Best Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioners – 2022 Reviews

| Last Updated: December 21, 2021

Global warming is only getting worse, and we all can look forward to many more hot summers. In many parts of the country, you simply have to have an air conditioner in order to get by – but how do you avoid the high cost of electric bills an air conditioner will undoubtedly generate?

You invest in an energy efficient window A/C!

Read on to learn more about these awesome units.

Comparison of the Best Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioners

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Runner-Up Product
  • Has a Control Panel and a Remote Control Option
  • Will Work Well Even During “Brownout” Low Power Periods
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  • Second Runner-Up Offering
  • Great for Removing Humidity From the Air
  • Cools Room Quickly, Even on the Low Setting
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  • Best Choice for the Money
  • Fan Setting Will Tell You the Actual Temperature of Your Room
  • Not Too Loud, But Provides Good Background White Noise
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  • Cools areas up to 150 square feet
  • Can remove 1.06 pints of moisture per hour
  • Convenient removable, washable air filter
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  • Quietest and Most Efficient
  • Can Cool a Room Within Thirty Minutes
  • Has the Highest BTU a “Regular” Outlet Can Handle
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  • Best Energy Efficient A/C on Amazon
  • Runs Even When Your Utility Company Lowers the Power
  • Multiple Control Options, Both Remotely and on the Unit
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  • Best Small Efficient Window Air Conditioner
  • Has Two Cool Speeds and Two Fan Speeds
  • Easy to Install – Users Report it Takes Around Twenty Minutes
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What Makes These A/C Units Energy Efficient?

These A/C units are energy efficient because they require less power to operate. Advances in A/C technology have enabled today’s window units to consume far less juice, yet still produce large amounts of cool air. Some units also “recycle” their cooling water, making it last a lot longer.

Other units use additional energy saving techniques, such as side panels that seal in the cooler inside air while also blocking the hotter air from outside. You will be impressed at how little your electrical bill increases when using one of these units.

How to Choose an Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioner

There are a number of qualities you will want to consider when buying a window air conditioner:

Energy Efficiency

This is clearly the main reason you are looking into window units – to cool off without being slapped with a giant power bill or the high cost of implementing a central air conditioning system. Keep an eye out for a unit’s EER rating – that stands for Energy Efficient Ratio, which will be a good comparison point on this factor.

Effectiveness

What good is an air conditioner if it does not cool you off? Get yourself a window unit that will consistently and effectively deliver cool air on a reliable basis, so you can turn it on and forget about it – and forget about being hot – completely.

Ease of Operation

You need a window unit that is going to work well for you, not something you are going to have to constantly fiddle with to get it to the exact right temperature you are seeking. Set it and forget it with an air conditioner that has simple dials or setting systems.

Review of the Best Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioners

Now that you know what to keep in mind, let’s check out some actual products!

Best Overall: 
LG LW8016ER

LG 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, 350 Sq.Ft. (14' x 25' Room Size), Quiet Operation, Electronic Control with Remote, 3 Cooling & Fan Speeds, Auto Restart, 115V, White

PROS

  • Only produces 53 dB of noise
  • Comprehensive manual for installation
  • Three different fan and cooling speeds
  • Includes digital display and remote control
  • Automatic mode lets you customize the cooling settings

CONS

  • Bulk design that makes it heavy
  • Might be challenging for some to install

Specs

Dimensions: 19.6 x 19.4 x 12.4 inches

Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU

Weight: 58 lbs

Volts: 115 Volts

Floor Area: 350 sq. ft. 

Review

This window air conditioner delivers three different fan speeds, which you can adjust using the digital display. There’s also an automatic setting where the AC will cool according to the customized rules you apply.

Despite a detailed instruction manual, you might find the air conditioner difficult to install. While the weight is one of the reasons, there are many components and fixtures you’ll need to adjust to fit it into the window frame properly.

You’ll enjoy changing the modes and settings with the remote control when you don’t feel like standing up from your bed or sofa. The air conditioner also runs silently so that you can have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Bottom Line

The LG LW8016ER delivers an optimal performance of 8,000 BTU that’s suitable for rooms up to 350 sq. ft. in area. Its quiet performance and elegant display are some of its top features.

