Window air conditioners are historically noisy, but a lot of manufacturers have found ways to keep this noise to a minimum. Larger capacity units are usually noisier, however, the size of your room will also affect how you perceive this noise.
To find the quietest window AC unit for your room, consider its capacity and energy efficiency as well as the total area of your room.
A noisy air conditioner can be really annoying, especially when it switches on and off while you’re trying to sleep or concentrate on work. Whether you’re buying a window air conditioner for a place you’re moving into or replacing an older unit, I’ve compiled the best quiet window units available right now.
In case you’re in a hurry, I’ll give the top picks first. But keep reading if you want to know more about the specifications of each unit, what all those air conditioning terms mean, and common FAQs about choosing the best and quietest window air conditioner for your needs.
Quietest Window Air Conditioners Comparison Table
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Top 8 Quietest Window Air Conditioners
Best Overall: TOSOT Tranquility 8,000 BTU
Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
Noise Levels: 42-49 dB
Airflow: 212 CFM
Coverage: 350 sq ft
EER Rating: 12.0
Dehumidification: 2.43 Pint/h
Dimensions: 21.4 x 18.8 x 14 inches
Weight: 62 lbs
The TOSOT Tranquillity Window Air Conditioner is specifically designed for quiet operation. With maximum noise levels between 42 and 49 dB, this is one of the quietest 8,000 BTU window air conditioners today. It can effectively cool rooms up to 350 square feet at a maximum 212 CFM airflow, while the noise output decreases in smaller spaces.
Tranquillity features a modern front-panel design with five operation modes and four fan settings. You have the standard Cool mode, where you can set the temperature and fan speed manually; Energy Saving mode, where the temperature is set automatically to save energy; Dry mode, where the unit runs on low speed to dehumidify the room up to 2.43 pints per hours; and Fan Only and Auto modes. The air louvers are located on top and can be adjusted as needed.
This window AC unit ensures optimum energy savings with an Energy Star certification and a high EER rating of 12.0, adding as low as $65 per year to your electricity bills. It also features Sleep mode and Timer function to ensure your comfort while also saving energy while you sleep. The unit includes a remote control for easy monitoring. When the iFeel function is selected, the sensor in the remote sends a reading to the air conditioner every 10 minutes to adjust the temperature in your room accordingly.
Designed for quick and easy installation, the unit fits into a recommended window width of 25 to 36 inches and a minimum 13.5 inch height. The installation kit includes insulation foams for better soundproofing. While this is a great choice overall, one thing we would like more is higher capacity options for larger rooms.
Pros
• Very quiet with 42 to 49 dB noise levels
• High efficiency 12.0 EER
• Easy installation
• Reliable brand of air conditioners
Cons
• Only 8,000 BTU option
Quietest Window AC: Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
Noise Levels: 42 dB
Coverage: 250-350 sq ft
Airflow: not indicated
EER Rating: not indicated
Dehumidification: not indicated
Dimensions: 21.97 x 19.17 x 13.46 inches
Weight: 67 lbs
The Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner features a unique U-shaped design that utilizes your window itself as a sound dampener. It’s hard to find a window air conditioner quieter than this one. You can close your window without the AC unit getting in the way, blocking the noise by isolating the cooling system from the front panel. This 8,000 BTU air conditioner covers 250 to 350 square feet rooms with a library-quiet 42 dB noise output. It’s also available in 10,000 BTU and 12,000 BTU capacity with a similar noise output for larger spaces up to 450, and 550 square feet, respectively.
This unit received the Energy Star Most Efficient 2020 Certification, saving up to 35% more than most other window air conditioners. The DC Inverter Technology guarantees higher efficiency and minimal noise and vibrations. Inverter compressors automatically adjust the unit’s running speed to maintain the set temperature without periodically shutting off, thus saving energy and reducing noise.
Midea Window Air Conditioner features easy to use electronic controls, including four operation modes (Auto, Cool, Dry, and Fan), four fan speeds, ECO mode, Timer function and Sleep mode. Additionally, you can connect the unit to your Wi-Fi network to control operation from anywhere with the MideaAir mobile app. You can also use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Considering its design, installation may be more complicated than the traditional window AC unit. It includes a support bracket so you can easily open or shut your window. It requires a window 22 to 36 inches wide with a minimum 13.75 inches height.
