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Selecting an effective window air conditioner requires careful consideration of factors such as cooling capacity, energy efficiency, operational noise, and available features. For those seeking a high-performance option, the Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the most powerful unit among the models we reviewed. Its advanced inverter technology and strong cooling output make it well-suited for maintaining comfort during extreme heat, while its Wi-Fi connectivity allows for convenient remote operation.
To assist you in making an informed purchase, the This Old House Reviews Team conducted a thorough analysis of top-rated window air conditioners available on Amazon. Below are our most highly recommended models based on performance, ease of installation, and overall value.
Top 5 Window Air Conditioners
- Best for Small Rooms: Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
- Most Powerful: Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
- Best Smart Model: GE Smart Window Air Conditioner
- Best Design: TOSOT Window Air Conditioner
- Most Versatile: Koldfront Window Air Conditioner
Best For Small Rooms
Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
- $189.99
- $239
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The air conditioner also comes with a programmable timer that turns the unit on when you’re home and off when you’re away. Additionally, this air conditioner comes with an EcoSave function that adjusts its power output based on the set temperature.
Most Powerful
Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
- $459
- $499
- 8% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Best Smart Model
GE Smart Window Air Conditioner
- $379
- $400
- 5% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This air conditioner also acts as a dehumidifier and can remove up to 2.7 pints of water from your indoor air per hour. Additionally, the fan includes three unique operational modes, including cool, fan, and eco.
Best Design
TOSOT Window Air Conditioner
- $339.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Most Versatile
Koldfront Window Air Conditioner
- $459
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Window Air Conditioner
Before purchasing a window air conditioner, it’s important to think about how each model’s design and specifications impact its user experience and performance. Here are four factors to consider when buying a window air conditioner.
Size
Window air conditioners are measured by their length, width, and height. Most models are 18-22 inches wide and 14-16 inches tall. However, the exact dimensions of your window air conditioner unit don’t have to match the size of your window opening. For example, the GE Smart Window Air Conditioner comes with a window cover that allows the unit to fit in windows between 25 and 36.6 inches wide.
Power
An air conditioner’s power is measured in BTUs, which denotes how much heat a unit can remove from a room. Typically, a high-BTU window air conditioner is more powerful than a low-BTU one. For example, the 6,000-BTU Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is less powerful than the 10,000-BTU TOSOT Window Air Conditioner.
While a unit’s BTU rating affects its power and size, it also affects the square footage the system can cool. For example, the GE Smart Window Air Conditioner is a 10,000-BTU unit that can cool rooms up to 450 square feet. Smaller models like the Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner offer 6,000 BTUs and can cool rooms up to 250 square feet.
Noise
A window air conditioner’s noise level impacts your overall comfort, with louder models disrupting your day-to-day activities. Thankfully, many models come with adjustable air speeds that allow you to have some control over the noise level. For example, the noise of the Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner fluctuates between 51.8 and 56.8 decibels based on the setting you choose, creating a noise level similar to that of a normal conversation or light traffic.
Additional Features
Many window air conditioners come with additional features that help homeowners increase comfort or control. For example, the Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner has a U-shaped design that lets you freely open or close your window. Other models like the GE Smart Window Air Conditioner allow homeowners to control their AC settings with a smartphone or voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTUs should my window air conditioner have?
Consumer Reports recommends that your window air conditioner have 20 BTUs for every square foot you want to cool.
Do window air conditioners fit all windows?
No. Window AC units don’t fit all windows. However, they do fit most standard windows between 24 and 36 inches wide.
Can a window air conditioner cool an entire home?
No. Window air conditioners are made to cool rooms between 150 and 550 square feet.
Which is better: a window air conditioner or a portable AC unit?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Window-mounted air conditioners are quieter and more powerful. However, they aren’t portable and can be a hassle to install. Portable air conditioners can be taken with you on trips, but they take up floor space, are loud, and don’t produce as much cold air.
How do I find the right size window AC unit?
Measure your window to find the right size. Start by opening your window and using a tape measure to measure the opening from side to side and top to bottom. When looking at a potential unit, read the guidelines on the minimum and maximum window sizes that the unit can fit to ensure your window’s dimensions are within that range.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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