Once you have the heavy air conditioner installed, you won’t have to worry about a noise hum. It’s also energy-efficient, so you won’t have to stress about high electrical bills.

Runner-up:
hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted AC

hOmeLabs Window Air Conditioner 5000 BTU - Easy Mechanical Control Compact AC Unit with Washable Reusable Filter, 2 Cooling Speeds, 2 Fan Speeds - Ideal for Bedroom and Rooms up to 150 Sq. Ft.

PROS

  • Quiet
  • Great for Smaller Areas
  • Durable, Will Last a Long Time
  • Filter is Easy to Remove and Clean
  • Great for Removing Humidity From the Air

CONS

  • On the Smaller Side
  • Does Not Have a Degree Setting or a Timer for Automatic Shutoff

Review

The hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is an excellent unit for cooling off the room it is installed in. This unit is too small to cool off an entire house, but if you are looking for an energy efficient window air conditioner for your bedroom or your kids’ bedrooms, this is an excellent choice. It does not have a light, so it is great for nighttime cooling. 

It has four settings – two fans, two air conditioning – and it cools the room quickly even when it is on the lowest setting. And do not think its effectiveness comes at the price of your electric bill – far from it. Users report that even when running this unit constantly during the hottest days of the summer, their electric bill increased by only $20! That is a small price to pay for consistent cooling. Additionally, this unit is incredibly easy to operate: from installation to changing the filter, everything is simple and intuitive.

Bottom Line

The hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is an ideal unit for cooling off one room within your larger home. Because it is on the smaller side, it probably will not work well for cooling much beyond that.

Best for the Money:
  Frigidaire FFRE0533S1

Frigidaire FFRE0633S1 6,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner with Full-Function Remote Control

PROS

  • Easy to Install
  • Cools Off Rooms Quickly
  • Good for Smaller Rooms
  • Good at Reducing Humidity
  • On the Lighter Side, One Person Could Handle it Easily

CONS

  • Frigidaire Does Not Provide Good Customer Service

Our Review

The Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 is an excellent window unit for smaller rooms, with quite a few awesome features that will make your life significantly easier. It has a timer setting, which is convenient for use while you are sleeping at night and while you are away from the home during the day. The fan setting shows you the temperature of your room in real time, so you will always know when you need or want to adjust the setting

In “econ” mode, the unit will turn off whenever it reaches a certain temperature, which is excellent in terms of saved energy costs. If it annoys you to have the unit cycle on and off (we are thinking this could be a particularly frustrating issue at night), never fear! Just pressing the “mode” button will continue to keep the sound level providing ambient sound at a good level – not too loud. Best of all, this unit will save you a ton of money in electrical bills: it is estimated to increase your annual electric costs by only $37.

Bottom Line

The Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 is a fantastic unit that will effectively cool your room and save you money in the process. Just know that Frigidaire, as a company, can sometimes be difficult to deal with.   

Small Efficient Window Air Conditioner:
Amana AMAP050BW

Amana 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Air Conditioner with Mechanical Controls, White

PROS

  • Includes installation kit for windows
  • Has a small dehumidification function
  • Louvers for eight-way directional airflow
  • Rotary controls with two speeds available
  • Washable filter to clean the air from pollutants

CONS

  • Doesn’t have a compressor cycle
  • Loud noise on the highest setting

Specs

Dimensions: 15.3 x 16 x 12.5 inches

Cooling Capacity: 5,000 BTU

Weight: 39.7 lbs

Volts: 115 V

Floor Area: 150 sq. ft.

Review

One significant benefit of this air conditioner is that the window kit makes it incredibly easy to install. You’ll also have some dehumidification as one of the functions, even if it’s only a small amount. It’ll help on those days with moderate humidity.

The device produces quite a lot of noise for such a small device. You may need to buy sound dampeners for the window frames to stop any rattling, but it won’t help with the compressor and fan noise. There also doesn’t appear to be a compressor cycle.