Pros
• Energy Star Most Efficient
• Inverter Technology
• Wi-Fi compatibility
• Unique U-shape design for reduced noise
• More BTU options
Cons
• Difficult installation
Best for Budget: Keystone KSTAW05BE 5,000 BTU
Cooling Capacity: 5,000 BTU
Noise Levels: 49-55 dB
Airflow: 100/112/129 CFM
Coverage: 150 sq ft
EER Rating: 11.2
Dehumidification: 1.3 Pint/h
Dimensions: 15.4 x 16 x 12 inches
Weight: 40 lbs
The smallest and cheapest window air conditioner in our list is the Keystone KSTAW05BE with 5,000 BTU cooling power. While smaller capacity units are usually quieter, something as small as 5,000 BTU may not have the space for all the noise-cancelling features and inverter system found in other, larger models. Despite this, this Keystone model is the quietest 5,000 BTU window AC unit, with a 55 dB noise output at 129 CFM airflow, and minimum 49 dB at 100 CFM airflow.
The Keystone KSTAW05BE is ideal for cooling spaces up to 150 square feet, such as a small bedroom, office, or living room. It can dehumidify up to 1.3 pints per hour. It features easy to use electronic controls with LED temperature/timer display and an LCD remote control for custom settings including four operation modes and four fan speeds, Energy Saver, and Sleep mode. It also has a high efficiency with an Energy Star certification and 11.2 EER rating.
Keystone is considerably cheaper than the closest competitor and it can be seen in the quality and design of their products. While this unit may be quieter than others its size, it is still pretty loud compared to the rest in our list.
Pros
• Smallest and cheapest “quiet” window AC unit
• High energy efficiency for 5,000 BTUs
Cons
• Small coverage
• Outdated design
Best Quiet Window AC for Small Rooms: Haier Serenity ESAQ406T
Cooling Capacity: 6,200 BTU
Noise Levels: 42-52 dB
Airflow: 200 CFM
Coverage: 250 sq ft
EER Rating: 12.1
Dehumidification: 1.5 pints/h
Dimensions: 21.25 x 23.25 x 15 inches
Weight: 56.6 lbs
The Haier Serenity is as energy efficient as it is quiet. This Energy Star rated window air conditioner has a 6,200 BTU power to silently and efficiently cool small rooms from 150 to 250 square feet. With a maximum 200 CFM airflow, it produces a minimum 42 dB noise in smaller rooms up to 52 dB when operating to its full capacity.
This window air conditioner is highly efficient with an EER rating of 12.1, ensuring higher energy savings and whisper quiet operation. It features three cooling modes including Energy Saver for less power consumption, and Dehumidifier to remove up to 1.5 pints per hour during warmer seasons, along with Sleep mode and a 24-hour timer. The air louvers can be adjusted in four ways for your maximum comfort. Also included with the unit is a remote control so you can adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.
The unit comes with an EZ Mount window kit and fixed chassis for easy installation in a double hung window. Considering the wide build of this unit, you may want to first measure the window you intend to install it on. For a small capacity window AC, the Haier Serenity may be too big and heavy for your room.
Pros
• Extremely quiet at 42 dB
• High energy efficiency
Cons
• Too big for its BTU capacity
Quietest LG 8,000 BTU Window AC: LG LW8017ERSM 8,000 BTU
Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
Noise Levels: 52 dB
Airflow: 212 CFM
Coverage: 350 sq ft
EER Rating: 12.0
Dehumidification: 2.2 pints/h
Dimensions: 19.4 x 19.6 x 12.4 inches
Weight: 62 lbs
LG is a well-known manufacturer of home appliances, not limited to window air conditioners. The LG LW8017ERSM model is the quietest 8,000 BTU window air conditioner from the brand, with similar variations available in 5,000 BTU, 6,000 BTU, 10,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, and 18,000 BTU cooling capacity. This 8,000 BTU model produces 52 dB noise output on lowest settings, while larger models have higher noise levels according to their capacity.
This unit can cover up to 350 square feet with a maximum airflow of 212 CFM. Like most LG products, the LW8017ERSM window air conditioner has high energy efficiency with a 12.0 EER rating and Energy Star certification, costing as low as $65 per year. It features the standard cooling settings and fan speeds, including Energy Saver and Dry modes, and a Timer function.
