If the sweltering summer heatwave has you stressed out before the dog days of August even arrive, it might be time to chill out with a new window air conditioner. Whether you have no central unit in your home, you have a central unit but want to cool an upstairs room or office, or wish to only cool a portion of your space, a window unit could be your simple solution to a cooler home when you come in out of the heat.

Related: The 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2020

The best window air conditioners will be able to comfortably cool a room, and won't drive up your electricity bill too much. Once the weather cools down again, they can be taken out of the window and stored until the following summer. Read on for our picks for the best window air conditioners.

The Friedrich Chill Series Room Air Conditioner Window Unit will help you to chill during the sweltering summer heat. It has an extra-quiet running operation designed to emit only minimal noise while cooling up to 1000 square feet with a powerful 19,000 BTU design. This window unit is perfect to cool larger spaces or several rooms. Unique to this air conditioner is the automatically oscillating vents that move left and right during cooling function to allow for even distribution of cool air.

The Friedrich Chill Window AC has a programmable timer and money saving setting to reduce energy usage and cost. During energy saving mode the fan only runs during cooling. You can operate this unit with electronic control display or with the remote control from anywhere in the room for undisturbed relaxation. A 24-hour timer option allows you to program preferred on and off times. An auto-restart feature turns the unit back on at your preferred setting after a power outage, so you won’t come home to a steamy house after a storm.

The Friedrich also has a dehumidifying function to remove excess moisture from your inside environment which prevents mold and mildew.

This unit has surprisingly easy installation with a slide-out chassis to be used in a window or through the wall. The power cord allows for versatility by running either left or right from the front of the unit. The filter is antimicrobial and removes for easy washing.

The Friedrich covers all the basics and more with cooling, fan, dehumidifier, timer, auto restart, and unique oscillating vents.

Key Features
  • 19,000 BTU
  • Cools up to 1000 sq. feet
  • Oscillating vents
  • Quiet operation
  • Electronic display and remote control
Specifications
  • BTUs: 19,000 BTU
  • Coverage: 1000 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 30.3 x 25.5 x 16.9 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty
  • Brand: Friedrich
Pros
  • Sleek design
  • Powerful 19,000 BTU
  • Cools up to 1000 sq. feet
  • Oscillating vents for even air distribution
  • Easy installation
  • Remote control
Cons
  • Install carefully or fan may hit interior wall and add to noise level

The LG Energy Star Window Air Conditioner powerfully cools up to 550 square feet, making this one of the largest cooling areas in the window unit market. It comes complete with installation mounting kit and wireless remote, so you can control your AC settings from the comfort of your bed or sofa without having to interrupt your relaxation. It has four way air direction ventilation so you can adjust the cool air flow where it’s most needed.

The LG Energy Star Window Air Conditioner comes with a patented anti-corrosive coating to insure years of use from your window unit. It has an energy saving timer feature, and auto restart to automatically restart the unit at your preferred setting after a power-outage. The filter for this unit slides out and is easily washable.

This unit uses no styrofoam, instead the air channels are lined instead with heavy-duty, durable plastic. Coils and lines are sturdy copper. It is quieter running than typical units of its size, so you can enjoy your music, the movie soundtrack, or visiting with your loved ones without irritating background noise.

The LG Energy Star Window Air Conditioner is larger than some similar window units, so double check your window measurements before ordering. It has an easy to use control panel and remote.

This is a great way to beat the heat during summer heatwaves, with the LG Energy Star Window AC being sturdy, powerful and quiet. One reviewer referred to this unit as the “Strong, silent type.”

