If you’re looking for a way to cool down the most frequently used rooms in your home but don’t have central air, window air conditioners are an excellent option. The newest models of window ACs are not only energy-efficient, but also powerful and loaded with user-friendly features, allowing you to stay cool during the hot summer months.
To compile this list of the best window air conditioners, we conducted thorough research on various models and evaluated them based on cooling power, energy efficiency, noise level, and additional features. To provide expert advice and recommendations, we consulted with Gary McCoy, the store manager at Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Matt Brown, the former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare, and currently the senior merchant of vinyl flooring at Home Depot.
“Window AC units are an affordable and easy-to-install option for cooling a single room by reducing the temperature and humidity of the air and then circulating the cool air with a fan,” explains McCoy.
Whether you live in a small apartment or simply want to cool one room in your home, we’ve found the top window air conditioners to suit every need.
The 9 Best Window Air Conditioners of 2023
Midea Window Air Conditioner at Amazon
The Midea Window Air Conditioner is a popular and highly rated option available for purchase on Amazon. It offers a range of sizes and cooling capacities to accommodate different room sizes and needs. The Midea air conditioner features a programmable timer, energy-saving sleep mode, and a washable filter for easy maintenance. It also has an auto-restart function that automatically restarts the unit with the previous settings after a power outage. Customers have praised the Midea air conditioner for its quiet operation and efficient cooling.
Frigidaire Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner at Amazon
The Frigidaire Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner is a powerful and efficient unit that is designed to cool rooms up to 350 square feet. It has a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTUs and a dehumidification rate of 1.7 pints per hour. The unit also comes with a 24-hour on/off timer and a remote control for easy operation. The Frigidaire Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner is available for purchase on Amazon.
Windmill Air Conditioner at Amazon
Windmill Air Conditioner: Smart Home AC – Easy to Install – Quiet – Energy Star Efficient – Side Insulation – Auto-Dimming LED Display – App and Voice-Enabled – 8,000 BTU
How do window air conditioners work?
Window air conditioners work by using a refrigeration cycle to remove heat and humidity from the air. The unit consists of an evaporator coil, a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan.
The compressor compresses a refrigerant gas, such as Freon, which is then pumped to the condenser coil located on the outside of the unit. The hot, compressed gas releases its heat to the outside air and condenses into a liquid.
Are window air conditioners better than portable air conditioners?
The choice between a window air conditioner and a portable air conditioner depends on your specific needs and preferences. Window air conditioners are typically more powerful and energy-efficient than portable air conditioners of the same size, but they require permanent installation and take up a window space.
How do you install a window air conditioner?
Installing a window air conditioner involves the following steps:
- Choose a suitable location: Select a window that can accommodate the size of the air conditioner unit and has an electrical outlet nearby.
- Remove the window sash: Lift the lower sash of the window and remove any obstacles such as screens, storm windows, or blinds.
- Check the window dimensions: Measure the height and width of the window opening to ensure that the air conditioner unit fits properly.
- Assemble the air conditioner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the air conditioner unit.
- Place the unit in the window: Gently lift the air conditioner unit and place it in the center of the window opening.
- Secure the air conditioner: Use the mounting hardware provided with the unit to secure it in place. Typically, this involves screwing brackets or panels to the window frame and/or sash.
- Seal the gaps: Fill any gaps between the unit and the window frame or sash using foam insulation or weatherstripping.
- Connect the power cord: Plug the unit into an electrical outlet and turn it on to test it.
It is recommended to have another person assist you in lifting and placing the air conditioner unit, as they can be heavy and difficult to maneuver on your own. Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and use of the air conditioner unit.
How do you care for and maintain window air conditioners and filters?
To care for and maintain window air conditioners and filters, follow these steps:
1. Clean the filter regularly
The filter in a window air conditioner traps dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, which can clog the filter and reduce its efficiency. Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks during the cooling season by removing it from the unit and washing it with warm water and soap. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely before replacing it.
2. Clean the air conditioner coils
Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils in a window air conditioner can collect dirt and debris, reducing the efficiency of the unit. Clean the coils at least once a year by removing the front grille and using a soft brush or vacuum to gently remove any debris.
3. Check the drainage
The drain channels in a window air conditioner can become clogged with dirt and debris, preventing the unit from draining properly. Check the drainage system every few weeks during the cooling season to ensure that the drain channels are clear and that the unit is draining properly.
4. Check the unit’s exterior
Dirt and debris can also accumulate on the exterior of the air conditioner, reducing its efficiency. Check the exterior of the unit regularly and clean it with a soft brush or vacuum to remove any debris.
5. Store the unit properly
When the cooling season is over, remove the air conditioner from the window and store it in a dry, cool place. Cover the unit with a plastic bag or other protective covering to keep it clean and dry.
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Melanie Fincher, the Associate Commerce Editor for Real Simple, with extensive experience in writing product reviews and lifestyle content, authored this article. She dedicated several hours researching various window air conditioners, assessing their cooling power, energy efficiency, noise level, and additional features, to compile this list. To provide expert recommendations and tips, she sought insights from Gary McCoy, a store manager at Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Matt Brown, the Senior Merchant of Vinyl Flooring at Home Depot, who was formerly the merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floor care.
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