Best Whole House Air Conditioner Units

Imagine a summer day where every room in your house feels perfectly cool and comfortable. Does that sound like a dream? For many homeowners, choosing the right Whole House Air Conditioner Unit feels more like a confusing maze. You have so many brands, sizes, and features to consider! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you want reliable, energy-saving comfort that lasts for years.

Getting the right central AC is a big deal. The wrong unit can mean high electric bills or rooms that never quite cool down. We understand the headache of trying to match your home’s needs with the perfect machine. That’s why we’ve put together this clear guide.

By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features matter, how to size the unit correctly, and what questions to ask before you buy. Get ready to stop guessing and start cooling! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about selecting the best Whole House Air Conditioner Unit for your home.

Top Whole House Air Conditioner Units Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

COSTWAY 11500 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner, 115V 17 SEER2 Wifi Enabled Inverter Air Conditioner & Heater Pump System Cools Up to 750 Sq. Ft, Compatible with Alexa, w/Installation Kit

Powerful Cooling & Heating: This 11500 BTU mini split air conditioner is designed to cool or heat large spaces up to 750 square feet. The advanced chassis heating prevents freezing and maintains the normal operation of the outdoor unit. It can cool even at 122℉ and heat even at 5℉.
High Energy Efficiency: The inverter air conditioner improves energy efficiency by adjusting the compressor speed and avoiding frequent starts and stops. Plus, the use of R32 refrigerant makes this ac unit an energy-saving & green cooling solution for your home. It is also compliant with ETL and AHRI. GWP of air conditioning refrigerants is 675.
Smart Control from Anywhere: This mini split air conditioner and heater pump system is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to tailor your comfort via smartphone & voice. It is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. Additionally, a handy remote control with digital display is included for easy operation.
Versatile & User-friendly Design: With a wide temperature range and 7 operating modes, including auto/cool/ heat/dry/fan/sleep/ECO and 7 fan speeds, this mini split AC caters to all your comfort needs. Other features such as 4D auto swing, child lock, I Feel and Health offer added convenience for everyday use.
Low Noise & Easy Maintenance: The sleep mode with ultra quiet operation and screen off function provides a peaceful environment without disturbing your sleep. The 133℉ self-cleaning and washable filter make maintenance easier and air cleaner. As for installation of this AC unit, a licensed HVAC professional is required.

Bestseller No. 2

Amazon Basics 5000-BTU Small Window Air Conditioner, Up to 150 Sqf, Window AC Units with Cool and Fan Functions, Washable Filter, Adjustable Window Kit, Intuitive Mechanical Controls, White

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)

Bestseller No. 3

COSTWAY 23000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner, 208/230V 17 SEER2 Wifi Enabled Inverter Air Conditioner & Heater Pump System Cools Up to 1500 Sq. Ft, Work with Alexa,13ft Installation Kit Included

Powerful Cooling & Heating: This 23000 BTU mini split air conditioner is designed to cool or heat large spaces up to 1500 square feet. The advanced chassis heating prevents freezing and maintains the normal operation of the outdoor unit. It can cool even at 122℉ and heat even at 5℉.
High Energy Efficiency: The inverter air conditioner improves energy efficiency by adjusting the compressor speed and avoiding frequent starts and stops. Plus, the use of R32 refrigerant makes this ac unit an energy-saving & green cooling solution for your home. It is also compliant with ETL and AHRI. GWP of air conditioning refrigerants is 675.
Smart Control from Anywhere: This mini split air conditioner and heater pump system is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to tailor your comfort via smartphone & voice. It is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. Additionally, a handy remote control with digital display is included for easy operation.
Versatile & User-friendly Design: With a wide temperature range and 7 operating modes, including auto/cool/ heat/dry/fan/sleep/ECO and 7 fan speeds, this mini split AC caters to all your comfort needs. Other features such as 4D auto swing, child lock, I Feel and Health offer added convenience for everyday use.
Low Noise & Easy Maintenance: The sleep mode with ultra quiet operation and screen off function provides a peaceful environment without disturbing your sleep. The 133℉ self-cleaning and washable filter make maintenance easier and air cleaner. As for installation of this AC unit, a licensed HVAC professional is required.

