Best Air Conditioners for Build Quality (2024)
Windmill AC with WhisperTech
Score: 8/10
Sturdy and well-designed, but installation requires additional tools.
Build Quality
8/10
You need two people to install it because it's quite heavy.
It comes with scissors. You pretty much brought everything you needed except for the drill.
Cooling Performance
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The AC is on, and it's currently 71° in my apartment.
I had it on low for about an hour, and I had to go buy an extension cord. When I came back, my apartment was already cool.
I set it to 62°, but it's at 75° now. When I came in, my apartment was 84°.
Energy Efficiency
7/10
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There's also an app that you can control.
I wasn't going to buy the AC because I was sleeping with two fans, but we had a heat wave over the weekend here in New York City.
Noise Level
7/10
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This is Whisper Tech, which is supposed to make less noise than the regular one.
I had it on low for about an hour.
Ease Of Use
8/10
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The AC comes preassembled, and all you have to do is screw it into the window.
You need two people to install it because it's quite heavy.
Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Score: 8/10
Unique U-shaped design allows for secure installation and window functionality, though installation is time-consuming.
Build Quality
8/10
The window actually fits in between, which is cool because if you've ever had a window AC unit, you have to lock it in place, and you lose your window and everything like that.
The first thing I noticed about this remote is that it's huge, and that's good because it's easy to lose the little tiny remotes. So, it's cool that it's a full-size TV remote; that's actually really neat.
Cooling Performance
9/10
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It is designed for rooms approximately 450 to 550 square feet in size.
It's nice and cold, and as you can see, it has a swing option, which is really cool.
Energy Efficiency
9/10
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The inverter technology makes it significantly more efficient than a regular one, costing about 52 bucks a year to operate.
It does have an eco mode, which is cool, a timer, Wi-Fi connectivity, and different settings like Auto, Low, High, Cool, Sleep, and Swing. It is also ENERGY STAR certified, which is really cool.
Noise Level
8/10
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The idea of having the compressor outside the window makes it as quiet as approximately 32 decibels, which is really cool.
Ease Of Use
7/10
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It does have app usage as well as inverter technology.
You may need a screwdriver for the installation.
COSTWAY 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner& Heater,
Score: 8/10
Impressive build quality with nice color and thick cables.
Build Quality
8/10
This is a really nice one. I love the color.
I am really impressed.
The cables are nice and thick too.
Cooling Performance
9/10
Energy Efficiency
8/10
Noise Level
5/10
Ease Of Use
9/10
LG 7,500 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Supplemental Heat,
Score: 8/10
Reliable and durable with a sleek design, though app issues could affect perceived quality.
Build Quality
8/10
I trust this unit completely and hope that, down the road, I can still find one exactly like it.
The filter is easy to remove and clean.
Cooling Performance
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The feature that impressed me the most was its cooling efficiency, even in the scorching Texas heat.
This air conditioner quickly cooled down the room, creating a pleasant and relaxing environment.
This cooling capacity ensures efficient performance, effectively maintaining a comfortable indoor environment during hot weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
This air conditioner offers unparalleled convenience and comfort with its low-noise performance.
This cooling capacity ensures efficient performance, effectively maintaining a comfortable indoor environment during hot weather conditions.
Noise Level
9/10
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This air conditioner boasts impressive low noise performance, operating at sound levels as low as 50 dB in low mode.
This is a great unit, quieter than an old, tired unit.
Ease Of Use
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
The remote control and digital display were user-friendly, enabling easy adjustments from anywhere in the room.
Installing the air conditioner seemed to be pretty easy, as it included an installation kit, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
Cooper&Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC Packaged Terminal A C
Score: 8/10
Robust and adaptable HVAC system with a powerful build.
Build Quality
8/10
This is a powerful and adaptable HVAC system.
This is a reliable choice for both residential and commercial use.
Cooling Performance
9/10
Energy Efficiency
8/10
Noise Level
5/10
Ease Of Use
8/10
OLMO Alpic 9,000 BTU, 110 120V Ductless Mini Split AC
Score: 8/10
Solid warranty coverage, but professional setup is needed.
