Consumer Reports lists this model as the top-rated 12,000 BTU window A/C you can buy, by quite a bit. Perhaps that's why the model is sold out almost everywhere for the time being, and Amazon only has them from third-party sellers at $300 over the list price. Even so, if you absolutely have to an air conditioner this season, it may be worth it.
What makes this model and the two smaller models in the product line unique is the way the inverter/compressor and air circulation unit are completely separated from each other. In a sense, this is like a mini-split A/C, but fit into the form factor of a window unit for those who have no way to mount a mini-split in their home. We live in a high rise in NYC, so a mini-split is definitely out of the question. Also, most mini-splits require a 220v circuit, which isn't available in our post-war building. The Midea U runs on a standard 110v circuit. The Midea U is the first window unit to meet the latest Energy Star efficiency standard, being more than twice as efficient as most models. That said, the SAR rating is is comparable to the least efficient mini-split systems. In other words, the most efficient window air conditioner you can buy right now, which is this model, is equivalent to the least efficient mini-split air conditioner. If there is any way you can install a mini-split A/C in your home, it will likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. If you live in a high rise and can talk the management into installing central air, even as expensive as that might be, it will likely pay for itself compared to using window units. However, if you have no choice in the matter, this is the one to buy.
When it comes to installation, the instructions are fairly minimal and a bit confusing. Complicating matters is that Midea requires the use of their proprietary mounting bracket (included) - otherwise the warranty is voided. That can be a problem in New York or any city with restrictions on mounting over brick. We got around that by installing the unit over our terrace, where falling bricks aren't an issue, but not everyone has that option. It may be worthwhile getting something in writing from Midea that they will honor the warranty, should an alternative mounting bracket have to be used by law. The supplied mounting bracket is significantly longer than the air conditioner and was probably designed for use with other models. For some, that may be a problem as it may stick out too far. Since the unit's on our terrace, the bracket was decidedly in the way. It's not possible to saw off the excess, as that would compromise its integrity. Instead, I took up the slack on the inside by using a pair of T-brackets to shift the mounting bracket back to a more reasonable position, which worked quite well.
The mounting bracket is designed to attach to the inside of the window frame on both sides, but that's a problem if the window has multiple segments, as is the case with ours. We have a large picture window with double-hung windows on each side. Therefore, there is no inside to which to mount the bracket on the right side. As shown in the picture, the mounting bracket is left just hanging in mid air. The way I secured it was with a spacer and a long screw to mount it to the window sill below.
The window itself serves to separate the internal and external portions of the unit from each other. This isolates the vibrations of the compressor, making for an exceptionally quiet window unit. However, there are spaces on both sides that still require insulation, for which white foam insulating panels have been provided. Unfortunately, there's barely enough insulation to do the job, and our window was far from the widest for which the unit was designed. Be prepared to buy more if needed. Also, there is flexible memory foam provided, but it's black and the foam panels are white, which isn't a good combination. Worse, there isn't quite enough memory foam, so be prepared to buy more, preferably in white. There are gaps underneath the A/C that are easily missed, through which air can get through, and possibly bugs. Be sure to take the time to plug these with additional memory foam. Finally, there isn't room to use your screen, so if you plan to open the window on a nice day, you might want to build your own screen to fit the available space.
In operation, the unit works extremely well. It's quiet, efficient and much better at cooling the room than our last one. The interface takes a little getting used to and the unit has it's way of overruling your choices so as to provide more effective cooling. It's actually easier to use the smartphone app than the included remote control, but again, there's a learning curve. Setting up the A/C with your WiFi is tricky, but reliable once done. You will need to broadcast your SSID, which most people do - otherwise, the Midea will lose connectivity. Living in a high rise with dozens of WiFi networks in range, I would have preferred otherwise. If you have the expertise and live in a similar situation, I recommend getting a router that lets you restrict WiFi connections to those you specify (MAC address filtering). The smartphone app will work with multiple units, so if you install more than one of them, you'll be able to control them all from one location.