Bestseller No. 4

Oylus Mini Split Ac/Heating System - 12000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump, 19 SEER2 115V Energy Efficient Ac Unit Up to 750 Sq.Ft with Installation Kit

【Efficient Cooling & Heating】 - Stay comfortable all year round with 12,000 BTU cooling and 12,500 BTU heating. The mini split AC unit is perfect for spaces up to 750 square feet, easily adjusting temperatures from 61°F (16°C) to 88°F (31°C). The advanced heat pump and technology inverter functionality enhances energy efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your unit while maintaining the ideal temperature in every season.
【Energy-Saving Comfort】 - Enjoy year-round comfort with this split air conditioner, featuring SEER2 19 cooling efficiency and HSPF2 8.5 heating performance. It cuts energy use by up to 36% compared to traditional models, making it both eco-friendly and efficient. The ECO mode adjusts performance to reduce energy consumption, helping you stay comfortable while supporting a greener lifestyle.
【Effortless Smart Control】 - Easily adjust your room's climate with the included remote control for temperature, fan speed, and mode, all without getting up. The 24-hour timer lets you set off times to fit your schedule. The clear LED display shows the status and can be turned off at night to avoid disruption. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with this mini split AC/heating system.
【Multiple Working Modes】 – This mini split AC/heating system offers ultimate flexibility with cooling, heating (operable in outdoor temperatures from 19.4°F to 75.2°F), fan, and dehumidifying modes. Choose from four fan speeds—high, medium, low, or auto—to create the perfect airflow. The up-and-down air swing distributes cool or warm air evenly throughout the room, reducing direct airflow discomfort. The built-in dehumidifying function helps maintain a fresh, dry, and comfortable indoor environment.
【Energy-Saving Comfort】 - Enjoy year-round comfort with this split air conditioner, featuring SEER2 19 cooling efficiency and HSPF2 8.5 heating performance. It cuts energy use by up to 36% compared to traditional models, making it both eco-friendly and efficient. The ECO mode adjusts performance to reduce energy consumption, helping you stay comfortable while supporting a greener lifestyle.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner - Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

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.

Bestseller No. 6

Midea 12,000 BTU U Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner - Cools 550 Sq Ft, Ultra Quiet with Open Window Flexibility - Alexa/Google Assistant Compatible - 35% Energy Savings, Remote (Updated)

ULTRA QUIET - The U-shape design of Midea U Smart Inverter AC uses your window to block noise outside. The highly-efficient inverter system warrants ultra-low noise and vibration, 10x quieter than traditional units with operation as low as 32 dBA.Control Type: Electronic. Clean Filter Indicator Light: Yes. Rated Cooling Amps (AHAM): 12.17. Refrigerant: R32. Cooling Watts: 1140W.
MORE THAN 35% ENERGY SAVINGS - With the advanced DC Inverter technology, Midea U window air conditioner achieves over 35% energy savings compared to other traditional units. It is the first window AC to obtain the ENERGY STAR Certification.
SMART CONTROL - Midea U Smart Inverter AC is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from anywhere using the SmartHome app on iOS or Android. You can also use voice commands throughout your house, office, or apartment using Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
FLEXIBLE WINDOW OPENING - The U-shaped design allows your window to open, bringing fresh air into your home and maintaining more of your view when the unit is installed. When the window is closed, the Anti-Theft Mechanism locks the window for added safety.
ROBUST INSTALLATION - Install the included quick-snap bracket, set the unit on the bracket, and secure the sidearms. Then you are all done and ready to enjoy. Available for single-hung or double-hung windows with width 22"-36", minimal height at 13.75".

