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Better Homes & Gardens

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

I used to fear the day I could no longer put off block a pair of old atmosphere conditioners out of storage ( read : my parents ’ garage ) and schlepping them down to New York . The hand - me - down were an absolute incubus to install — the thought of losing my hairgrip on a whole and watching it tumble onto the street below never failed to be a near - tears experience — andto look at all summertime long was no fun , either . It ’s a thought I ’m trusted fellow flat indweller ( and possessor of one-time rest home where central air is n’t quite viable ) can sympathise with .

So , take it from me : It ’s deserving supplant your big , bulky machine from the early aughts with today ’s energy - efficient , quiet , and — perhaps above all else — esthetically pleasing designs .

I cuss by any of the good windowpane air conditioner listed below , and so do other quizzer on our squad . Three of them I now rely on to keep my 1,000 - square - foot flat at a systematically chill yet comfortable temperature . AndJessica Comstock , Better Homes & Gardens ’ associate commerce editor , extremely recommends one of the other units to not only quickly cool down the room she resides in but also look good while doing it .

Frigidaire GHWQ123WC1 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

Credit: Amazon

Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

These days , we ’re all in on modern window aviation conditioner from popular brands like Frigidaire and Midea , but that does n’t intend an advance buy is any easier to install or set up . When whittling down a list of the very best window air conditioners , we care just as much about how prosperous it was for our squad to install ( and , in some cases , connect it to Wi - Fi and an app ) as how quickly it cool way in real - human race scenario .

Testing locations included an eastward - facing flat in Chicago on the 17th floor and a two - bedroom letting on the top floor of a pre - war building in Astoria , Queens . In some instance , testers lived with fresh unit for at least six months , whereas others included in this list have been swear on for two - addition years .

Other factors heavily taken into thoughtfulness : randomness level ( could we confine a conversation or listen to the TV when the unit was on ? ) , ease of use ( are controls simple or is there a bit of a learning bend required ? ) , and value ( is itreallyworth the cost ? ) as ACs can be pretty pricey . We also favored building block that proffer designs that did n’t stick out like tender quarter round in a living space , placing greater value on clean lines , out of sight buttons , and customizable feature like a power system cover you could swap out .

Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner installed in a window

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Key Terms to Know

Why Are Btus Important?

B.Th.U. indicate how muscular the air travel conditioner is . To find the best windowpane air conditioner for your space , you ’ll want to verify your unit has the correct amount of Btus for the sizing of your elbow room . An undersize unit will struggle to work , draining even more vim than necessary to bring your thermoregulator down to the placed temperature . And while an oversized unit will doubtless cool off a smaller elbow room down more quick , it wo n’t be able to well remove the humidity , too , stimulate wallpaper and rouge to ripple or peel and even advance thegrowth of mold .

How Many Btus Do I Need?

Here ’s the short edition for how to find the best size of air conditioner for your dwelling : Multiply 30 Btus for every hearty foundation of space your aviation conditioner call for to cool off , whether it ’s a unmarried room or the entire first floor ( straight footage can be set by multiply the length and breadth of a place ) . An undersized unit of measurement will sputter to function , drain even more muscularity than necessary to bring your thermoregulator down to the laid temperature . And while an oversized unit will undoubtedly cool a smaller room down more quickly , it wo n’t be able to comfortably bump off the humidity , too , causing wallpaper and rouge to bubble or peel and even further thegrowth of mold(yuck!).Keep reading belowfor supporter on calculating how many Btus your space motivation .

Best Overall

Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner

It ’s kept a king - sized bedroom cool for two - plus years and has yet to wake me up at night ( a huge profits if you ’re a light sleeper ) .

The side panels are accordion - stylus — an old - school looking that glaringly contrasts with the innovative front — and the Wi - Fi - enable app can be a bit finical to unite to .

Where to get ? I ca n’t say enough good things about theGallery Series — my first AC rise — which continues to enjoy good - seller status at Frigidaire , a trusted mark that ’s been in the business for over a one C . New York City may have a repute forteeny - tiny home , but I ’ve been lucky enough to retrieve apartment with large bedrooms .

