooms of up to 1,500 sq ft which is adequate to large open spaces, living/dining combinations or small homes.
Although it has a low-end branding, this Keystone model does not compromise on technology since it has an inverter compressor that provides efficient and consistent cooling. This makes it Energy Star compliant and consumes less energy and makes less noise compared to the older fixed-speed ACs.
According to users, it is effective in reducing the temperature even during heatwaves, and it will regulate its cooling power to prevent wasting electricity. The noise level is acceptable at the size of this unit; it is not as quiet as the LG or the Frigidaire, but is quieter than most non-inverter models, so it is reasonable to use it in common areas.
This 230V Keystone AC is equipped with an easy electronic control panel and a full-function remote. This model lacks an integrated Wi-Fi, which is a compromise to the cheaper price, but it does have such features as a 24-hour programmable timer, Energy Saver (Eco) mode, and a sleep mode to cool down gradually overnight.
It also comes with an in-built dehumidifier feature that can eliminate up to 3.5 pints of moisture in an hour to make the room comfortable. It is easy to install: you will require a big window and a 230V socket.
The unit comes with a window mounting kit; it is 24K BTU and weighs about 120+ lb, so it is strongly advised to use a support bracket and have an assistant. The Keystone is an excellent choice of people who need a cheap high-BTU window AC with effective inverter technology, but do not need the additional features of smart connectivity.
#6 Whirlpool WHAW182BW 18,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (230V)
Whirlpool WHAW182BW is a 230V window air conditioner with 18,000 BTU cooling capacity, which can provide a dependable cooling performance of a well-known brand of appliances. It has a rating of cooling large rooms up to approximately 1,000 sq ft with a powerful fan and the capability of extracting up to 4.75 pints of moisture in the air per hour.
This is an Energy Star qualified AC with an EER of approximately 11.9, which means it does not consume a lot of electricity to cool your house and does not add a lot to your energy bill. Being a conventional non-inverter model, it has a rotary compressor that switches on and off, but Whirlpool has made it efficient and effective with an Eco mode and a new refrigerant. The noise output is normal of an 18K BTU unit, it is audible but acceptable. It has a front facing digital display and soft touch buttons to control it.
The Whirlpool excels where it comes to ease of use and installation. It is easy to install and it has a comprehensive window mounting kit and instructions.
The electronic control panel has 3 cooling speeds and 3 fan speeds, a programmable 24-hour timer and a convenient sleep mode to cool more quietly and gradually at night. It also has an Auto-Restart option so that the AC can restart with the last settings in case of a power cut. A complete remote control is also provided to change the temperature and modes across the room.
This Whirlpool lacks Wi-Fi and smart app connectivity, it is a simpler model aimed at the basics. Nevertheless, the reliability and ease of use are valued by a lot of house owners. The Whirlpool 18K window AC is a no-nonsense, reliable product with a well-known brand name behind it, and it will be a good choice to those who require a large cooling capacity in the summer (and who might also appreciate the optional heater models that Whirlpool provides in this line to use in the winter).
Buying Guide: Key Factors for 220V Window ACs
BTU Cooling Capacity
The first one is selecting a proper BTU rating of your space. The 220-230V window ACs are more likely to produce higher BTU (usually 14,000 BTU and more) and are used in larger rooms or in multiple rooms. Approximately, 20 BTU of cooling is required per square foot of living space as a rule of thumb.
As an example, an 18,000 BTU unit would normally be able to cool about 700-1000 sq ft, whereas a 24,000 BTU unit can cool approximately 1200-1500 sq ft. During sizing, take into consideration the nature of the room: high ceilings, open floor plans, lots of sun exposure or poor insulation all add to the BTUs needed. It is often advisable to oversize a bit when it comes to large spaces, so that the unit is not operating at full blast all the time when it is hot.
Nevertheless, do not over size a unit drastically. A large AC will cool the air too fast and switch off before it can adequately get rid of humidity resulting in a cold yet clammy room. It will also switch on/off repeatedly which may be energy wasting and wear causing.
Make your BTU as close as possible to your room size and conditions to maintain a steady, comfortable cooling. Each of the above reviewed models indicates the recommended coverage area, use them as a guideline. Remember that you will require a 230V outlet, these high-BTU units cannot be plugged into a normal 115V wall socket. When you are not sure you have a 230V outlet where you intend to use the AC, consider the cost of installing one by a professional electrician.
