Best Window Air Conditioners

Keeping cool in smaller spaces

Window air conditioners of the past were notorious monstrosities – oversized, looming things that spit and made a racket that people five floors down could hear. Today, these are much nicer looking and more compact with less noise and no spitting.

There are a few things you should consider when buying a window air conditioner:

• Maintenance: all air conditioner units need maintenance, including changing filters regularly. Check the warranty and other materials before you buy your air conditioner, to find out the frequency of when you need to change filters, which can be expensive. Be sure you understand how to safely change the filter in your window air conditioner.
  
• Warranty: many air conditioners have a one-year limited warranty. There are longer warranties on the market, so shop around. You also have the option of buying an extended warranty.
  
• BTUs: only get the size of air conditioner you require. If you get one that is too large or too small for your home, then your monthly bills will be much higher than necessary. Know your square footage.
  
• Portable Air Conditioners: If you move a lot, you may want to think about getting a portable air conditioner. They have similar features, but cost a little more. They weigh about 85 pounds, depending on the unit, and have casters to roll them from your living room to your bedroom.
  
• Cord Length: Make sure you can reach the outlet before you install it.

Top 3 window air conditioners

1. Kenmore Large Capacity Room Window Air Conditioner – Model 75281

• Permanent filter, washable
  
• Sears brand
  
• Will restart after power outage
  
• Not Energy Star rated, has an 8.5 SEER rating
  
• Only has a 12-hour timer
  
• Electronic controls
  
• Weighs 155 pounds – make sure your windows can support it
  
• Gives out up to 28,000 BTU in an 8-way airflow system
  
• Can dehumidify 208 pints of water in a 24-hour period
  
• Has a 1-year warranty for parts and labor and 5-year warranty on the sealed chambers. You can purchase an extended warranty.
  
• Costs about $600

2. Friedrich X-Star Portable Window Air Conditioner

• Only gives out 5,500 to 11,700 BTU
  
• Is Energy Star rated
  
• 8-way airflow, 3 cooling speeds, 1 fan
  
• Warranty is 1 year parts and labor and 5 years on the combustion system
  
• Costs about $300

3. Maytag Window & Thru Wall Air Conditioner – Model M6X06F2A

• 24-hour timer
  
• Inexpensive unit
  
• Reusable, washable filters
  
• Easy to install and operate
  
• 2-speed fan
  
• It is noisy and you can't adjust the air flow
  
• Good for small areas, this unit can cool 250 square feet rooms
  
• 5-year on-site limited warranty
  
• Costs about $200

Write A Comment
Add your comments:
Please confirm your humanity:	Enter the code (case sensitive)

Read Comments