A close up of the Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner

Needless to say , having a potent whole that could pump out plenty of cool air was a must . But a quiet breeze conditioner was just as significant to me , a notoriously light sleeper . I was tired of my old unit jolting me awake after kick into high gear on particularly loony nights . Luckily , on both the efficiency and racket fronts , Frigidaire render .

It ’s now made the move from Manhattan to Queens without any hiccup andinstalls like any standard air conditioner , requiring a wall bracket to hold it up . While another phallus of our testing team was able to install it on their own , I find the task is comfortable with a second set of hands since it ’s over 50 pounds . There ’s a yap at the centerfield of the unit itself to drill right away into the window sash and screw - mounted locks in the corners of the accordion side instrument panel . It feel just as dependable now inhabit on the 6th story in my new apartment as it did on the 9th floor of my former seat on the Upper West Side .

apart from its power to cool at a white - noise level ( at 42 dB , it ’s more backcloth noise than anything — the other tester instal theirs in the sustenance room and could watch TV and chit - chat without having to call down their interpreter ) , there are a fistful of other reason that work this pick to the top of our tilt . The most impressive is the flowing front . Instead of star at an unfastened grid 24/7 , the snowy vent-hole slowly opens up when you power the unit on ( and closes when you wrench it off to cut back dust ) and can continuously correct on a swing music louver for optimum airflow .

The remote to the Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner

Other remarkable item : It ’s Energy Star - certified , relies on inverter applied science , features a varying - speed compressor ( translation : It ’s great at regulating room temperature without run through up electricity ) , and has a washable dust filter . The latter was a braggart benefit for me personally , as I had n’t realise the filter in the unit of measurement I inherited had n’t been replaced in , well , long time .

you may also automatically set it to turn on and off from the app ( helpful if you want your space to feel water ice cold before catch some shuteye ) , but it ’s easier to control from the unit ’s touchscreen showing or its include remote command . The latter I like to keep within arm ’ reach at night for any adjustments , a blessing considering I never have to lead bed if I ’m feel too quick — or , more often than not , too parky . The remote is also a overnice alternative to squinting at my phone silver screen ’s luminance to operate via the app at nighttime . The LED touch screen automatically dims after inactivity , too , so you do n’t have to worry about glare light keeping you up .

Cartesian product Details : Btus:8,000 , 10,000 , or 12,000 |Square Footage:350 , 450 , or 550 substantial feet |Weight:55 , 56 , or 58 pounds |Dimensions:13.9x19.45x23 inches |CEER:15

FrigidaireWindow Air Conditioner in the box

Best Budget

GE Window Air Conditioner

If you ’re tight on way and budget , this under-$200 pick only takes about 15 minute to cool down small rooms .

While we appreciate the straightforward excogitation ( just two ascendance knobs ! ) , do n’t require any fancy features .

After our quizzer installed theGE 5000 window air conditionerin a 140 - straight - foot bedroom , they were straight off strike by how quickly this budget pickaxe cools the small distance , operating at a low hum . If you could handle less about all the bells and whistles of a smart and sleek social unit , this product function its social function and serves it well .

Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner installed in a window

During testing , the mechanically skillful restraint were promiscuous and straight to use , thanks in part to only a few different manner selection ( a cooling temperature scale ranging from one to 10 and a low or eminent fan fastness ) . Plus , a work up - in louver allow you to manually correct the air flow focusing . Its simplicity is part of the allure — it did n’t take our quizzer much time at all to determine her preferred setting . But it is deserving noting that , because there is n’t a temperature interpretation , there also is n’t an vigor - saving mode that will automatically shut the unit off . It ’s the one detail our tester wished it had .

The only other flaw was the assembly mental process . While the instructions were clear and relatively easy to comply , our tester did note that she contend to attach the side panels . She did n’t break a sweat , however , putting it into the window ( which we ’d debate is the worst part of using any windowpane unit ) .

