A 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is just right when it comes to cooling a medium-to-large room in the sweltering summers. A 12k BTU model will be comfortable in cooling an area of about 550 sq. ft. (e.g. a large living room or studio).
This article is a review of the 12,000 BTU window AC units that are the best on Amazon based on performance, efficiency, noise, smart, ease of installation, design, and reliability in American homes.
The following list is a comparison of PickHVAC’s favorite choices, and then we will go into detail with reviews and a buying guide.
#1 LG 12,000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner
LG Dual Inverter 12,000 BTU window AC is a premium product that offers high cooling capacity and excellent efficiency and low noise.
This ENERGY STAR unit is designed to cool rooms of up to 550 sq. ft. and it uses the dual inverter compressor technology by LG to provide variable-speed operation
The outcome is an efficiency increase of dramatic proportions (up to 35% more energy savings than the average standard AC) and ultra-quiet operation . Actually, this AC can be as low as 44 dB on its quiet Sleep Mode, and this makes it perfect in bedrooms and living rooms where low noise is a consideration .
LG Dual Inverter AC has 3 cooling speed and 3 fan speed with Auto Cool which maintains a constant temperature. It has all the convenient features such as 24-hour programmable timer, Eco energy-saver mode, and auto-restart to restore settings after power cuts.
The model is also an intelligent unit, as it has built-in Wi-Fi and LG ThinQ app support, which means that you can control it remotely using your phone, and it is compatible with voice assistants (Amazon Alexa &Google Assistant), so you can adjust it without touching it. The installation is easy using the provided window mounting kit, but it is large (almost 28 inches wide) and heavy (85 lbs), so you will probably need an assistant to install it.
In general, LG Dual Inverter 12k is a superb all-rounder that delivers excellent cooling with low noise and energy consumption and has the latest smart features.
#2 Midea 12,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
The Midea U-Shaped 12,000 BTU window AC is a new product that is known to be a unique unit with its own design and the quietest operation. Its U-shaped chassis enables your window to close down over the AC, isolating the compressor noise to the outside by a huge margin, and that is why it is 9 times quieter than the traditional units.
The model has a low level of only 42 dBA on low, which is approximately the sound of a library, and you can sleep or work without being disturbed . Although it is very quiet in operation, it provides powerful cooling to a room of up to 550 sq. ft. and quickly provides relief during hot days.
The Midea U is also very energy-efficient, thanks to a high-efficiency inverter system, and in 2022 it was the first window AC to receive ENERGY STAR Most Efficient, consuming more than 35 percent less energy than traditional 12k BTU ACs .
This intelligent inverter AC has Wi-Fi support, and you can adjust the temperature and modes wherever you are through the Midea Air app. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant to be able to control it with voice .
The U-shape design does not only reduce noise, but also allows you to open the window to get fresh air when the unit is not in use, which is a good bonus in terms of ventilation. Installation is not the same as with regular ACs: Midea offers a special bracket which is mounted between the window sash, which makes the installation safe (and includes an anti-theft lock). Although it is slightly more time consuming to install than a standard window unit, the end product is a stable, well sealed installation with the glass of your window helping to block outside noise
#3 Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Inverter Quiet Temp Room Air Conditioner (Wi-Fi)
Frigidaire Quiet Temp 12,000 BTU inverter AC is a great combination of cooling power and intelligent features of a reliable brand. This model is true to its name of being quiet as it has a minimum of only 42 dB of operation, which is approximately 2 times quieter than most common models. It employs the inverter technology to vary the speed of the compressor, not only making it quieter, but also very consistent in temperature control and saving a lot of energy.
Indeed, this Frigidaire was awarded the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient label due to the fact that it can save up to 46 percent of annual energy consumption over a typical 12k BTU air conditioner . Such efficiency will assist in ensuring that electricity bills are not high during peak AC season.
It is a completely Wi-Fi enabled unit that can be connected to the Frigidaire app and you can turn the AC on/off or change settings on your smartphone anywhere. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to make voice commands.
The AC is digital and it is provided with a remote control to use in the room. It is worth noting that Frigidaire has an auto-swing louver feature, that is, the vent can move to circulate cool air better in the room, which is excellent in large spaces. You have the standard modes (Cool, Fan-only, Eco and a Dry mode to dehumidify) and a 24-hour programmable timer. The profile of the unit is fairly small at approximately 19.5 deep and 23 wide, which allows it to fit in most windows. At 60 lbs it is slightly lighter than some of the competitors, which helps during installation.
All in all, the Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Quiet Temp is an excellent choice with a very quiet operation and smart features, and the reliability of Frigidaire makes it one of the best 12000 BTU window AC units to use in case you want to have comfort without noise
#4 TCL 12,000 BTU Q-Series Ultra-Quiet Inverter Window AC
The TCL Q-Series 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is a more recent addition that excels in quietness, thin profile, and price. TCL uses an inverter compressor and form factor that resembles the U-shaped design, and the noise is about 40 dB at low fan speed, which is basically whisper-quiet.
