6 Best Energy Star Window Air Conditioners of 2026
We compared six Energy Star window air conditioners on efficiency, cooling capacity, noise, smart features and installation.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 21, 2026
Energy Star window air conditioners meet the efficiency requirements set by the ENERGY STAR program, so they cost less to run over a long summer than standard units of the same size. Many of the newest certified models also use inverter compressors, which makes them quieter. Our list of the best Energy Star window air conditioners compares six certified units on efficiency, capacity, noise and controls. To browse every model we cover, visit our Conventional Window Air Conditioners page.
Every unit here runs on a standard 115V outlet. The listings either name the certification or describe the unit as Energy Star rated.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Capacity | Room Size | Efficiency | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner | Overall | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq. ft. | ENERGY STAR, inverter | 40 dBA, Wi-Fi |
| LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner | Quiet | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq. ft. | ENERGY STAR, Dual Inverter | 44 dB, Wi-Fi |
| GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner | Large rooms | 14,000 BTU | Up to 700 sq ft | ENERGY STAR | Wi-Fi, 115V |
| Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner | Smart bedrooms | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq. ft. | ENERGY STAR, inverter | Wi-Fi, 41 dB |
| Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier | Humid rooms | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq. ft. | ENERGY STAR, 12.1 EER | 2.1 pints/hr dehumidify |
| Keystone 10,000 BTU Window Mounted Inverter Air Conditioner | Fast cooldowns | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq. ft. | ENERGY STAR, inverter | FlashCool, 115V |
| Award | Product | WikiCooling Score About WikiCooling ScoreThe WikiCooling Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on the criteria described on our How We Review page. It reflects research, not laboratory measurement, and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value |
Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
|
8.0/10 | Buy |
| Best Overall |
GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
|
8.3/10 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air
|
8.0/10 | Buy |
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
|
7.8/10 | Buy | |
Keystone 10,000 BTU Window Mounted Inverter Air
|
7.8/10 | Buy |
Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air
This 8,000 BTU window air conditioner from Midea uses inverter technology for quiet, efficient cooling up to 350 square feet. It offers app, voice, and remote control, making it a strong choice for bedrooms or living spaces where low noise and smart features matter.
Pros
- Very quiet operation at 40 dB
- Smart app and voice control
- Energy-efficient inverter technology
- Cools up to 350 sq ft
- Easy installation with included bracket
Cons
- Heavy for one person to install (43 lbs)
- Fits only windows with minimum 19.5 inch height
- Cooling only, no heat mode
LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner
With a dual inverter compressor and BLDC motor, this LG window AC operates as low as 44 dB while cooling up to 450 sq ft. Wi-Fi connectivity via the ThinQ app and voice control add convenience. It suits medium to large rooms where low noise and energy savings are priorities.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet operation at 44 dB
- Energy-saving dual inverter technology
- Wi-Fi and voice control via ThinQ app
- Washable filter for easy maintenance
- Cools up to 450 square feet
Cons
- Fits only double-hung windows (22-36 in. wide)
- Heavy unit (62.8 lbs) for single-person installation
- No heating function
GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
This GE 14,000 BTU window air conditioner offers energy-efficient cooling for rooms up to 700 square feet, with Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via the SmartHQ app. Its Eco Mode automatically shuts off the fan and compressor when the room is cool enough to save energy. The unit installs easily in double-hung windows and includes a remote, making it a convenient choice for large living spaces.
Pros
- Energy Star certified for efficiency
- Smart app and voice control
- Easy EZ Mount installation
- Quiet operation at 63 dB
- Slide-out washable filter
Cons
- Fixed chassis limits installation to double-hung windows
- Heavy at 72 pounds may require two people
- No inverter compressor for variable speed
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air
This Frigidaire window air conditioner uses an inverter compressor to deliver steady cooling at 41 dB for quiet operation. The 8,000 BTU output covers rooms up to 350 square feet, and Wi-Fi enables app or voice control. It is a good choice for anyone who wants energy-efficient, smart cooling in a bedroom or small living room.
