When the summer heat is beating down on your home, nothing is better than relaxing in an air-conditioned room. If you don’t have central AC, window units are a great way to regulate room temperature beyond a simple ceiling fan.
Window air conditioners are inexpensive but powerful enough to blast some seriously cool air into your home! That said, they do have one major downside. These machines can produce a ton of noise!
With central air, the most you’re going to have to contend with is a slight hum coming from the ducts. The compressor and fan are installed outside where you can’t hear it. With a window unit, all of those mechanics are only a few feet away! While they’re not nearly as loud as portable AC units, they can still produce a considerable amount of noise. If you are trying to control noise inside your home, this can be a problem.
Thankfully quiet window air conditioners do exist. Designed for quiet operation, they’re perfect for keeping cool at night or cutting back on ambient noise throughout the day.
Quiet Window Air Conditioner – Comparison Table
Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
---|---|---|---|
LG LW1019IVSM Energy Star Air Conditioner | Produces as little as 44 dBa 9,500 BTU Dual inverter | 4.1 out of 5 | |
Koldfront WAC6002WCO Air Conditioner | 6,050 BTU, 12.1 EER Energy-saving mode Dehumidifier, Timer Remote control | 4.5 out of 5 | |
LG Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner | 22, 000 BTU dual inverter Estimated cooling area 1300-sq. ft Remote Controller | 4.6 out of 5 | |
LG LW6017R Window Air Conditioner | 6,000 BTU, Cools rooms up to 260 square feet Energy-saving mode Removes up to 1.8 pints of moisture per hour Sleek controls | 4.3 out of 5 | |
Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series 6050 | Makes 43 decibels of noise, 6,050 BTU Dual motor and cross-flow fan Energy-saving mode, Cools up to 260 square feet Sleep mode and a 24-hour timer | 3,9 out of 5 | |
LG LW1216ER Window-Mounted Air Conditioner | 12,000 BTU, Cools rooms up to 550 square feet Auto restart, Articulating louvers Simple controls Energy-saving mode and timer | 4.3 out of 5 | |
Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner | 8,000 BTU, Dehumidifier ECO mode Sleek digital control panel Quiet night operation with Sleep mode | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner | 8,000 BTU, Only produces 42 decibels Wi-Fi connectivity, Smart control features Window remains operational Simple push-button controls | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Emerson Quiet Kool Smart Air Conditioner | 15,000 BTU, Wi-Fi enabled Cooling area up to 700 square feet 11.0 EER ECO mode and Sleep Mode | 4.2 out of 5 | |
hOmeLabs Window Air Conditioner | Produces 55 to 59 decibels of noise 8,000 BTU, Energy Star rated Six cooling options, Dehumidifier Power-saving and nighttime modes | 4.5 out of 5 | |
GE AHQQ06LX Serenity Quiet Air Conditioner | Only 43 dBa output About 6,000 BTU Four-way cooling | 4.5 out of 5 |
Benefits of a Quiet Window Air Conditioner Unit
Whether you have a quiet unit or not, window AC units offer a slew of advantages. Beyond the obvious cooling benefits, window units give you much greater flexibility.
The devices are built to install onto any standard window sill. There’s no need to worry about making major renovations like installing ductwork. Everything from the refrigerant compressor to the air filter is built into one compact box.
One half of the unit sticks outside the window while the other points inside. Installation is as simple as popping open the window, sliding the unit in place, and securing a few screws! You can place them in your bedroom, a living room, or even an addition without ducting.
While many people think that central systems are best, window units are much more cost-effective. Not only does the unit itself cost significantly less than a whole-home system, but it’s much more affordable to run.
Think about how much energy is wasted cooling down a 2,000 square foot house. Chances are, most of that space isn’t being occupied. So, why spend money cooling it down? With a window unit, you’re cooling down the specific room you’re in and nothing more.