Its power to cool down outweighed any downsides in our tester ’s eyes . The GE 5000 was swear on intemperately throughout the calendar month of July , when the Midwest was plagued by live and humid weather condition and an median temperature hovering around 85 degrees .

A close up of the Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner

Our quizzer ’s sib can also guarantee for the value of this compact air conditioner , as they were the primary resident of the way , and watched TV nearly every day while it was in consumption . Even then , they did n’t have to bump up the mass and could restrain a conversation without worry , and not once did it rouse him from his sleep at night .

Cartesian product Details : Btus:5,000 |Square Footage:150 square ft |Weight:36 pound sterling |Dimensions:12.56x16.44x15 inch |CEER:11

Best Design

July Window Air Conditioner

If you ’re banal of high - tech eyesores , this inconspicuous AC unit has all the hallmarks of a decor object .

Premium board cover , such as ash Mrs. Henry Wood and linen paper , will run you $ 50 extra .

Ifyou’re a minimalist , you ’ll swoon overJuly ’s take on the window air conditioner . I know I did . I made the initial mistake of thinking I could keep two adjoining spaces — a traditional support room and a multipurpose quad that functions as our dining domain , situation , andguest bedroom — cool with one sinewy air conditioner . Itshouldhave been fine on theme , but hour bathed in sunlight and 11 - understructure - marvellous ceilings discombobulate an unexpected wrench into the mix .

The remote to the Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner

I often relate to myself as a flower — someone who needs to soak up as much Lord’s Day as possible — so I could n’t assume the mentation of occlude my primary light author with yet another box-shaped unit . But after sudate through most of last twelvemonth ’s summer , I knew I could no longer put it off . Enter : July . Theswappable front covers(I choose for Cloud , which mate the creamy off - white of my walls ) stool the whole thing meld in rather than stick out like a sore ovolo . Choices let in premium fabrics like linen and bamboo . The building block is subdued enough not to interfere with hear to the nightly news show or binging my modish Netflix obsession .

Plus , you do n’t have to ask your superintendent if they have an extra bracket lying around   ( your building may need oneregardless of the laws in your city — mine does!—in that case , you canpurchase one from July ’s web site , too ) . The brand ’s patented installation skeleton go in first , centered , before lowering the window catch and chicane it in . I was surprised by how easy it hold within the frame ( there ’s also a screw hole located at the bottom of the frame for extra peace of mind ! ) , view the window in my pre - war apartment have seen better days . Then , all you have to do is slide the zephyr conditioner into lieu , where it lock away with a confirmatory clink . While most insulating sides are ramp up onto the whole , July ’s wings ( construct from a vinyl radical , weatherproof fabric ) are installed into the physique and expand up to an telling 39 inches .

My favorite part ? The fabric is more transparent than the blackout - like look online , so I enjoy the filtered light . Mine pose comfortably in a standard window , but the firebrand also offers sliders and paries slot models ( a rarity in the industriousness ) . Bonus maneuver for the cunning , sky gamy remote control that see leap and boundary better than the Roku and Samsung soundbar control it unify with merrily on mycoffee table . However , I often just tell Alexa to wrench the unit on or off ( an one-time Echo pose in the neighboring windowpane ) .

FrigidaireWindow Air Conditioner in the box

It ’s so prissy to look at , I ’m speculate just leaving it installed all year - round . If I do , all I require is to invest in the $ 50winter back , which is constructed with a dual - insulated polyester - cotton plant portmanteau and fits around the whole front of the AC unit with an elastic stripe . The cover will also be groovy to have around if I ca n’t move the whole to storage until late fall .

While I already have a designatedair purifierfor my bread and butter space , if you do n’t , this political machine also doubles as one . When check out , be sure to add the three - month supply of upgrade melodic line filter , which the fellowship exact get pollen , darling dander , andwildfire green goddess .

Product Details : Btus:6,000 or 8,000 |Square Footage:250 or 350 square groundwork |Weight:50 or 55 British pound sterling |Dimensions:17x19x14 inches|CEER:11

GE 5,000-BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner

Credit: Amazon

Most Efficient

Windmill Window Air Conditioner

Smart yet simple , this forward-looking upgrade locomote gentle wind upward instead of out .