Pros
- Quiet operation at 41 dB
- Inverter compressor for energy savings
- Wi-Fi and app control
- Energy Star certified
- Washable filter with alert
Cons
- Heavy at 55 pounds, may need two people to install
- Requires window opening height of exactly 14 inches
- Only 1-year warranty
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
For medium-sized rooms up to 450 square feet, the Whirlpool 10,000 BTU window unit delivers efficient cooling and dehumidification. It offers three cooling speeds, Eco and Sleep modes, and a programmable 24-hour timer for flexible comfort. Quiet operation and easy installation make it a practical choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and apartments.
Pros
- Cools up to 450 sq ft
- Energy Star rated (12.1 EER)
- Removable washable filter with Clean Alert
- Eco and Sleep modes
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Heavy at 63.9 pounds
- Confusing remote control symbols
- Controls hard to read
Keystone 10,000 BTU Window Mounted Inverter Air
For medium-sized rooms up to 450 square feet, the Keystone 10,000 BTU window air conditioner offers quiet, efficient cooling. Its inverter technology adjusts compressor speed to maintain steady temperatures while reducing energy use by 20% compared to standard units. This model suits those seeking a cost-effective, energy-saving window AC with convenient features like a remote control and programmable timer.
Pros
- Quiet operation at 52 dB.
- Energy efficient with inverter technology.
- FlashCool for quick temperature drop.
- Remote control included.
- Washable filter with alert.
Cons
- No heating function, cooling only.
- Heavy at 45.6 pounds for installation.
- Requires window opening min height 19.5 inches.
Top 3 Energy Star Window Air Conditioners Reviewed
#1 Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter is the Energy Star window unit we recommend to most homes. It combines certification with an inverter compressor, more than 35% savings against the Energy Conservation Standard by Midea’s figures, and noise as low as 40 dBA.
Midea’s MAW08S1VWT-A is an 8,000 BTU inverter unit for rooms up to 350 sq. ft. It is Energy Star certified, and Midea quotes more than 35% energy savings compared to the Energy Conservation Standard. The variable-speed inverter also makes it very quiet, with a noise level as low as 40 dBA. Four modes (Auto, Cool, Dry, Fan), three speed settings, a 24-hour timer and an ECO setting are available from the control panel, the remote, the SmartHome app or your voice through Alexa and Google Assistant. The washable filter slides out from the front, and it runs on a standard 115V outlet. It holds a 4.2 average from 226 ratings.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 350 sq. ft.
- Efficiency: ENERGY STAR, inverter
- Noise Level: As low as 40 dBA
- Power: 115V
- Controls: Panel, remote, app, Alexa, Google
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Midea lists a window bracket as the included component, so check the installation parts against your window before you start. Midea lists a one year limited warranty.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom or apartment room where quiet operation and energy savings come first.
Check the current price and availability of the Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner review.
#2 LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner: Best Quiet Pick
Why We Picked It
The LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter is the quiet pick. LG says its inverter units are up to 35% more energy saving than the ENERGY STAR requirement, and it runs as low as 44dB in sleep mode with LG ThinQ app control.
The LG LW1022FVSM is a 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter unit for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. LG describes it as an ENERGY STAR model and says its inverter units are up to 35% more energy saving than the ENERGY STAR requirement. The BLDC motor and Dual Inverter compressor bring sound levels as low as 44dB in sleep mode. LG ThinQ lets you control it from your phone, and it works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It installs in a double hung window 22 to 36 inches wide with the included EZ Mount kit, uses R32 refrigerant and has a slide-out filter. It holds a 4.1 average from 210 ratings.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 450 sq. ft.
- Efficiency: ENERGY STAR, Dual Inverter
- Noise Level: As low as 44 dB
- Power: 115V, 970W
- Controls: LG ThinQ app, Alexa, Google
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The cabinet is almost 27 inches deep, so a good part of it hangs outside the window. Clean the filter every 30 days to keep the inverter running at its best.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom or home office where quiet, efficient cooling matters most.
Check the current price and availability of the LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner review.
#3 GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner: Best for Large Rooms
Why We Picked It
For a large room, the GE 14,000 BTU Smart model is Energy Star certified and covers up to 700 sq ft on a standard 115V outlet. It adds SmartHQ, Alexa and Google control and holds a 4.3 average from 70 ratings.
