One is the U-shaped design, which allows you to open and close your window with the unit installed and puts a pane of glass between you and the compressor. Inverted U-shaped models drape over the sill like a towel, creating a similar effect. A wall is simply better at blocking noise than the lightweight panels that come with most window units.
In June, a number of U-shaped models made by Midea and other brands, including Frigidaire, were recalled due to concerns about mold growth, which can cause respiratory infections and other health problems. Midea has since updated certain models. It has also offered to repair older units with a new drain plug, which you can have professionally installed or install yourself via a simple DIY kit, both free of charge. Consumers can also request a refund. More information about the recall can be found in this article.
The second innovation is the inverter AC. Traditional units run the compressor at full blast, cycling on and off to maintain temperature. Inverter models, by contrast, modulate compressor speed more precisely, reducing energy use and noise.
“Over the past several years, inverter models, which are more efficient and claim to be quieter, have become more widely available,” Regan says. “And in our ratings, inverter models tend to have the best scores for noise.”
That’s a big help for just about everyone, especially if you live in a warm climate like I do in southern Arizona, where nighttime temperatures can linger around 80°F.
But Regan says picking the right model is just part of the equation. Installation matters, too.
“This is due to how much an air conditioner can vibrate and how those vibrations spread to the window, where an old, ill-fitting sash may make more vibrational noise than a new, tight-fitting one,” he says.
Below are details on several of the quietest air conditioners CR recommends. Our full ratings allow CR members to explore more options, and our air conditioner buying guide offers additional guidance.