The manufacturer ’s “ whisper quiet ” claim is a reaching — mine still rattles rather loudly , especially in eco mode and when it first turns on .

I ’ll admit , Windmill is a cheeseparing endorsement to theJuly air conditionerwhen it come to an esthetically minded exterior . I love that the buttons are hide out in apparent sight , allowing the clean - seamed front and rounded edges to blend into your bulwark . But away from earning top marks in good looks , it ’s also telling at churning out cold air without destroying my push bill .

The dials on the right side of the GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Plus , every guest who has slept beneath it in the agency / invitee bedroom has n’t complained . alternatively of blowing breeze straight onto visitors ’ faces , the Windmill is more comparable to primal air , releasing upward at a 45 - degree angle .

Connecting to the app was also a breeze . Given the Frigidaire app ’s quirkiness , my expectations were middling grim , but it worked on the first try and has n’t been a problem since . That ’s a will , in my notion , since I seldom detect anything that is that well-off . The app enables me to set the temperature and on/off switch between modes and fan pep pill , but it ’s worth take note that all of that can be master with a wireless remote control , too . This week , with temperature holding steady at 90 degrees , I scheduled it to turn off at nighttime when the room is not in use and back on early in the break of the day before I wake up so work in the living room would n’t feel like entering a sweat room .

While all of the ACs on this listing are comparably smart , Windmill take push efficiency slenderly more seriously . The app provides real - time data ( update every 10 sec ) on how much electric power the whole is using and summarizes utilization by 24-hour interval , hebdomad , and month . you could also connect your public utility company account to recruit in the brand ’s exclusive Eco Rewards , which will mechanically adjust your options to lessen the stress on the ability grid during hours of peak need . prefer into these events ( the brand state there are unremarkably four or five throughout May and September ) can liken to up to $ 60 in savings each class .

The GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner mounted in the window

client service was also telling . After instalment , I realized I had received the 10,000 Btu model and not the 12,000 Btu one . Within a couple of days , the unit was fleetly swap without worry . For all those benefits and options , it ’s arguably one of the best melodic line conditioner for your buck .

Product Details : Btus:6,000 , 8,000 , 10,000 , or 12,000 |Square Footage:250 , 350 , 450 , or 550 square ft |Weight:58 , 63 , 70 , or 74 pound |Dimensions:19.3x19.4x13.2 inches |CEER:15

Best Smart

Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

If you ’re all in on setting up customizable setting , Midea ’s app offers a bevy of them .

While capable of heating , its intimate thermometer and motorcar modes miscarry to impress .

install specifically in a 240 - straight - foundation living room that also doubles as an at - home office , the Mideais so efficient at cool down , that it ’s kept an intact 525 - hearty - foot apartment easy during Midwestern heating wave .

Person adjusting the screws on the GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner to lock it properly into the window

Our associate editor , Jessica Comstock , was particularly impressed by how effectively and quickly it ’s been able-bodied to bring temperature down in her Chicago rental with east - facing window in mere minutes . Set at 70 degrees during the day , the atmosphere conditioner does n’t have to be aline until later at night when the temp gets drop down to 67 academic degree forbetter quiescency condition . Even then , she says it ’s comparatively restrained , but it should be noted that this windowpane unit is a bit noisier than others on this list , operating at 45 decibels at its depressed . And since it ’s placed in close propinquity to the television , on the evenings it ’s in use , Comstock did have to turn the volume up quite a bit in social club to hear her show over all the hum .

Something else to be cognisant of : If you make up one’s mind to change mount directly with the touchscreen , there ’s a middling garish claxon to alert that the variety has been made . It ’s potential to silence this function exclusively , but adjust the volume is n’t .

