The 5 Best Window AC Units For RVs: A Beginner’s Buying Guide
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best window AC unit for RVs; this includes the size of your RV, the cooling capacity of the unit, the size of the unit, and so much more. However, the main goal is to make your RV cooler and more comfortable space to live in, so the focus should stick to what you need and what your RV is capable of handling. But with the abundance of air conditioner units available in the market, choosing the best window AC unit for RV might be difficult, especially if you’re just starting to learn the whats, whys, and hows of RV living.
Air conditioner units are designed to provide proper cooling and ventilation to a room or space that does not have enough access to proper and adequate cooling. While several types of air conditioners can be used on RVs, window-type air conditioners pose some advantage over the other variants. Generally, window air conditioner units are cheaper, compact, and fairly efficient in doing its job, just the perfect solution for your RV’s cooling problem.
Comparison Chart
Detailed Reviews of the Best Window AC Unit for RV
Home Labs HME020003N
Product Highlight
The Home Labs HMN020003N features a 5000 BTU that is capable of cooling spaces up to 150 sq. ft. It consists of two sets of fins and is notable for its seven different fan speeds. Widely considered as the best air conditioner unit that features the best in utility and in price. While it measures roughly 16 by 15 by 12 inches, the Home Labs HMNE020003N has a minimum clearance and width requirement of about 23 inches.
The Good
The Home Labs HMN020003N features a wide range of cooling and movement settings, along with a fairly powerful and efficient motor. It has an EER of 11.1 that offers low energy costs, and it includes a reusable and antibacterial filter that can be easily cleaned using soap detergent.
The Bad
Considering its price, the Home Labs HMN020003N does not feature a dehumidifying function. While this is not exactly a deal-breaker, some users might opt for a model that includes one. Aside from this, the Home Labs HMN020003N is notably larger than other models making it quite difficult to install. In addition to this, users should keep in mind to install the air conditioner with a backward tilt to allow the excess water to drain naturally and to avoid any sort of leakage coming from the unit.
PROS
CONS
Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E
Product Highlights
Considered as one of the best and fastest selling air conditioner units in Amazon, the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E comes from one of the most trusted brands in the industry and is known for its quality and low cost-efficiency. The Frigidaire FFRA01511R1E uses a powerful 1310 ROM motor and compressor and consists of 2 fans and 2 cool speeds that can quickly cool a room evenly.
The Good
The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E has an energy efficiency rating of 11.1 and is one of the best selling units in the market. It has a 5000 BTU rating that can cool small spaces up to 150 square feet and runs on 115V and 4 amps making it perfect for an RV setup. The weighs at merely 28 pounds and includes a complete mounting kit in the package, making it extremely easy and convenient to install. It also features manual rotary controls for adjusting the temperature, as well as a dehumidifier and automatic restart function.
The Bad
While the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E might just be the best option from this list, there are still somethings to nitpick from this model. First off, the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is not ideal for large spaces, as its cooling capacity is ideal for smaller spaces only. Also, it is not the cheapest variant, and it doesn’t include a timer function.
PROS
CONS
LG Energy Star LW8016ER
Product Highlights
The larger LG Energy Star LW8016ER model is the perfect air conditioner for cooling bigger spaces such as RVs up to 300 square feet. It has a powerful flow rate of 220 CFM and can quickly and efficiently cool wider spaces. It features two fins for an evener cooling distribution as well as 3 fans and cooling speeds for more temperature control settings.
The Good
The LG Energy Star LW8016ER is a more premium model that is packed with a powerful motor and includes a wide range of cooling settings.it has a higher energy efficiency rating at 12.1 and includes amazing features such as energy saver and sleep modes, as well as a dehumidifying function that can remove 2.2 pints of humidity per hour.
The Bad
Being a larger unit, the LG Energy Star LW8016ER measures at 19 by 19 by 12 inches and is quite difficult to install. It is on the heavier side in terms of weight and price. Furthermore, the LG Energy Star generates a notable noise because of its powerful flow rate.
