Reviews | Best Quiet Window Air Conditioner — 2019 : KEEP Cool!

Only 49 dB. You’ll barely notice it’s running. (Buy from Amazon)

The best quiet window air conditioner will cost you a little more money than your average window AC because the technology BEHIND THE SILENCE, to make it whisper-quiet costs actually costs more money to manufacture. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Otherwise, they’d all be silent.

Personally, I think it’s worth the money to invest in a quiet window air conditioner because if it’s too loud it will drive you crazy over time and it will probably interrupt your natural sleep cycle at night. Yes, these AC’s cost a little more than your typical AC unit like the

Intro | Best Quiet Window Air Conditioner

Let’s be honest, when it gets hot in the middle of summer an air conditioner can be your savior, but they can also be truly annoying if they are noisy — which is exactly why this article will help you choose the best quiet window air conditioner, so you can actually sleep at night. Sleep and peace of mind are worth the added expense, in my humble opinion.

This is not just a review of the best quiet window air conditioners. We’ll also be providing you with a complete buyers guide. So you’re not only getting an insight into which window air conditioner is going to be quiet enough so that you can get a decent night’s sleep, we’ll also help you choose the best air conditioner for the size of your room and any other criteria that may be important to you.

LG LW1016ER (10,000 BTU) : Very quiet at only 52 dB

Well-made. can cool a room up to 450 sq.ft. (Buy from Amazon)

I know that there are many questions that people want answered, such as:

• What’s difference between a free-standing portable air conditioner and a window air conditioner? Which is better?
• Why is your air conditioner excessively noisy?
• What are the most important things to look for in a quiet window air conditioner?

These are some of the questions I’m going to seek to answer through the course of this article. Though our main focus is going to be a review of the best quiet window air conditioner. To this end, we’ve selected six great models with a range of BTU ratings for different size rooms.

• Haier ESAQ406P  (43 dB) (Serenity Series) — 6050 BTU
  • Area : 151 – 250 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 21.25″ W x 9″ D x 12.44″ H
• Frigidaire FFRH0822R1  : 52 dB (Low) to 57 dB (High) — 8000 BTU : (with Heater)
  • Area : 350 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 22⅝” W x 23-5/16″ D x 15⅜” H
• LG LW8016HR : 49 dB (indoor) / 54 dB (Outdoor) -— 7500 BTU : (with Heater)
  • Area : 320 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 18-7/16″ x 13⅞” x 20⅞”
• Whirlpool WHAW151BW (52 dB to 56 dB) — 15,000 BTU
  • Area : 700 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 25.4” W x 23.6” D x 17.9” H
• Frigidaire FFRE1533S1 : 52 dB (Low) to 56 dB (High) — 15,100 BTU
  • Area : 350 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 25⅜” D x 17⅞” H
• Frigidaire FFRA1211R1 : 53.5 dB (low) to 59 dB (High)— 12,000 BTU
  • Area : 550 Sq. Ft. /  AC Size : 19″ W x 21.5″ D x 14.52″ H

Understanding Quiet Window Air conditioners

Before reviewing the different window air conditioners in detail, I’m going to provide you with a basic overview of the specs that you’ll be looking at through the course of the review. Some window air conditioners supply both heating and cooling, whilst others only cool the room. That’s something you may want to consider.

BTU (British Thermal Unit)

Whether heating or cooling, an air conditioner’s ability to provide the right temperature is measured in BTU.

So, what exactly is BTU?

The term is an abbreviation for a British Thermal Unit. Don’t worry, it works outside of Britain too. Basically, the measurement was developed to help scientists establish an accurate unit to quantify heat transfer. To do this, they had to develop a standard that can be applied to any type of heating or cooling device, so that it’s possible to compare how effective they are at adding or removing heat. The formula which has become the global standard is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1-pound of water by 1°F at sea level.

While this may seem to be applicable only to heating, the reverse is also true. For both heating and cooling, heat is transferred. To heat a room, heat is added to the room and to cool it, heat is removed. So we’re always dealing with a heat transfer.

For Sliding Window/Casement Window : Frigidaire FFRS0822S1

Specifically designed for casement-window or sliding-window. (Amazon)

Basically, you can view a BTU as a parcel of heat. If you want to heat a room, you add as many heat parcels (BTUs) as is needed for the volume of the room to get it to the desired temperature. To cool a room, you’ll be removing BTUs by the same ratio. There are other factors like insulation and the amount of heat that’s transferred into the room by people, machinery or computers. I’ll discuss all of this in more detail later in the article when we look at choosing the right window air conditioner for the size of your room.

Having an air conditioner that’s suited to the room that you’re cooling (or heating) is an important deciding factor. If the BTU rate is too high, the air conditioner will cycle too quickly and this will cause a really cold draft or an excessively hot one when the air conditioner runs it’s heating or cooling cycle. It will also use more energy than is required, causing your electricity bill to be higher than it needs to be. Deciding on the exact BTU rate per hour for an air conditioner is virtually impossible, so you’ll be looking at a reasonable range within which your air conditioner needs to operate.

Let’s Talk about Decibels (dB)

As we’re going to be talking about silent window air conditioners here, it’s a good idea to put noise levels into perspective. To do this, we measure the sound level in decibels (dB). As a point of reference it’s best to compare noise levels to that of an average speaking voice. This is generally considered to be 65dB.

