Window AC Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

The second group is heat/cool units or heat pumps. These units are typically more expensive.

We have given each brand a rating of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for our own home, that is the brand we would choose (if it was available). When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would select the least expensive model. If an NA appears in the place of stars, that means the brand does not have a unit in that group or we could not get enough information to properly rate the unit.

For your convenience, we have included the manufacturers' web addresses. We have also included our comments regarding the advantages/disadvantages of the products.

ADMIRAL------ hisense-usa.com ----<1*------------<1*-- These units are from HISENSE KELON ELECTRICAL HOLDINGS CO LTD. They offer basic units with either mechanical or electronic controls with a remote. They have a three speed fan, 24 hour timer function, and an energy saving mode. The warranty is not very good especially on the compressor.

AIRWELL--------airwellgroup.com-----<1*------------<1*-- This brand is a part of the AIRWELL GROUP which is a French company owned by ELCO HOLDINGS. They have six sizes of units available and they are available in environmentally friendly R-407c as well as R-22.

AKIRA----------myakira.com----------<1*-------------NA-- These units are available in Europe and Asia. They offer units with mechanical (T series) or electronic (K series) controls.

AMANA----------amana-ptac.com--------2*-------------3*-- This brand name is licensed to Goodman Manufacturing Inc. All of these units have a drain spout on the condensate drain. The units have a two speed fan. They are available in window mount or through the wall types. The WRAC models are available in 9000, 12000, or 18000 btu/hr sizes. The 9000 and 12000 btu sizes use electro-mechanical controls while the 18000 btu units use more accurate digital controls. All of the units have an LCDI power cord for safety.

ASAHI------- asahi-int.com -------<1*------------<1*-- This brand offers basic no-frills units with either mechanical or electronic controls with a remote. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

CARRIER-residential.carrier.com------2*-------------3*-- These units have an optional 5 year extended service plan. They are remote controlled, have three cooling and three fan speeds, and have a fresh air vent. They are available in through the wall models as well as window units.

CHIGO----------chigogroup.com-------<1*------------<1*-- This brand is made in China. They include a remote control and the heat pump units have intelligent defrost.

CLIMETTE-------climette.ca----------<1*-------------NA-- These units are from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS which is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. The units are basic cooling units and are available in Canada. The warranty on the compressor is not very good and the manufacturer's website is not much help.

COMFORT-AIRE --heatcontroller.com----2*-------------3*-- This brand is available in models for window mount, through the wall, and casement(sliding) windows.

COOLINE--------cooline.com----------<1*------------<1*-- This brand is from Zamil Air Conditioners. The units have auto sweep as well as four way air deflection. They have a multi filter that includes an anti-bacterial filter. The units are available in both 50Hz and 60 Hz models and in sizes from 3/4 to 2 tons (2.6-7kw). They have no stated warranty policy on their website.

CROSLEY--------crosley.com-----------5*-------------5*-- These units are available in a wide range of models to suit the needs of your home. They feature electronic controls and are available as window or through the wall units. They are manufactured by Frigidaire and the warranty is enhanced by Crosley to cover the compressor for ten years.

CRUISE---------seagullcooling.com---<1*-------------NA-- This brand is available in India and the Middle East countries. There are three sizes available and they are electronically controlled.

DAEWOO-------- e-daewoo.com ---------2*-------------NA-- These units have an anti-bacterial filter. This brands offers units with either electro-mechanical or digital controls. The units with digital controls also have a remote control.

DAIKOOL--------daikool.com----------<1*------------<1*-- This brand is made in Dubai and offers units with R22 or R407c refrigerant. They have a three speed fan, anti-bacterial filter, four way air deflection, and provide exhaust air. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

DANBY----------danby.com-------------2*-------------NA-- These units are available in North America and have a three speed fan and four way air deflection for better air distribution throughout the room. They also feature electronic controls with a remote control, an auto on/off timer, and sleep mode for energy savings. They have a dealer locator by address, city/state, or zip/postal code on their website. The warranty on the units is not as good as some of the other brands.

DENKA--------denkaelectronics.com---<1*------------<1*-- These units are made in China and are available in the Middle East. The units feature mechanicl controls and tropical compressors. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ELECTROLUX-----electrolux.com.au-----4*-------------4*-- This brand is available in Australia. They offer cool only or heat pump models featuring remote control operation, auto swing louvers, and timer control. They also have a sleep mode for energy savings at night. They are backed by a very good warranty.

FEDDERS--------fedders.com-----------2*-------------3*-- This brand is now a part of the AIRWELL GROUP which is a French company owned by ELCO HOLDINGS. The units have three cooling and fan speeds. They are available in a model for casement(sliding) windows as well as window mount and through the wall models.

