James White on July 6, 2015 0 Comments With the hottest time of the year right around the corner, many people will be searching for alternative energy efficient ways to keep their home cool. Window air conditioning units are a simple and subtle solution to staying out of the heat—but with so many options in the industry, how can you be sure which product preforms the best AND is better than rest? This article will guide you through five of the best window air conditioners currently available on the market and help figure out which unit is perfect for your needs. BTUs & Window Air Conditioning Before proceeding, it is important to understand what BTUs refer to and why it’s crucial when deciding which window air conditioning unit is best for you. A common acronym used to measure energy for all types of air conditioners and heaters, BTU officially stands for “British Thermal Units.” One BTU is what it takes to the amount of thermal energy it takes to heat (or cool) one pound of water by one degree. A match is a great example to help put this in perspective. When you light a match, the heat that is produced from it is approximately equal to one BTU. In regard to window air conditioning, the more British Thermal Units the appliance has, the more powerful it will be at cooling and/or heating the space it is located within. To help you determine how many BTU’s you will need for the space you want to buy a window air conditioner for, please refer to our Cooling Capacity Calculator. 1. Koldfront WAC8001W Click here to learn more about the Koldfront WAC8001W The Koldfront WAC8001W is our best-selling window air conditioning unit, delivering 8,000 BTU of cooling power in spaces up to 350 square feet. While the unit excels in cooling, maintaining temperatures between 62–86°F (17–30°C), it’s also completely equipped with the ability to heat rooms (3,850 BTUs of heating power) making this the perfect appliance for year-round use. This best-seller comes fully armed with many features to provide a convenient user-interface. Something that stands out about this product is the energy saving feature, which uses smart technology to readily adjust the unit’s air flow by timing intervals of fan cycling, while also regulating the compressor to maintain your preferred temperature. In addition, the unit’s four-way directional vents allow users to direct airflow however they feel appropriate, assuring for excellent circulation and air flow. By using the appliance’s Dry Mode, the built-in dehumidifier keeps your space dry while removing up to 45 pints of moisture per day. Although many people have difficulties with the noise that some air conditioners emit, this unit has been reviewed and noted for its quietness and cooling capacity. Click here to download the owner’s manual (PDF version) 2. Koldfront WAC12001W Click here to learn more about the Koldfront WAC12001W Our runner-up for taking home the gold is the customer reviewed “noise free” Koldfront WAC12001W. This air conditioner packs a punch, delivering 12,000 BTU’s of cooling power in spaces up to 550 square feet. Being the most powerful and affordable out of the five for BTUs, the WAC12001W is able to provide 11,000 BTUs of electric heating power, making it a perfect choice for locations with diverse climate change. Along with the WAC8001W, this window air conditioner has four-way air directional louvers which allow for you to customize the airflow to your desired preference. This unit also comes fully equipped with features to provide a simple and easy user experience. This appliance has four operational modes, like the WAC8001W, making it versatile for any situation. Also, with the same smart technology as the bestseller, it can readily adjust the airflow by the use of timed fan cycles and utilize the compressor to its best ability. Please note that because of the appliance’s input voltage of 220, a NEMA 6-20P plug type is required. Click here to download the owner’s manual (PDF version) 3. LG LW8015HR Click here to learn more about the LG LW8015HR Coming in at number three, the LG LW8015HR is small, affordable and doesn’t sell itself short keeping you cool. This window air conditioning unit’s 7,500 BTUs of cooling power is perfect for bedrooms, offices and other spaces up to 350 square feet. This LG air conditioner comes equipped with a slide-in chassis, making user maintenance a breeze. Along with the appliance’s quiet operation, its dehumidifying properties treat 204 cubic feet of air per minute, removing 2.1 pints of moisture per hour. And to make things even simpler, the LW8015HR comes with a filter alarm, helping you stay on top of when it’s time for a fresh filter. Additionally, this unit is equipped with a slinger fan that operates in the excess water collecting in the base pan. The condensation is then picked up by the fan and eliminated through the condenser, helping the appliance become more efficient. Click here to download the owner’s manual (PDF version) 4. LG LW1215HR Click here to learn more about the LG LW1215HR The LG LW1215HR is perfect for cooling and heating spaces from 150 to 350 square feet. The appliance treats 205 cubic feet of air per minute with 7,500 BTUs of cooling power, while also providing 3,850 BTUs of heating power. On top of that, the LW1215HR removes 2.1 pints of moisture per hour, making it perfect for basements and other locations where moisture may build up. Installation for this device is simple and fast; the easy-assemble chassis allows for a smooth and brief setup, making it easier for you to cool down and stay comfortable. The LW1215HR comes with a built-in temperature control, allowing for the thermostat to monitor the room’s climate to maintain your desired temperature. The appliance’s thermostat can be set between 60 – 86°F (16–30°F). The LW1215HR features an on/off timer that can be set to operate or shutdown during certain times of the day, helping you save money while you’re away or keep cool during the hottest times of the day. Click here to download the owner’s manual (PDF version) 5. Friedrich EP08G11B Click here to learn more about the Friedrich EP08G11B Coming in last, but not least of our top five bestsellers, the Friedrich EP08G11B is designed to achieve comfort and operate quietly. Friedrich’s EP08G11B A/C unit is great for cooling spaces up to 400 square feet, making it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, studies and more. The unit is proficient when it comes dehumidifying, treating spaces from 150-400 square feet and removing 1.5 pints of moisture per hour. The washable antimicrobial filter helps you save time and money, making user maintenance painless and swift. With two fan speeds and adjustable horizontal/vertical air flow louvers, this appliance is definitely up to par when it comes to keeping you comfortable. Never worry about coming home to a hot home in the case of a power failure—this window air conditioner is able to retain the previous settings and restore them once the power returns, making sure your home is always comfortable. Click here to download the owner’s manual (PDF version)