Whirlpool WHAW101CW 10,000 BTU Window AC Review: ENERGY STAR Pick
An ENERGY STAR rated 10,000 BTU window air conditioner for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. with a listed 12.1 EER, 2.1 pints per hour dehumidification, a remote, 24-hour timer and 8-way louvers.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 8, 2026
The Whirlpool WHAW101CW 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is an ENERGY STAR rated unit for rooms up to 450 square feet. It pairs cooling with 2.1 pints per hour of dehumidification, an electronic control panel, a remote and 8-way directional louvers. Among mid-size conventional window air conditioners, it stands out for its stated efficiency, with 4.1 stars from 94 ratings.
It suits an apartment living room, a large bedroom or an open home office. The main considerations are its weight and window requirements. We evaluated it based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Our Verdict
This Whirlpool is a solid, efficiency-minded choice for a medium to large room. Its strongest points are ENERGY STAR rating with a listed 12.1 EER, 2.1 pints per hour dehumidification, 3 cooling speeds, eco and sleep modes, a programmable 24-hour timer, 8-way directional louvers, a remote and a Clean Alert for the filter.
The trade-offs are weight and noise. At 63.9 pounds it is heavier than many 10,000 BTU units, the listed noise level is 59 dB, and it needs a window at least 26 inches wide and 16 inches high. There is no inverter or Wi-Fi. If efficiency and straightforward controls matter most, it is worth considering.
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WHAW101CW |
| Type | Window air conditioner |
| Cooling Capacity | 10,000 BTU |
| Room Size (listed) | Up to 450 sq. ft. |
| ENERGY STAR | Rated (12.1 EER) |
| Dehumidification | 2.1 pints per hour |
| Noise Level | 59 dB |
| Voltage / Power | 115V, 826W |
| Window Fit | 26″ to 36″ wide, 16″ minimum height |
| Dimensions | 19.8″D x 21.5″W x 14.7″H |
| Weight | 63.9 pounds |
| Cooling Speeds | 3 |
| Modes | Eco, Sleep |
| Airflow | 8-way directional louvers |
| Controls | Electronic panel with digital display, remote, 24-hour on/off timer |
| Compressor | Rotary, no inverter |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
Whirlpool rates the WHAW101CW at 10,000 BTU for rooms up to 450 square feet and names apartments, bedrooms and living rooms. That covers most apartment living rooms and large primary bedrooms.
The 2.1 pints per hour dehumidification rate helps in humid weather, making the room feel cooler at the same setting. If your room is well under 400 square feet, a smaller unit may be a better match.
The 8-way louvers help in rooms with an awkward shape, such as an L-shaped living area, by sending air toward the part of the room farthest from the window rather than straight ahead.
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.
At its listed 10,000 BTU, it lines up with rooms of about 400 to 450 square feet, which matches Whirlpool’s coverage claim.
Installation and Fit
The listed window opening is 26 to 36 inches wide with a minimum height of 16 inches. A window mounting kit is included. The 16 inch height requirement is taller than many units need, so measure carefully.
The cabinet measures 19.8 inches deep, 21.5 inches wide and 14.7 inches tall, and weighs 63.9 pounds. Plan on two people: one to hold the unit and one to secure the kit. Follow the manual and plug it into a standard 115V outlet.
Noise, Energy Use and Efficiency
The listed noise level is 59 dB, which is on the louder side for a 10,000 BTU unit. It suits a living room or office, while light sleepers should use sleep mode and the lowest cooling speed.
Efficiency is the strong point. Whirlpool states the unit is ENERGY STAR rated with a 12.1 EER, and the power draw is 826 watts. Eco mode supports energy-efficient operation, and the 24-hour timer lets you limit running time. The compressor has no inverter.
Controls and Smart Features
An electronic control panel with digital display and the included remote handle all settings. You get 3 cooling speeds, eco mode, sleep mode and a programmable 24-hour on/off timer.
The 8-way directional louvers let you aim air precisely, which helps in a living room or a bedroom where you want to keep airflow off the bed. There is no Wi-Fi or app control.
The timer is useful for having the room cool when you get home without leaving the unit running all day.
Eco mode and the ENERGY STAR rating work together to keep running costs down. Use eco mode during the day while the room is in use, sleep mode at night, and the timer to make sure the unit is off when nobody is home.
The three cooling speeds also give some control over noise. The lowest speed is the quietest choice for evenings, while the highest speed brings a hot room down faster after a warm afternoon.
Maintenance and Drainage
The Clean Alert indicator tells you when the mesh filter should be removed and washed or replaced. Regular cleaning keeps airflow and efficiency close to the rated figures.
With 2.1 pints per hour of dehumidification, the unit produces condensate on humid days. The listing does not describe the drainage method, so check the manual.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR rated with 12.1 EER | Heavy at 63.9 pounds |
| 2.1 pints per hour dehumidification | Listed noise level of 59 dB |
| 8-way directional louvers | Needs a window at least 16″ high |
| Remote, eco, sleep and 24-hour timer | No inverter or Wi-Fi |
| Clean Alert filter indicator |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Living rooms and large bedrooms up to 450 sq. ft. | Small bedrooms that need less capacity |
| Buyers who prioritize ENERGY STAR efficiency | Light sleepers who need a quieter unit |
| Humid rooms that benefit from dehumidifying | Windows under 16″ of opening height |
| Buyers who want a remote and timer | Smart home users wanting app control |
| Homes with a standard 115V outlet | Anyone installing alone |
Final Verdict
The Whirlpool WHAW101CW 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner combines ENERGY STAR efficiency, solid dehumidification, 8-way louvers, a remote and a 24-hour timer for rooms up to 450 square feet. The compromises are a 63.9 pound weight, a listed 59 dB noise level and a taller window requirement. You can check the current price and details for the Whirlpool WHAW101CW 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, or compare other 10,000 BTU window air conditioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Whirlpool WHAW101CW ENERGY STAR rated?
Yes. Whirlpool states it is ENERGY STAR rated with a 12.1 EER.
What window size does it need?
The listed opening is 26 to 36 inches wide with a minimum height of 16 inches.
Does it have a remote?
Yes. A remote is included, along with an electronic control panel and digital display.
How much moisture does it remove?
Whirlpool lists dehumidification of 2.1 pints per hour.
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.