Key Features
  • 4-way vent controlled air direction
  • 3 cooling levels
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Washable filter
  • Automatic restart feature for power outages
  • 12.1 energy-efficiency ratio
  • Remote control
  • Special anti-corrosion coating
  • Cools up to 550 square feet
Specifications
  • BTUs: 12,000 BTU
  • Coverage: 550 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 23.6 x 22.2 x 15 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty
Pros
  • Extra-large cooling area of 550 square feet
  • Remote operation
  • Installation kit included
  • Coating for anti-corrosion for longevity of unit
  • Remote operation for convenience
  • Quiet operation
  • Plastic air channels rather than styrofoam
  • On-off timer
Cons
  • Unit is heavy and may require more than one person to install
  • Larger than typical so double check window measurements before ordering

The HOmelabs 5000 BTU Window Mounted Air Conditioner 7-speed is ideal for those who need a smaller, more compact unit for small bedrooms, dorm rooms, offices, work-out room, or even an RV. This small, affordable window unit quickly cools up to 150 square feet with seven temperature settings so you can easily find your ideal setting for any weather. It cools a small bedroom or office space in less than 15 minutes.

The HOmelab 5000 Window Mounted Air Conditioner is operated by mechanical dials, making it simple and easy to use, perfect for those who prefer the simplicity of mechanics rather than electronics. It also has an eco-friendly removable and washable antibacterial filter. Filter can be vacuumed or washed with mild soap and water.

This window unit is energy efficient with only 60.4 decibels of white noise, with no loud humming or whistling noises while in use.

With this unit, you can control the direction of the airflow by moving the slat vents left and right, assuring that the cool air is directed where you want it. The fan also has high and low settings to suit your needs.

The HOmelabs 5000 BTU Window Mounted Air Conditioner is easy to install and comes with everything you need, including accordion panels, top rail, screws, support brackets, and even window seal foam. The user’s manual and light weight design allows for easy, one-person installation of your new, personal-sized compact window mounted air conditioner.

If you have a small space that doesn’t need a loud, hugely-powerful window air conditioning unit, but one that is compact and efficient for smaller spaces, the HOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window AC may be ideal for you.

Key Features
  • Compact design for small spaces
  • 5,000 BTU
  • Cools up to 150 feet
  • Quiet running mini AC
  • Fast cooling time
  • Reusable, eco-friendly filter
  • Mechanical controls
Specifications
  • BTUs: 5000
  • Coverage: 150 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 16 x 15.4 x 12 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years
Pros
  • Fast cooling time
  • Compact, mini AC design for small rooms
  • Reusable eco-friendly filter
  • Comes with mounting kit and window seal foam
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • 7 temperature settings
  • Two-way airflow vents to direct air where you need it
  • Low-power set up
Cons
  • Mechanical controls only
  • No timer

The word Arctic has significant appeal when we are sweltering in a summer heatwave. The Arctic wind 2016 Energy Star 11,500 BTU Window Air Conditioner will cool a room up to 500 square feet, or two smaller rooms with proper circulation between. Its compact size allows it to be mounted even in smaller sized windows. This unit comes complete with window mounting kit for easy installation.

The Arctic Wind 2016 has a digital control panel with an LED display. It comes complete with full function remote control, so you can adjust your settings from your favorite recliner or from your bed without interrupting your rest. An auto restart function saves your preferred settings to restart after a power outage, so no more coming home to a sweltering room after a summer storm.

Also included is a 24 hour timer with energy saving feature. The fan has three speeds, and the unit can also be set to cool, fan, or dry mode to help eliminate humidity in your indoor environment..

The Arctic Wind 2016 Energy Star 11,500 BTU Window Air Conditioner has a removable mesh filter that is washable with an indicator light to let you know the filter is clean.

This Window AC unit is powerful enough to cool up to 500 feet, but this means it is not a quiet-running unit. If a little background noise is distracting to you, this window unit may not be the best one for you.

Key Features
  • LED display
  • Digital control panel
  • Cools up to 500 sq. feet
  • 24-hour timer
  • Energy saver function feature
  • Auto restart
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Dry cool dehumidifying feature
Specifications
  • BTUs: 11,500 BTU
  • Coverage: 500 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 24.4 x 23.6 x 17.7 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty for parts; 5-year warranty for compressor
Pros
  • Includes mounting kit
  • Remote operated
  • Energy saving feature
  • Auto restart saves settings during outage
  • Washable mesh filter
  • Compact size fits smaller windows
Cons
  • Noisy

We may be in the middle of a record-breaking heatwave, but don’t sweat it! A koldfront is coming.