Although there ’s also a high - tech digital remote , Comstock apprize the Wi - Fi - connect app more than anything . Even when she ’s sit down closely by , she prefers to pull up the configurations on her earphone where there are far more options , such as switch between the main eco and oscillating modes and set the fan speeds by a accurate percentage . When returning from trips , the app enable her to deform the unit on while en itinerary from the airport . It ’ll also alarm Comstock with a pop - up notification when the washable filter needs cleansing ; more often than not , she wash it about once a month , either gargle with water or vacuum up the dust , and has had zero issue .

The pieces of the GE 5100 BTU Window Air Conditioner before assembly

The air conditioner ships with everything demand to install it yourself — in addition to a handful of screws and lock , inside the box you ’ll also find cachet froth , weather stripping , and elaborated instructions on how to get the car up and running . But Comstock bought hers off her flat ’s former house physician when it was already a year sometime ( and remained installed throughout the wintertime ) , and it ’s still work as good as new ; a real will to its durability .

And although it ’s Midea , this is n’t the cyberspace - famousU - shaped designthat get more light in . It ’s not as pricey as that interlingual rendition , but still not cheap . Even then , Comstock say she would happily repurchase this if it broke down again because of how streamlined and fresh it is .

Product Details : Btus:8,000 or 12,000 |Square Footage:350 or 550 substantial metrical foot |Weight:56 or 58 pounds |Dimensions:21.97x19.17x13.46 inch |CEER:13.3

The GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner on a wooden floor

Best Through-the-Wall

LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

The remote control is clear labeled and easy to apply .

You may need to purchase a freestanding wall sleeve for installation .

For those looking to interchange an survive through - the - wall air conditioner , we advocate this LG model . We tested it in the intermediate size , which is design to cool suite up to 350 square feet .

The dials on the right side of the GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner

Overall , wall AC units are similar to their window counterparts , but installing need a sleeve placed in the cutting - out to ensure proper insularity , which is typicallysold on an individual basis . If you already have a wall unit , you in all likelihood already have a arm put in , which may be compatible — just ensure it match the dimensions of your unexampled unit .

Installing the LG air conditioner was simple enough , though at 66 pounds , we recommend having a second hardening of hands to aid get up the unit into place . The unit also follow with a trim outfit for bestow insulation and to ascertain a tight fit .

Once the unit of measurement was up and running , it was incredibly effective in our quad . On the warmest day during our examination full stop , the unit dropped the temperature in our 176 - straight - metrical foot elbow room from 78 ° F to 70 ° F in about 90 moment . It was placid enough to hold conversations while operating .

The GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner mounted in the window

While it does n’t offer oscillation , we liked having the ability to hold in the direction of airflow manually by tilting the vent . We also appreciate the removed control , as many bulwark AC unit are install either above eye level or lower to the solid ground compared to window units . The remote is clear mark and sour well to adjust the temperature , lover speed , timekeeper , and mood .

Product Details : Btus:8,000 |Square Footage:350 square feet |Weight:66 pounds   |Dimensions:24 x 14.41 x 20.09 inches |CEER:10.6

The Bottom Line

Two members of the Better Homes & Garden team own ( and love)Frigidaire ’s Gallery Series atmosphere conditioner . It has successfully kept a 300 - straightforward - foot living room cool during Midwestern summer and a enceinte sleeping accommodation with 11 - base - improbable ceilings in Queens , New York , at a whitened noise - like hum of 42 decibels , earning it the title of overall best windowpane air conditioner .

Others We Tested

Dreo Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit 8,000 BTU

We ’re typically big fans of Dreo — it ’s the maker of some ofthe well fans(includingthe best oscillating ones ! ) we ’ve tested and other home appliance , likethe best humidifiers for plant . But when it number to its windowpane AC unit , it fell just shy of our mellow expectations .

While our examiner set up it to be almost silent and adept at maintaining arrange temperatures during a 90 + -degree heatwave , it took rough half an entire day to cool down a 280 - square - infantry space . She at long last found it to be too finicky and a bit costly for its barebones feature , especially when equate to other inverter models with extra feature of speech at a similar price shred ( including theWindmill air conditioner , our best effective selection , that our quizzer already owns ) . Other defect include a remote that is n’t backlit , making it troublesome to utilise at nighttime , and a glitchy control panel .