Add to your order
-
Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) -
24/7 support when you need it. -
Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
3 Year Cooling Protection Plan ($350 - $399.99) $107.99
4 Year Cooling Protection Plan $140.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month
Select a plan
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Select a plan
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Similar item to consider
Frequently bought together
$357.00
Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
In Stock
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
You might also like
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
6:52
Click to play video
Midea U-shaped AC Installation SD
Midea America Corp
Videos for this product
7:11
Click to play video
Full Review of the Midea 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Fer's Reviews
Videos for this product
4:15
Click to play video
Setting Up the Midea U Shaped Window Air Conditioner
Fer's Reviews
Compare with similar items
This Item  Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Air Conditioner –Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft., Ultra Quiet with Open Window Flexibility, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, 35% Energy Savings, Remote Control |  |  |  | |  | |
| Price | -6% $357.00 List: $379.99 | $399.99 | $669.00 | -8% $529.99 List: $579.00 | $529.00 | $379.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, Jul 22 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 18 | — | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 18 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Noise level | ||||||
| Energy efficiency | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Remote Control | ||||||
| Easy to install | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| cooling power | 8000 btus | 8000 btus | 23500 btus | 12200 btus | 10300 btus | 8000 btus |
| floor area | 350 square feet | 350 square feet | 1440 square feet | 550 square feet | 450 square feet | 350 square feet |
| control method | voice | touch | voice | application | application | voice |
| power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| number of speeds | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| special feature | Fast Cooling, Dehumidifier, Dust Filter | Google Assistant | WiFi Enabled, Remote Controlled, Dehumidifier, Filter Light Reminder, Inverter Compressor, Silent Mode | Filter Light Reminder, Inverter Compressor, Remote Controlled, WiFi Enabled | Filter Light Reminder, Inverter Compressor, Remote Controlled, WiFi Enabled | Heating And Cooling Function, Inverter Compressor, Dehumidifier, WiFi Enabled, Remote Controlled |
Reviews with images
Cool Design, Doesn't Scream Quality
Amazon's most popular air conditioning unit of all time... let's review it.To start things off, this AC unit only has a 1-year limited warranty. This does not show much confidence in the quality of their product. This is not surprising for a Chinese company like Midea is, but nonetheless it is concerning. I read reviews of people having issues with theirs after only just one year, sometimes with multiple units. For comparison, GE air conditioners provide a full one year warranty and partial 3-year warranty. That shows three times the confidence in the quality of their product, because they are totally okay with eating the loss of revenue from what few units they expect to go wrong in the time period. This is a core principle of reliability engineering, my field of work.So what brings people to this air conditioner? Obviously, it's the new dual inverter technology and the unique u-shape design. As advertised, my unit is very quiet while pumping out a lot of cold air. If I want, I can also have my window fully open. However, since I have a window that can open from the top as well as the bottom, it has a screen that I can move up to the top, this doesn't actually matter. Yes, I can only have my window about half open this way, but I prefer it to having to uncompress the foam that I have carefully laid out to seal this air conditioner. The other reviews which criticize the foam and instruction manual are valid.I will say, the install process for this air conditioner is not going to be 30 minutes. I am a handy person, and I am also an engineer, and this took me a few hours. There are a few reasons for this. The unit relies on having a slight tilt in angle, otherwise water does not properly exit the system. It took a fair bit of trial and error to make sure that this angle was accommodated. The siding of my building is not completely solid, it is plastic, and it has some give when the bracket pivots onto it. It was not clear how much weight would be put down onto the bracket, which would end up affecting the angle. It ended up being less weight than I imagined, so I did have to adjust the angle after placing the AC unit onto the bracket, which meant removing the AC unit and then putting it back up. I will also warn you not to follow the directions order absolutely. Before you put foam on your bracket, you will want to make sure you have your plan completely organized around how wide you're going to have the brackets and how long you're going to have them extended, and where you are going to put it obviously too. Don't commit too early in the install process. Make sure to read the entire instruction manual before you follow the steps included. Because