60 dB is as loud as a conversation | Whirlpool WHAW081BW 

You’ll barely notice it’s running at max speed. (Buy from Amazon)

So when comparing various quiet window air conditioners, we can work around the 65dB mark. A really quiet window air conditioner can be as low as 35dB and this is quieter than a whisper. Though some window air conditioners can exceed 80dBA. This is not quiet, the U.S occupational safety standards recommend wearing ear protection when noise levels reach 85dBA. So a window air conditioner with a noise level of 65dB or less, is perfectly acceptable.

Generally, a more powerful window air conditioner won’t be as quiet as a smaller unit. Then again, a large air conditioner is going to be used in a larger room. So in the end, your noise level is going to be relative to how far away you are from the unit. In a large room, it’s easier to position yourself further from the unit. A person conversing directly next you is going to be more of an interference than if they were several feet away. This is obviously the same when looking at the noise level of an air conditioner.

What’s the Best Quiet Window Air Conditioner?

Having looked at the basics of heating, cooling, and noise levels, it’s time to delve into the individual quiet window air conditioners that we’ve chosen for this review. As always, we’ve done quite a bit of research. By looking at the most popular quiet window air conditioners and understanding what makes them the number one choice for so many consumers, we’re able to give you a detailed and objective review of each product.

Often, cheaper products are more popular. They’re more affordable and that means more people will buy them. But this doesn’t always make them the best. On the other hand, some of the most expensive window air conditioners may be the best, but not necessarily the best value for money. It’s about striking a balance between your needs and your budget. With this in mind, we’ve looked at all your options. Prices may differ, but we’ve looked specifically at the best value you’ll be getting in a particular price range.

In the end, it’s about buying with confidence and my aim is to help you do that. So I’ll endeavor to point out the pros and cons of each product and the views of people who have been using these models, in order to place things into perspective. You want to get the best quiet window air conditioner that you can afford, and this review should help you do this.

After the review, I’ll provide plenty more useful information that should help you in your decision. So you’ll want to keep reading, it’s going to be of benefit to you.

Haier ESAQ406P (Serenity Series) — 6050 BTU

• Noise Level : 43 dB
• Cooling Area : 250 Sq. Ft. /  AC Size : 21.25″ W x 9″ D x 12.44″ H

Truly, that absolute quietest air conditioner you will find.

From the manufacturer : Quietest AC on the market : 9db quieter on average than window ACs by other major brands, and are softer on the ears than the next-most-quiet competitor by at least 3db*, which is nearly 40 percent more noise than Serenity from Haier.

*Based on third-party testing of average sound ratings of major brand’s 6000 and 8000 BTU Window Air Conditioners.

Features:

• ENERGY STAR Qualified
• Cross Flow Fan for stronger, smoother airflow
• Dual Motor Design for greater air control
• Compressor Blanket for reduced noise
• Cool, Fan, Energy Save, Dehumidify Modes
• 24hr Timer plus Sleep Mode
• Noise Level : 43 dB
• 6000 BTU room air conditioner for window-mounted installation
• Uses standard 115V electrical outlet
• Recommended cooling area: 151 to 250 sq. ft.
• 4 modes include Cool, Fan, Energy Saver, and Dehumidify

Note : Also available in a 8000 BTU model : Haier ESAQ408P Serenity Series (46 dB). Cools areas up to 350 sq.ft.

Documents for the Haier ESAQ406P, a quiet window air conditioner.

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the QUICK START GUIDE
• View or download the ENERGY GUIDE

Overview

The Haier ESAQ406P has some outstanding features that make it one of the best quiet window air conditioners. What stands out is the excellent energy efficiency and just about the lowest noise levels of any air conditioner. The price also stands out, for a small AC (6050 BTU), this one is quite expensive. Though I believe that you’re getting what you pay for, it’s a top-notch product and stands head and shoulders above many comparable window air conditioners. They also have a larger model in the same range for larger rooms. The Haier ESAQ406P is recommended for rooms that are about 250 sq. ft.

Watch this VIDEO & hear it in action | Haier ESAQ406P

These days, you’ll find many of the best window air conditioners have an Energy Star rating. Any electrical appliance with this rating will cost more than those that don’t. But it is money well spent. You’ll be saving energy with electricity consumption that’s 20-30% lower than average. This means the extra cash you spend today on the Haier with its Energy Star rating will come back to you in the years to follow. You’ll also be doing your bit to combat climate change. Less energy used, means a lower environmental impact. So it’s very low energy consumption is the first reason why I like the Haier so much, but there’s more.

In terms of comparing the Haier ESAQ406P to other quiet air conditioners, this one is just about the best when it comes to near silent operation. With a noise level of only 43 dB, you’ll hardly know it’s there. This is achieved by using a compressor blanket which insulates the noise generated by the compressor. The improved air flow design does the job of distributing the air better which has a knock-on effect of producing less air noise. Talk about a win-win combination. With dual electric motors (3 speed settings), it offers the best control over your air flow.

Impressive technology behind this impressive AC (Buy from Amazon)

A window air conditioner can be a bulky and unsightly installation. Here’s another area where I think the Haier is a real winner. The general design is crisp and modern in cool white. It’s also remarkably compact, measuring 21.25” (width) X 9” (depth) X 12.44” (height). It weighs only 56-pounds, so it’s no big hassle to remove in winter.