You can adjust and monitor operation with the electronic controls on the front panel or with the included remote control. Alternatively, you can connect the unit to your Wi-Fi and control the settings from your smartphone using the LG ThinQ app, or set up voice control using Alexa or Google Home.
While it’s not the quietest window AC unit (or the quietest 8,000 BTU unit, at that), if you know the LG brand then you can trust the quality of this model. The stylish, modern design blends well in most rooms with a single hung or double hung window 22 to 36 inches wide with 12 inch minimum height. You can also choose the ideal size for your room, from 5,000 to 18,000 BTU capacity.
Pros
• High energy efficiency
• Wi-Fi compatibility
• Most budget-friendly 8,000 BTU unit
• Comes from a reliable brand
Cons
• Not the quietest unit for its size
Best LG Inverter Window AC: LG LW1019IVSM 9,500 BTU
Cooling Capacity: 9,500 BTU
Noise Levels: 44-58 dB
Airflow: 215 CFM
Coverage: 450 sq ft.
EER Rating: 13.8
Dehumidification: 3.1 pints/h
Dimensions: 19.57 x 12.48 x 24.53 inches
Weight: 63 lbs.
LG is a leader in manufacturing inverter type compressors for various appliances. Another LG model we recommend is the LW1019IVSM 9,500 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner, also available in 14,000 BTU, 18,000 BTU, and 22,000 BTU variations with similar features. This highly efficient unit cools medium to large rooms up to 450 square feet, with minimum 44 dB noise level. At a maximum 215 CFM airflow, the noise can reach 58 dB. While 44 dB to 58 dB is quite a large interval, actual noise levels depend on other factors like the size of your room and your distance from the unit.
Since LG uses the Dual Inverter Technology, this unit even surpasses the Energy Star minimum requirements and can save you up to 15% more energy, operating for as little as $50 yearly. It has all the features you can find in most window air conditioners, including digital controls with multiple function modes and fan speeds, and a remote control. In Dry mode, it can remove up to 3.1 pints of moisture. Additionally, this unit is Wi-Fi enabled so you can easily control operation in your ThinQ app, or use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant.
While this is a great quiet window air conditioner overall, like any modern technology you may encounter issues with the Wi-Fi connectivity and voice controls. However, that’s usually not the feature you’ll buy this unit for.
Pros
• High energy efficiency
• Good value for its price
• Wi-Fi compatibility
• Comes from a reliable brand
Cons
• Potential problems with Wi-Fi and voice controls
Best Quiet 12,000 BTU Window AC: Frigidaire FFRE123WAE
Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU
Noise Levels: 57-59 dB
Airflow: 244-300 CFM
Coverage: 550 sq ft
EER Rating: 12.0
Dehumidification: 3.8 pints/h
Dimensions: 21.5 x 19 x 14.5 inches
Weight: 79.8 lbs
Another popular name among home appliances is Frigidaire. They offer a wide variety of window air conditioners with the FFRE123WAE model at the helm for the quietest 12,000 BTU option. This quiet window AC can effectively cool down spaces from 500 to 550 square feet without your electricity bills skyrocketing.
Depending on the size of your room, it produces 57 dB noise levels at the lowest setting with 244 CFM airflow, and 59 dB at the highest setting with 300 CFM airflow. This is fairly quiet considering the higher 12,000 BTU cooling power and 3.8 pints per hour dehumidification. In a large room, you could barely even hear it from a few feet away.
True to the Frigidaire brand, this Energy Star unit is highly energy efficient with an impressive 12.0 EER rating. Furthermore, it is designed to make operation very easy using the electronic controls. It features all the standard function modes, including Cool, Dry, Fan, and Auto modes, multiple fan speeds, as well as the energy-saving Eco mode, Sleep mode, 24-hour On/Off timer, and a Filter reminder. Also included is a remote control for hassle-free adjustment of settings from across the room, and convenient remote sensing of temperature to keep the whole room cool.