FRIEDRICH------friedrich.com---------2*-------------3*-- The COMPACT PROGRAMMABLE line of units are cool only units with electronic controls and a remote. They feature auto swing louvers and a washable anti-microbial filter. The TWINTEMP line features heat/cool units in either electric heat or heat pump models. They feature less accurate electro-mechanical controls. The XSTAR line features high efficiency units with a 24 hour timer and "smart fan" controls. They have a dealer locator by city/state or zipcode on their website.

FRIGIDAIRE-----frigidaire.com--------2*-------------2*-- The units are available in window mount, through the wall, and casement(sliding) models.

FRIZAIR--------frizair.com----------<1*-------------NA-- This brand is made and sold in India. They feature basic units with remote controls and swing louvers. The units have a sleep mode, timer, and a dry mode. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

FROST----------frost.com.tw---------<1*-------------NA-- These units are available in Taiwan. They feature electronic controls with a remote, on/off and sleep timers, and auto swing louvers. The warranty on the compressor in the units is not good.

GE-------------geappliances.com-----<1*-------------1*-- This brand offers a wide variety of units to suit your individual needs. They offer units for either 115volt or 230volt circuits with either electro-mechanical or digital controls. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website but the warranty on the units is not very good.

GENERAL--------ogeneralindia.com-----2*-------------NA-- This brand is only available in India. The warranty includes quarterly service. The units are remote controlled.

GIBSON---------frigidaire.com--------2*-------------2*-- This brand is made by FRIGIDAIRE which is a part of NORDYNE. The units feature mechanical controls, an anti-bacterial mesh filter, and a quick mounting kit. The units have a good warranty.

GODREJ---------godrej.com-----------<1*------------<1*-- These units are made and sold in India. The "NAVIGATOR" range of units are remote controlled and have dry and sleep modes.

GOLDSTAR---goldstarappliances.com---<1*-------------NA-- This brand is from LG and features cooling only units. They offer units with mechanical controls as well as those with electronic. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HAIER----------haieramerica.com------2*-------------3*-- This brand offers a wide variety of units with either mechanical or digital controls. The "Eco-Conditioner" Paragon series units are available in two sizes (6000 or 800 btu/hr)and have a UV air purifier and remote control. They also feature a 4 speed fan and auto swing louvers for better air circulation throughout the room. This brand is also available for casement(sliding) windows or through the wall applications.

HEAT CONTROLLER-heatcontroller.com---2*-------------3*-- This brand is available in models for window mount, through the wall, and casement(sliding) windows. They feature electronic controls with a remote. They offer a good warranty.

HELLER---------gafcontrol.com.au-----4*-------------4*-- This brand has the best warranty in the industry but are only sold in Australia. They have remote control, auto swing, and fresh air features.

HITACHI------ hitachi-hli.com ----<1*-------------NA-- The QUADRICOOL units feature "twin turbo" fans for very quiet operation. The units use electronic controls and have a remote. The units have programmable personal comfort modes where you can customize the unit's operation. The units are available in Asia. The manufacturer's website does not have a stated warranty policy.

HYUNDAI-hyundaielectronicsindia.com-<1*-------------NA-- These units are available in India. They only offer units in either 1.5 or 2 ton sizes. They feature electronic controls for accurate temperature control. The manufacturer's website does not have a stated warranty policy.

KELON-------- hisense-usa.com -----2*-------------3*-- These units are from HISENSE KELON ELECTRICAL HOLDINGS CO LTD. They offer basic units with either mechanical or electronic controls with a remote. They have a three speed fan, 24 hour timer function, and an energy saving mode. They offer through the wall units and casement window units as well as standard window units.

KELVINATOR-----kelvinator.com.au-----4*-------------4*-- This brand is from ELECTROLUX and is available in Australia. They offer cool only as well as heat pump units. They feature remote controls, auto swing louvers, timer operation, and a sleep mode. They are backed by a very good warranty.

KENMORE--------kenmore.com-----------2*-------------3*-- These units are easily installed in windows. They have auto oscillating louvres for better air flow. They have two cooling and two heating speeds.

KLIMAIRE-------klimaire.com---------<1*-------------NA-- This brand uses a mechanical control which is less accurate. They have auto swing louvers.

KOLDAIR--------koldairegypt.com------NA------------<1*-- These units are made and sold in Egypt. They feature heat pump units but they are only available in two sizes (12000 or 18000 btu/hr). The units have a remote control and auto swing louvers for better air circulation. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

LG-------------us.lge.com------------4*-------------4*-- This brand has the best warranty on the market. They are available in window mount, through the wall, and casement models. They have three cooling and three fan speeds as well as four way air deflection. They are also avilable in low profile units which allows the window to be more fully closed. This is better for security purposes as well as for a less obstructed view out of the window.

MIDEA----------mideaaircon.com-------2*-------------3*-- This brand offers units with electronic controls including a remote control. They have a good warranty.

MITSUI---mitsuiairconditioner.com----NA------------<1*-- These units are made in Italy and are available in Europe. They offer four sizes of heat pump units that use environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. The units have digital controls with a remote. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

NEC------------nec.com.au------------4*-------------NA-- This brand has a great warranty but is only available in Asia and Australia. They have remote control, four way air deflection and three fan speeds.

ONIDA----------truthatonida.com-----<1*-------------NA-- This brand is only available in India. They have two speed cooling and are remote controlled. They also have a dry mode for better dehumidification.

PANASONIC------panasonic.net--------<1*-------------NA-- This brand is available in Asia. The units use electronic controls and some models have a remote control. The units have a "powerful" mode for quick cooling. The warranty on the units is not very good.

PATELS AIRTEMP-patelairtemp.com-----<1*-------------NA-- This brand is only available in India.

PEL------------pel.com.pk-----------<1*-------------NA-- This brand is a part of the SOIGOL GROUP of companies. The units are manufactured and sold in Pakistan. They are available in 1.5 and 2 ton sizes. KR models have remote control. The warranty on the units is not as good as other brands.

PREM-I-AIR prem-i-air.com ------NA-------------1*-- This brand is made in China for EHS LTD. and is sold in Europe and Asia. The units feature a washable antibacterial filter, remote control with timer function, and a three speed fan. The units also have a fresh air louver to allow you to bring in fresh air from the outside.

POWER-AIRE---------------------------2*-------------3*-- This brand is made by HEAT CONTROLLER. The units feature electronic controls with a remote and a twelve hour on/off timer. The units have three cooling speeds.

QIDI-----------qidi.com-------------<1*------------<1*-- These units are only available with mechanical temperature controls.

SAKURA------- sakura-aircon.com --<1*------------<1*-- This brand is made in China and available worldwide. They offer eight different sizes and units with either mechanical or electronic controls. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SAMSUNG--------samsung.com-----------2*-------------3*-- These units are available in electronic or mechanical control. They have an anti-bacterial filter.

SHARP----------sharpusa.com----------2*-------------NA-- This brand has three cooling speeds and three fan speeds. It is remote controlled and has an exhaust feature.

SOLEUS---------soleusair.com--------<1*-------------2*-- This brand features basic units with electro-mechanical controls. The units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. The warranty on the cool only units is not very good when compared with other brands. The heat pump units compare more favorably to the other brands.

SUNBEAM--------sunbeam.com-----------2*-------------NA-- This brand is available in through the wall, window, and casement window models. The units include remote control and a filter check indicator. Some models have an ionizer air filter although we are not impressed with the technology. The window unit includes a pleated quick mount kit.

SUNPENTOWN-----sunpentown.com-------<1*-------------NA-- This brand features units with electronic controls and remote controls for convenience. The units have two fan speeds and a 24 hour timer for energy savings. The units use R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly and the warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

SYMPHONY-------symphonycomfort.com--<1*-------------NA-- This brand is only available in 50HZ models (Not for USA). They have an active carbon electrostatic filter. They have four way air deflection, three fan speeds, and are remote controlled.

TCL------------tcl.com--------------<1*-------------NA-- These units feature electronic controls with a remote. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

UNIONAIRE------unionaire.us---------<1*-------------2*-- The units are remote controlled, have a fresh air intake, and a three speed fan. They also have a dry mode for better dehumidification.

VATELY---------vately.com-----------<1*------------<1*-- This brand offers a variety of units but the manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

VERTIS---------voltasac.com---------<1*-------------NA-- These units are manufactured in India and sold in India and the Middle East countries. The units have a remote control, dry mode, sleep mode, and an on/off timer. The units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly.

VIDEOCON-------videoconworld.com-----1*-------------NA-- This brand is only available in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They have an anti-bacterial filter and a two speed fan. They are remote controlled.

WEATHER CRAFT--weathercraft.com-----<1*-------------NA-- These units are remote controlled.

WHIRLPOOL------whirlpool.com--------<1*-------------2*-- This brand is available in electronic or mechanical control models. They are available in window mount, through the wall, and casement models. The "insta-mount" installation system allows for easy installation in the window. They have three cooling and two heating speeds. They have auto swing and exhaust features.

WintAir------ hisense-usa.com ----4*--------------4*-- These units are from HISENSE KELON ELECTRICAL HOLDINGS CO LTD. They offer units with either mechanical or electronic controls with a remote. They have a three speed fan, 24 hour timer function, and an energy saving mode. The units with mechanical controls have a warranty that is not as good and receive a 2* rating.

ZAIKO----------myzaiko.com----------NA-------------<1*-- This brand is from SHANKAR's GROUP based in Singapore. The units are 50 HZ (not suitable for North America) and use R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly. They have an antibacterial filter for better air quality. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.
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