here's the other kicker, and it's what my images are outlining primarily, the unit could have been designed a lot better for its seal capabilities. The instruction manual has you use a lot less foam than you will practically need to to genuinely seal this product. My picture is outlined the amount of open space that was left over after merely following the instruction manual in regards to the amount of foam you must use. If you have a vinyl lip at the bottom edge of your window, which most plastic windows do, you may need to use more foam than they provide you. They have these very thin strips of adhesive foam that are intended for application on the bottom of the bracket, to seal between the bracket and the frame of your window. This is only thick enough if you do not have a lip to account for. I ended up using leftover weather stripping I had used on a door frame. However even beyond this, there are plenty of gaps between the bracket itself and the air conditioning unit resting on top of it. This is what my images actually show. They do have some foam on the bracket that they appeared to install some sort of attempt to help with this, but it absolutely was not nearly enough. So I ended up using the leftovers of the foam they provided to see these gaps. However, I had no way of knowing that this would not be fully sealed prior to fully installing the window air conditioning unit. So I had to scribble on the air conditioning unit with pencil where the foam should go based off of how it sat in my window (see image), unscrew the brackets, remove the air conditioning unit once again, flip it upside, and then apply the leftover foam that they provided me, using some of my own double-sided foam tape for the extra thick parts. You can see the final result of this in the last image, and it is sealed quite well now I will say. This all took a while though obviously. It would be nice if their attempts to seal between the bracket and the air conditioning unit in their assembly process were more thorough, as I can see some lame attempts were made, but they were not nearly enough. I'd also like to note that some of the foam they provided me had horrible quality control on it, where the lip created by an assembly process of adhering a smaller strip of foam onto a larger strip of foam was horribly misaligned, and you can see that in the first image. The foams are also cut to different lengths, which just makes it seem like an all around completely uncontrolled process. This is not giving me great confidence for the assembly process on the internal components of the air conditioning unit, which likely accounts for why this product is at a fairly low 4.4 star rating on Amazon despite being the most popular item.It took longer than I expected to install, but now that I have the foam adhered and screws in the right place and everything, it will be easy to remove and put back in place through the seasons for this particular window. However, I very much dread the day where I might potentially need to put it in a different window, and have to completely rethink how I am sealing it.I give this a three-star because it is performing well. It is quiet while Distributing a lot of cold air. It does what it advertises, but the quality is not something I can be very confident in, and their assembly process and instructions could both be improved.I was concerned about the high pitch noise some reviews complained about. It is present when the compressor is running specifically. I think these complaints are a bit whiny, because it is not excruciatingly loud, and certainly a lot easier to deal with than a traditional air conditioner noise. It is a symptom of the Dual inverter technology apparently, and while unfortunate that it exists at all, it is much better than the alternative in terms of noise. But I do have hopes that future window air conditioning units will Design around this noise, and a better unit will be made than this in the future overall. I hope that mine lasts at least a few years so that something better as the time to be engineered by an American company.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021
What makes this model and the two smaller models in the product line unique is the way the inverter/compressor and air circulation unit are completely separated from each other. In a sense, this is like a mini-split A/C, but fit into the form factor of a window unit for those who have no way to mount a mini-split in their home. We live in a high rise in NYC, so a mini-split is definitely out of the question. Also, most mini-splits require a 220v circuit, which isn't available in our post-war building. The Midea U runs on a standard 110v circuit. The Midea U is the first window unit to meet the latest Energy Star efficiency standard, being more than twice as efficient as most models. That said, the SAR rating is is comparable to the least efficient mini-split systems. In other words, the most efficient window air conditioner you can buy right now, which is this model, is equivalent to the least efficient mini-split air conditioner. If there is any way you can install a mini-split A/C in your home, it will likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. If you live in a high rise and can talk the management into installing central air, even as expensive as that might be, it will likely pay for itself compared to using window units. However, if you have no choice in the matter, this is the one to buy.