Quiet systems take things a step further by addressing the biggest complaints homeowners have about these machines: the noise levels. With standard window AC systems, you have to deal with continual noise as it runs. Throw in the occasional boom of the compressor kicking in and it’s nearly impossible to use these machines at night.
Investing in a quiet model lets you get the peace and quiet you deserve. Perfect for hot sleepers, quiet window units minimize noise by using more efficient components. Advanced compressors, streamlined fans, and some careful engineering can cut back on noise significantly.
Some brands also modify the design to insulate your window a bit better. This helps to block out some of the commotion coming from the components outside.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Quiet Window AC
So, how exactly do you find the quietest window air conditioner? There’s not exactly a standard when it comes to noise levels. Thus, you’re going to have to dig a bit deeper and consider everything the unit has to offer.
Use the information in this buying guide to zero in on the best unit for your needs.
Decibel Level
The most important thing you’ll want to look into is the amount of noise the unit produces. Not all manufacturers will provide this data outright. But those that designed the system with quietness in mind will often use it in their marketing materials.
To get some reference, standard window units can produce anywhere between 40 and 60 decibels of noise depending on the operating mode. A standard conversation with someone standing next to you is roughly 60 dBA.
A 20-decibel jump might not seem like a lot. A jump of only 10 decibels is actually a big jump in perceived loudness. The difference between 40 to 50 decibels is almost double!
Of course, several factors will contribute to perceived loudness. Where you are in the room and how intense the cooling settings are will change how loud the system is to you.
To keep things simple, go with the lowest possible decibel rating you can find. Lower ratings are always better when you’re looking for a quiet machine.
BTU Rating
What good is an air conditioner if it doesn’t effectively cool your room? A machine’s cooling capacity is represented as BTU unit. BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is used to measure heat transfer. A higher BTU rating means that the machine can move heat out of the room faster. It directly correlates with your room size.
If you have a small room, you can get away with getting a unit with only 5000 BTU. That’s usually enough to cool down a room with only 150 square feet.
But you have a larger room that you’re looking to cool down, you might need to jump up to 10,000 BTUs or more. With 10,000 BTUs you can cool a 350 square foot room.
Window units are available in a range of ratings. There are even heavy-duty models with 36,000 BTUs! Choose a BTU rating that’s appropriate for your room. Other than cooling the room down faster, there are no major benefits to getting a system with more cooling power than you need. So, choose a rating that’s as close to the size of the room as possible.
Controls
Window air conditioners can be as simple or as advanced as you want! More affordable systems utilize simple knob controls. They work just fine, but they can be a pain when you want to make changes from across the room.
To do that, you’ll need a unit with remote control. More advanced systems can connect to Wi-Fi. With a complementary app, you can adjust settings, create schedules, or even turn the system on before you get home.
Energy Costs
Energy costs are an important consideration. Running powerful AC units doesn’t come cheap. Generally, systems with higher BTU ratings will cost you much more to run than those with lower ratings.
Several factors will affect your running costs. These include your current cost per kWh, how often you run the AC, and how much energy the system uses.
Use any available energy guidelines to get a better idea of what the unit will do for your electric bill. Pay close attention to the EER rating. EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, provides some insight into a system’s power consumption. A higher EER rating is preferred, as this means that the appliance uses less electricity. To keep costs low, invest in efficient Energy Star products.
Cooling Options
More performance options are always preferred. Cooling features vary wildly across the board.
On simpler machines, you’ll get limited cooling options. You might have only a few preset temperatures or cooling speeds to choose from. Those systems are still worth considering, but you won’t have fine-tuned control.
More advanced air conditioner units have more flexibility. You can set the thermostat to an exact setting and let the machine do the work to keep things stable. You may also have access to adjustable louvers, multiple fan speeds, and dehumidifier controls.
Tips for Keeping Your Window AC Quiet
Buying the quietest air conditioner on the market can make all the difference when it comes to noise levels. But, that quietness is fleeting. Window units are notorious for getting louder as they start to experience some wear and tear.