If you want to change between the two available speeds, you’ll have to use the rotary controls. The louvers help with circulation through the eight-way directional airflow so that you can feel the cooling effect. You can wash the internal filter to ensure that the air you breathe remains clean.

Bottom Line

This small 5,000 BTU packs a powerful punch in small rooms. It’s ideal for bedrooms or small living rooms, as long as there are no obstacles in the way. You can also lower humidity levels if they aren’t too high.

Quietest/Most Efficient Window Air Conditioner: 
Koldfront WAC12002WCO

Koldfront WAC12003WCO 12000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier and Remote Control

PROS

  • Quiet
  • Easy to Install
  • Has a Remote Control
  • Well-Made of High-Quality Material
  • Even When on the Low Setting, it Still Produces a Lot of Cold Air (Just With Less Force)

CONS

  • Lowest Temperature Setting is 62 Degrees, Which May Still Be High for Some Users

The Koldfront WAC12002WCO is probably the most energy efficient air conditioner you will be able to find on the market today. It uses only 1000 watts, which means that if you kept it running continuously for an entire month straight it would still cost you less than $100 in energy bill increases, making it actually cheaper than a central air conditioning system.

And despite this extreme energy efficiency, it is also super-effective – it can cool a room within thirty minutes, and also cool down an entire house (though it will take a bit longer).

It has the highest BTU any regular outlet can handle, so if you are not interested in installing 230V outlets just to cool off during the summer, this is the unit for you.

Another reason this unit is particularly efficient and effective is its ability to seal the cool air inside of your home and ensure none of it is projected out. Similarly, none of the hot outside air is pulled in. And it is also great as a dehumidifier – users report it can remove pints of water per hour from the air!

Bottom Line

The Koldfront WAC12002WCO is probably the most energy efficient window air unit you will be able to find. It may not be as cold as some other units, though.   

Best on Amazon: 
 LG LW6017R

LG 6,000 BTU Window Conditioner, 250 Sq.Ft. (10' x 25' Room Size), Quiet Operation, Electronic Control with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, 115V, White

PROS

  • Easy to Use
  • Powerful Fan
  • Able to Rapidly Cool a Room
  • Does Not Make a Lot of Noise
  • Great for Windows That Are on the Smaller Side

CONS

  • Insulation Foam is Low Quality

If you are looking for a top-notch window air conditioner with convenient delivery an Amazon purchase, the LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner is the choice for you!

There are a ton of incredible features with this unit, including additional panels on the side of the unit so you can keep the cooler air inside your house, while also blocking any odors from outside, whether city fumes or country skunk stink.

The upward vent on this unit efficiently cycles the air throughout the room, instead of forcing it into one concentrated area. It can be controlled both remotely and with the control panel directly on the unit itself. Also, this unit really maximizes its energy efficiency – you will not have to worry about it crashing on a really hot day when your utility company lowers the power rates.

Bottom Line

The LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner is a great unit with some really incredible features. However, it may be worthwhile for you to stock up on your own insulation foam.

Small Efficient Window Air Conditioner:
 Frigidaire FFRA0511R1

No products found.

PROS

  • Quiet
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to Install
  • Cools Rooms Quickly
  • Compact Size for Easy Storage

CONS

  • Does Not Work as Well in Larger Rooms

Our Review

The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is a great window air conditioner for smaller spaces and is particularly awesome if you are looking for a window unit that can easily be removed and stored away in the winter and then reinstalled when the weather outside starts heating up again. Users report that this is an incredibly easy unit to install and uninstall – with the whole process only taking about twenty minutes in total.

Its compact size ensures it will not take up a lot of space in your garage or storage closet when it is not in use during the colder months. It is also small enough to be able to be mounted to a window without requiring an outside support bracket, so that is a little bit less work for you. It has two cooling speeds, two fan speeds, and two-way airflow director, so do not let the smaller size on this guy fool you – it is quite a versatile little unit.

Bottom Line

The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is an ideal window air conditioner if you are looking for something small that will still get the job done effectively. It will not work as well with larger rooms, but you would not be buying a small air conditioner for a larger room anyway.