The controls are easy to follow and it has a full-function remote control as well as an LCD screen to display all the information you need. This air conditioner doesn’t have a heating function, but it has all the other stuff that you’d expect to find on one of the best quiet window air conditioners, with some class-leading specs. The dehumidifier is excellent, removing around 1.5-pints of moisture from the air per hour. Along with the dehumidifying setting, you also get a thermostat controlled cooling setting, fan only to simply circulate the air and save on electricity, and an energy save mode that will regulate the cooling cycle to maximize your energy usage whilst still cooling the air.

Directional louvers let you control the direction of the airflow. (Amazon)

It also has a sleep mode that will shut it off at a chosen time during the night, or you can set it to gradually increase the temperature as morning approaches so you don’t wake up to a cold room. Like most of the best air conditioners, it has a 24-hour timer.

The Haier has really excellent filters to remove allergens from the air. These will require cleaning periodically, but that’s the case with any air filtration system. To keep things simple and easy, it has a warning for when the filters need cleaning. Because I’m so impressed with the Haier ESAQ406P, I searched around to see if there are any negative reviews. After all, my aim is to be objective and no product is perfect – so there must be some cons to offset the many pros.

There doesn’t seem to be any legitimate complaints, unless you take into account the people who say it doesn’t work. This is clearly not the case unless these guys received a faulty or damaged unit. In which case, one would have this sorted under the warranty. One user mentioned a rattle that developed on the front grill after some time. This is also fairly normal with plastic grills and can usually be sorted out with a few simple DIY tricks.

Includes a full function remote control  | Quiet and Cool

As quiet as it gets.

After all has been said and done, I really like the Haier ESAQ406P. It really is one of the best quiet window air conditioners. It is a bit pricey and that would be my only concern, unless you believe that this level of quality is worth paying for. I certainly do, and it is definitely one of the quietest air conditioners around.

Best Quiet Window Air Conditioner if you truly want the quietest window air conditioner on the market. Yes, you will pay for it but if you can afford it then it’s worth the extra expense. Certainly, you can buy much cheaper ac models but I can assure you they will be much louder. It all depends on what your threshold is for noise.

Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 — 8000 BTU  (with Heater)

• Noise Level : 52 dB (Low) to 57 dB (High)
• Cooling Area : 350 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 22⅝” W x 23-5/16″ D x 15⅜” H

Control the temperature and fan speed from anywhere in the room.

Note : Accommodates windows with a minimum height of 16.5 inches with a width of 26.9 inches to 36 inches.

Features:

• Quick Cool & Quick Warm : When you need to cool down quickly or warm up faster, use the quick cool/warm mode to speed up the fan.
• Multi-Speed Fan : Features three different fan speeds, for more cooling flexibility.
• Sleep Mode : Maximum comfort throughout the evening hours with the added benefit of energy savings. With Sleep Mode, the temperature gradually increases a few degrees over the evening.
• Programmable 24-Hour On/Off Timer : Customize times to fit your schedule for immediate comfort when you get home. The built in timer allows you to preset the unit to turn on and off in half hour increments.
• Remote Control : Allows you to precisely control the temperature and fan speed from across the room.
• Supplemental Heating Option : With our supplemental heating capability, you can be comfortable no matter regardless of the temperature outside – you have both heating and cooling solutions!
• Effortless Temperature Control : Our air conditioners maintain the preset room temperature, so you will remain comfortable at all times.
• 2-in-1 Cooling and Heating System : It’s not only an air conditioner, it has a heating function giving you the option to use your 2-in-1 Air Conditioner and Heater year round – and in all temperatures.
• Easier Installation : With the slide-out chassis, you have an easier solution to installing your air conditioner. First install the outer cabinet of the AC in the window, then slide the interior of the air conditioner into place.
• Effortless Clean Filter : Our antibacterial filter reduces bacteria, room odors and other airborne particles for a healthier, more comfortable environment.
• Adjustable Side Panels : Side panels will extend to best fit your window.
• Comes with an extra long (6.5 feet) three-prong cord — making extension cords unnecessary.
• Effortless Restart : Automatically resumes operating at its previous settings when power is restored to your unit.
• Clean Filter Alert : Alert notifies you when your filter needs to be cleaned so you don’t have to keep track of it yourself.
• Ready-Select Controls : Easily select options with the touch of a button.
• Electronic Controls : Allow you to set the comfort level to your preference, while a convenient temperature readout displays the set temperature.

Documents for the Frigidaire FFRH0822R1, a quiet window air conditioner.

• ✓ View or download the MANUAL
• ✓ View or download the INSTALLATION GUIDE
• ✓ View or download the SPEC SHEET BROCHURE
• ✓ View or download the ENERGY GUIDE.

Overview

The brand says a lot, Frigidaire products have been around longer than most and have a stellar reputation. A first look at the price may lead one to think it’s expensive. Okay, it is quite expensive. But one has to remember that this is both an air conditioner for cooling and a heat pump for heating. It is exceptionally good for cold climates with an additional 3500 BTU supplemental heating capacity – that’s in addition to the 7000 BTU heat pump and an 8000 BTU air conditioner (cooling) capacity. It’s recommended for rooms up to 350 sq. ft.