The Koldfront WAC10003WCO 10000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier cools up to 450 square feet, despite its compact design. It has three separate fan speed settings and vents with four-way air direction, to move the cool air exactly where you need it. It has a digital display and energy saving mode, as well as sleep mode.

The Koldfront has a unique sleep mode which adjusts the temperature periodically throughout the night by two degrees. It returns to your preferred set temperature after six hours. This saves energy during your sleeping hours, while you remain comfortably cool.

The Koldfront also has a dehumidifying feature which you will appreciate during humid summer months. It is EPA certified to be eco-friendly due to its multiple energy saving features, including the use of the newest cooling method known as R32 with unique coefficient of performance. Also included is a helpful check filter alert. The energy saver mode setting cycles the fan for two minutes every ten minutes until the room temperature is above the temperature level you’ve set. Then it comes back on to continue cooling, ensuring consistent temperature levels with unique energy saving technology.

The Koldfront Window Air Conditioner has a digital display and easy to use remote control to allow you to control your comfort level from anywhere in the room. No need to get up from your comfortable recliner or bed in order to enjoy superior cooling.

Key Features
  • Cools 450 sq. feet
  • 4-way air vent directions
  • 3 fan speed levels
  • Uses R-32 coolant
  • 24-hour timer feature
  • Compact design
  • Sleep mode function
Specifications
  • BTUs: 10,000 BTU
  • Coverage: 450 Sq feet
  • Dimensions: 21.4 x 19 x 14.6 inches
  • Warranty: Warranty provided by EdgeStar with details in owner's manual
Pros
  • Energy Star-certified
  • Remote operated
  • EPA certified eco-friendly operation
  • Sleep mode function saves energy
  • Dehumidifier mode included
  • Check-filter alert
Cons
  • Heavy unit may require more than one person to install
  • Noisy

The future is now, with Emerson Quiet Kool Smart 15,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner with Remote, WI-FI, and Voice Control. Not only does this incredibly powerful 15,000 BTU window unit cool an astonishing 700 square feet, it does so at the sound of your voice, Alexa, Google Home, or from a touch of your phone from any location.

You can save energy by leaving your unit off when you aren’t home and then using your phone to turn it on in time to walk into a cool house when you return. Eco-mode will turn the unit on and off to maintain consistent room temperature while conserving energy usage.

The Emerson has electronic controls that include three speeds, several cooling options, and 24-hour energy-saving timer. Large LED display allows you to view the temperature setting from across the room. The voice option features allow you to control your AC settings while keeping your hands free to do other things. Filter check indicator light lets you know when your easy-to-access filter should be cleaned to maximize efficiency.

Despite this being a powerful cooling unit, rotary compressors offer a quieter than average functioning. The Emerson Quiet Kool Smart Window Air Conditioner is quiet enough to allow you to sleep peacefully, or to be office appropriate. Hydrophilic aluminum fins resist corrosion even in salt-water environments.

If you love the convenience of modern technology coupled with a quiet and powerful cooling unit, this may be the window AC you’ve always dreamed of.

Key Features
  • WI-FI and voice control functions
  • Powerful 15,000 BTU
  • Cools up to 700 sq. feet
  • Slide-out Chassis
  • 24-hour timer
  • Sleep mode
Specifications
  • BTUs: 15,000
  • Coverage: 700 Sq feet
  • Dimensions: 25.4 x 23.6 x 17.9 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year labor/2 years parts/5 years compressor warranty
Pros
  • 24-hour timer
  • Energy saving eco-mode
  • Voice control
  • Works with Alexa and Google Home
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Amazing 700 sq. feet cooling area
  • Energy saving sleep mode
  • Auto restart
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • WI-FI Instructions may require tech support
  • May need more than one person to install

The Midea Window Air Conditioner 10000 BTU Easycool AC is a three way unit that combines cooling, fan, and dehumidifier in one. This unit cools rooms up to 450 square feet quickly. This unit has an easy-read LED electronic display or can be adjusted with remote control, so you don’t have to interrupt your relaxation to set the AC unit.