Build Quality
8/10
The inverter compressor by Toshiba comes with a five-year limited warranty.
A licensed HVAC technician is required to perform the installation.
Cooling Performance
8/10
Energy Efficiency
9/10
Noise Level
9/10
Ease Of Use
7/10
DELLA Motto Series 18000 BTU Wifi Enabled Mini Split
Score: 8/10
Sleek design with quality certifications, but installation may require freon adjustments.
Build Quality
8/10
This top box is the smaller unit that will go on the wall in your room, and this larger box is the unit that will go outside.
Cooling Performance
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
It's perfect for a smaller space that perhaps doesn't get enough heat or air.
This is the entire unit: it is both an AC and a heater.
Energy Efficiency
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
This is an awesome option to use instead of that really nice size, as it also goes on the wall.
Noise Level
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
These are really cool if you've never had one before.
Buyersguide.org
Ease Of Use
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
It has a remote control, making it a really nice, sleek option so that you don't have to install something like a window unit.
ROVSUN 9000BTU Wifi Enabled Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater
Score: 8/10
Robust build with self-cleaning and auto-defrost functions, though professional installation may be needed.
Build Quality
8/10
We've got our factory flare, so we don't have to worry about any burrs or anything on it.
These are rated for 1,500 PSI.
Cooling Performance
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
When the system is turned on, it shows a digital display of the temperature that we currently want, using this remote right here.
If you notice, it's right there and is going to read the current temperature coming out of the system. This is just for cooling right now.
Energy Efficiency
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
It's a 120-volt device, so it will power up from a 120-volt source with a very low amp draw.
We are going to fill this with nitrogen, nitrogen, nitrogen.
Noise Level
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
If you can hear it, you can hear the reefer releasing, which means that it's going into the lines and running to the indoor unit.
Buyersguide.org
Ease Of Use
8/10
Quotes from Reviewers
When the system is turned on, it shows a digital display of the temperature that we currently want, which can be set using this remote right here.
Since Crystal and I aren't professionals at installing this sort of thing, we ended up hiring Topnotch Heating and Air.
Cooper & Hunter 18,000 BTU, 230V 19 SEER Ductless Mini Split AC
Score: 8/10
Robust build with a comprehensive installation kit, though careful handling is required.
Build Quality
8/10
This bracket design is really good. You hook it onto the top of the air handler, and then the bottom part snaps into position.
This is the fourth Mr. Cool unit I've installed, and this one is definitely good. They've made some small improvements.
Cooling Performance
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
This device immediately turned on. You can see that these louvers are electric, so even though it is in the far corner of my room, it will have no problem circulating the air-conditioned air everywhere I need it.
This is the fourth Mr. Cool unit I've installed, and this one is definitely good.
This thing is running at pretty much maximum speed right now, yet it is quiet.
Energy Efficiency
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
It also doesn't use a lot of energy, so this thing is running at pretty much maximum speed right now.
This Cooper and Hunter 18,000 BTU system is energy-efficient.
Noise Level
9/10
Quotes from Reviewers
It is very quiet and also doesn't use much energy.
I'm five feet in front of it, and I can't even hear the central air from here.
Bestproductsreviews.com
Ease Of Use
7/10
Quotes from Reviewers
It's surprisingly easy. Mr. Cool changed everything because they engineered this system so that a DIY-er could install it themselves.
The remote control is nicer.
Senville AURA Series Mini Split Air Conditioner Inverter Heat Pump
Score: 8/10
Sturdy build with helpful installation features, but the unit is bulky.
Build Quality
8/10
The bracket includes a bubble level, so you don't even have to worry about using a traditional level.
The inside unit is very light, weighing roughly 30 lb, but because it's so bulky, it took two of us to lift it into position.
Cooling Performance
8/10
Energy Efficiency
9/10
Noise Level
9/10
Ease Of Use
7/10