Auto cool mode : Fan adjusts speeds as the room temperature changes. (Amazon)

In terms of function and spec level, the Frigidaire has what it takes to compete with any of the best air conditioners. When it comes to quiet air conditioners, not the best, but still quieter than most – rated at 52.1 dB with fan set at low speed and 57 dB at high. It’s also doesn’t have an Energy Star rating so it’s not the most economical. Though it’s still not bad too bad for an 8000 BTU air conditioner with a 9.8 energy efficiency ratio. Though if we compare this to the Haier ESAQ406P with an 11.2 ratio – the Frigidaire is going to consume more electricity per BTU. Perhaps, this is a small price to pay when you consider that Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 has rapid heating and cooling, which means it will get the room to the desired temperature faster than almost any other.

It’s a reasonable size for an 8000 BTU AC, measuring 23⁵⁄₁₆” (Depth), 15⅜” (Height), 22⅝” (width) and it weighs 80 LBs, so it’s not particularly light. The design is neat with a very conventional look. It can be wall mounted or fitted into a window with adjustable sides, fitting easily into most windows. The vents are perfectly placed and offer a multitude of directional settings. An LCD screen in the center of the unit with control functions directly below make it easy to use and to observe the room temperature and settings.

Includes a full-function remote control. (Buy from Amazon)

The fan can be set to three different speeds when cooling – low (200 CFM); medium (237 CFM) or high (259 CFM). When used in heating mode, the fan will always run at the lowest speed – you can’t change it. It also has a 24-hour timer and a sleep mode. You can set it for rapid heating or cooling if you’ve just got home and want to get the room to temperature as quickly as possible. Like many others, it has an energy saver mode that will maximize the settings for the lowest electricity consumption. These functions are easily adjusted via a remote control or at the unit. The Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 has anti-bacterial air filters that are comparable to any of the best you’ll find. Like many of the premium AC units, it has a warning to check the filters when they become clogged.

The Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 is a well-made product and has some great advantages. The fact that it has a rapid heating and cooling function stands out as one of its strong points. While it may not be the most energy efficient window air conditioner, you do have the benefit of a heat pump. So you can use it in winter too and with the supplemental heating capacity it will keep any room snug and warm – no matter how cold the climate. This is a highly versatile product and can rank proudly among any of the best quiet window air conditioners.

The Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 is one of the best quiet window air conditioners for the money.

LG LW8016HR — 7500 BTU (with Heater)

• Noise Level : 49 dB (indoor) / 54 dB (Outdoor)
• Cooling Area : 320 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 18-7/16″ x 13⅞” x 20⅞”

Keeps you warm or cool all year round. Only 49 decibels.

Features :

• 7,500 BTU Cooling / 3,850 BTU Heating
• CEER 11.0 / EER 11.2
• Dehumidification (Pts/Hr) 2.1
• Ideal for Cooling Area up to 320  sq.ft. (Room size 16’ x 20’)
• Seasonal Heating & Cooling
• Multiple Cooling/Heating Speeds
• 4-Way Air Direction
• Remote Control
• Timer 24 Hr. On/Of

Documents for the LG LW8016HR, a quiet window air conditioner.

• ✓ View or download the MANUAL
• ✓ View or download the SPEC SHEET
• ✓ View or download the ENERGY GUIDE 

Overview

When LG first appeared on the scene about 30 years ago, many of us weren’t too sure about these new kids on the block from South Korea. Their products are cheaper than most and, at first, no one was too sure whether they were junk or not. Time has proven the cynics wrong. I know, I was one of them. Today, LG is a respected brand and have earned their stripes as a manufacturer of reliable appliances at a wonderfully affordable price. The LG LW8016HR certainly lives up to this reputation.

Quiet cooling to help you survive those hot nights. (Buy from Amazon)

It has a boxy old-fashioned look which doesn’t really appeal to my aesthetic sense, but this should be a secondary consideration. As far as window air conditioners go, it’s one of the best. If you look at the price, it’s even more appealing. It doesn’t have the impressive Energy Star rating like some of the more expensive options but for a 7500 BTU air conditioner with a heat pump, I wouldn’t expect to see an Energy Star rating. That being said, it matches the most efficient air conditioners in terms of electricity usage, with an energy efficiency ratio of 11.2.

This is the same as the Haier ESAQ406P which has an Energy Star rating, so I’m not exactly sure why the LG hasn’t. Perhaps it has, but they just don’t care to advertise it. Though it could have something to do with the heating capabilities which are never as efficient as cooling and the LG is not the most impressive when it comes to heating – only 3850 BTU.

Installation Guidelines : Read the Manual for full details

The dehumidifier is exceptional, with a moisture removal rate of 2.1 pints per hour. This makes the LG LW8016HR just about the best window air conditioner for warm areas with a clammy climate. Though there is an issue with this. While the LG removes large quantities of moisture from the air, it’s not the best at draining the water. So if you’re going to be using it to its full dehumidifying capacity, it would be better to place a water collection tub to catch the excess moisture. I find this a little disappointing but, to be fair, this seems like only real complaint one would have and, in most climates, I can’t see the water collection issue to be of much consequence.

The four-way air distribution also makes it very effective for rooms up to 320 sq. ft. Fan speed settings are somewhat limited, you have a 2-speed fan for both heating and cooling. The remote control is simple to figure out and all the controls are easy to use. You also have a choice of using the fan only or an energy saver mode when heating or cooling. It has good air filters with a warning that lets you know when the filters need to be cleaned.  It has a small LCD screen, giving you a permanent temperature display.

VIDEO | How to Install Your LG Window Air Conditioner

For its affordability and great functions, the LG LW8016HR is an incredible option and I can see why it’s so popular. Yes, it has some small imperfections but, in the end, I’m wholly impressed with what you’re getting for your money.

