If you are searching for a new window AC unit, you should know that not all air conditioners are created equally. Window air conditioners have become a commodity in the appliance industry and are manufactured under many brand names. These branded air conditioners are available for purchase anywhere from the drugstore to the supermarket, with brand names that you either have never heard of or associate with some other product or industry. These brands usually have no service or parts support after the sale and are made to sell at a lower price with lower end features and quality.
However, there are alternatives to these "disposable" air conditioners: brands like Friedrich and Frigidaire. In our window air conditioner review below we will focus on these two great brands.
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About the Brands
These brands have been manufacturing quality air conditioners since the 1950s. Their air conditioners are sold through independent retailers and a few national chains. You'll find that they are manufactured to higher quality standards and backed up with manufacturer and dealer support to ensure the quality and longevity of the product. If you want a good air conditioner that will last, consider one from Friedrich or Frigidaire the next time you shop. You'll be glad that you did!
Frigidaire is known for making good basic units, and they are widely available. If you need a super budget-friendly option, Frigidaire or GE Appliances are your best bet. Frigidaire's window units have pretty similar designs. Some come with wi-fi connectivity. Friedrich is a smaller brand that can is usually sold by small local dealers like us. They are typically nicely designed units with high aesthetic appeal and also generally have quiet operation. Friedrich is an "investment" air conditioner - they tend to cost a little more than the competition, but they repay you in quality components. However, they don't publish the decibel levels of their units, which makes comparing them to other brands difficult. The Wirecutter has found in past tests of window air conditioners that one Friedrich from the Chill Premier series they chose as a pick for 2016 was louder than their picks for 2020 (which include the LG LW8017ERSM and Frigidaire FHWW083WB1).
Both brands also make portable air conditioners, but we don't recommend portable ACs - here's why.
In our window air conditioner reviews, we'll compare a Frigidaire window unit with a Friedrich model (both with 8,000 BTU ratings to cool 300-350 square feet) to help you choose the best option for your needs! Is 8,000 BTU enough for your space? Find out in our air conditioner buying guide.
The Friedrich Chill CCF08A10A - $449
The Friedrich Chill Premier CCF08A10A is an Energy Star rated 8,000 BTU air conditioner with features that you don't find in most other brands. It's among the quietest window air conditioners in its price range - Friedrich claims they're up to 25% quieter than the competition. A 24-hour timer to allows you to program on and off times, and Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control your AC from anywhere with your phone. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa voice commands!
Some of Friedrich's air conditioners come with slide out chassis that's convenient for permanent/year round installs, but this model has a fixed chassis to make seasonal installation easy. It also has a washable filter which is easily removable and an exhaust to get rid of stale air. This AC unit would be a good choice for any home in need of a window air conditioner!
Friedrich covers their room air conditioners for five years total - all parts are covered for the first year, and years 2-5 cover the sealed refrigerant system (such as the compressor and other parts). That's a pretty good deal! This unit will fit in windows from 23" (minimum) to 36" (maximum) wide and a minimum height of 14.5".
The Frigidaire FFRE083WA1 - $329
Next up in our window air conditioner reviews is the Frigidaire FFRE083WA1, an 8,000 BTU air conditioner which also has some unique features that separate it from most other air conditioners in its price range of $329. Frigidaire is one of the best window air conditioner brand names on the market and has been for years. You can see why with this awesome model.
This popular model comes with Effortless Temperature Control so it can maintain a preset room temperature. Sleep Mode offers energy savings by gradually increasing the set temperature a few degrees in the evening, or just use the 24-hour timer. If the power goes out or your window AC unit is accidentally unplugged, it will restart at the settings you previously chose when you turn it back on. A remote control lets you adjust the temperature and choose from three fan speeds.
The air conditioner will alert you when it's time to clean the anti-bacterial mesh filter, and an extra-long power cord is another nice feature. Note that this model does not offer the slide-out chassis like the Friedrich model, so it can be somewhat more difficult to install if you're not used to moving 60 pounds around!
This model fits windows with a minimum height of 13.25" and a width of 22" (minimum) to 36" (maximum). Frigidaire covers this window AC unit for 1 year on the full appliance and 5 years on the sealed system.
Click here to read over 255 real customer reviews of this product!
In Conclusion...
As you can see, the Friedrich model costs more but has a more modern design with smart features. You're getting a great warranty with either option. Friedrich has very high customer satisfaction, so we recommend it if you want something high quality that offers a ton of convenience. Otherwise, if you want a basic option that should be reliable and easy to use, the Frigidaire unit might be perfect!
Both Friedrich and Frigidaire offer a wide variety of air conditioners including window units, wall units, portable units, and mini splits. We hope you found these window air conditioner reviews helpful. Take a look at their products the next time you go shopping, and you will surely find a model that will fit your needs. Compare more options in our review of the best 8,000 BTU models.
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Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in January of 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.