Best Window Air Conditioner 2022 – (Reviews & Buying Guide)

Welcome to our Window AC units buying guide and reviews of the best window units.

Introduction to the Guide

This expert window air conditioner guide is the most comprehensive of its kind, but we’ve also made it easy to find what you’re looking for.

There are two ways to use the window AC guide:

• Read through the entire guide – Best for readers who want complete information before making their decision.
• Use the Navigation Guide to jump to the topic or topics you’re most interested in researching before making your purchase. Topics include window air conditioner vs. central air, features to consider, sizing a window unit and how to buy the right model for your needs. A complete list of topics is found in the Navigation box below.

This guide concludes with several “Best of the Best” lists – like Most Efficient models, Models with Premium Features, Smartest window units, Best Values, Window ACs with heat elements, Casement window units and more.

A handful of manufacturers dominate the market, and we have completed Window AC Brand Review for each one. They allow you to compare brands like LG, GE, Frigidaire and Friedrich head to head in terms of efficiency, cost, models and features and all other important comparisons.

Buying Guide

Window AC FAQs – Understanding the Basics

Let’s start with an overview of window air conditioner basics, so you’ll have a clear idea whether a window unit will meet your needs.

1. How does a window AC unit work?

As the name implies, a window unit fits in the space created when you open the sash of a window. Most window air conditioners are designed for single-hung/double-hung windows, but the major brands now make window units for casement/sliding windows.

Some homeowners frame a permanent sleeve through a wall to accommodate the AC. When installed in a wall, the AC doesn’t obstruct a window. This installation is known as a built-in unit.

A window AC unit uses refrigerant to absorb heat inside your home and disperse it outside. That’s why the back of the air conditioner looks like a radiator. The maximized surface space allows for faster dissipation of the heat.

Inside air is pulled over a coil in the front of the AC. The heat from the air is captured by refrigerant in the coil. Taking heat from the air makes it cooler, and the cooled air is blown into the room.

2. Does a window air conditioner remove humidity?

Yes it does. As the coil in the front of the window unit removes heat, it gets very cold – almost freezing cold. As you know, moisture in the air condenses on cold things like a glass of ice water. Moisture condenses on the coil and channeled to a tube and drained outside. When inside air is very humid, water can be seen steadily dripping out the back of a window air conditioner.

3. What sizes are available – and how do the sizes compare with central ACs?

Window air conditioners range from 6,000 BTUs to about 28,000 BTUs. Size is also referred to as capacity.

The number of BTUs (British thermal units) is the amount of heat the unit can transfer per hour.

Standard split system central ACs start at 18,000 BTUs. The largest are 60,000 BTU models.

Mini split ACs are made in capacities from 6,000 to 60,000 BTUs.

4. Can it cool more than one room?

Window units are mostly used to cool a single room or area. They can cool multiple rooms if the home has an open floor plan.

5. How much power does a window air conditioner use?

Most units under 15,000 BTU are 110-120 volts. Models larger than 15,000 BTU are 220-240 volts.

6. Are window air conditioners as efficient as central ACs?

Window ACs have EER ratings of about 9 EER to 12.4 EER. EER is explained below, but the higher the EER (energy efficiency ratio), the more efficient the unit.

Standard split system ACs range from about 11 EER to more than 16 EER.

Mini split (ductless) ACs have EER ratings from about 10 to 20.

7. Is a window AC the same as a room AC?

The term “room air conditioner” is used of three AC types: Window air conditioners, through the wall ACs (also called built-in ACs) and portable air conditioners.

In short, a window air conditioner is one kind of room air conditioners.

Also Read: Window vs Portable AC: Which One is Better?

Window AC vs Central AC: When Window Units are a Better Choice

Let’s start with the other side of the coin – when central air conditioning is preferred. Then we’ll look at ideal situations for a window air conditioner.

When central AC is better: If you’re building a home where hot weather or warm, humid weather is typical in summer, then central air conditioning is a better choice. This is especially true if you have more than $5K in the budget for a system that will meet your home’s cooling requirements. In these situations, central air conditioning will produce lower monthly utility bills than 3-5 window units running in various rooms or areas of your home. Central AC will probably keep your home more comfortable too – better temperature balance and lower humidity.

When a window unit is better: There are times when a window air conditioner is better or at least an acceptable alternative to central AC.

Here are the most common reasons to choose a window AC:

• Your climate has occasional hot weather rather than consistently hot weather. Installing centralAC would not be a cost-effective way to cool.
• You have a small, single-story home with a very open floor plan that allows cooled air from a large window unit to circulate to all areas and rooms.
• You’re living in a rental apartment or home and don’t have the option of installing central air.
• You spend most of your day in one room or open area of the house, and it is cheaper to cool the area you’re using than the whole house.
• You have central air conditioning that isn’t large enough, so one or more rooms don’t get fully cooled. These rooms, usually upstairs or far from the air handler, are a perfect location for a windowAC.