Best quiet window air conditioner for the money. Lots of great feature packed into this window AC and it truly is whisper-quiet at only 49 dB.

Whirlpool WHAW151BW  — 15,000 BTU

• Noise Level : 52 dB to 56 dB
• Cooling Area : 700 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 25.4” W x 23.6” D x 17.9” H

Removable and washable air filter with a ‘clean filter’ alert.

Features:

• 15,000 BTU window air conditioner for window-mounted installation
• 4.9-ft. LCDI power cord with 3-prong grounded plug uses 115V electrical outlet
• Cools a room up to 700 sq. ft.
• Dehumidifier : up to 3.52 pints per hour
• On-board electronic control panel with digital display
• Remote control with LCD display allows you to control the unit from across the room
• 3 cooling speeds plus Auto option for cooling flexibility
• Eco mode uses less energy for savings on your utility bill
• Sleep mode gradually increases room temperature after being activated
• Programmable 24-hour on/off timer cools on your schedule
• After a power failure, unit automatically restarts when power is restored
• 8-way directional air louvers directs the air where you need it
• Removable and washable air filter with a ‘clean filter’ alert for convenient maintenance
• Easy-to-install window mounting kit included
• Window width: 28″ min / 41″ max
• Minimum window height: 19″
• U.L. listed / Energy Star compliant: 11.9 EER

Documents for the Whirlpool WHAW151BW, a quiet window air conditioner.

• ✓ View or download the MANUAL
• ✓ View or download the SPEC SHEET/BROCHURE
• ✓ View or download the ENERGY GUIDE

Overview

The Whirlpool WHAW151BW has totally won me over and, judging by the customer reviews, others feel exactly the same way. It has a whopping 15,000 BTU cooling capacity, an Energy Star rating (11.9 EER) and a host of class leading specs and features. On top of all this, it’s not at all expensive when you consider that this is a top-end US made product. It’s rare for me not to find fault in a product. Even the best quiet window air conditioners in this review have given me some (albeit small) reason to give it less than a top rating. Try as I may, I haven’t been able find anything that detracts from the brilliance of this window air conditioner.

ECO Mode : Turns off when room reaches set temperature. (Amazon)

My small gripe is that it doesn’t have a built-in heater as some of the other air conditioners. This isn’t really a complaint but that’s about all I can find that makes it less than ideal for those who want to use the AC for both heating and cooling.

As one would expect from a window air conditioner with this type of capacity, it’s a large bulky unit and weighs quite a bit. That’s something you can’t get away from, to produce 15,000 BTU (enough for a room measuring up to 700 sq. Ft, you need a large machine. I’ve seen that people are claiming that the Whirlpool is more than adequate for an even larger area (up to 900 sq. Ft). So we can forgive its 105.8-pound weight tag and dimensions of 25.4” X 27.2” X 22.2”. This, along with its boxy design is normal for a window air conditioner in this class.

As far specs and excellent design go, the Whirlpool is hard to beat. It’s an exceptionally quiet window air conditioner, when you take its powerful cooling capabilities into account, the noise level become all the more impressive. It has three fan speeds and at the lowest of these, the Whirlpool produces only 52dBa. Crank it up to full speed and this only increases slightly to 56dBa. So even if you’re cooling a large area in a short space of time, you’ll hardly hear the machine doing its job. It also functions incredibly well when set to dehumidify your home. It will remove 3.52 Pts/Hr.

Quickly (& quietly) cools and dehumidifies a room up to 700 sq.ft.

The control panel has a large LCD screen that allows you to see exactly what’s going on at glance. The remote control is equally impressive. All functions are easy to get to grips with. These include the three fan settings, or an automatic fan setting if you prefer. Quick temperature adjustments and a sleep mode. Like all the best window air conditioners, it also has an economy mode or a fan only option.

The 8-direction vents give you perfect control and highly effective cooling without unwanted drafts of freezing air blasting onto you. The fan works well to spread the air evenly through the ventilation setup with 312 CFM at low speed, 341 CFM when set to medium, and 371 CFM at high-speed. The filters are very effective at removing unwanted allergens from the air and washable. It’s really easy to remove the filters, clean them and reuse them and warning light lets you know when it’s time for this to be done.

If you’re looking for one of the best window conditioners, capable of cooling an entire level of an average home, the Whirlpool is a really cool option – in more ways than one. Its price seems to suggest that may be less than perfect. Though the spec sheet and customer reactions tell a completely different story. You simply can’t go wrong with Whirlpool WHAW151BW.

Best quiet window air conditioner to cool a large area (700 sq.ft.).

Frigidaire FFRE1533S1 — 15,100 BTU

• Noise Level : 52 dB (Low) to 56 dB (High)
• Cooling Area : 350 Sq. Ft. / AC Size : 25⅜” D x 17⅞” H

Cools an impressive 850 sq.ft. Powerful and quiet, plus it has an ionizer.