The Midea has a 24 hour timer to save energy. Choose your mode from the electronic display. Included is timer mode, energy-saving mode, and sleep mode. You can set it to turn off at night, or to come on before you get home from work. The sleep mode is also energy saving and efficient. Press the sleep button and it will automatically adjust the temperature to follow a normal sleep cycle. The Eco energy saver setting will shut off your unit when it reaches a preset temperature. This ensures that no energy is wasted in a more efficient mode of operation that is good for your pocket and better for the environment.

With the Midea Window Air Conditioner, you can run the fan only, or cool only, or fan and cooling. Another option is the built in dehumidifier function which can be run alone, or with fan and cooling. Dehumidifier mode is helpful during damp conditions and high humidity.

The Midea has easy installation with all mounting equipment included. Only a screwdriver is needed.

If you have a mid-sized space to cool, want a window unit that is simple to install and easily operated with an electronic display and remote, this is a great choice for your home.

Key Features
  • Air conditioning, fan-only, and dehumidifier modes
  • Super-fast cooling
  • LED electronic display
  • 10,000 BTU
  • Cools 450 sq. feet
  • Remote-operated
  • 24-hour timer
Specifications
  • BTUs: 10,000
  • Coverage: 450 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 21.9 x 19 x 14.7
  • Warranty: 2-year warranty for parts/5-year for compressor
Pros
  • Eco-save mode feature
  • Fast-cool technology
  • 24-hour timer
  • Easy installation
  • Quiet running
Cons
  • May require two people for installation
  • Screwdriver needed for installation

Whirlpool is another familiar and trusted name in appliances. This Whirlpool Energy Star Window AC cools up to 700 square feet with 15,000 BTU. It is Energy Star compliant and operates with an LCD display remote, so you can adjust your AC settings from anywhere in the room. This unit also has built in dehumidifying power power to remove nearly three and a half pints of moisture from your indoor environment per hour to promote respiratory health and prevent mold and mildew. The three cooling speeds and auto option allows for flexibility in finding your ideal setting.

The Whirlpool Energy Star Window AC is easy to install, with installation kit included, and has easy to operate features. The filter is easily removable, washable and reusable, and an alert feature lets you know when the filter requires attention.

The Whirlpool Energy Star Window AC has an energy-saving eco-mode, sleep mode, and on and off timer to customize your cooling time for best energy efficiency. The eco-mode uses less energy, and sleep mode gradually increases the temperature of the room after activation. Another welcome feature is the automatic restart after power outage function so you don’t have to worry about walking into a hot, steamy room if a storm passed through while you were out.

The Whirlpool Energy Star Window AC has 8-way air vents to direct the airflow where you need it most.

This is an all-around good quality window air conditioner that has all the desired bases covered, and is manufactured by a name we trust.

Key Features
  • 15,000 BTU
  • Cools up to 700 sq. feet
  • LCD display remote control operated
  • Dehumidifies
  • 24 hour on/off timer
  • Three-speed cooling
  • Eco mode
  • Sleep mode setting
Specifications
  • BTUs: 15,000
  • Coverage: 700 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 23.6 x 25.4 x 17.9 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty
Pros
  • Cools and dehumidifies
  • Energy-saving eco-mode
  • Sleep mode
  • 24-hour timer
  • Runs quietly
Cons
  • Some vibration

Kenmore is a trusted name in appliances, and Kenmore has taken smart appliances into the future with the Kenmore Smart 04277247 Room Air Conditioner. This is one of the most powerful window units on the market, perfect for large spaces or for cooling multiple rooms. The Kenmore Smart Room Window AC cools up to 1600 square feet with 24,000 BTU.

The Smart Room can be controlled multiple ways, with electronic control panel, through remote, or through voice-activated Alexa program, or even from afar by using your own smartphone or tablet. You can turn your AC on or off, change modes and schedules, and control the temperature from your office, gym, your children’s sporting events, or anywhere you can access your phone in order to have your home AC set at the perfect level of cool comfort for your return.

The Kenmore Smart Room Window Air Conditioner also has a built-in humidifier to remove excess moisture from your indoor environment. The filter is easily removable and washable.

