Whirlpool WHAT101-1BW Review: 10,000 BTU 115V Wall AC
A 115V cooling-only wall unit rated 10,000 BTU for rooms up to 450 sq ft, with 8-way louvers, a 54 dB listed sound level, a trim kit and rear grille included.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 19, 2026
The Whirlpool WHAT101-1BW is a 10,000 BTU cooling-only wall air conditioner built to slip into the standard sleeves found in many apartments. It runs on a regular 115 volt outlet, cools rooms up to 450 square feet, and comes with both a trim kit and a rear grille, which not every brand includes. With a 4.0 out of 5 average from 35 ratings, it is one of the better-rated units in our cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioners category.
Our Verdict
The WHAT101-1BW gets the basics right and adds a few thoughtful extras. Whirlpool lists 54 dB, which is lower than most conventional wall units in this size class, and 8-way directional louvers give you more control over airflow than the usual 4-way design. Eco and Sleep modes, a 24 hour timer, a quick-access filter and a remote round out the package, and the 2 year limited warranty is longer than the 1 year many rivals offer.
There is no Wi-Fi, no heat and no inverter, and the dehumidifying figure is modest. For a bedroom, office or small living room with an existing sleeve, though, it is a quiet, well-rounded choice.
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WHAT101-1BW |
| Type | Cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioner |
| Cooling Capacity | 10,000 BTU |
| Room Size | Up to 450 sq ft |
| Power | 115 volts, 980 watts, 5.9-ft LCDI cord |
| Efficiency | 10.1 (listed) |
| Noise Level | 54 dB (listed) |
| Temperature Range | 62 to 86 degrees |
| Dehumidifying | Up to 1.2 pints per hour |
| Dimensions | 24.2 x 14.5 x 20.3 inches (W x H x D) |
| Sleeve Fit | 24.5 to 27 inches wide |
| Weight | 64.2 pounds |
| Warranty | 2 year limited |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
Whirlpool rates the WHAT101-1BW for spaces up to 450 square feet. That is the top of the 10,000 BTU band in the ENERGY STAR chart below, so it is a good match for a primary bedroom, a home office, a small living room or a studio. If the room is very sunny or often holds several people, the chart’s adjustments will tell you whether to size up.
Four operation modes cover cooling, fan, dry and Eco, and three fan speeds let you balance airflow against noise. The temperature range runs from 62 to 86 degrees.
ENERGY STAR publishes this general guide for sizing a room air conditioner by floor area:
| Room Size (sq ft) | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) |
|---|---|
| 100 to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 to 1,000 | 18,000 |
Adjust for your room: reduce capacity by 10 percent for a heavily shaded room, increase it by 10 percent for a very sunny room, add 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two, and add 4,000 BTU if the unit cools a kitchen. Source: ENERGY STAR.
Installation and Sleeve Fit
The chassis measures 24.2 inches wide, 14.5 inches tall and 20.3 inches deep, and Whirlpool says it fits sleeves from 24.5 to 27 inches wide. That range covers many of the universal sleeves already installed in apartments and condos, which makes the WHAT101-1BW an easy replacement for an older unit.
The box includes a trim kit to finish the indoor side and a rear grille for the outdoor side. The sleeve itself is not included. At 64.2 pounds it is lighter than many wall units of the same capacity, which makes installation a little easier, though two people are still safer.
Power comes through an attached 5.9 foot LCDI 3-prong plug that fits a standard 115 volt outlet, so there is no special receptacle to add.
Noise
At 54 dB listed, the WHAT101-1BW is one of the quieter conventional wall units in its class. That makes it a better fit for bedrooms than many rivals, especially on low fan speed with Sleep mode on. The compressor still cycles on and off, as with any non-inverter unit, but the overall sound level is lower than many competitors list.
Energy Use and Efficiency
The unit draws 980 watts, and Whirlpool lists an efficiency figure of 10.1. Eco mode turns off the compressor once the room reaches the set temperature, which cuts running costs on mild days. Sleep mode adjusts operation overnight, and the programmable 24 hour timer lets you schedule cooling around work and sleep.
Airflow and Controls
The 8-way directional louvers are a genuine advantage on a wall unit. Because you cannot move a wall unit once it is installed, being able to aim air up, down and diagonally helps you reach a bed or sofa that is not directly in front of it. The on-board electronic controls are backed by a remote.
The quick-access filter is another practical touch. You pull the front handle, wipe or rinse the filter and push it back in, without removing the front panel. A filter light reminds you when it is due.
Dehumidifying
Whirlpool lists dehumidification of up to 1.2 pints per hour. That is lower than some competitors list and is best viewed as a helpful side effect of cooling rather than a reason to buy. In a very humid basement or coastal apartment, a unit with a higher moisture removal figure or a separate dehumidifier will do more.
Keeping It Running Well
Wipe the filter every two weeks in peak season, and more often if you have pets. Outside, check the rear grille at the start of each summer for leaves, nests or debris, since a blocked grille forces the compressor to work harder and run louder. Make sure the sleeve tilts slightly toward the outside so condensate drains away from the wall rather than into it.
In winter, the unit stays in the wall. A fitted indoor cover cuts drafts through the chassis, and switching the unit off at the plug avoids accidental cooling on a mild day.
Who It Suits Best
The WHAT101-1BW suits bedrooms, offices and small living rooms up to 450 square feet with an existing 24.5 to 27 inch sleeve and a standard outlet. It is a strong pick for anyone who cares about noise and wants a longer warranty. It is less suited to smart home users, very humid rooms, or rooms that need winter heat.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 54 dB listed, quiet for its class | No Wi-Fi or app |
| 8-way directional louvers | Modest 1.2 pints per hour dehumidifying |
| Trim kit and rear grille included | Wall sleeve sold separately |
| Runs on a standard 115V outlet | Conventional compressor |
| 2 year limited warranty | No heat mode |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms up to 450 sq ft | Smart home users |
| Renters with a universal sleeve | Very humid rooms |
| Buyers who want a longer warranty | Rooms that need heat |
| Noise-sensitive users | Large open-plan spaces |
For more options, see our picks for the best 10,000 BTU through-the-wall air conditioners and the best through-the-wall air conditioners for bedrooms.
Final Verdict
The Whirlpool WHAT101-1BW is a quiet, easy-to-install cooling-only wall unit for rooms up to 450 square feet. Its 8-way louvers, included rear grille and 2 year warranty give it an edge over plainer rivals. Skip it only if you want Wi-Fi or heat. You can check the current price and details for the Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sleeve does the Whirlpool WHAT101-1BW fit?
Whirlpool says it fits sleeves from 24.5 to 27 inches wide. The sleeve is sold separately.
How loud is it?
Whirlpool lists 54 dB.
What outlet does it need?
It has a 5.9 foot LCDI 3-prong plug for a standard 115 volt outlet.
What warranty does it have?
The listing gives a 2 year limited warranty.
About the author
Daniel Brooks is a home cooling editor at WikiCooling, covering window, portable, through-the-wall and mini-split air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. He researches cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, installation requirements, and buyer feedback to help homeowners choose the right unit for their room size, climate, and budget.