Perhaps what we like most about Frigidaire products is the long-term reliability. Frigidaire appliances are built with high quality, durable materials so your unit can last upward of 10 years, well beyond the standard one-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
• Quietest 12,000 BTU unit for 500 sq ft
• High energy efficiency with 12.0 EER rating
• Quiet for a high 300 CFM airflow
• Comes from a reliable brand
Cons
• Noise levels are closer to 60 dB than 50 dB
Best Quiet 15,000 BTU Window AC: Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RE1
Cooling Capacity: 15,000 BTU
Noise Levels: 52-56 dB
Airflow: not indicated
Coverage: 700 sq ft
EER Rating: 11.9
Dehumidification: 3.52pints/h
Dimensions: 23.6 x 35.4 x 17.9 inches
Weight: 105.8 lbs
Emerson Quiet Kool is a smaller brand compared to our preceding top picks. However, you can trust that they specialize in quiet air conditioners. In fact, the Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RE1 is the quietest window air conditioner with 15,000 BTU cooling power. It is a true feat that this high capacity unit produces as low as 52 to 56 dB of noise, which is even quieter than the smaller Frigidaire 12,000 BTU unit above.
This Emerson Quiet Kool unit is also the biggest quiet window AC that uses a standard 115V power outlet (most models 15,000 BTU and above use 230V). Obviously, bugger units use more electricity to cool down the space effectively. However, the EARC15RE1 is highly energy efficient with an EER rating of 11.9, while keeping the noise output below 60 dB. Not only is it the quietest but also the most energy efficient 15,000 BTU window AC unit. It’s effective in large rooms up to 700 square feet, but for minimal noise levels, it’s recommended to use this unit in spaces within 500 to 600 square feet on lower settings.
As you can see in its digital controls and display, it features all the standard cooling options and fan speeds, including Eco and Sleep modes, a 24-hour timer, and a Filter warning light. You also have a remote control so you can adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.
Since this model is designed to cool larger spaces, it is also physically larger and heavier than the smaller capacity units. To install it, the minimum window width is 28 inches, with 19 to 41 inches height, so make sure to measure your window first. Overall, Emerson Quiet Kool provides the perfect cooling solution minus the unpleasant noise. If you need a smaller unit, you can check out their other products.
Pros
• 15,000 BTU cooling with less than 60 dB noise
• The biggest quiet unit using 115V
• High energy efficiency with 11.9 EER rating
• Large coverage area
• Brand specializes in quiet air conditioners
Cons
• Large and heavy build makes installation more difficult
• Comes from a small brand
What Makes a Window Air Conditioner Quiet?
Firstly, how do we determine a “quiet” window air conditioner? Noise can be subjective — what’s noisy for one user may be unnoticeable for another. To measure noise levels, we use decibels or dB. The most quiet window air conditioners produce noises below 50 dB, but anything below 60 dB is considered a quiet unit. For comparison, a whisper is around 30 dB, rainfall is around 40 dB, while normal conversation goes from 50 to 60 dB.
To minimize your air conditioner’s noise output, you need to know what is/are making the noise in the first place. In the case of window air conditioners, there are three likely culprits: a loud compressor, high airflow, or poor insulation
Compressor
The compressor is usually the noisiest part of an air conditioner (or a refrigerator and dehumidifier). The compressor is the part that controls all other components of your AC. It pumps refrigerant throughout the system, producing cool air from the warm, humid air in the room. Compressors in window units are especially loud.
A regular compressor makes the most noise during the start of its cycle. You’ll hear it kick in with a loud buzzing noise when it turns on and off periodically to release pressure. On the contrary, when using inverter technology, the compressor does not cycle on and off at the highest capacity, but rather works at the lowest speed needed to maintain the temperature in a specific room size. This means your air conditioner produces less noise and you save energy.
Airflow
The airflow rate (in CFM) is the amount of air the unit can process per minute, and the higher it is, the more noise. A higher cooling capacity requires higher airflow to effectively cool the given area, and thus bigger air conditioners (12,000 BTU and above) produce higher noise levels. Running your unit on a higher fan speed also means more noise.
Insulation
Window air conditioners are built with insulation inside the unit to muffle the noise it makes. Your unit should also come with insulation foam that you’ll place on both sides between the unit and the window. The insulation is there to keep the cool air in and also to prevent noise from vibrations inside the unit or the AC hitting the window sill. The noise output may be the same, but proper insulation covers up the noise and makes the unit seem quieter.
How to Choose the Correct Size AC Unit
Similar to purchasing any other appliance, you want to make sure you get the right size for your window ACs. An undersized unit will not cool the room as needed, and it will have to run at the highest fan speed and coldest temperature setting to try to cover the entire room, resulting in warm, uneven temperatures on different parts of the room. This is both ineffective and wasteful of energy. Not to mention very loud, which is exactly the thing you want to avoid.