Thanks to the ability to control your air conditioner from anywhere, the Kenmore Smart Room AC is energy efficient and Energy Star Certified to use 9 percent less energy than standard models, and costs and average $70 per year to run.

The Kenmore Smart Room Window Air Conditioner has a rotary style compressor that allows for quieter function than average units.

If you like the super-cooling power of a large unit to reliably cool a large space, and you enjoy the ease of modern technology, this may be the perfect window unit for your needs.

Key Features
  • 24,000 BTU
  • Phone or tablet ready controls
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Electronic control display
  • Remote operated
  • Works with Alexa
  • Cools 1600 sq. feet
Specifications
  • BTUs: 24,000
  • Coverage: 1600 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 22.5 x 29.2 x 30.5 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty through customer support
Pros
  • Powerful unit can cool multiple rooms or 1600 square feet
  • Remote, Alexa, and WIFI operation
  • Energy Star-certified
  • Washable filter
  • Electronic controls
Cons
  • Heavy unit requires more than one person to install
  • Kenmore App set up necessary for use with Alexa
  • Alexa cannot switch modes

The name Frigidaire has been synonymous with cooling since 1919. It’s a go-to manufacturer for all electrically cooled devices including refrigerators and air conditioners.

The Frigidaire 10,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Compact Air-condtioner can cool a room up to 450 square feet, or two smaller rooms. The unit is equipped with a feature for low-energy use start-up to conserve energy and save money for the consumer.

The Frigidaire window-mounted compact AC unit has electronic controls so you can set your own comfort level. An easily readable electronic temperature display shows you the temperature setting. A remote control allows you to adjust the temperature setting without having to leave your chair or bed. You can set and control the temperature from anywhere in the room.

The Frigidaire window-mounted compact AC has a quiet operating system, for less noise than typical window air-conditioning units. There are 3 speed settings for the fan feature on this unit allowing you to control not only the temperature but also the flow and direction of the cool air.

This window air conditioning unit has the advantage of also dehumidifying your room by removing up to 3 pints of moisture an hour. Also included is an ionizer to remove impurities from your indoor environment, including allergy-inducing pollen.

The Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Window-Mounted Compact Air Conditioner is Energy-Star rated with efficiency ratio of 12.0. In spite of being energy efficient and quiet, this unit easily cools any large room, making it a must-have for summer months and heat waves.

Key Features
  • Energy efficient 7.5 Amp
  • Dehumidifies 3 pints per hour
  • Ionizers to remove pollen
  • Low power starting feature
  • Electronic controls
  • 3-speed fan
Specifications
  • BTUs: 10,000 BTU
  • Coverage: 450 sq. feet
  • Dimensions: 19 x 21.5 x 14.5 inches
  • Warranty: Limited two-year warranty and 3-5 year warranty on sealed system
Pros
  • Quiet operation
  • Cools up to 450 square feet
  • Low power use start-up feature
  • Remote operated
  • Removes impurities including pollen from air
  • Energy Star-certified
Cons
  • Remote temperature sensor may vary by one or two degrees to other thermometer readings
  • Metal casing may arrive dented

A window air conditioning unit has several advantages. They are easy to install and maintain, and come with mounting kits and accessories included. The cost of cooling with a window unit is less than a large, central heat and air package unit. With a window unit, your cooling is rapid and localized, exactly where you need it to be, so no wasted energy usage cooling rooms that you aren’t using.

Finally, installing a window unit is much easier and less expensive than having a central air conditioner with ductwork installed in your home.

Modern Improvements in Window Air Conditioners

If you haven’t shopped for a window air conditioner in a while, you may be surprised at some recent updates and improvements. While window units will probably always make more noise than central units, many new models come with updated technologies for quieter operation. Some have multiple movable venting systems to more evenly distribute airflow throughout the room so you no longer need to be sitting right in front of a window AC unit to enjoy the coolness.

While older units used more energy, most modern window AC units now function more efficiently. Where condensation used to be lost outside the window, many units now recycle the condensation into further cooling for optimum energy-efficiency.

