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The Best Window AC Unit

Last updated on December 15, 2022

We looked at the top 13 Window AC Units and dug through the reviews from 47 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Window AC Units.

Best Window AC Unit

Our Review Process

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While a central air conditioning system is ideal, not all homes come equipped with one, especially if you don’t live in the south where summer temperatures are felt year-round. Installing central air is also expensive, so it makes more sense to purchase an AC unit that you can install in your window (if you don’t already have central air).

Air conditioning is especially important for the elderly and those suffering from various medical conditions. When shopping for a new window unit, there are a few important things to consider.

Begin by measuring the room in which you plan to install the window AC unit. The total square footage will reveal how many BTUs the unit must have to adequately cool the room. If your room is under 350 square feet, then a 5,000 BTU unit will suffice. Use an 8,000 BTU unit for rooms measuring 350 to 550 square feet, a 12,000 BTU unit for 550 to 1,050 square feet, an 18,500 BTU unit for 1,050 to 1,600 square feet and a 25,000 BTU unit for anything over 1,600 square feet.

Next, you need to make sure the air conditioner has a long enough cord to reach the nearest outlet and that the voltage isn’t too high for the outlet. For example, the Whirlpool 115V/15,000 BTU (with remote) has a Lcdi power cord that is 4.9 ft. in length. At the end of the cord is a 3-prong grounded plug designed for a 115V electrical outlet. That means if your outlet is more than 5 feet away or you only have a two-prong outlet, this model wouldn’t work.

Since you can’t move your window, it’s also essential that you select a window AC unit that will move the airflow in your direction. If you need to install the unit higher up, make sure the vent can be aimed downward. If your window is to the left, make sure the vent can be set toward the right. The Frigidaire 115V Air Conditioner (no remote) has 2-way air direction to better cool you down no matter where you are sitting.

Once you’ve picked the perfect air conditioner and installed it in your window, you’ll need to know when to use each of the settings. The fan-only mode is perfect for days without high heat and humidity that still require a nice breeze. This setting won’t cool the air though, as it just circulates the air that’s already in the room. The cooling mode is what you want to use to bring down the temperature. You’ll need to press the up or down buttons to set your desired temperature. There’s also a fan setting that allows you to program whether you want the air to flow slowly or at a medium or fast pace.

Our Picks For The Top Window AC Units

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Amazon Basics Energy Efficient Space Saving Window AC Unit

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Amazon Basics

Energy Efficient Space Saving Window AC Unit

Choose this powerful window AC unit for the smaller rooms in your home or office. It covers a 150-square foot space and is outfitted with seven different temperature settings. The built-in filter is also a plus, as it keeps dust and allergens from being recycled into your air.

Overall Take

Economical PickNot only is this window AC unit designed to be energy efficient, but it also has an affordable price tag.

 Runner Up

TCL LED Display Quiet Window AC Unit

TCL

LED Display Quiet Window AC Unit

This Energy Star-certified window AC unit allows users to customize the airflow direction. It's capable of cooling a 250-square foot space and comes with a handy remote, which you can keep by your sofa or bedside table. Additional attractive features include a 24-hour timer, washable filter and an eco mode.

Overall Take

Easy to InstallThe noise level on this window AC unit is just 50 decibels, so you can be assured it runs quietly.

 We Also Like

MIDEA MAW08R1BWT Easy Install Energy Efficient Window AC Unit

MIDEA

Easy Install Energy Efficient Window AC Unit

Fast cooling is what you'll get with this window AC unit. Not only does this air conditioner provide relief from the heat, but it also serves as a dehumidifier and a fan. Families will appreciate how easy the unit is to install and that it is able to cover a room as large as 350 square feet.

Overall Take

3-in-1 FunctionalityThanks to the inclusion of a handy remote control, you'll be able to adjust the settings on this window AC unit from across the room.

 Strong Contender

Emerson EARC5MD1 2-Speed Smart Fit Window AC Unit

Emerson

2-Speed Smart Fit Window AC Unit

Although this window AC unit is basic in design, it still has a lot to offer. This 5,000 BTU air conditioner is best used in smaller rooms that measure less than 150 square feet. The two cooling speeds, two fan speeds and variable temperature settings can be quickly adjusted with the simple turn of a dial.

Overall Take

Quiet OperationThis window AC unit works hard to remove excess moisture from the air to keep the atmosphere in your home more comfortable.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the window ac units available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

47

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: New York Times Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, Jen Reviews, Engadget, Much Needed.

48,786

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 13 Window AC Units and also dug through the reviews from 47 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Window AC Units.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

What to Look For

  • Always check for an Energy Star certification, as these models are said to be 30 percent more efficient than models that don’t have the certification. The Frigidaire 115V/8,000 BTU (with temp sensing remote) is an example of a window AC unit that has this important distinction.
  • Consider a few extra features that may not be essential, but might meet a specific need you may have. For example, some units have a timer and a sleep function. That benefit will reduce the electricity you use, as the unit will run long enough to get you comfortable so that you can fall asleep, but then shut off while you remain in dreamland.
  • If mobility is an issue for anyone in your home, look for a model that has a remote control. The remote gives you the ability to lower the temperature or turn the unit off without having to get up from your seat.
  • Users that are sensitive to loud noises will need to look for models that run quietly. Allergy suffers should look for models that have a clean air ionizer to take the pollen and impurities out of the air.
  • Window AC units are heavy. It’s best to recruit help when installing your newly purchased unit.
  • It is important to regularly clean the air conditioner filter. How often you need to clean the filter depends on how much you use the unit, but generally, once a month is a good goal. The filter will either slide out the side, or you’ll have to pop the front of the unit and pull the filter up and out. Simply use a little dish soap and water to release the trapped dust and allergens and then let the filter air dry before putting it back in the air conditioner.
  • When comparing prices for window AC units, it is important to remember that price varies based on BTUs and other features.

Window AC Unit Rankings

2. TCL LED Display Quiet Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

4. Emerson EARC5MD1 2-Speed Smart Fit Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 1

5. LG LW8017ERSM WiFi Smart Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 1

6. LG 115V User Friendly Silent Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 14

7. Frigidaire 115V Dust Filter Space Saving Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 20

8. Whirlpool 115V Eco-Friendly 8-Way Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 3

10. Amana 115V 3-Cooling Systems Auto Option Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 4

11. RCA 115V Standard Window Mounted AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 7

12. Frigidaire Small Bedroom Programmable Window AC Unit

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 5

13. SPT Window Air Conditioner

Overall Score: 7.7
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

You may be surprised to learn that air conditioners weren’t originally invented to keep people cool on a hot summer day. In 1902, a New York publishing company was having trouble keeping their paper from expanding and their ink from running due to the seasonal increase in humidity. That led Willis Carrier to create an air conditioner that could be used in the office to bring down the humidity levels.

Since most households used big blocks of ice to stay cool before air conditioners were invented, the first AC models didn’t measure their output in today’s units. Instead, they used ice blocks. When purchasing an air conditioner, you’d do so by how many blocks of ice it would take to produce the amount of cold air that would be emitted from the machine.

A year after Carrier made his first air conditioner for the publishing company, The New York Stock Exchange Building started using them. In 1917, movie theaters began using air conditioners to increase summer movie attendance. By 1929, President Herbert Hoover had them installed in the Oval Office. According to Energy.gov, approximately three-quarters of homes today are now equipped with air conditioning.

More to explore