Staying cool during the hotter months can be difficult without a steady flow of cool air. Adding a window air conditioner to a room will keep you comfortable and can ease the strain on an older central air unit. Whether you need something that runs on a timer or has simple controls, we have you covered. Check out this list of our favorite window air conditioners.
Midea window air conditioner
Easy-to-use design
The smaller design of the Midea air conditioner fits in most windows. It has seven temperature settings and two fan speeds. It's easy to install and includes a reusable mesh filter.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy controls
- Great for small rooms
Cons:
- A bit loud
The dials on the front help you choose from seven temperature settings, as well as two cooling and fan settings. You can cool up to 150-square feet with this unit, so it’s a good choice for an office or dorm. It is a little loud, but shouldn't down out conversations or disturb you while sleeping.
Frigidaire window-mounted air conditioner
Precisely direct the cool air in your room
The Frigidate air conditionaer provides very cold air that can be directly precisely where you need it with the adjustable vents. It easily cools areas up to 550 square feet.
Pros:
- Three fan speeds
- Relatively quiet
- Cools 550-square-feet
Cons:
- Check product dimensions against window size
It has three fan speeds and a 30-minute timer, so you get the level of airflow you need without stressing your electric bill. The noise levels will only reach 57 to 59 dB, so you’ll be able to sleep or study without much distraction. The Frigidaire air conditioner is bigger than other compact units, so make sure your window is big enough.
Midea U inverter window air conditioner
A modern-looking unit
This U-shaped air conditioner from Midea lets the window rest between the compressor and air vent. This helps dampen outside noise so it's quieter inside. It also allows you to continue using the window, so fresh air is available whenever you please.
Pros:
- Can be controlled via WiFi
- Doesn't block window usage
- Has a timer
Cons:
- May be difficult to install
Because this is a smart unit, you can adjust the settings over WiFi from your Android or iOS phone or via an Alexa or Google smart assistant. You can choose either cooling mode or simply use the fan. This Midea U window air conditioner is difficult to install, even with the included instructions and step-by-step video.
LG window air conditioner
Touch controls
The LG air condition controls the climate for 250-square feet of your home and offers three cooling and fan speeds. You can also set the 24-hour timer to conserve energy when necessary. Touch controls make setting this unit super easy.
Pros:
- Convenient remote
- Low noise
- Unique power feature
Cons:
- Install may be difficult
If you live in an area that experiences energy issues regularly, then this unit is an excellent choice. After a power interruption, the unit will turn back on to get your space cool again. It includes sliding panels on the sides to fill window space and all the hardware needed to install it. It can be a little tricky to get set up and ready to use.
HomeLabs window air conditioner
Full mounting kit included
The HomeLabs air conditioner cools up to 450-square feet of space and has a four-way airflow vent to direct air all around the room. You can adjust the temperature with the included remote. There’s also a sleep mode that will dim the lights.
Pros:
- Multi-directional vent
- Sleep mode to reduce lights
- Includes remote for easy adjustments
Cons:
- May create a slight rattle noise
Supporting temperatures from 61to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, this window air conditioner from HomeLabs will keep you comfortable any time of day. The HomeLabs air conditioner runs at 58dB, which is about as loud as conversations in restaurants. Some users have mentioned that this air condition tends to have a low rattling noise when it's on.
What type of air conditioner do you need?
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There are two main types of air conditioners; Evaporative cooling (swamp coolers) and true air conditioners.
If you live in a very hot and dry place, then a traditional A/C unit may not help as much as you think. A/C tends to dry your air even more and can cause skin complaints as well as dehydration.
If you live in a desert, like me, you may want to try an evaporative cooler, often called a swamp cooler instead. A swamp cooler uses clean water to cool your room and increase humidity, helping you breathe easier at night.
Staying cool with a window air conditioner
Now that you know your options, how will you choose? We think the Midea window air conditioner is the best option for most people. It cools 150-square feet and easily fits in the windows of offices, dorm rooms, or any upstairs room that needs supplemental cool air. The settings are controlled via the dials, so there’s no new system to learn to get it working. Overall, it’s a simple and efficient choice anyone can enjoy.
If losing access to your window is a big downfall for you, then the Midea U inverter window air conditioner is a great alternative. The noise levels will reach a maximum of 42 dB, making it the quietest option on our list. Plus, the ability to pair it with your smart assistant or phone gives you options for conveniently adjusting the temperature on the fly.
Why trust us
At RealHomes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.