Ah, summer: popsicles, cold drinks, sunscreen... But when hot, muggy days turn into hot, muggy nights, it can be hard to enjoy the heat! Window air conditioners are perfect for those of us who live in temperate climates since they can be stored away when the chill of winter creeps back in.
An 8,000 BTU air conditioner is ideal if you have a 300-350 square foot space that needs cooling, like a studio apartment, master bedroom, or small living room. (Read more about air conditioner sizes here.) If you'd like to compare your options, you're in the right place! We've chosen three popular models from great brands to help you decide. Choosing an air conditioner from an established brand helps ensure that you get a solid warranty and that the unit gives you many seasons of performance.
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3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Window Air Conditioner
Energy Efficiency/Cost to Run. Air conditioner efficiency is important since it's directly connected to how much the unit will cost you while it's running. Besides looking at the Energy Guide, you can also check out the CEER or Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio takes into consideration the cooling capacity (BTU/hr) and the power used while in use and while in standby mode. The higher the CEER, the better. You should only compare CEER ratings between AC units with the same BTU output. Based on the Energy Star website's ratings for 8,000 BTU air conditioners, the best CEER ratings for this type of AC unit max out at 15 but are typically around 12.
If you'll be running your AC constantly for most of the summer, you may also want to look for a model with an Energy Saver mode. This mode typically checks the temperature of the room every few minutes and only turns the fan on if the temp has risen above the level you've chosen.
Noise Level/dBA. Many air conditioners now come with decibel measures in dBA, similar to dishwashers. This measures the approximate noise level of the unit. Since the average conversation level takes place at around 60 decibels, units that are 60+ dBA can be disruptive.
Note that a 6 to 10 decibel decrease will sound like a 50% reduction in noise level, while a 3-decibel change will only be 1.23 times louder or quieter. So don't sweat small decibel differences between models but pay attention to differences of 8 or more decibels.
1. The Friedrich Chill Premier CCF08A10A - MSRP $449
First up is a top selling model from specialty brand Friedrich. The Friedrich Chill CCF08A10A has a fixed chassis or sleeve that makes it quick and easy to install. Select Friedrich models come with slide-out chassis/sleeve ideal for permanent installations.
It's Energy Star rated and, at the top of the energy efficiency, charts with a CEER of 12.0. It's also made with environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant that's more efficient, among other benefits. Built with features like heavy-duty insulation on the inner wall and stiffened sheet metal casing to block and absorb noise, these models are quiet. According to Friedrich, their models are up to 25% quieter than competitor products. This model also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity - use the Friedrich Go app and even Amazon Alexa for voice control. You can set your unit on or off and change the temperature from anywhere.
Friedrich air conditioners are more expensive than those from other brands like Frigidaire, but they have high owner satisfaction. Friedrich offers a one year full parts and labor warranty plus five years on the sealed system.
Features
CEER: 12.0
Noise Rating: Not listed, but quiet
Weight: 51 lbs
Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $60
Digital display and touch controls with remote, Wi-Fi, and voice control
Energy Saver mode and sleep setting
24-hour on/off timer
Auto Restart
Energy Star rated
Friedrich Chill CCF08A10A - $449 MSRP - CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING
2. The LG LW8017ERSM - MSRP $309
Next up is the LG LW8017ERSM, a smart Wi-Fi enabled 8,000 BTU model. LG's Smart ThinQ app is easy to use and allows you to control this Energy Star rated air conditioner remotely. Adjust the temperature no matter where you are with your iPhone or Android smartphone! There's also a remote control included.
This model includes a 24-hour on/off timer and an Energy Saver mode. When in operation, it has a deeper-pitched sound to it that helps it blend into the background. It uses environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant as well. You'll find a washable filter with a clean filter reminder and a three-speed fan.
LG offers a one year parts and labor warranty on the full unit. Check it out if you want to be able to easily control your air conditioner using just your smartphone!
Features
CEER: 12.0
Noise Rating: 52-54 dBA
Weight: 58 lbs
Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $65
Digital display and touch controls with remote and Wi-Fi connectivity
Energy Saver mode
24-hour on/off timer
Auto Restart
Click here to read over 100 real customer reviews of this product!
3. The Frigidaire FFRE083WA1 - MSRP $329
Last but not least is the Frigidaire FFRE083WA1. This is a slightly noisier model overall compared to the LG and Friedrich models, so it may not be as good of a fit for a bedroom, but it still has a lot to offer. It has a multi-speed fan and a programmable 24-hour timer. A remote control is included. The filter is easy to clean, and you will be notified when it has to be cleaned.
In addition to an Energy Saver thermostat mode, this model also comes with a Sleep mode that slightly increases the temperature a few degrees in the evening to keep you comfortable while reducing energy usage. Environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant is another nice feature to see in this unit.
Frigidaire covers this model with a one year full parts and labor warranty plus five years parts only on the sealed system.
Features
CEER: 12.0
Noise Rating: 55-58 dB
Weight: 54 lbs
Estimated Yearly Energy Cost: $65
Digital display and touch controls with remote
Energy Saver and Sleep modes
24-hour on/off timer
Auto Restart
Click here to read over 255 real customer reviews of this product!
Frigidaire FFRE083WA1 - $329 MSRP - CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING
That sums up our reviews of some great 8,000 BTU air conditioner models from several different brands. Check them out in the store in person to best compare them! Which model do you prefer? Do you think a smart air conditioner will save you money? Leave us a comment below - We'd love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in March of 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.