To maintain the low noise levels, you must maintain your air conditioner. Check on the compressor, fan, and other moving parts regularly. Clean the exterior of the unit, remove fallen leaves, and apply some lubrication to the fan to keep it running smoothly.
Also, pay attention to the power cord. If the power cord becomes damaged, you run the risk of experiencing a short. It could also start having issues maintaining constant power. This results in intermittent stops and a regular vibrating noise.
Finally, keep the air filter clean. Most units nowadays have a washable filter that you can clean in minutes. Removing accumulated dust and grime will improve the system’s efficiency and keep noise to a minimum.
Top Rated & Reviewed Quiet Window Air Conditioner Units
One look through Amazon or Google will show you that window air conditioner units are a dime a dozen. To help you sift through your options, we’ve collected some of the best quiet window units available. Here are our top picks!
LG LW1019IVSM Energy Star Air Conditioner
The LG LW1019IVSM is one of the quietest window AC units around! In the sleep mode, it makes a mere 44 decibels of noise! It’s whisper-quiet, allowing you to get a full night of rest without tossing and turning.
Beyond the quiet operation, the best thing about this unit is the dual inverter compressor. This component has a faster cooling range and a wider rotational frequency. It makes the machine more efficient and is responsible for getting that Energy Star badge of approval!
You have plenty of great cooling options at your fingertips. Choose your mode on the control panel. Alternatively, you can connect it to your smartphone with an app for on-the-go control!
Key Features:
- Produces as little as 44 dBa
- 9,500 BTU
- Dual inverter
- Four cooling speeds
- Auto-cooling function
- Easy controls
- App-compatible
Koldfront WAC6002WCO Air Conditioner
Good for smaller rooms, the unit from Koldfront has all the flexible controls you need to stay cool during the summer. On both the front panel of the machine and the remote control, you can make fine-tune adjustments to the thermostat.
The unit also has some handy convenience features. Make the room feel dry with built-in dehumidification, save money with energy-saving mode, or turn on the timer to ensure that you’re not wasting power.
Key Features:
- 6,050 BTU
- 12.1 EER
- Energy-saving mode
- Dehumidifier
- Timer
- Remote control
LG Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Hot summer days become comfortable and quiet with this LG air conditioner in your home. It can cool an entire room or shared space of up to 1,300 square feet and has a maximum output of 22,000 BTU. The buttons on the front of the AC let you power it on and select the fan and cool settings as well as adjust the temperature. You can do the same things via the included remote. With the sleep mode, you can change the settings at night. This quiet AC also has a timer that lets you run it as long as you want and have it shut down automatically.
Key Features:
- 22, 000 BTU dual inverter
- Estimated cooling area 1300-sq. ft
- Remote Controller
LG LW6017R Window Air Conditioner
Capable of fitting most window casements up to 35 inches wide, the LG air conditioning window unit offers efficient performance and simple design. The control panel on this system is small and discrete. Yet, its push-button operation and included remote control make getting things just right a breeze.
There are three fan speeds available. The unit also has a built-in dehumidifier and a programmable thermostat for your convenience.
Key Features:
- 6,000 BTU
- Cools rooms up to 260 square feet
- Energy-saving mode
- Removes up to 1.8 pints of moisture per hour
- Sleek controls
Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series 6050
Here’s another model from Haier’s Serenity Series line. Like the first one, this unit features a blanket-wrapped compressor for quiet performance. It also has a unique cross-flow fan.
Rather than the traditional inward-facing fan that most units have, this one has a fan that runs parallel to the window. This provides more cooling power while also keeping extraneous noise to a minimum.
Key Features:
- Makes 43 decibels of noise
- 6,050 BTU
- Dual motor and cross-flow fan
- Energy-saving mode
- Cools up to 260 square feet
- Sleep mode and a 24-hour timer
LG LW1216ER Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Need a beefier unit to cool down a large space? This model from LG has you covered. With 12,000 BTUs, you can rooms up to 550 square feet as cool as you need. Not only that, but this system has a four-way louver. You can point air flow in any direction for maximum comfort.