Features:

• Effortless Remote : Temperature Control Remote control thermostat precisely maintains preset room temperature, so you can remain comfortable at all times.
• Energy Saver Mode : Reduce your utility bills in this mode. It cools similarly to central air, with the unit turning on and off at different intervals to ensure the room temperature stays at the set temperature.
• Programmable 24-Hour On/Off Timer : With the 24-Hour On/Off Timer, you can ensure your home will be cool and comfortable when you want it to be without having to worry about running up your utility bills. The built-in timer allows you to preset the unit to turn on and off in half-hour increments.
• Multi-Speed Fan : Features three different fan speeds, for more cooling flexibility.
• Sleep Mode : With Sleep Mode, the temperature gradually increases a few degrees over the evening, saving energy and creating a comfortable environment during the evening hours.
• Remote Control : Offers you the flexibility to control the temperature and fan speed from anywhere in the room.
• Clean Air Ionizer : With this feature, the electronic air purifier is energized to remove pollen and impurities from the air, improving your comfort.
• Effortless Clean Filter : Our antibacterial filter reduces bacteria, room odors and other airborne particles for a healthier, more comfortable environment.
• SpaceWise Adjustable Side Panels : With the Adjustable Side Panels, the side panels will extend to best fit your window.
• Power Cord : Comes with an extra long three-prong cord — makes extension cords unnecessary.
• Effortless Restart : Automatically resumes operating at its previous settings when power is restored to your unit.
• Clean Filter Alert : Alert notifies you when your filter needs to be cleaned so you don’t have to keep track of it yourself.
• Ready-Select Controls : Easily select options with the touch of a button.

Documents for the Frigidaire FFRE1533S1:

• ✓ View or download the MANUAL
• ✓ View or download the BROCHURE/SPECS
• ✓ View or download the INSTALLATION GUIDE
• ✓ View or download the ENERGY GUIDE

Overview

I’ve had a lot of great things to say about the Whirlpool WHAW151BW and I can say exactly the same for the Frigidaire FFRE1533S1. This is also a magnificent 15,000 BTU quiet window air conditioner. Actually it’s a 15,100 BTU AC, but the difference is negligible.

Side panels will extend to best fit your window. (Buy from Amazon)

Though when I went through customer reviews (which is an important part of my job), I noticed that the Whirlpool received a full 5 star average rating and the Frigidaire got only 4.1 on Amazon. Because I spend all my time writing product reviews, I take customer reviews very seriously. However, I’ve learned to look beyond the obvious and am quite adept at interpreting the information. Because I see both these products as being equally great, I wanted to find out more as to why there’s such a difference in their Amazon ratings.

First of all, at the time that I checked these reviews, the Whirlpool had only received 9 customer reviews on Amazon (all of them 5 stars). Whereas the Frigidaire had received 120 customer reviews. Of these, 67% were 5 star reviews – that’s 80 customers who gave it 5-stars out 120. This isn’t bad, but what drew my attention was the significant number of 1 star reviews – 11%. This peaked my curiosity because a 1 star review indicates that these customers are particularly angry and I wanted to see why. Having looked at these, I saw that just about all of these low ratings were relating to delivery issues. A lot of people complained about receiving a damaged unit and this was their reason for giving it a 1 star review. Now delivery is a serious issue when it comes to making an online purchase and Amazon take great pride in their delivery practices.

An excellent air conditioner for large rooms. (Buy from Amazon)

So I wanted to find out what all the fuss is about, I don’t normally see many complaints about delivery on Amazon and besides, they’re always quick to sort this out. Their reputation depends on it. The answer lies in the fact that this product is only shipped by Amazon to Prime customers. There’s a whole bunch of other options from other sellers. Though this means you’re not getting the same courier as you would from Amazon. This seems to be the problem with all these customers that gave the product a low star rating.

My recommendation is to be very careful about using any of the other sellers, check their terms and conditions. If you’re not an Amazon Prime customer and you want to order this product (or any that are reserved for Prime customers), click on their free 30-day trial. Alternatively, join the Prime program, it’s not expensive and, if you’re a regular Amazon customer, it’s worthwhile.

Bottom line is that the majority of complaints on Amazon have not been about the product itself but, rather, the inefficiency of third-party courier companies. If it had not been for this, the Frigidaire would have gotten closer to a 4.6 to 4.8 star average rating – which is what it deserves. When it comes down to it, I would have a hard time recommending the Whirlpool over this one. They cost basically the same and seem to be very evenly matched in terms of spec level, design, and quality.

Easy to use control panel plus a full functioning remote. (Buy from Amazon)

Having got all of that out the way, let me review the Frigidaire FFRE1533S1 and allow you to decide for yourself if it’s worth buying. As I said earlier, this is a large 15,100 BTU quiet window air conditioner, easily capable of cooling a room up to 850 sq. ft. It also has an Energy Star rating with an 11.8 Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is all very similar the Whirlpool and it’s about the same size and weight with a very similar “big white box” design. The Frigidaire weighs 102 LBs (3.8 LBs lighter than the Whirlpool). It measures 25⅜” X 17⅞” X 24” inside the room.

As far as being a quiet window air conditioner, it’s also one of the best in its class – 52dBa with the fan at low speed and 56dBa at high. It has 3 fan speeds – 250 CFM at low, 308 CFM medium, and 353 CFM at high. Air is delivered through an 8-way directional ventilation system, so it functions in exactly the same way as the Whirlpool alternative. It also has an automatic fan speed selection, sleep mode, 24-hour timer, and an economy mode. Everything is displayed in an easy to understand manner on the LCD screen and it has a full function remote control. There’s a dehumidifier which removes 3.8 pts/hr. It also has excellent antibacterial air filters with a warning that lets you know when to change them.

