Most modern window air cons are highly-evolved devices designed to run without making the obnoxious sounds that have neighbors coming for your neck.
And since you could be interested in the quietest window ac, we have put together a list of these ultra-quiet units to help point you in the right direction.
They are detailed in this article together with the cutting-edge technologies used in each.
Read on:
Types of window air conditioners
Window air conditioners are mainly classified according to their cooling capacity and hence their appropriateness for different applications.
Below you will find these categories and the BTU ratings as well as their respective cooling capacities.
Residential/domestic window air conditioners
These are smaller ac units with only enough power to eliminate foul air and punishing heat in households, cars and camping tents.
Typical cooling capacity (BTUs): 6000-20000
Commercial/office window air conditioners
Manufacturers build quieter units for every conceivable commercial use, from individual office spaces to multi-room rental properties too.
These are most ideal for laboratories, expansive retail stores, home offices, libraries, and more.
Typical cooling capacity (BTUs): 12000 – 50000
Industrial window air conditioners
The other common line comprises truly industrial-grade models to tackle air conditioning needs in a broad range of demanding environments.
These have superior air distribution and dozens of breakthrough features to give them maximum flexibility.
Typical cooling capacity (BTUs): 30000 +
How quiet is the quietest window air conditioner really?
When it comes to upgrading to a quiet air conditioner, there’s one big catch to keep in mind:
Some of the models being marketed as quiet room air conditioners are nowhere near quiet and can be way above the safe noise limits.
So, what levels of noise can you accept when shopping for an ultra-quiet air conditioner?
Well, these days, a super quiet air conditioner may only produce about 25 dBs of noise (just above a whisper!) at the maximum fan setting.
That’s serene enough to nudge you to sleep promptly or read a motivating book in graveyard peace.
Larger units can, however, get louder – they are installed with bigger fans- and make as much as 55 decibels of noise (just louder than a humming refrigerator, which runs at around 40 dBs).
It’s thus important that you check the dB ratings (noise measurements) on the air cons you’re considering to avoid burning cash on a device that makes zero difference.
Sadly, manufacturers rather conveniently ‘forget’ to include this information in the product’s manual.
Plus, you won’t get an opportunity to hear it out before buying.
This is why I usually recommend that you run through buyer reviews on websites and other online forums.
First, they help you identify units with deafening noises from independent users.
And secondly (and more crucially), you will get an accurate opinion of a product’s wholesome quality and value.
Why invest in one
You stand to reap big after switching to the quietest room ac:
Take a look:
- Peaceful coexistence with your neighbors: Your neighbor will be knocking on your door to thank you and not to complain.
- You keep your cool: Air con noise can hit our nerves and make us moody.
- Conducive ambiance: You will do more. For example, you can have a constructive talk with loved ones, watch TV, or get your baby to sleep even when it’s running. And, you will always get a good night’s sleep and concentrate maximally on the tasks at hand.
- No costly legal battles: A ridiculously loud air con could land you in trouble with the authorities.
Buying guide
Often, you have to sift through an avalanche of models to determine the quietest air conditioner that’s right for your needs.
These tips will make the entire process less painful.
Know your cooling requirements (British thermal units (BTUs) per hour)
The air conditioner size has ramifications on the amount of noise with bigger window air conditioners tending to be louder due to the more robust fans.
Let me ask you: why would you pick a product that sounds like a plane where a smaller unit with more amiable noise would do an equally superb job?
You don’t want to make this mistake and it’s critical that you figure out the unit size that’s best for your space.
A BTU calculator like this helps.
And here is a rough guide to show you the way if you find the calculations tedious.
| Area (square feet) | Capacity Needed (Suggested BTUs per hour) |
| 100 – 150 | 5000 |
| 150 – 250 | 6000 |
| 250 – 300 | 7000 |
| 300 – 350 | 8000 |
| 350 – 400 | 9000 |
| 400 -450 | 10000 |
| 450 – 550 | 12000 |
| 550 – 700 | 14000 |
| 700 -1,000 | 18000 |
| 1,000 – 1,200 | 21000 |
| 1,200 – 1,400 | 23000 |
| 1,400 – 1,500 | 24000 |
| 1,500 -2,000 | 30000 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 | 34000 |
I can’t stress enough how important this is.