That is why this unit is another good choice in bedrooms or studies where noise sensitivity is important. It has a cooling capacity of up to 550 sq. ft. so it is suitable to use in large rooms or small apartments. TCL boasts of up to 38% energy savings compared to the traditional ACs due to the inverter technology and it is highly efficient (ENERGY STAR certified). You will be able to operate this AC very often without a significant increase in energy expenses.
The TCL Q-Series is also fully smart in features: it has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can control it with the TCL Home app; and it also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It has several modes (Cool, Fan, Dry, Eco, Sleep) and 24-hour timer to program the work.
Among them, the TCL has its own highlight, the so-called “EZ Install” kit, the unit is made in such a way that it is easier to install, and it includes an instruction on how to install it and the hardware that makes it easier to mount it safely. As with other inverter models, most of the heavy compressor part is outside of the window, so the inside part is not as bulky (this unit weighs 60 lbs and is less than 19 deep ). It is also designed in such a way that the window can be opened even when the AC is installed, which gives flexibility to obtain fresh air.
The TCL 12k Q-Series with its slick design and whisper-quiet operation is an excellent budget option to anyone who wants the advantages of a Midea U-style AC at a lower price
#5 GE 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner (Wi-Fi)
The Profile 12,200 BTU Smart Inverter Window AC by GE is already one of the most efficient window air conditioners in the U.S. market with its industry-leading energy efficiency and near-silent operation in a smart-enabled design.
This model has 15.4 CEER rating, which means that it is up to 44 percent more energy efficient than regular 12000 btu units, which makes it one of the best models to purchase by environmentally conscious consumers and those who need to cool down bigger rooms.
The adaptive inverter technology employed in this model keeps the airflow and temperature consistent to minimize the abrupt on/off switching that leads to noise and energy consumption spikes. The GE Profile is a near-silent cooling experience, especially in bedrooms, offices, or shared spaces, and it is coupled with its ultra-quiet 40 dB rating.
Cooling Capacity: 12,200 BTU- perfect to cool big rooms of up to 550 sq. ft. like oversized living rooms, open-concept rooms, or multi-room areas. It has three fan speeds and four cooling modes that provide accurate control of comfort depending on the needs.
Energy Efficiency: This model is the best in the category with 15.4 SEER rating, which is the highest in the category. It is ENERGY STAR 8 certified, which means that it saves energy almost 45 percent more than the standard models do, making it ideal to use every day in long summers.
Noise Level: It is one of the least noisy window ACs in the market, and its noise level is 40 dBA. It has an inverter system that makes it operate smoothly and gradually, and the design is overall acoustically insulated. GE boasts of selling this unit as the Quietest Window AC Brand in the U.S.
Smart Features: Completely Wi-Fi compatible and able to be controlled via the SmartHQ app, which allows you to control the unit remotely, schedule it, or monitor usage with your smartphone. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which means that you can change settings with the help of basic voice commands. It also has a conventional remote control to be operated flexibly.
Advantages: Excellent energy efficiency (the best in its size category); whisper-quiet performance (only 40 dB); smart app and voice assistant compatibility; in-built dehumidifier mode; Profile design with contemporary controls; One Touch Lift-Out filter to clean easily.
Cons: High prices because of its category-leading features; bigger size might not fit every window (check depth and width before buying); does not have U-shape design, which some customers find better to isolate noise and secure the window.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best 12,000 BTU Window AC
This is a complete buying guide to give you an idea of what to look out when choosing a window AC unit:
- Cooling Performance & Capacity: Make sure that the 12,000 BTU cooling performance of the AC is suitable to the size of your room. As a rule, 12k BTU is suitable in the rooms of about 450-550 square feet.
- Energy Efficiency (EER/CEER): Air conditioners are known to consume a lot of energy and efficiency is the most important factor in regulating electricity bills. Seek out Energy Star rated units that consume ~10 percent less energy than regular models. Better still, certain models of inverters are 35-46% more efficient than the conventional ACs .
- Noise Level: The noise levels of window ACs are normally measured in decibels. Older and non-inverter 12,000 BTU units can be expected to generate approximately 55-60 dB of sound at the lowest setting (approximately the same volume as a normal conversation) . Newer inverter models are better sound insulated and have variable speed that can reduce the noise to the low-40 dB range which is significantly quieter.
- Smart Features and Controls: Wi-Fi is becoming more and more widespread, and you can manage the AC using a smartphone app or even your voice.
Taking these factors into account, including cooling capacity and silence, smart functions and installation, you can safely select the 12,000 BTU window air conditioner that suits you best.
Each of the models in our review is a top performer when it comes to cooling, though each has its own advantages: the LG is the best all-rounder, the Midea U is the quietest, the Frigidaire is the smartest, the TCL is the most innovative and the GE is the most reliable at a reasonable price.