Energy Efficiency (EER/CEER and Inverter Technology)
A large AC should be energy efficient because this will have a direct effect on your electricity bills. The efficiency of a room air conditioner is expressed as its EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or the more recent CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio), which takes into consideration use of standby power. The greater the EER/CEER the more cooling you obtain per watt of electricity.
A lot of 220V window ACs are Energy Star rated, which implies that they are more efficient than the federal requirements. As an example, the LG and Midea inverter models reviewed above have CEER ratings of 13-15, which is extremely efficient (more than 40 percent more efficient than the baseline). Even non-inverters such as the Whirlpool (approximately EER 11.9) qualify as Energy Star large units.
Inverter vs. Non-Inverter: The application of an inverter compressor is one of the greatest efficiency jumps. The conventional AC compressors are either on or off, when they are on they operate at full capacity until the desired temperature is achieved then they switch off and restart.
Compressors that are powered by inverters are able to adjust their speed continuously to keep the desired temperature. This prevents the energy spike of every restart and makes cooling more consistent. Inverter ACs are energy saving (usually 20-35 percent energy savings over non-inverter ACs) and maintain room temperature more constant. All that and frequently running quieter. In case efficiency and low operating cost are of concern, seek a unit that is labeled as Inverter or Variable speed. Assuming no other factors, an inverter model will save enough energy to pay itself off in the long run, particularly in hot weather or when the AC is used a lot of hours per day.
Also look at such features as Eco mode (energy saver mode) which is present in many of the units. When in Eco mode, the fan will also switch off when the compressor is off (rather than running continuously), which will also save power.
There is also the optimization of usage with a programmable thermostat and timer. With the 24-hour timer, you can program the AC to switch off at cooler nighttime or when you are not at home and switch back on before you get home, thus the AC will not be cooling an empty room.
Noise Level (Decibels)
Big window air conditioners have been very noisy in the past but the new designs have made them very quiet. Even the fact that the unit will be close to living areas or bedrooms is still an important factor. Noise is expressed in decibels (dB) – the lower the better.
To give an idea, ~50 dB is about the volume of a normal conversation or a moderate rain. Older 18k-24k BTU ACs may be very loud on high, and many of them may go over 60+ dB, which is distracting. The models of inverters in our list are the best in terms of quietness. As an example, the Dual Inverter unit made by LG operates at 44 dB in Sleep mode and Frigidaire inverter model is approximately 48 dB on the quiet setting. These are impressive low levels of such powerful units – nearly library quiet at low fan speeds.
There are two reasons why inverter ACs are quieter: the compressor does not switch on and off with a loud thud, but ramps up and down; and they frequently use DC fan motors (such as LGs BLDC motor) which are quieter and more variable.
Also the fact that it can run at partial speed allows the AC to frequently maintain a low constant hum instead of revving to full blast. In case noise is a major priority, then it is a good decision to select an inverter unit. Among the inverter models, look at the product specifications or manufacturer assertions of decibel ratings at various settings. The least noisy large window units are in the mid 40 dB range at low fan. Non-inverter models such as the Whirlpool will be slightly louder, usually in the mid-50s dB at low fan and up in the 60s at high. Nonetheless, most non-inverters have a sleep mode or low fan option to ensure that the noise is minimized during the night.
It is also possible to reduce noise by installation: the unit should be securely mounted (vibration or rattling can increase the sound). Apply any of the foam strips and side panels to minimize vibrations on the window frame.
External compressor noise can be reduced by selecting a sound insulated unit or fitting an aftermarket sound blanket to the compressor (some of the high end models include this). Lastly, location counts, where possible, place the AC in a window that is not near couches or beds or use directional louvers to blow air where it is required so that you can operate the AC on a lower fan speed more frequently.
Installation & Power Requirements
A 220V window air conditioner is a little more complicated to install than a smaller air conditioner because of the size and power requirements. These are some of the main things to note in installation:
- Window Size & Support: Ensure that the AC fits by checking the size and the opening of the window. Big units may require a window that is at least 26 28 inches wide and approximately 18 inches high (check the specs of each model). Since these units may weigh 100-150+ lbs, it is strongly advised to have a support bracket under it. Most of the models come with a bracket or you can buy a universal heavy-duty AC bracket (rated at the weight of the unit) that can be attached to the exterior wall of the house to support.
