Best 15,000 BTU Air Conditioners [2021 Top Picks]

You don’t need a massive central air conditioning system to keep you comfortable all summer.

If you live in a small home or apartment, a 15,000 BTU window air conditioner can give you all the cooling capacity you need to beat the heat, decisively and consistently.

A window unit could also be the perfect choice if you only need to cool a specific room or living space.

Comparison of the Best 15000 BTU Air Conditioners

How to Choose a 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are a popular item. Consequently, there are a lot of options available on the market. Several factors should determine your choice, based on your personal needs and preferences:

Energy Usage Rates

Energy-efficient window air conditioners are usually certified through the federal government’s ENERGY STAR® rating system. These units will consistently outperform the competition, keeping your home cool while consuming ten percent or less electricity.

As a general standard, energy efficiency is identified by an air conditioner’s Energy Efficiency Rating, or EER. When comparing various 15,000 BTU units, always remember that the A/C with the higher EER will save you more money.

Size of the Space to be Cooled

Window air conditioners with a 15,000 BTU cooling capacity are recommended for entire floors, rooms, or apartments in the 550-1050 square feet size range.

If you’re trying to cool an area on the high end of that estimate, a 15,000 BTU unit may not be powerful enough if other factors cause an increased heat effect. These could include ample sunshine penetration through windows, proximity to the kitchen, or having numerous people occupying that space for much of the time.

Installation Requirements

Standard window air conditioners can only be installed in single-hung or double-hung windows. 

These have window sections that move up and down vertically. Window A/Cs can also be installed in wall sleeves particularly intended for that purpose.

If your home or apartment has neither the proper windows nor a pre-existing wall sleeve, you could have the latter installed. You just have to be sure to install the sleeve in a wall that opens to the outside, so the A/C can vent properly.

Review of the Best 15,000 BTU Air Conditioners

When you begin your search for a new 15,000 BTU air conditioner, you’ll be looking for something that stands out from the crowd.

Fortunately, there are plenty of standouts available. After an exhaustive search, we’ve found some outstanding window air conditioners that will keep your family cool on even the hottest summer days, without busting your budget.

These are the best of the best and that’s what you want and need.

15,000 BTU Air Conditioner Options

As you’ve seen by our reviews, there are different 15,000 BTU AC types available on the market. To help understand which one will suit you best, we’re providing brief overviews of how each one works.

Mini Split

These air conditioners consist of two parts, one that goes inside the house and the other outside. The latter is the condenser, draining out any liquid formed from the component inside the house.

The mini-split AC unit has several advantages. At the top of the list are improved aesthetics and acoustics. Not only will it look elegant on the interior wall, but you’ll eliminate the sound of the compressor.

Window

Window air conditioners have the convenience of having the exhaust or drainage pipe outside without installing it separately. It’s also a temporary fixture, as you can uninstall and move it to a different location when you wish.

Since it has fewer components than a mini-split aircon, it’s more cost-effective for the purchasing and electrical costs. However, it has fewer features available in some instances.

Portable 

For an even better solution in large houses where you want to isolate specific rooms, there’s the portable 15,000 BTU AC. Due to the amount of power it needs to generate, you can expect these devices to be bulky and heavy. However, the carry handles and wheels make them easier to transport.

Recreational Vehicles 

Another option is a roof air conditioner for motorhomes. Due to the installation nature, manufacturers make them easy to place on the top of RVs, so you don’t struggle too much. However, you may struggle to find a device that includes a heat pump.

Evaporative / Swamp Coolers

While some air conditioners require water drainage or bucket, these handy devices use nature’s evaporative technique to draw condensation out through an exhaust hose. You won’t need to deal with liquids, and it’s easier to maintain.

Do I Need a 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner?

Whether you need a 15,000 BTU AC depends on several factors. The most significant one is the room size you’re trying to cool. While you’ll enjoy the cooling effect, you should aim for a small size if you don’t have much space.

The 15,000 BTU can cover up to 875 sq. ft., but we’ve seen many that only go up to about 700. If your bedroom is approximately 250 sq. ft, you’re better off with a 6,000 BTU. You won’t pay as much for electricity, and it’s cheaper to buy and maintain in the long run.

Frigidaire 15,100 BTU

Top Brands With 15,000 BTU ACs

There are plenty of air conditioning manufacturers that provide 15,000 BTUs, all promising effective cooling and powerful performance. While many of them have outstanding reputations, we decided to present you with our top three.

Honeywell

If you’ve spent enough time researching the HVAC industry, we’re sure that Honeywell has appeared numerous times. With a rich history going as far back as 1885, it’s created many innovative products that stood the test of time.

While 15,000 BTU ACs are certainly on the list of its top-performing products, it also provides other HVAC devices. It includes sensors, heaters, thermostats, dehumidifiers, and purifiers, to name a few.

HomeLabs

HomeLabs is a company that delves into many sections, mainly focusing on electrical appliances and air conditioning solutions. You may recognize the brand from its wide selection of kitchen appliances, such as toasters, kettles, and ice makers.

Of course, it’s not shy when it comes to its 15,000 BTU air conditioners. It also supplies other similar devices, such as filter replacements, purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.

Keystone

Keystone doesn’t merely want to replicate the HVAC systems of its competitors. The company enjoys research and innovation, experimenting with new features and technology that solves many of the problems experienced by its customers. 

It manufactures fans, ventilation systems, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and so much more with worldwide distribution at its feet. Its 15,000 BTU ACs are some of the best on the market.

Price Points of 15,000 BTU AC

Keystone KSTAW15CE

You’ll find various products available online and in physical stores that vary in price range. While you may find some discounts during special events or low product demand, you’ll still find a general price guide based on the AC type and number of features. Here’s what you can expect:

Up to $300

These 15,000 BTU ACs have basic functionality with only one to three modes available that usually include cooling and ventilation. Affordable window and portable air conditioners generally fall within this range.