When it comes to installation, the instructions are fairly minimal and a bit confusing. Complicating matters is that Midea requires the use of their proprietary mounting bracket (included) - otherwise the warranty is voided. That can be a problem in New York or any city with restrictions on mounting over brick. We got around that by installing the unit over our terrace, where falling bricks aren't an issue, but not everyone has that option. It may be worthwhile getting something in writing from Midea that they will honor the warranty, should an alternative mounting bracket have to be used by law. The supplied mounting bracket is significantly longer than the air conditioner and was probably designed for use with other models. For some, that may be a problem as it may stick out too far. Since the unit's on our terrace, the bracket was decidedly in the way. It's not possible to saw off the excess, as that would compromise its integrity. Instead, I took up the slack on the inside by using a pair of T-brackets to shift the mounting bracket back to a more reasonable position, which worked quite well.
The mounting bracket is designed to attach to the inside of the window frame on both sides, but that's a problem if the window has multiple segments, as is the case with ours. We have a large picture window with double-hung windows on each side. Therefore, there is no inside to which to mount the bracket on the right side. As shown in the picture, the mounting bracket is left just hanging in mid air. The way I secured it was with a spacer and a long screw to mount it to the window sill below.
The window itself serves to separate the internal and external portions of the unit from each other. This isolates the vibrations of the compressor, making for an exceptionally quiet window unit. However, there are spaces on both sides that still require insulation, for which white foam insulating panels have been provided. Unfortunately, there's barely enough insulation to do the job, and our window was far from the widest for which the unit was designed. Be prepared to buy more if needed. Also, there is flexible memory foam provided, but it's black and the foam panels are white, which isn't a good combination. Worse, there isn't quite enough memory foam, so be prepared to buy more, preferably in white. There are gaps underneath the A/C that are easily missed, through which air can get through, and possibly bugs. Be sure to take the time to plug these with additional memory foam. Finally, there isn't room to use your screen, so if you plan to open the window on a nice day, you might want to build your own screen to fit the available space.
In operation, the unit works extremely well. It's quiet, efficient and much better at cooling the room than our last one. The interface takes a little getting used to and the unit has it's way of overruling your choices so as to provide more effective cooling. It's actually easier to use the smartphone app than the included remote control, but again, there's a learning curve. Setting up the A/C with your WiFi is tricky, but reliable once done. You will need to broadcast your SSID, which most people do - otherwise, the Midea will lose connectivity. Living in a high rise with dozens of WiFi networks in range, I would have preferred otherwise. If you have the expertise and live in a similar situation, I recommend getting a router that lets you restrict WiFi connections to those you specify (MAC address filtering). The smartphone app will work with multiple units, so if you install more than one of them, you'll be able to control them all from one location.
Size: 12000 BTUVerified Purchase
Top-rated, most energy-efficient, quietist A/C - if you can find one - but installation's tricky
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021
Consumer Reports lists this model as the top-rated 12,000 BTU window A/C you can buy, by quite a bit. Perhaps that's why the model is sold out almost everywhere for the time being, and Amazon only has them from third-party sellers at $300 over the list price. Even so, if you absolutely have to an air conditioner this season, it may be worth it.Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021
What makes this model and the two smaller models in the product line unique is the way the inverter/compressor and air circulation unit are completely separated from each other. In a sense, this is like a mini-split A/C, but fit into the form factor of a window unit for those who have no way to mount a mini-split in their home. We live in a high rise in NYC, so a mini-split is definitely out of the question. Also, most mini-splits require a 220v circuit, which isn't available in our post-war building. The Midea U runs on a standard 110v circuit. The Midea U is the first window unit to meet the latest Energy Star efficiency standard, being more than twice as efficient as most models. That said, the SAR rating is is comparable to the least efficient mini-split systems. In other words, the most efficient window air conditioner you can buy right now, which is this model, is equivalent to the least efficient mini-split air conditioner. If there is any way you can install a mini-split A/C in your home, it will likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. If you live in a high rise and can talk the management into installing central air, even as expensive as that might be, it will likely pay for itself compared to using window units. However, if you have no choice in the matter, this is the one to buy.