GE’s AHEK14AC is an Energy Star certified 14,000 BTU smart unit for large rooms up to 700 sq ft, such as living rooms and family rooms, and it runs on a standard 115V outlet. The SmartHQ app lets you monitor, schedule and control it from anywhere, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant add voice control, and a remote is included. Eco Mode shuts off the fan and compressor when the room is cool enough, alongside three cooling modes and three fan speeds. It installs in a double hung window 25 to 36.625 inches wide with the EZ Mount kit. It holds a 4.3 average from 70 ratings.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 14,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 700 sq ft
- Efficiency: ENERGY STAR
- Power: 115V, 1,220W
- Controls: SmartHQ app, Alexa, Google, remote
- Warranty: 1-Year Replacement
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The listing rates it at 63 dB, so it is better suited to a living area than a bedroom. At 72 pounds, plan on help when you install it.
Best For
This unit is best for a large living room, family room or sunny space up to 700 sq ft.
Check the current price and availability of the GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner review.
Other Models Worth Considering
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner. An 8,000 BTU inverter unit with Energy Star certification, Wi-Fi, Alexa and Google Home support, and a 41 dB rating for rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier. A 10,000 BTU Energy Star unit with a 12.1 EER, 2.1 pints per hour of dehumidification, a remote and 8-way louvers. It holds a 4.0 average from 98 ratings.
Keystone 10,000 BTU Window Mounted Inverter Air Conditioner. A 10,000 BTU Energy Star inverter unit for up to 450 square feet with FlashCool, a remote and a 24 hour timer.
What to Expect from Energy Star Window Air Conditioners
An Energy Star window unit uses less electricity than a standard model of the same capacity. The biggest gains come from inverter models, which slow the compressor down once the room is cool instead of cycling it on and off. Certified units still come with the usual remotes, timers and eco modes, and many add app control so you can schedule cooling around your day.
Expect a higher price than basic units. The savings show up on your electric bill over time, especially if you run the unit every day.
For more options, see our guides to energy efficient window air conditioners and high efficiency window air conditioners. The product cards show the current price for each system.
How to Choose an Energy Star Window Air Conditioner
Size the Unit to the Room
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 |
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.
Prefer an Inverter for Daily Use
If you run the unit most days, an Energy Star inverter model saves the most power and runs the quietest. For occasional use, a certified standard model is fine.
Decide Which Controls You Need
Mechanical dials are simple and reliable. Electronic models add a remote, a timer and sleep or eco modes, and smart units add app and voice control so you can start cooling before you get home.
Measure Your Window First
Check the width and height of the window opening against the range in each listing, and make sure the sill can carry the weight. Conventional units are built for double hung windows that slide up and down. Casement and sliding windows need a different type of air conditioner.
Consider Noise for Bedrooms
Many listings give a decibel figure for the low fan setting. Inverter units and models with a sleep or mute mode are the quietest choice for bedrooms, while louder units are fine in a kitchen or living room.
How We Evaluate Energy Star Window Air Conditioners
We rank window air conditioners on manufacturer specifications, listing details and aggregated buyer ratings. For this list we kept only new, complete window units with a listed cooling capacity, one per brand, and excluded portable units, U-shaped and saddle models, renewed listings and listings with too little data. We weighed the feature in the title first, then cooling capacity against room size, efficiency and the size of each rating base, and finally noise, controls, installation fit and warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Energy Star mean for a window air conditioner?
It means the unit meets the efficiency requirements of the ENERGY STAR program, so it uses less energy than a standard model of the same size.
Are inverter window units always Energy Star certified?
Not always, but most current inverter models from major brands are, including the Midea, LG, Frigidaire and Keystone units in this list.
Do Energy Star units cool as well as standard units?
Yes. Certification is about efficiency, not capacity, so size the unit to your room the same way.
How often should I clean the filter?
Most brands recommend washing the filter about every two weeks in the cooling season, or whenever the filter light comes on. A clogged filter cuts airflow and efficiency.
Final Verdict
The Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the best Energy Star window air conditioner for most rooms, with an inverter compressor, app control and noise as low as 40 dBA. For the quietest bedroom cooling, choose the LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner. For a large room, the GE 14,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner is the pick.
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.