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Best Window Air Conditioners 2025 | New York City Version

Here’s a breakdown on the best window air conditioners for New Yorkers, by a company that specialize

It’s that time of the year. New Yorkers want to know what the best window air conditioner is, the best air conditioner to invest in. The best bang for the buck.

We’re a window installation company who has been working in this business for almost a decade. We’re not getting any kickbacks or payments for our recommendations.

Before we delve into the units, you need to know the size of the air conditioner classified as BTUS ( British Thermal Unit).

Understanding Air Conditioner Power — What does BTUS (British Thermal Units) mean?

What the hell does BTU mean? It’s an indicator of how powerful your ac is. Just like wattage for a light bulb, the more powerful the wattage, the brighter the light bulb.

Here’s a breakdown on BTUs for each bedroom:

5000–8000 BTUS for the Bedroom

10000–12000 BTUS for the living room

14000–18000 BTUS for studio or entire apartment

PLEASE NOTE, if you’re on the TOP FLOOR of your building or you have a bedroom that gets hit with a lot of sunlight, we advise you to increment the recommended BTU by 2000. For example, if you live on the top floor of a building in the village, in Manhattan, Instead of investing in a 8K unit for the bedroom, get a 10K.

Also, you can put a larger air conditioner in your bedroom, but quite often it is a waste of energy. Adversely, a smaller air conditioner in a large space will prevent your air conditioner from functioning properly and you’ll still waste energy.

Best Window Air Conditioners for the Bedroom

Bedroom Units 5000 - 8000 BTU

#1 MIDEA 8000 U Shaped Air Conditioner — Since 2020, the Midea U shaped air conditioner has been a game changer for New Yorkers. Many New York City bedroom only have one window, and the Midea installation allows you to open the window. In addition, the Midea U is much quieter than traditional bedroom units. Newer Midea U models (2024 and onward) have drainage holes in the bottom, which prevent odor found in early designs.

Needed accessory: Adjustable Screen — Being able to open your window while air conditioner is installed is great, but what many New Yorkers hate is having bugs fly in. Purchase expandable screen, it fits in the U section of the air conditioner and allows you to close the window, while the screen is inserted.

Possible accessory: If your window is longer than 36 Inches — If you have a wide window, you’ll need additional foam.

Frigidaire 6000 BTU — Inexpensive powerhouse. Frigidaire units have been very popular amongst New Yorkers. Excellent reviews on Amazon as well. If you don’t need to open the window in your bedroom and you’re looking for a powerful unit to cool your bedroom, this is the way to go.

Needed Accessory: Air Conditioner Bracket

Windmill 6000 or 8000 BTU Unit — This air conditioner is quiet and efficient. It’s also easy on the eyes.

Needed Accessory: Air Conditioner Bracket

Best Window Air Conditioners For The Living Room

LIVING ROOM UNITS 10000 - 12000 BTUS

LG 10000 BTU Dual Inverter — Before the Midea U took over New York City, the LG dual inverter was the best air conditioner for New Yorkers. Powerful and quiet. If you have a living room, this is probably one of the best air conditioners to invest in.

Needed Accessory — Larger Air Conditioner Bracket

LG 12,000 BTU Dual Inverter — The big brother of the 10K unit, and equally effective. Probably the better unit of the two and if you have a choice, definitely consider the 12k.

Needed Accessory — Larger Air Conditioner Bracket

Best Air Conditioner For Studio or Entire Apartment

APARTMENT UNITS 14000 - 18000 BTUS

FRIEDRICH KUHL KCS14A10A — Although it is expensive, this Fredrich Kuhl is powerful and thanks to “Quietmaster” tech, almost silent. Good customer service in the event you need to get parts replaced.

Needed Accessory : Please note, this is a 220 Volt air conditioner and you’ll need a 220 volt outlet. Check your apartment to see if you have one.

Needed Accessory: The Friedrich units come with their own brackets, but we recommend you invest in an additional single arm bracket.

LG 18,000 BTU DUAL Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner, 230V —When it comes to cooling an entire apartment, you can’t go wrong with the LG series. The 18K unit is relatively inexpensive for its size and it is very powerful.

Needed Accessory : Please note, this is a 220 Volt air conditioner and you’ll need a 220 volt outlet. Check your apartment to see if you have one.

Needed Accessory: Heavy Duty Air Conditioner Bracket