When it comes to installation, the instructions are fairly minimal and a bit confusing. Complicating matters is that Midea requires the use of their proprietary mounting bracket (included) - otherwise the warranty is voided. That can be a problem in New York or any city with restrictions on mounting over brick. We got around that by installing the unit over our terrace, where falling bricks aren't an issue, but not everyone has that option. It may be worthwhile getting something in writing from Midea that they will honor the warranty, should an alternative mounting bracket have to be used by law. The supplied mounting bracket is significantly longer than the air conditioner and was probably designed for use with other models. For some, that may be a problem as it may stick out too far. Since the unit's on our terrace, the bracket was decidedly in the way. It's not possible to saw off the excess, as that would compromise its integrity. Instead, I took up the slack on the inside by using a pair of T-brackets to shift the mounting bracket back to a more reasonable position, which worked quite well.
The mounting bracket is designed to attach to the inside of the window frame on both sides, but that's a problem if the window has multiple segments, as is the case with ours. We have a large picture window with double-hung windows on each side. Therefore, there is no inside to which to mount the bracket on the right side. As shown in the picture, the mounting bracket is left just hanging in mid air. The way I secured it was with a spacer and a long screw to mount it to the window sill below.
The window itself serves to separate the internal and external portions of the unit from each other. This isolates the vibrations of the compressor, making for an exceptionally quiet window unit. However, there are spaces on both sides that still require insulation, for which white foam insulating panels have been provided. Unfortunately, there's barely enough insulation to do the job, and our window was far from the widest for which the unit was designed. Be prepared to buy more if needed. Also, there is flexible memory foam provided, but it's black and the foam panels are white, which isn't a good combination. Worse, there isn't quite enough memory foam, so be prepared to buy more, preferably in white. There are gaps underneath the A/C that are easily missed, through which air can get through, and possibly bugs. Be sure to take the time to plug these with additional memory foam. Finally, there isn't room to use your screen, so if you plan to open the window on a nice day, you might want to build your own screen to fit the available space.
In operation, the unit works extremely well. It's quiet, efficient and much better at cooling the room than our last one. The interface takes a little getting used to and the unit has it's way of overruling your choices so as to provide more effective cooling. It's actually easier to use the smartphone app than the included remote control, but again, there's a learning curve. Setting up the A/C with your WiFi is tricky, but reliable once done. You will need to broadcast your SSID, which most people do - otherwise, the Midea will lose connectivity. Living in a high rise with dozens of WiFi networks in range, I would have preferred otherwise. If you have the expertise and live in a similar situation, I recommend getting a router that lets you restrict WiFi connections to those you specify (MAC address filtering). The smartphone app will work with multiple units, so if you install more than one of them, you'll be able to control them all from one location.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
The mini-split inspired construction, modern components and re-arranging of their position completely change how this thing works and how you should use it. The unit is meant to generally run all the time and simply cycle up and down as needed for maintaining your rooms temperature. This is different from traditional window units that cut on and off to chill the room. There are sensors connected to the fan and compressor and in auto mode they work harder or hardly at all maintaining the temp. For example, if my windows are all closed all day, it keeps the apartment at it's current the setting, ie 70º, with the fan and compressor barely running on a 80-90º day. If I open a window for a good length of time to water plants, cook, or have many people coming in and out of the apartment, or the afternoon sun hits the windows the unit will ramp up to overcome the warm air and cool things back down. It's a very subtle and set and forget situation and since it's generally so quiet you might only notice the fan moving air rather than any noise itself. There's NO loud dreadfull "ker-chunk, garrrrrrrr...." sound that clunks on and off, at all. Only noise similar to my old unit is on humid days you can hear the fan splash the accumulated condensation in the pan as it helps cool the outside components, this is minimal at best, and a whispy fan noise can be heard on high with the louver swinging up and down. I have no vibration noises either.
The app was simple to connect my iphone to the unit with QR code and steps you through the process. The app provides added functionality. It must connect to your 2.4Ghz Wifi. The app allows for "boost mode" which resolves some complaints of poor cooling power, it also can disable the beeps and LED indicators on the unit (I wish it would allow you to dim these). You can set cooling schedules, and choose "Express Run" which is basically a preset you can tell it to ramp to with one click. Most importantly it allows you to control the unit while away from home and provides inside and outside temp.