Available mounting options
Three window types dominate – standard windows (single/double-hung and sliding up and down), casement windows (that swing out), and slider windows (slides left and right)- and window air conditioners fit differently.
In fact, some of the manufacturers are very clear about the window layout to install their models on.
Going through the air con literature will be handy here and will ensure that you select a product that fits your window quickly and easily (without having to implement clumsy modifications).
The other vital consideration regarding installation is the window size- check the actual height, width, and depth of your window and select one that fits to a tee.
Overlook this and you will have yourself squarely to blame for the fitting problems.
Pro Tip: Please allow about 3-4 inches (to cater for the accordions) if you will be using a window kit to fix the air conditioner.
Plug cord type for the window air conditioner
Plug types for air cons are availed in multiple configurations and you need to have this on your radar when choosing.
Options are 110V/15A plug, 110V/ 20A plug, and 220V/15A, 220V/20A, 220V/30A plugs configurations.
The 125V/15A plugs are most common and you might be forced to call an electrician to change the circuitry if you have opted for a model using a plug type with a different voltage and amperage.
Other factors worth considering when searching for a quiet window air conditioner:
- Energy usage- For more power savings, go for a window Ac with inverter technology.
- Heat pump- to follow up on the above point, units with high-efficiency heat pumps are likely to dehumidify better than regular window air conditioners, leading to energy conservation and unmatched cooling comfort.
- Fan design– Improved sound muffling technology can dramatically reduce noise coming from the fan.
- Adds on (convenience accessories)- Features such as auto cooling mode, timers, remote control, and such make the product more convenient to use.
Quiet window air conditioners reviewed
Here are the bestselling air-cons in the quietest window ACs category:
LG Energy Star Window Air Conditioner
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
This energy star-rated unit from LG comes ready to cool rooms up to 550 sq. ft without breaking a sweat.
The 12, 000 BTU cooling gives a perfect performance and will help you stay fresh and unflustered all summer.
Features
With the excellent fan (3 speeds) blowing air in 4 different directions and a dehumidifier feature working extra hard to prevent air from drying up, the hot summer days will become more bearable.
As a matter of fact, you can set the controls to 3 functional modes: automatic fan (fan only turns on when the room heats up), continuous fan (fan stays on all the time), or power saver mode (fan turns on every couple of minutes to monitor room temperature).
The other key specifications are the auto-restart (to reset it after power failure), a stylish remote control (for across-the-room operation), 24-hour on/off timer, and a washable filter.
For the most part, this slide-out window air conditioner generates white noise (53dB when in a low setting) making it great for sleeping.
Pros
- Nice auto cool function.
- Uses standard household power supply (120V/15A).
- Highly energy efficient.
Cons
- Quite huge.
Frigidaire Window-Mounted Compact 10,000 BTU 115V Air Conditioner
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
Our first pick from Frigidaire, a leading US consumer appliance brand happens to be one of our top choices for rooms up to 450 square feet.
It again produces light, soft white noise (45-55 dB) to provide better working and sleep surroundings for you and your family.
Features
This is an extremely well-balanced air conditioning cum humidification unit and will cool pretty fast thanks to its multiple stand-out features.
From the multi-speed fan (3 different speeds for more cooling flexibility) to the comfort control design that sends out chilled air in 8 different directions, all the additions make it hugely adept and bang up to date.
Additionally, the Ionizer clears pollen and other impurities from the circulating air to soothe a wide variety of allergies.
Plus, you will save even more because of the energy-preserving low-voltage start-up and energy-friendly settings such as the econ mode.
Operating it is also tons of fun- choose between the ready-select electronic controls or the effortless temperature-sensing remote control.
