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Your window AC unit doesn’t have to be an eyesore
With locations around the world already setting new heat records this summer, you may have thought about adding an air conditioning unit to your home. Some of the easiest and most effective units to add are simple window-installed AC units such as those from General Electric or Dreo. But the wrong ones can look less than ideal in a carefully curated home. Instead, grab a sleek, modern take on the old-school cooling system and keep your home looking sharp. It doesn’t hurt that these units also tend to have great features, including smart connectivity, that older, less attractive units lack.
In this article: July A/C Window Air Conditioner, Frigidaire Inverter Quiet Temp Room Air Conditioner and LG Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
What to know while shopping for window AC units
Window AC units don’t have much separating them from any other given unit, so what does separate them is important to understand.
British thermal units and coverage
The primary aspect you need to understand concerning AC units is their strength, listed using Btu. There’s no real trick to it, other than higher numbers mean a stronger unit. But you also need to consider how much coverage a unit is rated for. This is typically given in square feet. You need to check both because some units can have the same power, but because of a construction quirk, can offer different coverages. If you only want to cover a single room, err on Btu. If you want to cover as much as possible, err on coverage.
Installation
Every window unit installs somewhat uniquely, with some being more complex than others. Regardless of the difficulty, triple-check that everything you need to install a window is included. If a product listing doesn’t mention installation equipment, double-check that it requires any since some can be installed without it. If it does require gear and doesn’t come with any, find a different unit to buy since there’s no telling what else the manufacturer may be skimping out on.
Controls
All window AC units should come with onboard controls no matter what, but better units typically have more control options. The most common extra control method is a simple remote, but better units also offer voice and app-based controls through a Wi-Fi connection.
Best stylish AC units
July A/C Window Air Conditioner
This sleek, no-fuss AC unit installs easily into your windows with its included installation kit. Other helpful inclusions are a thermostat and a remote, so you can fine-tune your cooling experience. It’s also connectable to your Wi-Fi so it can sync with the rest of your smart-capable devices. It comes in six colors.
Windmill The Windmill AC Modern Air Conditioner
This window AC unit is packed with high-end features, including the use of “WhisperTech” to reduce its noise generation and an auto-dimming display to lower your home’s light pollution. It also blows air at a 45-degree angle upward, to better circulate the air in the room. It comes in three strengths.
GE Appliances GE Profile Window Air Conditioner
A major issue with window air conditioners is that they take up almost the entire window, limiting your usage of it and lowering how much natural light gets into your home. This AC unit avoids that problem by being installed “hanging” on the edge of the window, leaving almost the entire window free.
Dreo makes some of the best cooling devices in the game, and this AC unit is no different. It has air louvers that let you direct its airflow in whichever direction you want, and it can cover up to 350 square feet. It’s also Energy Star-certified and runs no louder than 42 decibels.
Frigidaire Inverter Quiet Temp Room Air Conditioner
This AC unit collects several excellent features, including an operation decibel level of 41 and an Energy Star rating that claims up to 46% energy savings against a standard AC unit. It also has automatic louvers to help air circulate optimally and three fan speeds. You can control it through the Frigidaire app on your smartphone.
Soleus Air Exclusive Air Conditioner
This over-the-sill air conditioner is particularly easy to install since all you have to do is hook it on your window. There are some screws to adjust to help it sit flush on the wall, but otherwise that’s it. Besides the easy installation, some versions also come with Wi-Fi controls and even heat for the winter months.
This beefy AC unit takes some effort to install considering its large size, but in return, you get quiet operation at 42 decibels and 8,000 Btu to cool up to 350 square feet. The air vents are adjustable and its air flow can reach up to 20 feet away.
LG Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
This AC unit uses a dual inverter compressor that can save up to 35% more energy than is required to become officially Energy Star-certified. It also generates as few as 44 decibels in its special sleep mode and can be controlled over Wi-Fi with the LG app.
This unique AC unit is designed similarly to over-the-sill units, but instead of the unit being held below the window, the window slides down somewhat inside the unit. This requires a unique installation process, but that’s easy to follow with the included installation gear and instructions.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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