When you first get it installed run it at lowest setting, fan at 100% and in boost mode for up to 8 hours to bring the place down to the desired temp. Then you can switch out of boost mode etc. This may take a few hours to get everything cooled down. If you previously had no AC in your room, apt, home, realize everything is physically warm, your walls, couches, furniture, not just the air. Any AC has to deal with this and once your space is cooled, keeping and maintaining it at a cool temp is far easier than the first time.
The AC itself is small, while the inside portion extends forward into the room more than the previous units, the over all general size is *far* smaller than previous giant 12,000btu units. This fact and how it does allow more light and sight through the window is remarkable and adds value. Particularly for those of us in urban settings or with limited windows.
Total installation time took me a maximum of 45 minutes, that's far less than any other window mount / AC combo I've had. I watched the manufacture's 2021 tutorial videos on youtube and a few others ahead of time. One or two viewings of these videos and then following along while installing and it went smoothly, no issues. I have a pre-war apartment in NYC with aluminum double pane lipped windows. Because of decorative limestone outside below the window, the distance from the inside bottom of the sill to the outside wall meant I had to use the last hole on the bracket and took some wiggling and fussing to get it to sit perfectly Once it did it was perfect and at the perfect angle on a level. Tip: before proceeding, superglue the rubber feet, they are on loosely likely to fall off when adjusting the bracket. Cutting the supplied foam, stuffing extra bits into open area or over small holes was simple and I am very glad they give you plenty of variety to make a nice clean installation. For the side arm foam, measure twice and cut once, and before cutting label them so you know which side is which. I think if most people do their due diligence here before and during then installation the majority installations should be simple and straight forward. No other manufacturer has provided so much assistance and the methods are not complicated.
Cons:
The remote is quite large and unintuitive. As large as a cable box remote and yet ironically its missing some functionality that the app gives you. Perhaps they made functionality upgrades via software after they created the remote. Either way, it's a beast for an AC unit that will reside in a drawer indefinitely.
I don't use Alexa, or Google for control, but I would have liked Apple HomeKit integration to unify with other lighting and home controls. The app opens quickly however and is responsive.
No condensation drip line hole. Everything else is so well thought out, it would seem this is a simple thing to add for those who need it. Not that adding your own is impossible or anything but I'd prefer to avoid damage and a factory provided hole location would ensure there is enough condensate to help keep the coils cool, while keeping water from dripping on things below.
Shipping and ordering was an issue that was MOST aggravating, and I see that I am not alone here.
First, it took a week or more to actually place an order. Item would show available just like any other item on Amazon and delivery time would indicate "ships in 1-2 days", this for units sold at regular retail price from Amazon, (not the higher priced gougers.) Every time I'd try to complete the sale it restricted my address in NYC. Amazon CS said they are available and I should be able to place order but I could not. I tried numerous addresses in my account around the country they were all were restricted. Then early one morning it was available and the order went through. It was marked as shipped the next afternoon. But..... it didnt actually "ship." The Amazon warehouse printed the UPS label which marked it shipped on their site but it didnt leave for almost two weeks. During which the arrival time kept moving, and CS had no clue how to answer this except to offer a refund and cancelation. When it did start to move it was shipped from a NJ Amazon warehouse to NYC, transit taking only a day and a half. Look, two weeks for something like this doesn't bother me, if that's what it takes. Its the poor setting of expectations that is infuriating, not to mention that where I live being able to receive packages as they arrive is important to avoid theft. Furthermore I was ahead of a heatwave by more than a week, but it arrived afterwards! Had I known to expect this it wouldn't even be on my mind, but every day you wouldn't know if your order would be canceled or backordered or what. Because so many people had the same issue, I wasted time with CS trying to figure out where my product is and if I will actually receive it.
The UPS delivery man said they've delivered dozens in my neighborhood, I believe them, I've seen at least six on my walks around and I understand why, it's an amazing unit. Highly recommend.
