At a Glance:
Factors that Make Window AC Quiet
How Much Do Window Air Conditioners Cost?
Our Top Quietest Window Air Conditioner Picks
Your window could be wasted real estate during the hot summer months, and you might not even realize it. With just a few tools and instructions, you could be enjoying one of the quietest window air conditioner units made to cool a room in a hush. But not all window ACs are the same, so we’re breaking down what it takes for one of these appliances to chill without sounding shrill.
Following that, we recommend three window mount air conditioners under $650, and finish up with answers to common questions about wall air conditioners we get from buyers like you.
About Window AC Units
Knowing what makes an air conditioner unit quiet is pointless without knowing which type of room air conditioner is suited for your space. For starters, these appliances are intended to cool a single room, as opposed to central AC units that regulate the temperature of an entire home. Here are a few more pointers you should know when it comes to mounted AC units vs through-the-window air conditioners.
What is a Window AC Unit?
Because these coolers install into a windowsill, through-the-window AC units offer a simpler solution to single-room air conditioning than wall units. Like their counterparts, these models are also ductless, but they don’t always require additional support since they rely on the support of a window frame. In fact, many models can be installed with a simple trim kit, meaning these AC units are the preferred choice for renters and landlords who want single-space cooling with minimal installation and costs.
What is a Wall Mounted AC Unit?
Also known as ductless AC appliances or mini-split AC units, wall mounted coolers are installed directly into a custom cutout made in a wall. Often, these appliances are reinforced with wood trimming to improve insulation and are supported by brackets. Wall mount AC units tend to be the more energy-efficient option compared to window AC units. They are also the preferred choice for dwellers who don’t want to sacrifice a window.
✱ NOTE:
Wall mounted AC units and through-the-window air conditioners are intended for specific use and should not be in exchange for the other. Using one in the place of another can cause an AC to work insufficiently, which can lead to louder operation and even damage in some cases.
Shop Air Conditioners
At Don's Appliances, you'll find the best air conditioner units to keep you cool throughout the summer.
Air ConditionersWhat Makes a Quiet Window Air Conditioner?
Window air conditioners aren’t the quietest appliances, but some factors can help decrease noise levels. The most common include:
✓ Fan Blades
There are two ways window AC fan blades can affect noise levels. The first is with an ergonomic design. Sleeker fan blades cut through air, reducing the sound drastically. But even good fan blades are prone to warping over time. When fan blades bend out of shape, they can drag air and create a higher decibel rating. In this case, replacing the fan can help cut down on the noise.
✓ Decibel Levels
How many decibels an AC runs at is up to the manufacturer and its engineering, but knowing how to read decibel ratings will ensure you pick the quietest models. Generally, wall air conditioners with decibel ratings below 60 are considered quiet, but the quietest air conditioner models perform at 45 dBA and even under.
✓ Compressors
The best quietest AC window unit will feature an inverter compressor. This special component (also referred to as an inverter drive) responds to temperature variables to either slow down or speed up the motor. As a result, inverter compressors slow down once a room comes to a set temperature, which will cut down on noise as well.
✓ Installation
An improperly installed AC units can rattle and shake, leading to unnecessary noise. While DIY wall AC installation is possible, hiring a professional to install your wall air conditioner is the best way to ensure it runs at its quietest.
How Much Do Window Air Conditioners Cost?
Window AC units can range between $150 and $1,100, according to experts. Besides the brand, factors that affect pricing include noise-dampening technology, the amount of British thermal units (BTUs) a window air conditioner produces, and installation costs. As mentioned above, wall mounted air conditioners are typically more efficient than window AC units, which is another factor buyers should consider if they want to keep the ongoing cost of their AC at a minimum.
4 Window Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
Once installed, keeping your wall AC in tip-top shape is crucial in order to avoid repair costs, keep your unit running longer, and for the quietest operation. Best practice suggests cleaning your single-room wall air conditioner at the beginning and end of autumn, as well as performing these four tips during its active season.
