Choosing an air conditioner can be daunting not because of the heat of summer but because they have such robust functionalities, and there’s so much to consider.
Our guide contains information on the top factors you should look at, the best remotely-controlled AC brands, and top products.
Let’s start the journey and pick the most suitable model for your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Window Air Conditioners With Remote
- OUR TOP PICK: Della 048-TL-WAC6K
- RUNNER-UP: MIDEA EasyCool MAW08R1BWT
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Midea U Inverter MAW12V1QWT
Comparison of the Best Window Air Conditioners With Remote
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How We Picked the Best Remote-Controlled Window Air Conditioners
We’ve considered a few factors that put an AC among the best on the market. Let’s go through it all and explain why we prioritize them.
Can the AC Be Controlled Remotely?
We believe that having a controller for your AC is a must these days. It’s one of the basics that has become a standard among air conditioner manufacturers. It improves the quality of your life and increases convenience.
Some smart remotes can sense how far you are from the unit and adjust the temperature according to that distance. Our list contains a few top-quality products, all of which have remote controls in their original boxes.
However, there are a few other methods to control the appliance remotely:
Buy a Universal Controller
This solution can be necessary if you lose the original one or pair a unit that didn’t have it. Most universal AC remotes have the basic functionality covered. You just need to ensure your appliance model can tune a controller using specific frequencies.
Pair it With Your Smartphone
This method is only viable for models that have Wi-Fi or can connect to a smart thermostat, which in its place is paired with your phone.
Timer and Programmable Start
If the AC offers a programmable timer functionality, your life will become that much better. You’ll be able to set when the unit should work and when it should stop so that you never have to think about the hot outdoors once you set foot in the house.
This can help you save on your electricity bill, as you won’t have to let the unit run all day. Similarly, the unit will turn off at the preset time.
Modes and Functionality
As an extension to the programmable functionality, some of the best ACs have various modes to make your life easier and the house even more pleasant.
Most modern window ACs double down as dehumidifiers. As you might know, humid air is harder to keep cold because of how our body cools down. If the surrounding air can’t accept more water particles (in the form of sweat, you’ll start feeling stuffy.
Thus dehumidification is an essential function for an efficient AC. On the other hand, you might only need fresh air in your room, without cooling. Some air conditioners have ionization functionality, which removes dust particles from the air.
Another necessary mode is the “Sleep” setting, sometimes also dubbed as “Econ” or “Energy Saver.” These modes are a convenient option to get coolness without blasts of cold air. The appliance gently reduces the room temperature and works more quietly (hence the name).
Smart Technologies
In the age of Smart Homes and technology development, the ACs of newer generations have transformed the notion of heating and cooling.
In the past, you’d come home and crank the air conditioner up to get the desired temperature. Now you can set it to gently bring the space to the comfort level while you’re outside.
Review of the Best Window Air Conditioners With Remote
We’ve put together a list of top-quality air conditioners with a remote. Read the reviews below to help find the best functionality and specs for your space. Find out the pros and cons of the given models, and learn what customers say about the products.
Best Overall
Della 048-TL-WAC6K
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 250 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): 240
Dimensions (in): 15.2×15.98×12.52
Weight: 43 lbs.
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Review
Della’s compact window AC comes in a few BTUs to cover rooms from 250 to 1,000 square feet. Its fast cooling functionality will reduce the temperature in the room in minutes. It’s also highly efficient in filtering the air and dehumidifying due to its three-in-one design.
The unit comes with a bright and large LCD and buttons to control its operation. It also includes a remote control to take on all the functions.
Cleaning the filter is easy due to its position and removal with only one touch.
Bottom Line
Della is a top company that produces quality “home and kitchen” products. Their portable and window AC lines are some of the best. The unit in this review has all the necessary functionality and is an excellent choice.
Convenient for small spaces, this model comes in various tonnages to accommodate your area requirements. In addition to that, the installation kit makes it a breeze to set up, minimizing leaks and energy costs.
Pros
Energy Star Rate of 12.1
Washable and reusable filter
Sleep mode and a 24-hour timer
Temperature range between 61℉ – 88℉
Easy installation with all the necessary parts included in the box
Cons
Higher noise levels than some models on the market
Runner-up
Midea EasyCool MAW08R1BWT
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 350 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 16.02×18.54×13.39
Weight: 53.9 lbs.
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Review
With its coverage of 150 to 550 square feet, the brand offers AC models from 5,000 to 12,000 BTUs.
In addition to all the expected functions, the bright LED display, and three-in-one capability, the unit has unique proximity sensors. They adjust the temperature based on the distance at which the remote control sends the signal.
This feature adds the comfort at which your home responds to your commands. It’s enhanced with the sleep mode and timer that knows when to turn on for maximum energy efficiency and temperature control.