Convenient features like Auto Restart and energy-saving mode are included as well. The former ensures that the unit starts cooling again after a power outage while the latter keeps your cooling costs as low as possible.
Key Features:
- 12,000 BTU
- Cools rooms up to 550 square feet
- Auto restart
- Articulating louvers
- Simple controls
- Energy-saving mode and timer
Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
With its sleek design, this unit from Midea can fit in anywhere. It features a modern design aesthetic complete with a smooth digital control panel.
In terms of operation, this system is quite efficient. To keep your energy costs low, you can run the unit on ECO mode. In this mode, the AC will shut off once the room reaches the desired temperature.
Sleep mode is also available. This mode runs quieter and automatically adjusts the temperature to match your sleep cycle.
Key Features:
- 8,000 BTU
- Dehumidifier
- ECO mode
- Sleek digital control panel
- Quiet night operation with Sleep mode
Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Also from Midea is the U Inverter quiet air conditioner. This system has a unique design that can make a significant difference in noise levels. It features a U-shaped configuration that allows you to keep the window closed. When closed, the window blocks out noise from the compressor for quieter operation.
As if that weren’t enough, the unit has Wi-Fi connectivity! Connect it to your smartphone to control the system from your screen. You can even use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to change settings with your voice.
Key Features:
- 8,000 BTU
- Only produces 42 decibels
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Smart control features
- Window remains operational
- Simple push-button controls
Emerson Quiet Kool Smart Air Conditioner
The Emerson Quiet Kool air conditioner does a fine job of keeping noise levels as low as possible. Once the air has reached your desired temperature, the system drops to a lower setting for maintenance. That way, the compressor isn’t blaring the entire time you use it.
Like the previous model, this unit is Wi-Fi enabled. Control it with your smartphone or use compatible voice assistants for hands-free operation.
Key Features:
- 15,000 BTU
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Cooling area up to 700 square feet
- 11.0 EER
- ECO mode and Sleep Mode
hOmeLabs Window Air Conditioner
Enjoy the cool air in peace with this window unit from hOmeLabs. When running, the indoor noise level is anywhere between 55 and 59 decibels depending on the cooling mode you’re using.
Speaking of cooling modes, this unit has six. This includes an energy-saving ECO mode, a quiet Sleep mode, and a dehumidification mode to get rid of moisture in the air.
Key Features:
- Produces 55 to 59 decibels of noise
- 8,000 BTU
- Energy Star rated
- Six cooling options
- Dehumidifier
- Power-saving and nighttime modes
GE AHQQ06LX Serenity Quiet Air Conditioner
From GE is this sleek and efficient air conditioner. It has a smaller cooling capacity than some of the other quiet units on this list. At roughly 6,125 BTUs, it’s best for small rooms up to 250 square feet big. But make no mistake: The air conditioner does a fantastic job of bringing temperatures down.
It has a four-way fan output. The blower directs air in all directions to ensure even cooling throughout the room. There’s also plenty of cooling modes to get things just right. In the quietest sleep mode, the machine will only make about 43 decibels of noise!
Key Features:
- Only 43 dBa output
- About 6,000 BTU
- Four-way cooling
- Energy-saving mode
- Three cooling modes and speeds
- Easy-access air filter
Conclusion
Why deal with the grating noise of a loud AC unit when you don’t have to? The best window air conditioners can provide you with all the cooling benefits you need minus the headaches!
They’re easy to install and can give you that localized cooling you’re after. Plus, they’re quiet enough to use at night? What more could you want?
If you’re interested in other types of quiet AC equipment, you may be interested in some of our other related posts:
- Best Quiet Through The Wall Air Conditioners
- Best Quiet RV Air Conditioners
- Best Quiet Air Conditioners