Friedrich Chill Series Window Air Conditioner | 6,000 BTU | CP06G10B model

PROS

  • Reliable
  • Remote Controlled
  • Sturdy and Well Built
  • Has a Dry Mode for More Humid Days
  • Oscillating Vent Provides a Cool Breeze

CONS

  • Difficult to Change Out the Filter
  • Friedrich Does Not Provide Good Customer Service

The Friedrich Chill CP06G10B 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is the premier choice when it comes to energy efficient window air conditioners. This unit has a high-efficiency rating, so you know you are getting the most bang for your buck. It is a solid option if you happen to have central air conditioning but do not want to spend the money to cool your whole house down at night when all you really need is a cooling unit for your bedroom.

Speaking of night time, this air conditioner will definitely not keep you awake – both the compressor and the fan on this bad boy are quiet and do not produce any rattling.

There are also a number of convenient features on this unit that will make your life quite a bit easier, such as a timer control, so you can set it to turn on right before you get home from work. It also has a removable chassis, so you can take the unit itself out for cleaning while leaving the case still sealed inside the window. Best of all, it is simple to install and can be done by just one person.

Bottom Line

The Friedrich Chill CP06G10B 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is the ideal product in this category. Its only drawback is that it can be a little complicated to change out the unit’s filter.  

Are All Energy-Efficient Window Air Conditioners The Same?

There is no straight answer to this question. The reality is that energy-efficient air conditioners exhibit few similar and few different properties. Energy-efficient window air conditioners differ from each other on the basis of energy rating. The higher the energy rating, the higher the efficiency. For example, a 12 EER window AC will consume more energy than a 13 EER window AC. 

On the contrary, the purpose of all energy-efficient window ACs is the same, which is to suck in the hot air and exhale out the cold air without increasing the cost. In fact, energy-efficient window air conditioners weigh less on the bill economy.

Top Energy Efficient Window AC Brands 

You might have spotted a few well-known brands in our reviews, but we’ve also covered some you may not recognize. While company names shouldn’t be as significant as performance and quality, sometimes these go hand-in-hand. Here are a few companies to look out for when it comes to energy-efficient window ACs.

LG

Known as GoldStar in 1968, LG Electronics produces household appliances that speak volumes for durability, performance, and reliability. Within that offering, it also has several HVAC products that have won some awards over the years. Many consider its inverter AC technology to be the best worldwide, assisting with energy savings of up to 70%.

LG LW8016ER

Honeywell

If you’re looking for a household name that’s spread its reputation far and wide with air conditioners, it’s hard to beat Honeywell. Whether you’re looking for ACs, dehumidifiers, chillers, coolers, or evaporators, it has HVAC products to suit every requirement. It caters to residential, industrial, and commercial sectors with its quality performance. 

Amana

Amana products started appearing in 1934 when George Foerstner designed a new beverage cooler. Since then, the company has worked hard in Iowa to pioneer its way into the HVAC industry with new innovative technology. One of its top features includes filter driers within air conditioners.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

Energy efficiency is a significant topic when it comes to air conditioners. They are one of the primary culprits in eating lots of power and having an effect on the environment, especially in corporate settings. Here are some rating systems you should be aware of and how they work.

SEER

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio refers to the cooling output of an AC over a season, divided by W/hour energy usage. It uses a consistent indoor temperature over the cooling season while comparing outdoor ranges over 60 degrees. The maximum rating is 21. 

EER 

An Energy Efficient Ratio also takes the BTU and divides it by wattage, but doesn’t concern itself with the seasons. Instead, it uses a constant outdoor temperature of 95 °F. The best EER rating is 12.

Energy Star

The US Environmental Protection Agency provides strict guidelines for how air conditioners should use electricity more efficiently. Energy Star ratings measure how well these devices meet these regulations, comparing both EER and SEER. 

Which is More Important, the EER or SEER Rating?

EER is best used for room ACs, while SEER is ideal for central air conditioners. Furthermore, SEER looks at the average efficiency, while EER only takes into account the hottest season of the year. It all depends on which air conditioner you have and what you’re looking to measure against.

Does The Highest EER Mean The Most Energy Savings?