Newer window air conditioners now come with technologies such as 24-hour timers so you can program them for maximum benefit. Many have automatic restart features to return to your preferred setting after a power outage. Most now have remote controls so you no longer have to cross a room for every temperature or setting adjustment.

If you are really tech-savvy, you can purchase a unit that works with Alexa, voice control, and your smartphone, so you can adjust your AC settings while you are busy doing other things, and even from work or other locations.

If you prefer simplicity and ease of operation, many window AC units still have simple mechanical dials and settings.

How Powerful Should my Window Air Conditioner Be?

Size matters when it comes to choosing the right window AC unit for your home. Larger rooms need higher BTU numbers. Today’s window air conditioners come in a variety of sizes and powers, with larger BTUs able to cool spaces of 750 to 1000 square feet, and smaller units cooling anywhere from 350-700 square feet. You should know the approximate square footage of the area you wish to cool before shopping for a window air conditioning unit.

It’s also important to measure your window and purchase an appropriately sized unit to avoid having to restructure your window frame.

Escape the summer heat in the sanctuary of your home and thrill to the chill of a new window air conditioner this summer!

Resources— Good Housekeeping, Digital Trends

FAQ

Q: What size should my window air conditioner be?

Before purchasing your next window air conditioner, it’s important to measure the size of your window to help you find the right size. Buying a unit that’s too large can waste unnecessary energy, and buying a unit that is too small won’t cool down your space properly.

You should also know the square footage of your room to ensure that you’re buying a unit that will be able to fully cool down your space. BTUs, or the British Thermal Unit, is how an air conditioner’s cooling capacity is measured, which is how you can judge whether or not a particular unit might be able to cool down your area well enough or not. If you have a 300-square foot room, you’ll need to look at units that are around 7,000 BTUs.

Q: What are the benefits of a window air conditioner?

Usually, window air conditioners are one of the most affordable types, which makes for an easy go-to for most people. They are also energy efficient, and if you have the right size for your space, you won’t have to worry about it using too much energy and running up a large bill. They can also be much better with noise than some other air conditioner types, especially if you choose the right BTU for your home.

Window units are also easy to install, and won’t require you to rearrange any space in your home to be in the right spot to be used. And of course, if you end up moving homes, you can take the unit with you should you want to.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my air conditioner?

Generally, in the summertime, or in any other peak season that you’re using the air conditioner, it’s best to clean the filter about once a month to ensure clean air and a healthy unit. Washable filters are usually easy to clean with water and a mild detergent that’s later left out to dry, and disposable filters are usually good for about two months before you should discard and replace it.

You should also inspect your unit for buildup of dirt and debris to make sure that your air conditioner will work properly with nothing in its way. The coils on the back of the unit is a good place to start. Just by wiping it off with a clean paper towel will help to avoid making your unit work harder to cool off your space, and won’t result in any blow outs or other issues.

Q: How long will a window air conditioner last?

Most window air conditioners have a lifespan of about 10 years, providing you’re taking care of it properly. Depending on how long and how often you’re running it will also affect its life, so if you’re using it sparingly, they’ll most likely last that long, whereas if you’re using it all the time, and forget about the maintenance, then you may have to replace your unit sooner.

Dirty air conditioners are usually the first to go, as dirty filters don’t allow for proper air flow. This causes the unit to work harder than it would normally, and it may function weaker than you’d like, and won’t complete its job of cooling off your home. Always be sure to properly look after your unit by cleaning and replacing the filters, as well as regularly checking for and removing excess buildup, and your unit will last longer.

Q: Which air conditioner features should I look for?

One of the most important features you might want in your air conditioning unit is an energy-saver mode. This will be a great feature that will save you some money in the long run, and allow you to stay energy efficient when you need to. Another useful feature would be a “change filter” light, which will remind you when it’s time to change or clean your filter. This is a great way to help you stay on top of your unit’s upkeep and maintenance, which in the end will allow it to last longer.

Oscillating vents, a remote control, sleep mode, and timer, may also be useful features to look for to maximize your satisfaction with your unit.

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