All Midea products come with a bracket to hold the AC in place and additional accessories to assist during the installation process.
Bottom Line
Midea EasyCool is a user favorite for a reason. It reduces the temperature in large areas efficiently and dehumidifies like a pro. Some users complain about damaged boxes during delivery, but most reviews are positive. With the included warranty, the system promises to serve you for years to come.
Pros
One-year warranty
LED temperature display for easy control from across the room
Easy installation with no significant modifications to the window frame
24-hour timer to adjust to your schedule: shut down and turn on at specific times
Three-in-one functionality, with air conditioning, dehumidification, and fan-only modes
Cons
No sliding window installation possible
Best for the Money
Midea U Inverter MAW12V1QWT
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 21.97×19.17×13.46
Weight: 71.2 lbs.
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Review
Midea U Inverter combines ingenious U design and innovative technologies for top performance. You can keep the window open or closed, at the same time adjusting the screens (not included in the package).
The mounting bracket keeps the unit in place securely, while the sealants help keep the air isolation at its best. All the mounting accessories are included for a painless installation.
The highly technological approach to the unit design allows the appliance to work with smartphones via an app and through voice assistants. Your smartphone app will request GPS and camera permissions to connect to the AC.
One of the highlights of this model is its energy efficiency. The unit will save you 35% more than other products on the market.
Bottom Line
This extremely quiet AC is an excellent find for cooling your space in style. The brand offers three tonnages for this unit: 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTUs.
In addition to the sleek design, you’ll be staying on top of technological advancements. The intelligent cloud can connect to voice assistants and set the temperature. It also adjusts to your sleeping patterns, tweaking the temperature over eight hours.
Pros
Quiet operation up to 42 dBA
Support bracket and anti-theft mechanism included
Allows to open and close the window it’s installed on
Intelligent controls with voice assistants on Android and iOS
35% more energy savings compared to the best units on the market
Cons
Ensure window compatibility
No two-factor authentication in the app
Confusing installation instructions: better to follow a video
Best 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner With Remote
Keystone KSTAW05BE
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 150 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 15.4x16x12
Weight: 39.6 lbs.
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Review
This unit is ideal if you’re shopping for a smaller room. It doesn’t have too much power, so you need to go for something else for a mid-to-high tier solution.
Although it might not be one of the most powerful ones on the market, it’s definitely worth the money you pay. With mostly positive reviews, this unit surpasses its counterparts in a few aspects. The remote is a nice bonus.
Bottom Line
5,000 BTU Keystone AC is one of the best small-sized air conditioners on the market. You simply need to ensure that it’s what you expect. This appliance is excellent for enclosed spaces with a small window (attics and basements).
You also need to ensure that the noise doesn’t interfere. Once you know its flaws and strengths, it’s possible to make it work.
Pros
High energy efficiency (rated 11)
Dehumidification up to 1.3 pints/hour
Fast cooling for maximum temperature control
Electronic controls with LED display and a compact remote
Convenient for bedrooms due to quiet operation (49 dBA on low)
Cons
Louder than most small-capacity units
Best 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner With Remote
TOSOT 8,000 BTU
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 350 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 21×17.2×12.8
Weight: 52.9 lbs.
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Review
TOSOT has 20 years of research and development under its belt. This means that the company strives to bring you the best of science, fusing it into an elegant, modern design. The model under consideration has 8,000 BTUs and can cover areas up to 350 square feet.
With the sleep mode and multiple wind directions, the air conditioner adapts to you and your environment. It comes with a smart remote that senses the temperature around itself. This technology helps the AC adjust around you instead of the unit.
It dehumidifies and cleans the air from harmful particles and dust.
Bottom Line
If you want to cool down your space and make it smarter, TOSOT AC comes to help. Its energy efficiency, robust functionality, and beautiful design are all you need from your air conditioner. The system also comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
Efficient, energy-star rated
LED display combined into the front panel
Fan only and dehumidification, in addition to cooling
Comes in three varieties of 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTUs
Beautiful modern design with elegant openings on the front
Cons
No latest setting memory after a power shutdown
What Functions Can an Air Conditioner Remote Control Perform?
AC remotes weren’t the most functional tools when the appliances started becoming popular. You’d find more functions on the unit than on the remote. Today, you hardly have to approach the AC. They control a wide array of functions, depending on system capabilities.
Here are a few common ones you’ll see on a typical AC remote:
Switch the Unit On/Off
This is the most common function. It’s been there since the beginning, freeing you of the burden of walking to the unit to control it manually.
Control Modes
Your AC is a complex appliance, which has a variety of modes like cool, heat, auto, dry, and fan. Cooling is the standard function of an AC. The best units usually have many ready-to-use settings for common areas. On the other hand, you can use manual control if you want the air conditioner to perform other functions like dehumidification and maximum energy efficiency.