When we compare the specs for these two 15,000 BTU air conditioners, the Frigidaire FFRE1533S1 and the Whirlpool WHAW151BW are almost perfectly matched. The Frigidaire has a higher BTU capacity by 100, which will make it slightly better at cooling a larger area, but I can’t see this as being too much of a difference. When it comes to using either, you won’t be able tell the difference. One area where the Frigidaire doesn’t quite match up to the Whirlpool is in the installation. This model is fairly complicated to install, whereas the Whirlpool is really easy.

Best quiet window air conditioner if you have a large area to cool (up to 850 sq.ft.)

Frigidaire FFRA1211R1  — 12,000 BTU

• Noise Level : 53.5 dB (low) to 59 dB (High)
• Cooling Area : 550 Sq. Ft. /  AC Size : 19″ W x 21.5″ D x 14.52″ H

Quiet, solid and fairly basic in terms of functionality.

Features

• 12,000 BTU compact air conditioner for window-mounted installation
• Uses standard 115V electrical outlet
• Quickly cools a room up to 550 sq ft
• Dehumidification up to 3.8 pints per hour
• Fresh air vent and exhaust control remove odors and freshen the air
• Ready-select electronic controls.
• Full-function remote control : Control the temperature and fan speed.
• Low-power start-up
• Quiet : 53.5 dB (low) . 55.3 dB (med) /  59 dB (High)
• Effortless temperature control maintains preset room temperature.
• Effortless restart resumes operating at its previous settings when power is restored to your unit after a power outage or shutdown.
• 8-way comfort control design allows you to easily control the direction of the cool air wherever the unit is mounted
• 3 cooling speeds and 3 fan speeds.
• Antibacterial filter reduces bacteria, room odors and other airborne particles
• 24-hour on/off timer cools on your schedule
• Auto cool mode allows the fan to adjust speeds as the room temperature changes
• Energy saver mode conserves energy and saves you money
• Sleep mode gradually increases room temperature after being activated
• Washable mesh filter with tilt-out filter access.
• Extra-long 6.5′ three-prong power cord.
• Pleated quick-mount window mounting kit included
• Minimum window dimensions : H: 15.5″ / W : 23″ min. / 36″ max.
  

Documents for the Frigidaire FFRA1211R1, a quiet window air conditioner.

• ✓ View or download the MANUAL
• ✓ View or download the BROCHURE/SPECS
• ✓ View or download the INSTALLATION GUIDE
• ✓ View or download the ENERGY GUIDE

Overview

The Frigidaire FFRA1211R1 is a cheaper, less sophisticated version of the other Frigidaire models that we’ve reviewed here. It’s quite a powerful unit with a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity. The difference comes when you look at the controls which still use the old-fashioned dials. There’s no touch controls and LCD screen, nor does it have remote control. This means that it doesn’t have the ability to set the temperature to the exact degrees but, rather, a choice between 7 cooling settings.

Flexible and effective accordion-style window kit. (Buy from Amazon)

There are a number of other areas where this cheaper option doesn’t display the same high-end features and specs as its more expensive stable mates. While this is a reasonably quiet window air conditioner and won’t be a disturbance, it’s not as good as the others. The noise level ranges from 53dBa at the low setting up to 59dBa with fan set to maximum. It’s almost as quiet as the best and I doubt anyone will really notice the slight difference in noise levels.

Like most others, it has 3 fan speed settings and an auto fan setting. At the lowest fan setting it delivers an air flow of 221 CFM at low-speed, 243 CFM (medium), and 285 CFM for the highest fan setting. It has the same fantastic 8-way vents as all the other Frigidaire air conditioners that we’ve reviewed here. It also has a fan only option and a 24-hour timer, but no sleep mode. It has a dehumidifying capacity of 3.8 pts/hr.

Integrates well into your home and window. (Buy from Amazon)

The Frigidaire FFRA1211R1 has antibacterial air filters which are really easy to access. It’s not all heavy, weighing only 67 LBs and measures 21½” X 14½” X 19”. So it’s very compact for a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner capable of cooling a room of up to 550 sq. ft. It’s also one of the easiest to install. Another area where it doesn’t quite match up to the others in its energy efficiency ratio of 10.9, so it obviously does not have an Energy Star rating.

So when comparing the Frigidaire FFRA1211R1 to any of the best quiet window air conditioners, it falls short in most of its specifications. It’s basic and doesn’t have the lowest noise levels. Though I would still be able to say that it’s quiet enough to stand alongside any of the others.

Read the installation guide for full instructions. (Buy from Amazon)

The main area where this model can compete is in its price. It’s cheaper than the others and still packs quite a punch. It carries the Frigidaire name and this means you can expect the same level quality and service as from any of the others. If you’re looking for one of the best quiet window air conditioners and are not too impressed with the high price tag that comes with these machines, the Frigidaire FFRA1211R1 is a fantastic option. You really aren’t compromising too much for the lower price tag.

Best quiet window air conditioner with a reasonably low price tag. If you’re on a budget then this might be your best bet.

Typical Air Conditioner Sounds that you don’t have to worry about.

Here’s a quick overview of common air conditioner sounds. I know  a lot of people think something is wrong with their window air conditioner whenever they hear it make strange sounds but there are reasons for them — most of the time; unless something is actually wrong with your air conditioner.

What size air conditioner do you need?

In the beginning of the article I discussed BTU which is the cooling (or heating) capacity of an air conditioner. As I reviewed the various models I also gave an indication as to what size room it is recommended for. Though this is a basic outline and there are other factors to consider. I’ll recap the average recommendations for the size of air conditioner, in other words the amount of BTUs, and the size room they will typically be suited to.