SaleBestseller No. 7

Amazon Basics 6000-BTU Window Air Conditioner, Up to 250 Sqf, Window AC Units with Cool and Fan Functions, Washable Filter, Adjustable Window Kit, Digital Temperature Display, Remote Control, White

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)

Bestseller No. 8

Midea 5,000 BTU 150 Sq ft Mechanical Window Air Conditioner, Black (Renewed)

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"

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Whole House Air Conditioner Units

Buying a whole house air conditioner is a big decision. You want cool air all summer long. This guide helps you choose the right unit for your home. We break down what matters most.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, certain features make a big difference in comfort and cost. Look closely at these:

SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This number tells you how efficient the unit is. Higher SEER means lower electric bills. Aim for 14 SEER or higher for good savings.
Tonnage (Cooling Capacity): Tonnage measures how much cooling power the unit has. Too small, and it won’t keep up. Too big, and it wastes energy and leaves your house humid. A professional needs to size this correctly for your home square footage.
Two-Stage or Variable Speed Compressor: Standard units run at 100% power or are off. Two-stage units run at a lower speed most of the time, saving energy. Variable speed units adjust constantly for the best comfort and humidity control.
Noise Level (Decibels): You don’t want a loud machine running outside. Look for units with low decibel (dB) ratings, especially if your bedroom is near the outdoor unit.

Important Materials and Durability

The materials used in your AC unit affect how long it lasts. Quality construction matters.

Outdoor Unit (Condenser):

Cabinet: Look for units with strong, coated metal cabinets. These resist rust and weather damage. Powder-coated steel is a good choice.
Coils: Copper tubing is the best material for the condenser and evaporator coils. Copper transfers heat very efficiently. Avoid aluminum coils if possible, as they sometimes corrode faster.

Indoor Unit (Evaporator/Furnace Coil):

The indoor coil handles moisture. Manufacturers often coat these coils with special materials (like epoxy) to prevent corrosion from condensation, which improves lifespan.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Many small factors determine if your unit performs well year after year.

Factors That Improve Quality:

Warranty: A longer warranty shows the manufacturer trusts their product. Look for 10-year warranties on parts.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Modern units work best with smart thermostats. These learn your habits and optimize performance automatically.
Humidity Control Features: Units with good dehumidification cycles keep your air feeling cooler, even at higher temperatures.

Factors That Reduce Quality:

Improper Installation: Poor installation is the number one reason new AC units fail early. Always hire licensed, experienced HVAC professionals.
Undersized/Oversized Units: As mentioned, incorrect sizing stresses the equipment and lowers efficiency.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use your AC unit affects what you should buy.

Quiet Comfort:

If you live in a quiet neighborhood or have outdoor living spaces near the unit, prioritize low noise ratings (under 70 dB). Variable speed compressors offer the quietest operation.

Hot, Humid Climates:

In places with high humidity, prioritize excellent dehumidification features. A high SEER rating helps here too, because efficient units run longer cycles, pulling more moisture out of the air.

Budget-Conscious Users:

If upfront cost is the main concern, look for a reliable 14-SEER unit from a reputable brand. While the energy savings won’t be as high as a 20-SEER unit, the initial investment is lower.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Whole House AC Units

Q: How long does a whole house AC unit usually last?

A: With regular maintenance, most modern central air conditioners last between 12 and 15 years.

Q: What is the difference between a central AC and a heat pump?

A: A central AC only cools. A heat pump cools in the summer and heats your home in the winter by moving heat in reverse.

Q: Is a higher SEER rating always better?

A: A higher SEER means better efficiency, but the cost savings might take many years to pay back the higher initial price of the unit.

Q: Do I need to clean my AC unit?

A: Yes. You should clean or replace the air filter monthly. Professionals should service the outdoor unit annually.

Q: Can I use my old thermostat with a new high-efficiency AC?

A: Maybe, but often new high-efficiency units require a specific thermostat to use all their advanced features, like variable speeds.

Q: What does “Tonnage” mean in AC terms?

A: Tonnage relates to cooling power. One ton of cooling power equals 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat removal per hour.

Q: Should I buy a single-stage or two-stage unit?

A: Two-stage units offer better comfort and save more energy because they run more often at a lower, quieter setting.

Q: How much does a whole house AC replacement cost?

A: Costs vary widely based on the size of your home and the unit efficiency, but expect a range depending on your location and contractor fees.

Q: What is the typical lifespan of the warranty?

A: Most good manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty on parts. Labor warranties are usually shorter, often one year.

Q: Does the size of my ductwork affect the AC unit choice?

A: Yes, absolutely. Even the best AC unit will struggle if your existing ductwork is too small or leaky. Ductwork must be inspected before purchasing the new unit.