Window AC Pros and Cons

Exploring window AC advantages and disadvantages is another way to compare your home cooling options.

Pros:

• Unit Cost: Window units have much lower upfront cost: $ for small, basic ACs, $$ per unit for large, full-featured window air conditioner. Compare that to $$$ for central AC equipment.
• Installation Cost: Installation of a window AC is DIY for most units. Installing a central system costs $1,500 to $5,000 depending on its size and configuration.
• Lower Total Cost in First 5-20 years: If home size allows you to cool the entire home with one large or two smaller ACs, your total cost for the equipment, installation and energy will be lower in the first 5 years in warm/hot climates and first 10-20 years in cooler climates.
• Lower Replacement Cost: When your central AC and/or ducts must be replaced, and you don’t have enough money for the project, window ACs are a good short-term solution.
• Cost Effective for Small Homes:Window units are a more affordable option in small homes, apartments, offices, workshops and similar space where they can provide enough cooling.
• No wasted AC: When household members are occupying just a few rooms, cooling the entire home can waste money compared with cooling just the occupied rooms. For example, one large AC might cool the kitchen and living area during the day. Then, one or two small window ACs can cool the bedrooms at night.
• Power Outages: When the power goes out, a window AC can be run off a small generator. It takes a whole-house generator to power central air conditioning during an outage.
• Quieter than they used to be: While still not as quiet as central AC because the unit is inside, lowering the decibels of window air conditioners has been a major emphasis, and they are quieter than ever.

Cons:

• Limited Cooling in Hot Climates: Unless you have a very small home, houses in hot climates require 3-5 windowACs to do the job of central air conditioning.
• Blocked Window: When an AC is in the window, the view is obscured.
• Water Damage Potential: Water draining from a window unit might stain or rot the home’s siding. Wind-driven rain might get into your home around the sides of the AC and cause interior damage.
• Potential Security Risk: Equipment must be installed to prevent intruders from accessing the home through the partially opened window.
• Hassle to Move: Moving a window unit from room to room is difficult.
• Support Might Be Needed: Very large window air conditioners need one or two brackets to support their weight, and the unit falling is a potential risk.

Efficiency Rating

Like all air conditioner types, window units are becoming more efficient as technology advances.

While window ACs are not as efficient as central air conditioning, they can still help you keep energy costs in check when used wisely.

Efficiency is how well an air conditioner uses energy to move heat from inside to outside. It’s like gas mileage.

Efficiency ratings: There are two measurements of window air conditioner efficiency, CEER and EER. They are closely related. We’ll compare them with SEER too, a measurement used with central air conditioners.

• EER is energy efficiency rating: It is the measurement of the unit’s efficiency when the air temperature is 95 degrees F. If you enjoy the technical side of things, “EER values are typically measured under laboratory conditions of 95°F condenser-entering air and 80°F drybulb and 67°F wetbulb evaporator-entering air,” according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
• CEER is combined energy efficiency rating. This is the new standard for room air conditioners. It measures EER with the addition of how much power the unit uses when plugged in and turned on but not running.
• The CEER is typically slightly below the EER rating. For example, the 12,000 BTU Frigidaire FFRE1233UE has an EER rating of 12.1 and a CEER of 12.
• SEER is seasonal energy efficiency rating. Used for central ACs, SEER measures the unit’s efficiency over an entire season. SEER is usually slightly higher than EER/CEER because it is measured under a wider range of temperatures. An AC will be more efficient when air is 80 degrees than if it is 95 degrees. SEER is also influenced by climate. For comparison to the Frigidaire model, the Bryant 180CNV has a SEER rating of 18 and an EER rating of 13.

Window AC efficiency compared to central and mini-split ac: Window units are not as efficient as split and mini split central ACs.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will cost more to run one or two window air conditioners compared with a central air conditioner. It depends on the size of your home, the efficiency ratings of the models and how many window units you use.

In warm-to-hot climates, central air conditioning will reduce annual electric bills compared to window units because the AC will get heavy use.

In cool climates, using a window air conditioner to cool one or two rooms will reduce energy use compared with cooling an entire home with a central AC.

Is Buying the Most Efficient Window AC Worth the Money

There’s a simple equation for determining the answer to this question:

Divide the extra cost of the more efficient unit by the annual energy savings.

Let’s break that down. The two units must be the same size, such as 10,000 BTU. Follow these steps:

1. Determine the extra cost of the more efficient unit:  Subtract the lower price from the higher price to determine how much more expensive the more efficient unit is.   