But the nail in the coffin was the facility process . The flat side panels swivel out from the incline , but even then there are remaining gaps to fill . Dreo broadcast a packet of Plasticene to help , but we urge see to it measurements tight to ward off having to exercise with the cloth all .

Person adjusting the screws on the GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner to lock it properly into the window

GE Profile ClearView Energy Star Smart Window Air Conditioner

AC units can take up worthful window space , blocking light and panorama . To solve this trouble , U - shaped units are on the rise , and we try theGE Profile ClearView Window AC , which sit below the windowsill . The AC unit was fabulously quiet and effectual at cooling our infinite , and we loved how easy it was to operate on through the control panel , remote , and app . However , initiation was tricksy ( the whole is 75 pounds — heavier than any of our top picks ) , and we see the below - window placement obtrusive as it require around an extra groundwork of clearance .

What to Know About Window Air Conditioners Before Shopping

Btus Needed

In general , you may get away with under 8,000 Btus in tiny space , like an office , that are anywhere up to 250 hearty substructure . You ’ll require 8,000 Btus for rooms around 300 square feet in size . Anything between that and 350 straight feet would benefit from 10,000 Btus . But you must upgrade to 12,000 Btus for 400 square human foot or more .

There are , however , a few outlier to be aware of , concord toAlex Gayl , showroom manager at AjMadison , a whole home appliance retailer base in Brooklyn , New York . First , calculate the amount of Btus needed to cool the size of it of your place by hold the square footage and multiplying it by 30 ( LxWx30 ) .

Then , make the following allowance , as needed :

The pieces of the GE 5100 BTU Window Air Conditioner before assembly

My flat is a perfect example of one that benefits from a larger social unit , especially when it comes to cool down two conjoining room only a little over 300 substantial animal foot in sizing . The blank space needed more oomph ( hence installing two dissimilar building block in each area ) thanks to a total of five oversized standard windows that get unceasing , east - pic sun and ceilings roughly 11 foot tall . Plus , since I ’m on the top storey of a pre - war construction , I doubt the roof is insulated — heat seep in between the walls easy and quickly .

I rarely work both units at the same time , but once I shut the Gallic door to separate them , I ’ll power up either the Windmill or July bet on where we ’re working or hang out .

The exact climb location can also touch performance . A niche windowpane , for case , will obturate how well cool air is allot . One of thebest portable aviation conditionersin this scenario may be a better wager .

The GE 5100 Window Air Conditioner on a wooden floor

Window Type

Most AC units are compatible withstandard windows(single- or double - hung ) that unfold up and down , rather than sliders , which open up from the left and right , or casement flair that open outwards . Either mode , you ’ll want to be mindful of your windowpane ’s chess opening dimension . For instance , Windmill ’s incorporated side panels initially would n’t agree in the window I intended to set up since it was wider than 36 inches . or else , it had to be specially installed by a odd-job man with a impost Plexiglas panel . Anything less than a staring fit may lead in an insulation issue .

Noise Level

While do work from home base , my honest-to-goodness AC in the living elbow room was so loud that it was laborious to boil down on phone calls , and coworkers could hear it running during practical get together . I can confidently say that it was cheap than 60 dB . new ACs ( and nearly all of our picks ) are 42 dB at the quietest . Suppose you do n’t need to be jarringly waken from your slumber in the heart of the Nox by your AC boot into high gear . In that case , we recommend narrowing your shopping consideration to those between 40 and 45 decibels .

Otherwise , AJ Madison commend prioritize the size of the building block . “ Since the whole organization is contained in one unit , they can be flash than miniskirt schism or central air conditioners where the compressor is outside , ” sharesJessica Petrino Ball , convenience expert at AJ Madison . “ Look for quieting features like an inverter compressor , as those units automatically slow or speed up the motor to accommodate temperature changes . It ’s also important to see to it that the AC unit is installed properly . An improperly installed atmosphere conditioner can increase rattling or shaking . ”

Energy Efficiency

Determined by theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy , the rating ( include the CEER ) roughly translates into $ 60 in annual operation costs . Technicalities aside , I recognize my DOE banknote are n’t as bad as they used to be , despite increasing my pack of units from two to three so far this year .

