Quietest Window AC? (5 Viewers)

[gopherblue]

I’m looking for a 10,000-12,000 BTU window AC for our open plan living/kitchen area, approximately 450-500 sqft.

Noise level is critical. Can anyone recommend a QUIET air conditioner in this size range?

We have the Frigidaire Quiet Temp 6000 BTU model for our bedrooms and love them, but the largest size in the Quiet Temp series is 8000 BTU, and I’m worried that is too underpowered for our living room/kitchen. Would 8000 BTUs cut it?

Thx!

 

[bentax1978]

You might be ok with 8000. How tall are the ceilings? Are there lots of windows? How cold do you need the room to be?

I'm not an HVAC guy, but I have stayed in a Holiday Inn Express a couple times, so I might be able to help you out.

 

[gopherblue]

You might be ok with 8000. How tall are the ceilings? Are there lots of windows? How cold do you need the room to be?

Room faces north and east; receives morning light only. Four double-hung 2-pane windows. Ceilings are higher than standard height, maybe 11-11.5 foot? Just need it to be cool and comfortable, not freezing.

 

[bentax1978]

Room faces north and east; receives morning light only.

That helps.

Four double-hung 2-pane windows.

Could be worse.

Ceilings are higher than standard height, maybe 11-11.5 foot?

Makes it a little more challenging.

Just need it to be cool and comfortable, not freezing.

By the numbers I'm sure you're technically suppose to go with something a little larger (than 8k BTU). But if you cant find something you're happy with (in terms of noise) in that size, I think you'll be ok with 8k.

Obligatory caveat that IANAHVAC guy.

 

[rowlin]

We have a 5000 BTU Daewoo window unit and a 12000 BTU Delonghi roll-around. I haven't tested it, but the smaller window unit seems louder.

The droid-style unit was more expensive, but we like it so much better that I doubt we'll buy another window machine.

 

[Tommy]

The droid-style unit

Is that a mini-split type system?

 

[bentax1978]

Is that a mini-split type system?

We just put in a pair of mini-split systems in at work. They're great.

 

[Tommy]

We just put in a pair of mini-split systems in at work. They're great.

I'd choose those over a window unit if you have a place to install it. When I lived in Philly, thieves would push in the window units to break in. Some would "winterize" their window unit by putting a cover over it and leaving it in the window year a round. (n) :thumbsdown:

 

[bentax1978]

I'd choose those over a window unit if you have a place to install it. When I lived in Philly, thieves would push in the window units to break in. Some would "winterize" their window unit by putting a cover over it and leaving it in the window year a round. (n) :thumbsdown:

They're also super quiet.

 

[AWenger]

Noise level is critical. Can anyone recommend a QUIET air conditioner in this size range?

Brings back a memory. About 10 or more years ago, I bought a window AC unit for a small apartment, based on the noise ratings in Consumer Reports, there was a Frigidaire model that had good (low) noise ratings. But when I installed it, it was loud, nothing like the ratings said. I couldn't even get to sleep it was that loud, even at low setting. It was the whoosh of air through the unit that made it loud, not the compressor.

IIRC, I shopped around looking for an LG brand unit that had much quieter ratings, (and maybe Amazon customer reviews that matched?) and the LG window unit was much, much, quieter.

I think I even drove 30-45 minutes away to find a store that had an LG model in stock, and requested the store clerk let me unbox it and plug it in to test the sound before I bought it.

 

[abby99]

I’m looking for a 10,000-12,000 BTU window AC for our open plan living/kitchen area, approximately 450-500 sqft.

Noise level is critical. Can anyone recommend a QUIET air conditioner in this size range?

We have the Frigidaire Quiet Temp 6000 BTU model for our bedrooms and love them, but the largest size in the Quiet Temp series is 8000 BTU, and I’m worried that is too underpowered for our living room/kitchen. Would 8000 BTUs cut it?

Thx!

If you like your current A/C that much, would it be possible to install two in your living area?

(I have very little experience in this area.)

 

[rowlin]

Is that a mini-split type system?

No, but those look really cool. Both of ours were Costco specials for use in rented apartments, so probably not the caliber that gopher is after.

I sourced these shots from the Costco website. Ours has a remote and a couple additional buttons. It reminds me of a bot you might see on a (Jawa) Sandcrawler.

 

[gopherblue]

If you like your current A/C that much, would it be possible to install two in your living area?

(I have very little experience in this area.)

That’s a possibility, but I’d rather not have two units blocking two windows.

 

[bentax1978]

If you like your current A/C that much, would it be possible to install two in your living area?

(I have very little experience in this area.)

It’s very possible that two quieter ACs might actually be louder than one regular (larger) AC.