2. Determine the annual energy cost savings of the more efficient AC: Every appliance comes with a yellow Energy Guide that shows its efficiency and average cost of running it. The Energy Guide is posted on the box, if you’re shopping at the store. If shopping online, a link to the Energy Guide is often included in the information.

3. Subtract the lower cost from the higher cost. This is the annual cost savings you’ll enjoy with the more efficient AC.

4. Divide the higher price of the more efficient unit by the annual energy cost savings. The answer to that equation is the number of years it will take you to recover the extra cost through lower energy costs.

Energy Star air conditioners: Units certified by Energy Star are at least 10% more efficient than the average efficiency of all window ACs. Every year, that average rises, and so does the CEER rating needed to qualify as an Energy Star product. Currently, the threshold for Energy Star ranges from 9.9 to 12.1 depending on the size of the unit and other variables. Energy Star criteria are listed on this page.

Features to Consider

Window units range from very basic On/Off ACs with a fan speed knobs to feature-rich air conditioners. Here are some of the options to consider when shopping.

Of course, the better the features, the higher the average cost of the unit will be.

Refrigerant Options

Since 2006, most new window air conditioners have R-410A refrigerant. R-410A replaced ozone-depleting R22 refrigerant.

Now, R32 is available. Here’s how they compare:

• R-410A: Zero impact on the ozone layer. A global warming potential (GWP) of 2088.
• R32: Zero impact on the ozone layer. A GWP of 675. Also improves energy efficiency by up to 10% compared with R-410A.

Units with R32 cost slightly more, but have about 1/3 the environmental impact of R410A units. Here’s a Data Sheet on R32 from the non-profit Eneref Institute.

What Size Window AC do I Need

Choosing the proper size window unit for your needs is essential for these reasons:

“Just right” comfort: You want an AC to adequately cool the space without overpowering it. A unit that is too large will cycle on and off too often, so it won’t remove much humidity. The result will be a cool, clammy indoor climate.

Energy efficiency: An air conditioner is most efficient when it has to run much of the time to keep a room cool. In other words, it is more efficient to use an 8,000 BTU unit that runs 75% of the time during hot weather than a 12,000 BTU unit that runs 50% of the time.

Here is a summary of its buying guidance for room air conditioners:

1. Determine the square footage of the room or space to be served by the AC

2. Use the Table to match the square footage to be cooled with the AC size required (30 to 40 BTUs per square foot)

Area To Be Cooled (square feet)	Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour)
100 up to 150	5,000
150 up to 250	6,000
250 up to 300	7,000
300 up to 350	8,000
350 up to 400	9,000
400 up to 450	10,000
450 up to 550	12,000
550 up to 700	14,000
700 up to 1,000	18,000
1,000 up to 1,200	21,000
1,200 up to 1,400	23,000
1,400 up to 1,500	24,000
1,500 up to 2,000	30,000
2,000 up to 2,500	34,000

3. Adjust for these room features:

• For heavily shaded parts of your home, reduce AC capacity by 10%
• For sunny parts of your home, increase AC capacity by 10%
• Add 600 BTUs for each additional person that typically occupies the room
• Add 4,000 BTUs of capacity if AC will cool a kitchen

The guide to sizing a room air conditioner is also available in this video from Energy star.

How to Buy the Right Window AC Unit

Here are a few window AC buying tips.

Size: Determine the capacity of the AC you need, so you can limit your shopping to window air conditioners that will run efficiently and comfortably in your home.

Efficiency: Here’s a simple tip. The hotter and longer your summers are, the more money you’ll save with a more efficient AC.

Use: If the AC is the main source of cooling, then follow the guideline that warmer climate = higher efficiency AC. If it is supplemental air conditioning for rooms not fully cooled by central AC and is only used on the warmest days, then choosing a less efficient unit is fine.

Features: A good principle is to pay for features you’ll use, but don’t waste money on those you won’t. Wi-fi is a good example. It’s a great way to reduce AC use and still have your home comfortable when you are there. However, if you have a very consistent schedule, then a timer is enough. If the unit is in a room that you only use part of the day, then you might not need any specialized features. A very basic AC might be sufficient.

