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Air Conditioner Reviews
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Mid-range
High end
$30
$300
$800...+In this review:
Air Conditioner Performance
AC Noise.
The aspect of air conditioner performance that generates the most negative comments from consumers is AC noise. Air conditioner reviews and owners manuals caution consumers that improper installation may cause vibration, rattling, and other annoying sounds. The design and engineering of a given model, as well as new energy-efficient technology, also play a role. Frigidaire and Haier actually note common AC noises in owner's manuals, but consumers still complain about rushing air, the thwack of the fan splashing against water in the drip pan, or the thunk and click of the compressor cycling on and off. In air conditioner reviews on Amazon, users variously compare the Friedrich CP08F10 to a motorboat and a lawn mower. Even satisfied users posting air conditioner reviews at Lowe's complain of the AC noise from the Frigidaire LRA087AT7, a model similar to the FRA086AT7. Some consumers posting air conditioner reviews of the Kenmore 70051 at Sears can't get past the very loud beep the unit emits when they power it up or down or change any of the settings.But perceptions of AC noise vary widely. For example, the Haier ESAD4066 gets high ratings for AC noise in a review by consumer products experts, but users say they can't see why. In air conditioner reviews of the Frigidaire LRA107BU1 at Lowe's, several users say the hum of the AC is no louder than a box fan or central air. But another consumer compares the fan to a helicopter, reporting that it's nearly impossible to sleep, much less have a conversation, when the unit is on. Air conditioner reviews of the LG LW8011ER at Home Depot are similarly mixed on the subject of AC noise.
The Frigidaire LRA074AT7, however, garners praise in air conditioner reviews at Lowe's for its quiet operation. And a user who bought the Frigidaire FRA054XT7 as a gift says his sister is pleased that she can hear the TV when the AC is on, according to an air conditioner review at Amazon.
AC Installation.
Cost-conscious consumers often install room air conditioners themselves rather than paying for AC installation. (An important note to the do-it-yourself crowd: The higher the capacity, the heavier the unit.) Although users' experience varies, reviews often say installing the cheap air conditioners on our list is a snap. For example, the LG LW8011ER took only about 20 minutes to install, according to an air conditioner review posted at Home Depot. On the other hand, many J&R Electronics customers report in air conditioner reviews that the Friedrich CP08F10 is difficult to install, even for someone with experience in construction and AC installation; users call the instructions confusing and unclear.Keep in mind, however, that not all windows are alike and even the clearest instructions may not suit every window frame. The bottom line: Be prepared to improvise. If you're planning to handle the AC installation yourself, make sure to keep some plywood, two-by-fours, foam insulation, and weather stripping at the ready.
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Read user comments below
Best Cheap Air Conditioners
Kenmore 70051
(5,200 BTU) This Energy Star unit boasts an energy efficiency ratio of 11 and a price that belies its feature set, which includes three fan speeds and cooling modes, a 24-hour on/off timer, sleep mode, energy saver mode, and an indicator light that reminds users to clean the filter. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
| Buy it From Sears |
Frigidaire LRA074AT7
(6,500 BTU) This model gets consistently high marks in reviews by experts and users for its features and quiet, effective operation. It's exclusive to Lowe's and comes with an Energy Star label and a five-year full in-home warranty. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
| Buy it from Lowe's |
LG LW8011ER
(8,000 BTU) Users praise this Energy Star unit for its cooling performance, although some say it could be quieter. It's backed by a five-year in-home warranty on parts and labor. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
Frigidaire FRA106BU1
(10,000 BTU) This Energy Star model comes with a full feature set to match its high cooling capacity. Its remote control includes a thermostat that can sense the temperature elsewhere in the room. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
Good Cheap Air Conditioners
Frigidaire FRA054XT7
(5,000 BTU) Despite a few reports about durability problems and fewer fan speeds and cooling modes than the comparable Kenmore model, this Energy Star unit garners praise from experts and users alike. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
Frigidaire FRA086AT7
(8,000 BTU) Even users who complain this model is too noisy are impressed with its cooling performance. It boasts an Energy Star label and a remote control with a thermostat. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
LG LW1011ER
(10,000 BTU) Users applaud this model for its easy installation and rapid and effective cooling. It features an Energy Star label and a five-year warranty on parts and labor. Read more »Air Conditioners Deals
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Don't Bother Cheap Air Conditioners
Haier ESAD4066
(6,000 BTU) This model boasts an energy efficiency ratio of 12, easily the highest among the cheap air conditioners we researched, but it's expensive compared with others of its size. Customer service appears unresponsive even for units under warranty. Read more »
Friedrich CP08F10
(7,800 BTU) Users say this model doesn't live up to the high standards they have for Friedrich products, especially when it comes to noise and installation. This unit is also much pricier than comparable 8,000 BTU models with better reviews. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Frigidaire FRA052XT7Haier ESAD4066
Friedrich CP08F10
Frigidaire FRA054XT7
Frigidaire FRA086AT7
LG LW1011ER
Kenmore 70051
Frigidaire LRA074AT7
LG LW8011ER
Frigidaire FRA106BU1
Archived Products
Frigidaire FAX054P7A (5000 BTU)Haier HWR05XC7 (5200 BTU)
Haier HWR08XC7 (8,000 BTU)
Haier HWR12XCA (12,000 BTU)
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Save Money with Energy Efficient Products
With global warming a growing threat, there's lots of talk about energy-efficient products -- a boon for the environment and your wallet.
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