- Two Person Job: Get someone to help you. These ACs are heavy and bulky- it is risky to install one alone. Slide the unit into position and carefully follow the instructions of the manufacturer to secure the mounting rails/sash etc. With slide-out chassis designs (such as the Friedrich) the inner unit can be removed to facilitate installation, with the lighter empty sleeve mounted first.
- Power: All of these units need a special 220-240V outlet (usually a NEMA 6-15 or 6-20 plug type). Make sure that you have the correct plug type of your AC and that you have an equivalent 230V receptacle. These are typically on a special 20A or 30A circuit breaker. Do NOT plug a 230V AC into a 115V outlet or vice versa using adapters, it is unsafe and the unit will not run. In case you do not have the right outlet close to the window, employ a licensed electrician to fit one. Long extension cords are not advisable, particularly not on 230V high amperage appliances.
- Through-the-Wall Option: Most 220V window units can be mounted in a wall sleeve (through-wall) in case you do not have an appropriate window, but read the manual. Slide-out chassis models (e.g. Friedrich Chill) are either window or wall mounted. Remember that through-wall installation can slightly decrease the cooling capacity of the unit (because the side vents can be less exposed), and you need to seal the gaps around the sleeve to avoid the air leakage.
After installation, ensure that you tilt the unit a little outwards (as per instructions) to allow condensate water to drain out and extend and seal the side accordion panels to prevent outside air and insects. The correct installation does not only make it safe but also makes the AC work to its best.
Smart Features & Controls
Most of the new window ACs, even high-voltage ones, are smart and make their use more convenient and controlled. In the process of making a choice, you should think about how you want to communicate with the AC:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The above models such as LG, Frigidaire, and Midea have Wi-Fi connectivity which enables them to be controlled through smartphone applications. This implies that you can switch the AC on or off, adjust temperatures and make schedules wherever you are. As an example, you can switch on your AC on your way home to work so that the house is cool by the time you get home. Apps can give extra information such as the temperature in the room or the state of the filter. And, of course, compatibility with voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, or even Siri Shortcuts) is a must, in case you are a fan of smart home technology. It is a good bonus to be able to say, Alexa, turn on the bedroom AC.
- Remote Control: Every unit is equipped with a handheld remote, although some are simple and others have LCD displays and additional features. A decent remote allows you to change mode, fan speed, temperature and set timers without leaving the bed. This is normal, however ensure that the remote and onboard panel is user friendly.
- Thermostat and Modes: Window ACs are fitted with thermostats to keep the temperature you have set. Make sure that the unit has modes you require: Cool mode (compressor on) is self-explanatory, but also check out Fan-only mode (to ventilate without cooling), Dry/Dehumidify mode and Eco mode. In case you want to operate the AC in a bedroom, a Sleep mode will be useful, it will reduce the fan noise and slightly change the temperature at night to be comfortable and save energy.
- Filter Alerts & Maintenance: The newer models have a light or notification that will tell you when the filter needs cleaning. It is a reminder that is useful in maintenance. To maintain a high airflow and an efficient unit, washable filters must be cleaned after every few weeks when the unit is used intensively. There are some high-end models that have air purifying filters (such as the optional allergen filter available on Friedrich) – consider this factor in case the quality of the air in the room is an issue.
- Other Features: Other desirable controls are adjustable air direction louvers (the more directions, the more you can direct the air where you want it to go e.g. 4-way vs 6-way airflow), and multi-speed fans. In addition, in case you reside in a place where there are occasional power cuts, the auto-restart option is also a necessity where the AC automatically switches on with the earlier settings once the power returns.
Although smart features may increase the cost, they make the product very usable to a large number of homeowners. Or, if you want something simple, a non-smart, manual-control unit will do just as well, it will only need you to be physically present to adjust settings. Think about your lifestyle: are you going to incorporate the AC into your smart home routines, or are you going to set and forget most of the time?
In any case, ensure that the controls (through app, remote, or panel) are easy to use. One can read customer reviews on the reliability of the app or the remote range. After all, the idea is to have a unit that makes you comfortable with the least amount of fuss so select the control features that best suit you.
