Best Window Air Conditioners With Heat – Complete 2022 Buyer’s Guide

A window air conditioner can be a welcome breath of cool air in the summer, but what happens when the cooler weather moves in? 

That’s where a window AC with heat comes in. Having a unit with dual functions saves energy, allows you to keep it in the window year round, and gives you an additional source of heat for cool weather. 

Want to know more about these, including how to decide on one, and how they work? We’ve got the answers to your questions here.

Comparison of the Best Window Air Conditioners With Heat

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Window Air Conditioner With Heat 

It’s vital to consider certain factors when you’re planning on a window air conditioner unit so you can find one that’s suitable for you and will meet your needs. We’ve compiled a list of significant factors and why they’re essential.

Energy Efficiency 

Overall, window air conditioners that are best are more affordable. If appropriately sized, they cost less to purchase and maintain over the long term. To know your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, you should see if it’s Energy Star rated and has a good energy efficiency ratio. 

The energy efficiency ratio is a measurement of how many BTUs the unit uses for each watt of power. For an air conditioner to be more efficient, the EER is supposed to be high and around the scale of 10.0 to save on your electricity bills. Energy Star rated air conditioners use less energy than regular models, and they also save on electricity bills.

Installation 

Most standard window air conditioners have a design that allows them to fit on regular windows, and there are window kits that make the installation process more manageable. It’s essential to know your window’s size to ensure that you get an air conditioner that’ll fit. 

If the air conditioner is too small, there are alternatives and window kits that allow installing a small-sized air conditioner through your window. 

Maintenance

Window air conditioners demand maintenance to ensure that they’re always in good condition. As we continue to use them, they accumulate dirt and dust, which could interfere with the unit’s effectiveness due to clogging. 

It’s okay to clean your air conditioner by yourself regularly, but at some point, you have to schedule professional clean-ups. You don’t want your air conditioner to stop working when you need it or develop significant problems.

Noise

If there’s one thing that everyone hates it’s the continuous noise of something we can’t control.

The majority of air conditioners produce sounds when they’re in the process of heating or cooling the room, and so you must know how loud or silent your air conditioner can get. 

You also have to consider where you’re going to install it. Installing a noisy AC in your room might cause you sleepless nights.

Heating Capacity 

The heating capacity of your window air conditioner is measured in British thermal units.  The majority of standard rooms use a window air conditioner with the heat of 11,000 BTUs and more. 

If your air conditioner is smaller than the size of your space, it’ll continue running, but it’ll be inefficient, so it’s vital to know the size of your room before you buy your air conditioner. 

Review of the Best Window Air Conditioner With Heat

Below is a list of window air conditioners that might give you an overview of what to expect from yours. They have different features and focus on other needs you might have, making it easy to find one that might be suitable for you.

When Would I Use a Window Air Conditioner With Heat?

With so many window air conditioner options in the market, you may be wondering why and when should you invest in a unit with both cooling and heating functions. Below are just some of the good reasons:

Reducing Hazards

Using window air conditioners with heat is highly recommended as it doesn’t pose any risk to home safety. You don’t have to watch them or monitor them, unlike portable space heaters. Most air conditioners have an energy-saving mode that ensures the unit doesn’t overheat and cause safety risks or use up a lot of energy. 

With space heaters, you have to keep them away from children, animals, and any places that might expose them to moisture or dampness. Having a window air unit allows for excellent ventilation and a controlled humidity level in the room. If properly installed, you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt.

Saving on Costs

Window air conditioners with heat are more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioners. The majority of AC units have a thermostat that controls them from having to run continuously.

Once the room has reached the desired temperature, the AC doesn’t overheat or over cool but is programmed to stop, and this saves on electricity bills and prevents your AC unit from overworking.

Small Space and Easy Installation

Window air conditioners are highly suitable for people with limited space as they’re installed through the window and hardly eat up any exterior space. They’re straightforward to install and come with window kits. 

How Does a Window Air Conditioner With Heat Work?

Window air conditioners that provide both cooling and heating are called heat pumps. In the summer, they’re used to cool down high temperatures, and in winter, they’re used to warm our rooms. 

The performance of a window heat pump when in heat mode is measured by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). To calculate the HSPF, the seasonal British thermal unit is divided by the quantity of used-up energy over a similar period.

A heat pump has two significant aspects, which are the evaporator and the condenser. During heat mode, the condenser sits internally and the evaporator externally. The evaporator absorbs atmospheric heat and ejects air into space through the condenser to heat the place.

What Size Window Air Conditioner With Heat Do I Need?

To decide on a window air conditioner suitable for you, you have various factors to consider. 

You have to consider the size of your window. You must know the dimensions of your window and the AC unit you’re interested in buying. Usually, it’s not a problem when the AC unit is smaller than the window because window kits can accommodate the leftover space. 

If the air conditioner is larger than the window, you won’t be able to install it.

The energy efficiency of an AC unit is measured by the British thermal units used for each watt of power. 

The size of the air conditioner should be enough to heat and cool the designated room effectively. A small AC unit won’t work for a large room, and it’ll cause high electricity bills, with no effectiveness to show for, and this could also wear down the unit.