Tips to Reduce Energy Cost

Buying an efficient window AC unit is just the first step. Here are ways to make your AC and entire home more efficient:

1. Use the timer to program on/off times rather than leaving the window unit on when you’re not in the room.
2. Shade sunny windows. Thermal shades are available that reduce the transfer of heat into the room. Less heat means the AC doesn’t work as hard.
3. Install an awning above the AC window. This is a permanent and more effective way to shade a sunny window.
4. Add weather stripping around the AC. Stop drafts from allowing cool air to escape and warm air to enter the room.
5. Size the AC properly.
6. Use a ceiling fan or floor fan to move air. Moving air feels cooler than stagnant air.
7. Add insulation to the attic. Energy experts make this their top way to cut down on energy costs and make your home more comfortable. Adequate attic insulation (R-38 to R-60 depending on your climate) is the best way to stop summer heat from penetrating through your roof, making your home hot and your AC work harder. It keeps in heat in winter too.
8. Use bathroom vent fans and a kitchen vent when cooking. Removing moisture from the air makes air feel more comfortable in warm months.
9. Consider a whole-house fan. The fan is designed to exchange the warm air in your home for cooler nighttime air. These fans cost far less than central air conditioning. When the house is cooled off at night, it will stay cooler longer during the day, so less AC will be required.

Reviews Section

In this section, we first give an introduction to the top 6 window AC brands. We have completed full reviews for each. Then, you will find a list of the top individual models in important categories like efficiency, quietest window ACs and the features they offer. 

Top Window Air Conditioner Brands Reviews

While there are dozens of window AC brands, many are untested – or tested and proven to be unreliable.

A handful of window air conditioner brands have been making dependable models for many years, so are worth considering when you make your purchase. And there is one innovative new brand many are excited about. While untested, Noria window ACs will be game changers. The brand has big financial backing, so there’s hope Noria window units will live up to the hype.

Here are the best window air conditioner brands:

LG Window AC

LG is known for innovation and good-looking window ACs. It makes more than 20 models, so you have a good selection of size and feature options.

LG makes mini split air conditioners and has imported some mini split technology into a few of its advanced window units. The most notable is inverter-driven compressors that produce quiet, efficient and comfortable cooling. LG is one of the first manufacturers to use R32 in its window units. The refrigerant doesn’t deplete the ozone and has a lower global warming potential than R410A.

Most LG models include useful features like 24-hour timers, remotes, multi-speed fans and airflow in 3 or 4 directions. Wi-fi ACs and window units with supplemental electric heaters are available.

LG doesn’t make window units for casement and sliding/gliding windows. Check our Best Casement Window Air Conditioner post if you need that.

Frigidaire

The lineup from Frigidaire includes more than 60 window units. There’s a good mix of basic, knob-controlled models that are more affordable and digital ACs with advanced features and performance. Frigidaire also makes a few models for casement windows. All models use R410A refrigerant.

A few models also have ionizers to electronically clean the air. Wi-fi, remotes, timers and other supplemental heat are among the other features available.

Friedrich

Friedrich window air conditioners are among the most technologically advanced available, but are also somewhat expensive. The brand also stands out for making models with capacity up to 36,000 BTUs, larger than most. Two lines, Kühl and Chill, are made in cooling-only and cool + heat models. Friedrich calls the heating models “heat pumps,” but the heat is produced by electric space heaters, not by traditional heat pump technology.

The Kühl line includes commercial-grade components for proven durability, though at a higher cost. The Chill line is more affordable, but in general, Friedrich is a high-end brand.

GE

General Electric has scaled back its window air conditioner lineup to just a handful of models. All of them are feature-rich, so you won’t find affordable GE window units. All models have electric heaters, not true heat pumps. They include timers, remotes, multiple-speed fans and 4-way air louvers that allow you to direct airflow to all parts of the room.

Size options are limited to 8K, 12K, 18K and 28K BTUs.

See our GE Window Air Conditioner Reviews for a breakdown of the models, their features and GE window AC prices.

Haier

There are nearly 20 Haier window air conditioners to consider. They range from 5,000 BTUs to 24,000 BTUs. Most other brands produce larger window air conditioners. Most Haier window units are Energy Star certified. A few Haier models are affordably priced knob-controlled units.

The Haier window AC lineup offers most of the features you’d expect: 24-hour timers with delayed start, multiple fan speeds and directional airflow. There are no models with supplemental heat. Some Haier window air conditioners have wi-fi connectivity. The refrigerant used in all models is R410A.

Our Haier Window Air Conditioner Guide includes much more information about models, their efficiency and features and Haier window AC prices.

Noria

The unit has a low 7” profile, so won’t obscure your view out the window. They are Bluetooth and wi-fi connected for convenient monitoring and control from anywhere. The Kapsul works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and the nest thermostat.

Fresh air mode for times when the outside air is cooler than inside air. The mode allows you to freshen indoor air that gets polluted in tightly built and insulated homes when windows and doors remain closed.

Information about sizes, efficiency and features isn’t complete, but it looks like the first unit introduced will be the 5,000 BTU W5 model shown in this video. We will update our Kapsul/Noria Window Air Conditioner Guide when the ACs are released and we can review them.

Best Window Air Conditioner Units in 2022

Here are the top models in the most important categories to consumers.