On the other hand, using a window AC that is bigger than you need may seem like a more effective solution. After all, it can cool the same room much faster at a lower fan setting. However, if the unit cycles on and off too fast, it won’t remove enough moisture in the air, resulting in a cool and clammy room. Also, a bigger unit will consume more power and produce higher noise levels.
When choosing a window AC, you must first know the total area of the room. Manufacturers usually indicate the square footage recommended for each model. The area of coverage is often related to the BTU capacity of the unit, which we’ll get into in the next section.
Although, the right AC size you need does not only rely on the area of the room. You must also take note of the temperature outside, the type of activities performed inside, and the number of people occupying the room. All of these can add to the amount of heat your air conditioner will need to handle.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Quiet Window AC
Remember that “quiet” is a relative term. You cannot choose your window air conditioner based solely on its decibel levels. As mentioned, a bigger unit is expected to be louder since it uses a larger compressor and houses more components. That said, even the quietest 18,000 BTU unit may be louder than a regular 6,000 BTU unit.
Cooling Capacity
An air conditioner’s capacity to cool (or heat) a given square footage area is measured in BTU or British Thermal Unit. Formally, BTU is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F. Or when talking about air conditioners, it is the amount of heat it can remove from the room in one hour.
As a rule of thumb, an air conditioner needs at least 20 BTU to cool a square foot area. So, a 6,000 BTU unit can cover around 250 to 300 square feet, an 8,000 BTU unit can do 350 to 400 square feet, and so on. A lower BTU capacity typically means more silent operation and less power usage. One BTU per hour is equivalent to 0.293 Watts, but your actual electricity cost will still depend on other factors, like the efficiency of the unit.
EER Rating
The Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER refers to the ratio of the cooling power (in BTU) compared to the required energy (in Watts) to power the air conditioner. For example a 12,000 BTU unit that uses 1000W has an EER rating of 12,000 / 1,000 = 12.
A higher EER means higher energy efficiency. An EER of around 12 is considered above average energy efficient. Although, note that EER is calculated using these conditions: 95F outdoor temperature, 80F indoor temperature, and 50% relative humidity. The actual efficiency of your unit may vary depending on the climate and seasons. Furthermore, the EER rating does not necessarily correlate to noise levels.
Digital Controls
Look for an air conditioner with digital controls for more precise setting as opposed to adjustable knobs. You can input an exact temperature instead of just guessing your thermostat. Also look at the additional features the unit offers, including multiple function modes and fan speeds, as well as a programmable timer. This gives you greater control over the unit’s operation and energy use.
How to Make a Window AC Quiet
Keeping a quiet window air conditioner does not stop at buying a nice, low-noise unit. There are a few ways you can minimize noise levels and ensure that it maintains an efficient, quiet operation for a long time.
Firstly it’s important that you choose the next bigger capacity unit recommended for your space, then run it at low speed. For example, to cool a 350 square feet room, the smallest capacity you would need is 8,000 BTU. If you get this capacity, you will have to run the unit at the highest setting, thus generating higher noise levels. But if you choose the slightly bigger 10,000 BTU unit, you can run it at low speed with minimum noise.
Next, use the insulation foam included with the unit, and if necessary, add more. Insulation prevents vibration sounds and muffles compressor noise. It also prevents the cool air from leaking outside. If your AC window gets direct sunlight, you may want to put an awning to shade the unit and protect it from overheating (which can lead to higher noise levels and energy use).
Lastly, remember to clean the air filter regularly. A dirty filter may block the air getting into the unit, producing a wheezing sound, or causing the unit to overheat. A lot of window AC units have a Filter light on the panel to remind you to clean it after a certain time. You will also need to clean the coil and compressor at least once a year to prevent any buildup of dirt and debris. This is usually a job for an HVAC expert, so check with your manual or contact the manufacturer for more details.
Conclusion
There are many quiet window air conditioners you can choose from, but the most important factor that determines the absolute best unit for you is getting the right capacity. You need not sacrifice your electricity bills for a quiet and effective unit. Look for an EER rating of about 12 or higher. Better yet, choose an inverter model to serve both purposes. You get a quiet and highly energy efficient AC. In any case, actual performance of the unit will vary depending on your usage. So make sure to install your unit perfectly and observe proper maintenance to keep it quiet and efficient for a long time.