Top Brands of  Window Air Conditioner With Heat

Some brands are known for producing the best window air conditioners with heat, and they continue to improve their products day-by-day to accommodate everyone. Please take a look at a few and know why they’re highly recommended. 

Frigidaire

Frigidaire has been one of the world’s leading brands in appliances. It provides products that are of high-quality material worldwide, which makes it a reliable brand.

The Frigidaire brand produces window air conditioners that are dual modes, for cooling and heating. They have adjustable temperature controls and energy-saving systems that allow your AC unit never to overheat or over cool. Their AC units are also well equipped with installation kits, and they last longer when they’re taken care of properly.

Koldfront

Koldfront produces portable products that you can use innovatively in small spaces. The brand specializes in space-saving products from portable AC units to portable dishwashers.

They also have a variety of other appliances such as wall air conditioners and standard AC units.

An advantage of the Koldfront products is that they’re affordable and made of high quality. 

They can accommodate small houses to large residential and commercial areas. They’re easy to use and last longer when you don’t misuse them. 

With features such as energy-saving mode and sleep mode, the products have low electric bills and are safe to leave on in the house if they have a set temperature. There will be no excessive heating or cooling of the AC unit, and therefore, the AC won’t be overused.

Friedrich

The Friedrich brand has a wide range of products with durability and low-noise production. They produce high-quality air conditioners. Most are pricey, but they’re worth the price. 

Their air conditioners are known to last more than 10 years if they’re well taken care of and you clean them to prevent clogging.

Pros and Cons of Window Air Conditioners With Heat

You might want to evaluate the pros and cons of window air conditioners with heat and get an idea of what problems you have to face and the solutions to problems you already have.

Pros

Here are some pros:

Energy Efficient

The majority of air conditioners come equipped with energy-saving features. You can set your standard temperature and the air conditioner doesn’t heat excessively or over cool.

There are also features like sleep mode that are beneficial because you won’t be waking up at night to monitor room temperature. These features increase energy efficiency and lower electricity bills.

Easy to Install and Maintain

Most window air conditioners have their window kits for easy installation and support. You won’t have to worry about children or pets’ safety as your AC will be securely framed. The maintenance of air conditioners doesn’t demand professional cleaning regularly. 

Window air conditioners are easy to clean to prevent excessive dirt and clogging, and then you can hire professional cleaning after a certain period. 

Dual-Purpose

Window air conditioners are great because they come in dual modes. In summer, you can use them for cooling the room and keeping it refreshed. In winter, you’re able to use them as a heater, and they work effectively. You won’t need to have more than one appliance for each season. 

Cons

Here are some cons:

Noise

The main downside to some window air conditioners is the noise they produce, which poses a problem, especially when installed in a place like a bedroom. However, you can seek professional assistance on the noise, but that will be costly. 

Price Points of Best Window Air Conditioners With Heat

A window air conditioner with heat has its price determined by how many admirable features it has. Below is an overview of what to expect on air conditioners at specific prices.

$300 – $400

Window air conditioners with heat usually range from 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs. They have a design to work effectively in a room of about 150 to 350 square feet. They are small in size, making them suitable for small spaces such as offices and smaller rooms. Their main advantage is that they’re affordable.

$400 – $600

Window air conditioners with heat in this price range have features like energy-saving mode and sleep mode. They come with remote controls that let you operate the air conditioner from anywhere in the room. 

Window kits are mostly part of the package, so it’s easier to install them very quickly. They’re well equipped to heat or cool about 350 to 550 square feet and have between 8,000 and 12,000 BTUs.

$700+

Window air conditioners in this price range are almost noiseless. You can hardly hear them when they’re on. They’re designed for larger rooms and work effectively in about 600 to 1,000 square feet. They have power and are energy efficient. 

They have features like sleep mode and automatic restart. Some air conditioners allow window and wall installation, making it easier for people who don’t have access to a window. The window kit has a design to suit both installation systems.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Air Conditioners With Heat?

Although window air conditioners with heat are a great solution when it’s cold, and we need to keep warm, it’s essential to know if they’re what you need and are suitable for you.

Purchasing a window air conditioner is pointless if you have no window to install it through. If not correctly installed, a window AC unit can prove dangerous and won’t allow excellent ventilation. For an air conditioner to be efficient, it needs to vent on the outside, and without a window, this is impossible.

Depending on the air conditioner’s size, you might not be able to move it around from room to room, and you can’t rely on it to cool large spaces if made to cool less. 

Don’t go for a less expensive AC unit that won’t meet your needs because it’ll be ineffective and waste money. 

Window air conditioners are a safety risk as they draw in burglars. They become an entry point to your house, especially if you don’t install them properly. There’s also a risk they might be stolen. 

Conclusion

Window air conditioners are a great way of heating your space. They come with unique features, and they don’t take a toll on electricity bills. They’re great to have in both winter and summer and are easy to install and maintain. 

It’s essential that before you decide on getting one, you look at the benefits of having a window air conditioner with heat and the disadvantages as well. Evaluating if they fit your needs is also essential because you don’t want an ineffective AC and the disappointment that comes with that. 

People Also Ask

Here are some answers to questions you might have and could probably help your decision on whether or not to get your window air conditioner with heat.