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CONS
Friedrich Chill CP06G10B
Product Highlights
The Freidrich Chill CP06G10B is another air conditioner unit ideal for larger RVs. It has a 6000 BTU capacity that can easily cool an area of about 250 square feet. The Friedrich Chill features to sets of fins that run along the length of the unit that is unlike the design of most window air conditioner units available in the market. This model consists of 3 fan speeds and 3 cooling speeds for a wide range of temperature control.
The Good
The Friedrich Chill CP06G10B window air conditioner unit is an amazing premium model that offers superb cooling performance and a variety of control options. It has a 200 CFM flow rate that can quickly cool a relatively large area, as well as an EER of 11.2 for a more cost-efficient performance.
The Bad
The most notable con for the Friedrich Chill CP06G10B is that it is ridiculously expensive. While it includes an installation kit in the package, the Friedrich Chill is quite large and heavy that would make the installation process harder. Also, it isn’t the quietest air conditioner available in the market.
PROS
CONS
Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series
Product Highlights
The Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series is particularly known for its quiet and efficient performance. It has a 6000 BTU capability that can easily cool an area of 200 square feet in a matter of 15 minutes. It has a powerful airflow of 200 CFM along with two sets of fins that can move both horizontally and vertically for even distribution. It includes energy save and sleep mode for a more personalized experience.
The Good
The Haier ESAQ406P Serenity Series is an amazing mid-range model that is packed with a range of control settings and functions. First off, the Haier ESAQ406P features a stunning LED display and two sets of fins for even distribution. This model also features a fan mode, energy-save mode, sleep mode, and a timer function.
The Bad
Compared to other air conditioner models, the Haier ESAQ406P on the larger side as it measures at 21 by 9 by 21 inches. Considering this, the unit is quite heavy and difficult to install and might be hard to fit in some RVs. Also, some users complain of squeaking noises coming from the unit after a couple of months of use.
PROS
CONS
Advantages and Disadvantages of Window AC Units for RV
There are several other air conditioner variants that can be installed in your RV, so why opt for a window-type model? A window-type air conditioner is the simplest type of air conditioner that is designed to cool a room that does not have enough access to proper cooling and ventilation. Compared to the rooftop and portable air conditioners, window-type air conditioners are relatively cheaper, cost-efficient, and saves a lot of floor space.
Advantages
- Window-type air conditioners are notably cheaper than rooftop air conditioners for RVs, and more functional and versatile compared to portable air conditioners.
- The upfront cost used to purchase even a mid-range window-type air conditioner as it is highly energy and cost-efficient in the long run
- Window-type air conditioners are generally easy to install as most packages include complete mounting and installation kits.
- Entry-level window air conditioners provide adequate cooling for small to medium-sized RVs. Larger RVs require high-tier models that have about 5000 to 6000 BTU capacity.
- Since window-type air conditioners are typically installed jutting out of a window, it doesn’t take any floor space on your RV.
Disadvantages
- Not all RVs may be able to support larger and heavier window-type air conditioner units. In addition, some window types such as fixed, glider, and casement windows do not accommodate window-type air conditioners.
- It is important to take note of the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of the model to make sure that you are getting the best performance from the unit.
- Once you have an air conditioner unit installed on your window, this window is no longer functional as it can no longer be moved in any way.
- Window-type air conditioners may seem bulky as it juts out from the side of your RV.
- Despite using installation and mounting support, window-type air conditioners still have the chance of slipping out and falling out of the RV.
- If not installed properly, window-type air conditioners are at risk of unwanted leakage that could damage your RV’s interior.
- Air conditioners, in general, might consume too much of your power source and drain your batteries fast.
Conclusion
Choosing the best window AC unit for your RV might come hard considering the number of window air conditioners available in the market that you can choose from. That is why it’s important to spend some time researching and look into things that would help you learn, understand, and decide what the best window AC unit for RV is.