Fan Speed
This button lets you set the fan speeds on high, medium, and low. Some remotes would also let you choose the “Auto” speed for smart systems.
Air Direction
Usually, the remote can control the direction of blinds on your AC to help direct the air to the area you want. Newer models have more innovative controls.
Sleep Mode
This is one of the most convenient options an AC can have, especially if it’s mounted on your bedroom window. The unit cools the space in increments, works more quietly, and saves electricity.
Timer
Timer is convenient if you don’t want the AC to work while you sleep. You can set it to turn off as soon as the timer hits zero.
Random Restart
This function is helpful during a power failure. The AC can turn on to the latest setting after the electricity comes back.
Ionization
Most ACs have the ionization function, which means that they also double down as air purifiers. You can use the remote to set it up.
As you can see, AC remotes are becoming more functional, helping you maximize the unit’s performance.
Pros and Cons of a Remote-Controlled Air Conditioner
As we’ve already mentioned, remote controllers are essential to an AC in today’s technologically advanced world. Simultaneously, there are a couple of disadvantages to keeping a working appliance while you’re not in the area.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of a remote-controlled air conditioner.
Pros
Here are some pros:
The Convenience of Use Due to the Regular Controller
We’ve established the advantages of having a remote control and how it can ease the burden of walking up to the unit to turn a knob earlier. Control the unit from around 25 feet; you won’t even have to get up from your bed.
Use Smartphone Applications for the Real Remote Experience
In the Smart Home era, you can “talk” to your home or office from miles away. Once you’re connected to the central thermostat via the Wi-Fi network, the area is under your control. You can use your mobile phone to perform all the functions an original remote would do.
Wide Array of Functions at Arm’s Length
You can control all the functions of the appliance remotely. Turn on the fan, turn off the ionization, set a timer, and so much more!
Cons
Here are some cons:
Controlled While You’re Not Around
On the one hand, arriving at a cool house can be viewed as an advantage. However, having a working appliance can be a hazard. While today’s ACs come with built-in fail-saves and mechanisms that set you at ease, leaving the unit working with no supervision can be risky.
Hacking Risks
While innovative units can be fascinating, technologically advanced homes and controllers are exposed to various risks. Brute-force hacking and malware attacks might incapacitate the whole system, leaving you and the house vulnerable in more than one way.
Sure, you can take up security measures against such risks, but the possibility is still there.
Top Makers of Air Conditioners With Remotes
Although new brands come and go, a few AC space leaders have remained in the last decades. Most of these brands cover the higher end of the price range, but they’re worth the money you pay.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire is the USA division of Electrolux, a European company and a leader in electronics and house appliances production.
The company has been one of the most well-known brands in the United States. People used to call any refrigerator a Frigidaire (much like Xerox in the photocopier arena).
In addition to ACs, the company produces other house appliances such as refrigerators, washers, microwaves, freezers, stoves, ovens, and more.
LG
Unless you’ve been living under a rock since the 1950s, you know that LG is a top South Korean electronics manufacturer. Its four divisions cover home appliances, entertainment, mobile communications, and vehicle parts markets worldwide.
The home appliances division produces dryers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and of course, air conditioners. Moving into the future, LG works on more intelligent home solutions and gadgets, allowing owners to send voice commands to their appliances.
Midea
Mentioned twice on our list, Midea is a public company, listed as the 253rd on Forbes Global Fortune 500.
It specializes in refrigeration, cooking, and water appliances. The company produces gadgets for air treatment (conditioning, dehumidification, and purification).
It has more than two hundred logistics centers worldwide, supplying 195 countries. As you can guess from the units on our list, this company is tapping into Smart Home solutions and producing top-tier results.
Conclusion
Remotes have become an inseparable part of technology in recent years. As the ACs become more complex, the controllers have to catch up with the functionality.
While home technology might’ve started to shift toward mobile device-controlled Smart Homes, regular remotes still hold the fort strong. The manufacturers are also working to improve them.
People Also Ask
Below are a few more AC remote-related questions that you might be asking.
Yes, they do. Find a model that works with your unit brand and pair it with a few easy steps. You only need to click the “Set” button on the remote for a few seconds and the AC will catch the frequencies from the controller.
Once the initial setup is done, the buttons will work as they’re supposed to.
Some Android phones allow you to control the AC using special apps. Most phone applications are universal, and others can only pair with specific brands.
The mentioned apps don’t usually work with an iPhone. To control the unit with an Apple device, you might need a Smart Home solution like a thermostat or a control panel paired with your mobile.
You can set the temperatures and control all the aspects of your smart home while out and about. Your house will be waiting for you at the comfort levels you prefer.
While specific models might have different distances indicated in the manual, 25 feet is the average distance an AC remote can be operational.