Your Questions, Answered

Can you use a window air conditioner in any window?

You ’ll need to pay close attention to the dimension of your choice product . All of our favorite actinium are compatible with stock windows , though a few of the blade provide alternate designs for dissimilar types ( July , for example , sell unit designed to equip into slider windows that open horizontally , and into bulwark slots ) . We also recommend pay close care to the dimensions , as not all have side panels .

How much can I expect to spend on an air conditioner?

Our picks range in monetary value from a few hundred sawhorse to up of $ 500 , but monetary value vary greatly depending on the unit of measurement size ( bigger property and Btus equate to a bigger Mary Leontyne Price tag ) and fresh functionality . In most case , we ’d give notice anticipate budgeting between $ 300 and $ 500 if you want to bring one of the good window zephyr conditioner home .

Can I install a window air conditioner myself?

Definitely ! As long as you’re able to well annul a unit on your own . If you are n’t confident in your home maintenance skills , note that July and Windmill both offer speech and installation for an supererogatory fee if you ’d rather not deal ( I took vantage of both and they were ready and courteous ) . you may hire a Taskrabbit or a jack of all trades , too .

If you anticipate any spread — perhaps your window skeleton is a bit buckle , like mine — you may root for up an Amazon app to hunt forinsulation baring , also sleep with as weather seal , that looks like a prospicient streak of foam . Cut it to the right sizing , and stick it underneath the unit for a tape - free fit .

Who We Are

fundamental air is a rarity in New York ( the idiom “ needle in a haystack ” apply here ) , so it should get as no surprise that the apartments our fourth-year writer , Morgan Bulman , has live in since moving to the city in 2017 have require an alternative method of chill . For nearly four years , I ’d make the seasonal pilgrimage to pick up my parent ’ old AC units . They workedfine , but at an expense — they were trashy and , above all else , absolute eyesores . Slowly but sure , she ’s replaced the master with figure - forward finds ( all list below ) that assure to keep my place cool without simultaneously eating up electricity .

extra testing was also conducted by our associate editor at Better Homes & Gardens , Jessica Comstock , and other team members located in the Midwest . Plus , as a fellow apartment dweller in Chicago , Comstock has been screen and relying on her Midea for nearly two age ( this is her second summertime using it ) versus the GE unit that ’s only been relied on for about a calendar month , but exceed expectations during a heatwave in July .

We also interviewedAlex Gayl , showroom manager at AjMadison , andJessica Petrino Ball , appliance expert at AJ Madison .

July Air Conditioner

Credit: July

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that empty the seal of approval have been put through stringent testing to check that they ’re worth a spot in your family . We buy most of the product we test ourselves , but from time to time we are provided samples by company if purchasing is n’t an selection . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchase merchandise .

July Air Conditioner in window

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

July Air Conditioner in window

July Air Conditioner in window

July Air Conditioner in window of living room

July Air Conditioner in window

July Air Conditioner in window

July Air Conditioner in window

July Air Conditioner in window of living room

8,300 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner

Credit: Walmart

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window in a living room

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

details of Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window in a living room

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

details of Windmill Smart Window Air Conditioner in a window

Midea 12000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

Credit: Amazon

A person pressing a button on the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit installed in a window

A person holding up their phone while using the app to the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

A person holding the remote control to the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

A close up on the attachment point on the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

A person pressing a button on the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

The Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit installed in a window

A person holding up their phone while using the app to the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

A person holding the remote control to the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

A close up on the attachment point on the Midea Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit

LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

Credit: Amazon

A hand using a remote to control the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The cover of the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner opened to show the filter

A close-up of the display on the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

A hand changing the filter on the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

A person installing the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

A hand using a remote to control the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

The cover of the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner opened to show the filter

A close-up of the display on the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

A hand changing the filter on the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

A person installing the LG 8,000 BTU 115V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner