Is the summer heat making your home feel like a sauna? You need cool air, but the thought of a huge air conditioner bill makes you sweat even more! Finding a cheap window air conditioner seems like a treasure hunt. You want something affordable, but you also worry about getting a unit that breaks down quickly or doesn’t actually cool your room.
The market is full of confusing models and brand names. It is tough to know which budget-friendly option gives you the best bang for your buck. We understand that saving money should not mean sacrificing comfort. That is why we dug deep into the best affordable units available right now.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for cheap window air conditioners that actually work well. We break down the must-have features, what to look out for when buying, and which models reviewers love. Get ready to chill out this summer without emptying your wallet. Let’s dive into finding your perfect cool companion!
Top Cheap Window Air Conditioner Recommendations
- PERFECT FOR SMALLER ROOMS - Midea's Affordable Window AC unit is perfect to help your room be as comfortable as possible. It can cool a space with 7 temperature settings, 2 cooling/2 fan only speeds and 2-way air direction to give you the perfect amount of cooling every time.Controller type:Button Control.Air Flow efficiency:145 CFM.Core material : Copper..Control Type : Electronic. Refrigerant : R410A.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT- Midea's 5,000 BTU window air conditioner has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate (CEER) of 11.0 which helps reduce the energy costs to save you money throughout the year.
- QUIET & EASY TO USE - This window AC unit is more quiet than a household refrigerator. It also features easy-to-use mechanical controls to quickly set the time, temperature, and mode and has a removable & reusable air filter.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Easily install in your home or apartments existing window frame. Suitable for windows 23''-36'' wide and minimum 13'' high. All mounting accessories are included. A screwdriver is required (but not included) for installation. For some window frames, pilot holes are recommended before installing screws. Please see included instruction manual for further detail.
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty comes with each Midea product to ensure the quality of our brand to our customers. Our team is happy to help if any questions or issues arise and make sure to register your product on our website for even faster support in the future.
- EFFICIENT COOLING: 5000 BTU cooling capacity ideal for rooms up to 150 sq. ft. - perfect for bedrooms, home offices, or small living spaces. Two-in-one functionality with cooling and fan-only modes
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Equipped with an easy-access, washable filter that captures dust and allergens.
- CUSTOMIZABLE COMFORT: Features 7 precise temperature settings, 2-speed cooling and fan modes, and 2-way air direction control for personalized comfort
- QUIET OPERATION: Low noise level up to 56 dB creates a peaceful environment suitable for sleeping and working
- QUICK INSTALLATION: Fits standard windows 23"-36" wide and minimum 13" high. Comes with expandable side panels and complete mounting kit. Basic tools required for installation (screwdriver not included)
- 2 Cooling modes
- 2 fan speeds for personalized comfort
- seven temperature settings to choose from for personalized comfort
- Fits windows 23"-36" wide, and a minimum height of 13"
- EFFICIENT COOLING: 6000 BTU cooling capacity ideal for rooms up to 250 sq. ft. - perfect for bedrooms, home offices, or small to medium living spaces. Two-in-one functionality with cooling and fan-only modes
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Equipped with an easy-access, washable filter that captures dust and allergens.
- CUSTOMIZABLE COMFORT: Features 7 precise temperature settings, 2-speed cooling and fan modes, and 2-way air direction control for personalized comfort
- QUIET OPERATION: Low noise level up to 56 dB creates a peaceful environment suitable for sleeping and working
- QUICK INSTALLATION: Fits standard windows 23"-36" wide and minimum 13" high. Comes with expandable side panels and complete mounting kit. Basic tools required for installation (screwdriver not included)
- GE 5000 BTU MECHANICAL WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER: Designed to efficiently cool rooms up to 150 sq ft; easy install kit included so you can start cooling right away.
- BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: This AC unit is the right size for delivering 5000 BTU cooling capacity to smaller areas like bedrooms, studio apartments, guest rooms, and home offices
- LOW-NOISE OPERATION - Keep the cool air flowing with minimal disruption; ideal for nighttime use in bedrooms
- MAXIMUM COMFORT: Efficient with 2 cooling modes and 2 fan speeds to provide flexible and optimal room temperature; controls with 10 temperature settings make it easy to adjust cooling to your comfort
- EASY INSTALLATION: This AC has a fixed chassis and installs easily in a double hung window (size: W 27.125 - 36 x H 13.375") with included EZ Mount installation kit
- HIGH PERFORMANCE - 6,000 BTU, 450W, 115V/60Hz, small window unit that can provide faster and more efficient air cooling for a single bedroom or large living room of about 250 square feet.
- CONVENIENT: Auto restart & timer providing more convenience.
- MULTIPLE SETTINGS: This air conditioner includes a remote control and a user-friendly LED control panel. The temperature ranges from 61℉-88℉.
- CUSTOMIZE: Choose from 4 different mode options- Auto/Cool/Fan/Dry, 24 hour timer, sleep mode, eco energy saving mode.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Full installaion kit included. The removable filter can be washed and reinserted with ease. Ensure it is dry before inserting it back in.
- 3-in-1 Window Air Conditioner: Designed for rooms up to 250 square feet, this air conditioner window unit features digital temperature controls with 6,000 BTU of cooling power, 3 fan speeds, and excess moisture removal up to 1.3 pints per hour
- Easy to Clean Filter: Capture dust from the air and keep your window air conditioner running efficiently with an easy to clean washable dust filter with an alert when it's time to clean
- Programmable Timer: Set the ac window unit to turn on and off in half hour increments, or whenever you want, so that you can maintain optimal comfort while at home
- Sleep Mode: In this function, the window unit ac gradually increases the temperature of the room a few degrees over the evening so you can enjoy maximum comfort and quiet operation
- Automatic Remote Temperature Control: Precisely control the temperature and fan speed from across the room and remain comfortable at all times with a thermostat located in the remote, which maintains the preset room temperature
- Fast & Powerful Cooling: This air conditioner has fast cooling performance with a capacity of 5000 BTU and a 115V/60Hz LCDI power supply. It is designed as a small window unit that can get fast and efficient air cooling for a single bedroom or living room that is around 100-150 Sq.Ft.
- Simple Installation: Installing this air conditioner is a breeze with the included mounting accessories. It is designed to fit windows that are 23"-34" wide and at least 14.5" high. For detailed instructions on how to install the unit, please refer to the user manual that comes with it.
- Easy Operation: Easy-to-use knob with 7 temperature settings, dual cooling and fan settings, and adjustable air direction for optimal comfort control.
- Removeable Filter: No need to take apart the unit to reach the filter. Our 5K BTU window AC unit features a slide-out filter for easy cleaning. Just pull the front handle on the unit, wipe the filter clean, and push it back into the unit. Capture dust from the air and keep working efficiently with an easy-to-clean washable filter.
- Package Content: The mechanical controls window AC system comes with a washable filter, support brackets, leaf guards, and window seal foam. 1 User Manual.
Your Smart Guide to Buying a Cheap Window Air Conditioner
Buying a window air conditioner doesn’t have to empty your wallet. These units keep you cool when the weather heats up. This guide helps you find the best bargain without sacrificing too much comfort. We focus on what matters most for a budget-friendly buy.
Key Features to Look For
Even cheap units offer important functions. Look closely at these features before you buy.
Cooling Power (BTUs)
BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure how much heat an AC unit can remove. Bigger rooms need more BTUs. A small bedroom might need 5,000 BTUs. A large living room might need 12,000 BTUs. Check the room size before picking the power. Too low, and it won’t cool. Too high, and you waste energy.
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) tells you how well the unit uses electricity. Higher EER numbers mean better efficiency. A higher EER saves you money on your electric bill later, even if the unit costs a little more upfront. This is a smart trade-off.
Noise Level (dB)
Window units make noise. Look for the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. If you plan to use it in a bedroom or office, aim for anything under 60 dB. Very loud units can disrupt sleep or work.
Simple Controls
Cheap ACs often have basic controls. Make sure you can easily adjust the temperature and fan speed. Digital controls are nice, but simple dials work just fine for basic cooling.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your cheap AC lasts. You want durability without high cost.
- The Casing: Most casings use sturdy plastic or painted metal. Metal handles outdoor weather better. Check for rust spots, especially on used or older models.
- The Coils: The cooling coils inside are crucial. Better units often use copper coils because they transfer heat well and last longer. Aluminum coils are cheaper but break down faster.
- Filters: Removable, washable filters are a must. They keep dust out of the machine and improve air quality. Cheap units often have basic mesh filters. Ensure you can easily take them out to clean them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some small things make a big difference in your experience.
Quality Boosters:
- Programmable Timer: This lets you set the AC to turn off after you fall asleep. It saves energy.
- Remote Control: Being able to change settings from your couch feels luxurious, even on a cheap model.
- Sleep Mode: This feature slightly raises the temperature while you sleep, which saves energy and keeps the temperature steady.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Insulation: If the plastic casing feels thin or rattles, the insulation might be weak. This lets cold air escape and warm air enter.
- Weak Installation Kits: Cheap models sometimes include flimsy plastic side panels for installation. You might need to buy stronger wood or foam insulation separately to seal the gaps properly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the AC.
Small Apartments and Bedrooms: These are perfect use cases for budget units. You need steady, reliable cooling for a small area. Focus on low noise levels here.
Workshops or Garages: If you need cooling while working, durability might matter more than looks. Higher BTUs are often needed to fight the heat generated by tools.
Temporary Cooling: If you only need cooling for a few hot weeks a year, a basic, cheap model works perfectly. You do not need all the fancy features.
Remember, a cheap AC provides basic cooling. It might not cool as fast as an expensive one, and it might be louder. However, it keeps you comfortable when you need it most.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Window ACs
Q: What is the absolute cheapest BTU size available?
A: The smallest common size is usually 5,000 BTUs. These are best for very small rooms, about 150 square feet.
Q: Do cheap window ACs use a lot of electricity?
A: They can, if they have a very low EER rating. Always check the EER sticker. Newer, cheap models are much better than very old ones.
Q: How hard is it to install a cheap window unit?
A: Installation is usually straightforward. You secure the unit in the window opening and use accordion panels to seal the sides. It is a DIY job for most handy people.
Q: Can I run a cheap AC all day long?
A: Yes, but monitor the noise and efficiency. If the unit seems to be struggling constantly, it might wear out faster than intended.
Q: What does “non-inverter” mean on a cheap AC?
A: Non-inverter means the compressor only runs at full power or is completely off. Inverter ACs adjust their power slowly, which saves more energy.
Q: Where should I look for the best deals?
A: Look at big-box stores, online marketplaces, and check for end-of-season sales, usually in late summer or early fall.
Q: Will a cheap AC dehumidify the room?
A: Yes, all functional air conditioners remove some moisture from the air as a side effect of cooling. This makes the room feel much better.
Q: How often must I clean the filter?
A: You should clean the filter at least once a month during heavy use. Dirty filters lower cooling power significantly.
Q: Are cheap units safe to leave unattended?
A: Modern units are generally safe. Ensure the installation is tight so the unit cannot fall out of the window. Follow all manufacturer instructions.
Q: What is the expected lifespan of a budget AC?
A: A well-maintained, budget window AC typically lasts between 5 to 8 years. Heavy, constant use might shorten this time.