$300 – $700

If you’re looking for excellent performance with more features, you’ll more than likely find them in this price range. Of course, you can expect greater weight with larger components, but you have better remote functionality and extra installation accessories.

$700 – $1,000

The more advanced air conditioners will be more expensive, as they have complex technology that stands out from the standard devices. For instance, roof or motorhome ACs might fall in this bracket. You can also expect to pay more for high-tech portable and evaporative units.

$1,000+

Finally, you have the top-of-the-range products that deliver cooling for entire homes or office floors. These include complete air conditioning systems with ductless split mount parts, for example. 

Friedrich Chill Series CP15G10B

Who Should Not Buy a 15,000 BTU AC?

You might be excited to buy your first 15,000 BTU AC. While we’ve provided you with many reasons to do so, it’s not always a good idea. Here are a few examples of where you shouldn’t get one.

High Humidity

Air conditioners may be delivering excellent cooling in regions with high temperatures, but did you know that high humidity cancels the effect? Despite more water vapor in the air, you’ll actually feel warmer. 

While some air conditioners have a dehumidification function, not all can stand up against high humidity. You’ll want to aim for a powerful dehumidifier to help reduce the moisture levels.

Spaces Under 600 or Over 750 sq. Ft.

There’s a misconception that buying a massive 15,000 BTU AC is a good idea for small spaces. While it’s appealing, you’re spending more electricity than you need to for that room size. If it’s anything below 600 sq. ft., try aiming for a 12,000 BTU or smaller.

The same applies to massive warehouses or spaces above 750 sq. ft. There are industrial air conditioners that push way about 24,000 BTU to deal with these areas. 

Dusty Areas

If you live in an area with lots of dust, pollen, or other contaminants that flare up your allergies, an air conditioner won’t resolve the issue. Its primary purpose is cooling, not clearing the air of pollutants. While some AC units do have internal filters to help the situation a bit, you might want to look into buying a purifier instead.

Are All 15,000 BTU Air Conditioners The Same?

The basic performance characteristics of a 15,000 BTU air conditioner will not vary much, regardless of the make and model. Where the differences come is primarily in the features offered and in the overall quality of the product.

The window-mounted air conditioners we’ve reviewed here are all proven performers with attractive characteristics that should appeal to most consumers.

 The gradations in craftsmanship between these excellent window air conditioners are small. But in comparison to most models, they stand out as reliable and cost-efficient.

Frigidaire 15,100 BTU

You absolutely get what you pay for with these superior performers, which is what you can expect when purchasing products from the leading names in the HVAC industry.  

The summertime heat will challenge your determination to stay cool, calm and comfortable. A brand new 15,000 BTU air conditioner can make all the difference, as long as you select one that fits your budget and has the specific characteristics you require in an air conditioner.

Good-quality window air conditioners are energy-efficient, yet flexible enough to allow for customized cooling operation in all outdoor weather conditions. What you want and need is what they will provide, and that’s why you can do no wrong if you stick with appliances that combine logical designs with excellent proven functionality.

Conclusion

The 15000-BTU air conditioners are a great product that helps to beat the searing heat in the summers. However, before buying a particular brand, it helps to thoroughly research and read online reviews of different brands in order to make an informed choice. The above guide is written with the object of facilitating various users and to inform them about the pros and cons of different models. So read it carefully to invest in a unit that is perfect for you.  

People Also Ask

In addition to the above reviews, people also ask the following questions in order to have a clear idea about which unit will best meet their needs:

How Much Does It Cost to Run a 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner?

It depends on how much wattage the air conditioner consumes. In general, a 15,000 BTU AC uses $0.20 per hour, which equates to $1.6 per day for eight hours of operation. You could pay up to $48 if you run it for 30 days of the month.

Can BTUs Be Too High?

Yes, they can. Small spaces don’t need massive air conditioners, as it will make the room too cold and you’re wasting electricity. Each BTU size has a specific range in square feet that it can efficiently cover. It will also short cycle too often, which can damage the device.

How Many Amps Does a 15000-BTU Air Conditioner Use?

A 15000-BTU air conditioner draws an average of 12.5 to 13 Amps.

Photo credit: learnmetrics.com

How Much Area Will a 15000-BTU Air Conditioner Cool?

Air conditioners that support 15000-BTU can cool an area of almost 875 sq. Ft.

Will a 3000 Watt Generator Run a 15000-BTU Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner uses the most wattage as compared to other electrical appliances in your home or RV. Moreover, it requires more wattage to start than it does to keep it running. For a 15000-BTU air conditioner, you will need at least 3500 watts to start and 1800 watts to keep it running. Thus, a 3000-watt generator will not be enough for a 15000-BTU air conditioner.    

What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a 15000-BTU Air Conditioner?

To comfortably run a 15000-BTU air conditioner, you will need a generator of at least 3300 watts.

How Many Watts of Electricity Does it Take to Run a 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner?

A 15,000 BTU air conditioner will consume approximately 1,500 watts per hour if operated at normal settings. The average price of electricity in the United States is 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. Therefore, you’ll pay about 18 cents per hour for the privilege of using your 15,000 BTU window air conditioner. All things considered, that’s not a bad deal at all. 

If you would like to play around with these numbers, or see how much watts a smaller unit requires, you can use our AC unit electricity usage calculator. 

How Many Square Feet Will a 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner Cool?

Good-quality air conditioners with 15,000 BTUs of cooling capacity will normally cool somewhere between 700 and 850 square feet of indoor space. However, this number may be reduced if a room or living area is unusually warm, either from the inflow of sunlight through windows or heat from another source, such as a kitchen.