If you’re comparing it across the same BTU size, then yes. Remember, it divides the cooling capacity by the wattage. So while an EER of 12 is excellent, you’ll still pay more for electricity when it comes to a 14,000 BTU than an 8,000 BTU.

Benefits of Investing in a Great Model

When it comes to air conditioners, you are going to want to go with quality, even if that means a price increase. Here’s why:

Durability

Window air conditioners can be one of the worst things in the world to repair – not only does it often take a specialized skill set to fix them, but by nature of the air conditioner not working, you are going to be drenched in sweat and cranky the whole time you are fiddling with your tools. Skip the stress and invest in a unit that will last a long time.

Compact Size

Window units are not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing component of a room – so the smaller the unit is, the better. Plus, smaller units are easier to install, remove, and store, if you are interested in packing your unit away during the winter months.

Convenience Features

There are a number of high tech bells and whistles on today’s fancier window units that can make your life a lot easier. Stuff like automatic timers, so the unit will kick on right before you go to work or kick off right after you fall asleep and remote control operation can really improve your air conditioning experience.

Conclusion

Energy efficient air conditioners are the way of the future – they will cut down on your energy costs while still effectively cooling your entire living space. Make sure you find yourself an air conditioner that will fit your specific window and room sizing needs and you will never have to worry about being hot again.

People Also Ask

You have questions, we have answers. The answers to some frequently asked questions will clear out every doubt, if any, regarding this topic. So, have a look at some of the most commonly occurring questions to see if they clear out your confusion.

How Do I Know I Am Getting an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner?

Most modern air conditioners have an energy-efficient rating for you to compare them. You can also evaluate the wattage used during the highest settings and evaluate it against the BTU and airflow. When you’re using the air conditioner, ensure that you take measurements of electrical use to make sure the device isn’t using more than it should.

Is It More Energy Efficient To Leave Window AC On?

You might think that running your air conditioner all day will burn your money in the long run. The sad truth is that it might actually save you money. When you start your AC every time, it usually loads of electricity to bring your room’s temperature to the required level. It uses less power just to maintain a constant level.

What is the Most Energy-Efficient Temperature For Air Conditioning?

The most energy-efficient temperatures for AC lie between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and can save energy up to 47%. Therefore, using air conditioners on these temperatures will keep your room cool and reduce energy consumption as well. 

If the room temperature is close to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, then attaining the cooling temperatures will be easier for the AC compressor. As a result, more energy will be saved.

How Much Will An Energy-Efficient Window Air Conditioner Save Me In Bills?

The deduction in billing costs varies with respect to the energy efficiency rating proposed by an energy-efficient window air conditioner. Broadly speaking, an energy-efficient window air conditioner can save energy up to 47% and cut down on your billing costs to a great extent, like about 20 to 25 percent. 

How Much Does it Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner Energy-Efficient?

An energy-efficient window AC saves a considerable amount of money. You can make a rough estimation of how much energy-efficient window ACs cost per month. 

For instance, multiply the power your window AC consumes per hour with the used hours and then multiply by 30. The result would be the units that you have to multiply with the cost per unit charged in your country. The final answer will be the cost of the energy-efficient window AC for those particular hours per month.

What Does EER Actually Stand For?

EER stands for the Energy Efficient Ratio, a metric often used when describing smaller window air conditioners. The EER can help you compare two different models of air conditioners and determine which one will save you more energy.

How to Reduce Energy Cost When Using a Window Air Conditioner?

You can reduce energy costs when using a window air conditioner in much the same way as you would try to reduce energy costs in general – by simply keeping your home cooler so that you do not need to run the air as much. This can include strategies such as opening windows to let in cool air at night and in the mornings and using blackout shades during the day.

Are Window Air Conditioners More Efficient Than Central Air?

For smaller areas, yes, window air conditioners are more efficient than a central air conditioning system. Window air conditioners are great for apartments and smaller homes because they will ultimately save you money in the long run.

Are Window Units Efficient?

It really depends on each particular unit’s EER. Some window units like the ones described in this article are more energy efficient than others.



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.