Set up is a cinch too and the installation hardware is packed.
It has a cooling power of 10000 BTUs.
Pros
- Compact model.
- Easy to install.
- Wonderful timer.
Cons
- Not as energy-efficient as the LG energy-star rated model.
Frigidaire FFRA1022R1 Window-Mounted 10000 BTU 115-volt Compact Air Conditioner
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
Our second and last pick from the Frigidaire family of window air conditioners runs at noise levels as low as 55dB eliminating disturbing sounds for a trouble-free operation that you’ll scarcely notice.
It again comes with Frigidaire’s effortless temperature control to help maintain the comfortable room temperature at all times in spaces not more than 450 square feet.
Features
It brings everything good from the previous Frigidaire product- the aggressive multi-speed fan, built-in 24-hour on/off timer, and the well-designed remote control.
But the company has also gone ahead and added some nice extras including the sleep mode to bring maximum room comfort throughout the night hours.
The capable nature of this air con is made even more accomplished by the introduction of a mesh filter.
Bacteria, nasty room odors, and other pollutants will meet their match in this and you will be proud of the healthier, cozier environment.
Whether you’re looking to beat warm muggy temperatures after sunset or overcome the insufferable sauna that is your office during the daytime, the 10000 BTUs rated Frigidaire FFRA1022R1 is committed enough to handle it all.
Pros
- Handy check filter alert.
- Plenty of customizable features.
- Improved cooling power
Cons
- A bit heavy.
Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. CP08G10B Air Conditioner
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
This time we drop to 8,000 BTUs cooling potential meaning we are looking at spaces up to 350 square feet.
Most importantly, the Friedrich CP08G10B Air Con is literally whisper-quiet and is a joy to own wherever you mount it.
Features
Engineers at Friedrich use the patented air sweep technology in this product and it has louvers that powerfully move the air from left and right to create even cooling throughout your rooms.
And with an antimicrobial air filter (washable) you won’t need to worry about the quality of the air your family is breathing.
I should add that it’s equipped with a check filter alert to remind you about cleaning for the continued removal of airborne contaminants.
The money saver® technology means the fan runs only when cooling to avoid driving up your energy bills unnecessarily not to forget that this is an energy star® qualified brand.
Like the rest, a 24-hour timer allows you to program its on/off times.
Friedrich’s commitment to making the earth greener is evidenced by the use of the ozone-friendly R32 refrigerant.
Pro
- Designer looks.
- Flexible power cord.
- Automatically restarts after a power outage.
Cons
- Difficult assembly.
Friedrich CP15G10B Chill Series Window Air Conditioner
Click Here to View Price on Amazon.com
Our last unit is from again from Friedrich and it packs the biggest cooling power- 15,500 BTUs- among our 5 most recommended models.
This, in turn, massively boosts its cooling abilities making it a favorite for larger areas (up to 700 square feet).
Surprisingly, this unsurpassed power output doesn’t hurt its noise levels (can be as silent as 52 decibels in optimum conditions).
Features
Air sweep louvers, 4-way airflow control, environmentally friendly permanent antimicrobial air filter, 24-hour timer, and an auto-restart are standard in Friedrich air cons and this is not an exception.
These components all add up to bring a drastically improved cooling experience.
Friedrich’s other advanced technologies are also present including the previously explained money saver setting.
Installation is plain sailing and this slide out chassis air conditioner will be fine with a window or through the wall mounting.
Long story short, it’s one of the very best models though you will have to stump up more bucks – but it should prove to be money well spent down the line.
Pros
- Top of the class cooling.
- Amazing customer care from the company.
- Very sturdy.
Cons
- Installation is not straightforward.
Final thoughts
Proper maintenance is vital for the window air conditioner you settle on.
For a start, checking and cleaning the filters as needed is essential.
Besides, remember to keep the water pan clean- this prevents the buildup of mold and helps establish proper drainage.
Your owner’s manual contains all the details- read and implement all the procedures.
That way, you will continue reaping hefty rewards from your investment.