1. Keep Your Wall AC Condenser Coils Clean
Keeping your AC’s condenser coils clean will improve its efficiency, ensure you’re breathing healthy air, and prevent your unit from overworking (which increases noise levels). To clean your wall AC condenser, locate the grill in the back of the appliance; this will be on the outside of your home or apartment. Either clean the grill with a brush and soapy water or buy a special air conditioner cleaner and follow the cleaning instructions.
2. Change Your Wall AC Air Filter Regularly
Did you know that you should remove and clean your wall AC filter every two to three weeks? Additionally, experts recommend replacing the filter entirely after 90 days.
3. Check for Ice Buildup
Ice buildup is a byproduct of refrigerant running through an AC’s coils. To clean, simply spray water on the coils periodically.
4. Vacuum Your Wall AC Grills
You also need to maintain the portion of your AC that lives inside your home. After a while, dust and debris will accumulate on the grill. Clean the buildup with a vacuum every so often to maximize airflow and prevent your unit from blowing unsanitary air into your space.
Our Top Quietest Window Air Conditioner Picks
If you’re looking for quiet window air conditioners, Pittsburgh’s number-one spot for reliable appliances is Don’s Appliances. Need help knowing where to start? Give these three models a look before exploring our entire catalog of air conditioners.
Emerson Quiet Kool SMART Window Air Conditioner
Areas up to 150 square feet are a perfect pair for this smart window air conditioner. At just over 50 decibels, the Emerson window AC is small but mighty, complete with voice activation and Wi-Fi compatibility for easy operation. Install into windowsills as small as 16 inches to enjoy this AC and heat window unit with three fan speeds and a temperature range between 61 and 90 degrees.
Frigidaire® 10,000 BTUs White Window Mount Air Conditioner
Despite a 56-dBA noise level, this Frigidaire window AC makes its way onto our list due to its 4.6-star rating from users. Installation is simple with exclusive SideWise Adjustable Side Panels that expand to accommodate a range of window sizes, and once mounted, the included remote control lets you program this AC from the convenience of your couch. Intelligent Effortless Temperature Control technology maintains precise air settings across three fan settings, including a programmable timer setting. If you’re in the market for an AC for a large living area up to 450 square feet in size, this 10,000-BTU air conditioner is a strong contender.
GE® 12,000 BTUs White Smart Room Air Conditioner
With a whopping 12,000 BTUs of cold air output, this GE AC window unit is the most powerful on our list, with enough power to cool a room up to 550 square feet. At 62 dBA, this unit isn’t the most silent, but its great features give it a 9/10 buyer recommendation. Included are Wi-Fi compatibility with voice activation, an Eco Mode, and three fan settings, plus an easy installation kit to get your favorite space to chill cool and comfortable in no time.
✱
Selecting the quietest window air conditioner can be a simple solution for tenants who want to cool down a room without having to cut into a wall. Bypassing infrastructural alterations also means AC for window use is cheaper up front, and when installed correctly, these appliances are dramatically more affordable than central AC units. Even for buyers who are DIY-savvy, enjoying the benefits of a window AC could be the matter of an afternoon.
Air Conditioner FAQs
We’re sure our quietest window air conditioner picks have you ready to install a unit to your living arrangement, but there are still a few factors you should consider, like:
Is 65 dB loud for an air conditioner?
Any noise level less than 60 decibels is considered a quiet window AC unit.
Do you have to brace a window air conditioner?
In most cases, a window frame should provide enough support to hold a window air conditioner under 100 pounds. However, it’s recommended to support window AC units over 100 pounds with brackets.
Can you use a window air conditioner without the side panels?
Window AC units come with accordion-style side fins to hermetically seal the unit into the wall and prevent air leakage. If you wish, the fins can be replaced with other materials, like a plank of wood or even glass. However, a window air conditioner should never be installed with side panels.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Wall Air Conditioners at Don’s Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop air conditioners online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the quietest window air conditioner for your living situation — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Don’s Appliances Appliance Guides + Reviews