Size: 12000 BTUVerified Purchase
Quiet, cool, small, and easy to install. Ordering and shipping, disappointing.
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
First, amazingly quiet. The TV can be at normal listening volume and at times you forget it's on, about the same as your average refrigerator compressor. Even on High setting with boost enabled it's no louder than a small table-top fan. What a remarkable change from even our previous, "modern" Frigidaire 12,000btu unit from the big box store.Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
The mini-split inspired construction, modern components and re-arranging of their position completely change how this thing works and how you should use it. The unit is meant to generally run all the time and simply cycle up and down as needed for maintaining your rooms temperature. This is different from traditional window units that cut on and off to chill the room. There are sensors connected to the fan and compressor and in auto mode they work harder or hardly at all maintaining the temp. For example, if my windows are all closed all day, it keeps the apartment at it's current the setting, ie 70º, with the fan and compressor barely running on a 80-90º day. If I open a window for a good length of time to water plants, cook, or have many people coming in and out of the apartment, or the afternoon sun hits the windows the unit will ramp up to overcome the warm air and cool things back down. It's a very subtle and set and forget situation and since it's generally so quiet you might only notice the fan moving air rather than any noise itself. There's NO loud dreadfull "ker-chunk, garrrrrrrr...." sound that clunks on and off, at all. Only noise similar to my old unit is on humid days you can hear the fan splash the accumulated condensation in the pan as it helps cool the outside components, this is minimal at best, and a whispy fan noise can be heard on high with the louver swinging up and down. I have no vibration noises either.
The app was simple to connect my iphone to the unit with QR code and steps you through the process. The app provides added functionality. It must connect to your 2.4Ghz Wifi. The app allows for "boost mode" which resolves some complaints of poor cooling power, it also can disable the beeps and LED indicators on the unit (I wish it would allow you to dim these). You can set cooling schedules, and choose "Express Run" which is basically a preset you can tell it to ramp to with one click. Most importantly it allows you to control the unit while away from home and provides inside and outside temp.
When you first get it installed run it at lowest setting, fan at 100% and in boost mode for up to 8 hours to bring the place down to the desired temp. Then you can switch out of boost mode etc. This may take a few hours to get everything cooled down. If you previously had no AC in your room, apt, home, realize everything is physically warm, your walls, couches, furniture, not just the air. Any AC has to deal with this and once your space is cooled, keeping and maintaining it at a cool temp is far easier than the first time.
The AC itself is small, while the inside portion extends forward into the room more than the previous units, the over all general size is *far* smaller than previous giant 12,000btu units. This fact and how it does allow more light and sight through the window is remarkable and adds value. Particularly for those of us in urban settings or with limited windows.
Total installation time took me a maximum of 45 minutes, that's far less than any other window mount / AC combo I've had. I watched the manufacture's 2021 tutorial videos on youtube and a few others ahead of time. One or two viewings of these videos and then following along while installing and it went smoothly, no issues. I have a pre-war apartment in NYC with aluminum double pane lipped windows. Because of decorative limestone outside below the window, the distance from the inside bottom of the sill to the outside wall meant I had to use the last hole on the bracket and took some wiggling and fussing to get it to sit perfectly Once it did it was perfect and at the perfect angle on a level. Tip: before proceeding, superglue the rubber feet, they are on loosely likely to fall off when adjusting the bracket. Cutting the supplied foam, stuffing extra bits into open area or over small holes was simple and I am very glad they give you plenty of variety to make a nice clean installation. For the side arm foam, measure twice and cut once, and before cutting label them so you know which side is which. I think if most people do their due diligence here before and during then installation the majority installations should be simple and straight forward. No other manufacturer has provided so much assistance and the methods are not complicated.
Cons:
The remote is quite large and unintuitive. As large as a cable box remote and yet ironically its missing some functionality that the app gives you. Perhaps they made functionality upgrades via software after they created the remote. Either way, it's a beast for an AC unit that will reside in a drawer indefinitely.
I don't use Alexa, or Google for control, but I would have liked Apple HomeKit integration to unify with other lighting and home controls. The app opens quickly however and is responsive.