Room Size (Sq. Ft) / BTU per Hour

100 – 150                   5,000
150 – 250                   6,000
250 – 300                   7,000
300 – 350                   8,000
350 – 400                   9,000
400 – 450                   10,000
450 – 550                   12,000
550 – 700                   14,000
700 – 1,000                 18,000

You’ll want to match your air conditioner as close to the BTUs/Hr in relation to the size of your room. You may think that going larger is good thing, you can’t have too much cooling. But this isn’t really the best way of doing things. Cooling a room too rapidly can be uncomfortable for the occupants and it wastes electricity. More importantly, it won’t be as effective at controlling the humidity. The air conditioner will run shorter cooling cycles and this will prevent it from removing as much moisture from the air.

VIDEO | Air Conditioner Buying Guide

Before you make your final decision, there are a few other factors to consider. For most homes, the average recommendations should be fine, but these are averages and situations differ. Factors that affect an air conditioner’s ability to cool a room will include the amount of sunlight that enters the room, the amount of people in the room, computers and other equipment that generate heat, as well as the level of insulation.

There’s no telling how many people will be in a room at any given time, so you need to consider a reasonable estimate. A busy office or store will need to accommodate more people and this varies a lot. In your home, it can be anything from 1 to 6 people for family sized room on a regular basis. If your AC rating (according to the list above) is for a large area (upwards of 500 sq. Ft), you can expect this rating to include about six people in the average BTU rating. Each person in the room adds about 600 BTUs to the room. So you may want to add an equivalent amount of cooling for any additional people.

Sunlight entering the room obviously increases the heat inside. The average calculation allows for some sunlight, but a room that has large windows or glass doors will probably require around 10% more BTUs. A well-insulated house that has ceiling and wall insulation won’t not need as much cooling as one with poor insulation. This is not something one can really calculate. You know your home and if it the average temperature inside your home is higher than the others around you during summer, you’ll need to adjust your air conditioner accordingly. So, if your neighbor’s house is about 10% cooler than yours without the AC running, your air conditioner needs an increased capacity of about 10%.

Computers, TVs and other electrical equipment produce heat. This need not be a major concern for homeowners as you won’t have too many of these running in a room at any given time. For an office, this can be very important. One can consider each computer as being an extra person in the room. Accordingly, one needs to add about 600 BTU for each computer or server in the room.

VIDEO | How to Install A Window Air Conditioner

Window Air Conditioner vs Portable Standing Air Conditioner

A portable standing air conditioner has its appeal, mostly because it’s so easy to install. You can place the unit reasonably close to a window and run the exhaust pipe to the closest window. This pipe removes the hot air in the room. Because it’s portable, you can move it to different rooms quite easily.

Despite requiring more time to install and the fact that it’s a semi-permanent installation, many prefer a window air conditioner. One of the reasons is the aesthetics of the unit. A window air conditioner has the working part on the outside, which means only a small section is visible inside the room. This also has the advantage of quieter operation because most of the mechanical components are on the outside of the house.

Probably the biggest advantage to using a window air conditioner is the energy savings. They are more efficient and the heat generated by the compressor is outside the room. The end result is that you require a lower BTU rating to cool a room when using a window air conditioner. Some models can be installed through a wall, instead of in a window. This means that don’t have to sacrifice window space to accommodate your air conditioner.

What Makes for a Quiet Air Conditioner?

Manufacturers of the best quiet air conditioners go to great lengths to make these units as quiet as possible. One of the main causes of noise on an air conditioner is the compressor. By using insulation blankets and improved rubber mountings to reduce vibration, much of the noise of an air conditioner can be eliminated.

More technical methods are employed too, like balancing the shafts and using quiet-running bearings on the fan and compressor. They will also use a cylindrical fan instead of a conventional blade fan to reduce the air flow noise. By increasing the vent surface area and the design of the vents, air noise is also reduced.

All these factors combine to make the air conditioner as quiet as possible. Though, over time, wear and tear will cause the air conditioner to become noisier. It will reach a point where these noise levels can become an irritation and often indicate a technical issue that can harm the unit. It’s a good idea to have your air conditioner checked a professional regularly. Worn bearings, unbalanced shafts, low refrigerant levels and worn mountings will cause higher noise levels and need to be sorted out to prevent long-term damage.

A common problem that is easily rectified is that of vibration on the air vents. These vents are held in place by means of plastic clips and with regular use, they will work loose in time. If you have a quiet air conditioner, you’ll become accustomed to the peace and tranquility of a noiseless environment and the noise from these vibrating vents will become a source of irritation.

A quick fix is to identify where the vent that is vibrating against the body of the air conditioner. You do this by pressing lightly against the edge of each vent until you find the culprit. By cutting a small piece of cardboard, folding it in half and inserting it between the vent and the body of the AC, you’ll effectively be creating a mini-shock absorber that will eliminate the noise. Admittedly, this is a low-tech solution and you may have to keep re-addressing the issue, but it’s quick and instant.

A more permanent solution can be to use cable ties to secure the vent to the body of the air conditioner. But you may not always have a position to which you can secure it in this way. Self-adhesive foam strips are probably the best way to eliminate any type of vibration noise. These are common and come in any width or thickness. You can stick these to the edge of the vent (or any plastic insert) that’s vibrating against the body to form a permanent cushion that prevents the two surfaces from making contact.