No condensation drip line hole. Everything else is so well thought out, it would seem this is a simple thing to add for those who need it. Not that adding your own is impossible or anything but I'd prefer to avoid damage and a factory provided hole location would ensure there is enough condensate to help keep the coils cool, while keeping water from dripping on things below.
Shipping and ordering was an issue that was MOST aggravating, and I see that I am not alone here.
First, it took a week or more to actually place an order. Item would show available just like any other item on Amazon and delivery time would indicate "ships in 1-2 days", this for units sold at regular retail price from Amazon, (not the higher priced gougers.) Every time I'd try to complete the sale it restricted my address in NYC. Amazon CS said they are available and I should be able to place order but I could not. I tried numerous addresses in my account around the country they were all were restricted. Then early one morning it was available and the order went through. It was marked as shipped the next afternoon. But..... it didnt actually "ship." The Amazon warehouse printed the UPS label which marked it shipped on their site but it didnt leave for almost two weeks. During which the arrival time kept moving, and CS had no clue how to answer this except to offer a refund and cancelation. When it did start to move it was shipped from a NJ Amazon warehouse to NYC, transit taking only a day and a half. Look, two weeks for something like this doesn't bother me, if that's what it takes. Its the poor setting of expectations that is infuriating, not to mention that where I live being able to receive packages as they arrive is important to avoid theft. Furthermore I was ahead of a heatwave by more than a week, but it arrived afterwards! Had I known to expect this it wouldn't even be on my mind, but every day you wouldn't know if your order would be canceled or backordered or what. Because so many people had the same issue, I wasted time with CS trying to figure out where my product is and if I will actually receive it.
The UPS delivery man said they've delivered dozens in my neighborhood, I believe them, I've seen at least six on my walks around and I understand why, it's an amazing unit. Highly recommend.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
John
Outstanding product that is woth the price and effort.
Reviewed in Canada on September 13, 2023Size: 8000 BTUVerified Purchase
John
Reviewed in Canada on September 13, 2023
FIVE STAR PART: The unit installs in classic vertical sash windows, but unlike conventional window units, it separates the compressor, motors, and fans from the controls by allowing the lower sash to divide these elements. Brilliant: efficient moving components outside and cool, dry air inside. The space for the lower sash is also wide enough to permit a window blind to function in the gap. This allows light blocking, which is not something one would have thought important, but is, and it is very slick. The marketing literature talks about being able to operate the lower slider if you want fresh air, which seems silly. There is already a fan setting to bring in fresh air, and it is a fair bit of effort to make sure everything reseals when moving the sash. I think the marketing team went a little too far in this one and the notion detracts attention from the overall design excellence of the product.
It is very thoughtful to include a remote control for those needing one, and the voice access through Wi-Fi provides even more accessibility options. I am fortunate enough to not need these, and the on-board control layout of the unit is excellent! Although it took me a while to get used to a display that only showed the temperature setting and not the room temperature, it turned out that the unit is so good that there is rarely a difference anyway.
THREE STAR PART: You may have a little effort on your part to get the mounting bracket to work, since it is designed for specific sill configurations. A few people must be lucky, and it all works out, but our outer sill was too big. So, when the unit is installed, we put a conveniently sized brick on top of the sill (shown in the picture) and don’t use the rear angled support arms. We also put a thin piece of rubber between the metal of the mounting bracket and brick to reduce possible vibration transmission. (My calculations show it's very safe since the majority of load goes through the wall of the house in compression. Plus, the additional load is quite small. But we leave critical decisions of this nature to lawyers; think of this a shared experience from a questionable source.) Once you get the unit positioning sorted out, the mounting bracket is a dream, and next year's install will be easy-peasy.
I strongly recommend this unit! The price and effort are well worth it but do your homework.
Images in this review
Graham
Great Air Conditioner with Window Access.
Reviewed in Canada on June 21, 2022Size: 12000 BTUVerified Purchase
AngOne
Efficiency
Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2024Size: 10000 BTUVerified Purchase
AngOne
Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2024
Images in this review
