If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to cool your home, while also having a low negative impact on the environment, then you need the absolute best energy efficient air conditioner on the market. After carefully reviewing dozens of products, we’ve decided to compile a list of the 10 best energy efficient air conditioners in 2018 to make your purchasing process easier.
In our reviews, we’ve considered user rating, BTU, efficiency features, unit size, and cooling capacity. Without any further ado, here are our favorite energy efficient air conditioners available on the market in 2018:
10. Friedrich Kuhl Energy Star Room Air Conditioner
The clever design and engineering of this air conditioner ensures an energy efficiency ratio of 11.2. It cools well and operates quietly, making it a very convenient model. This might be the best energy efficient air conditioner for you if you’re looking for a model you can install both on windows and walls.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7/5 | 5,800 | 21" x 19" x 14" | 250 |
Pros
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- Stores custom cooling programs and schedules
- Constructed with durable galvanized steel and rifled copper tubing
- Window or wall installation allowed
- Quick installation
Cons
- Rather heavy
- Expensive purchase
9. Della Air Conditioner
This air conditioner from Della uses an ozone-safe refrigerant bar to make it even more environmentally friendly. It has a multi-speed cooling fan and two-way air direction for additional comfort. In addition, its portability makes it highly convenient for any environment. All in all, this is a serious contender for the title of the best energy efficient portable air conditioner in 2018.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7/5 | 8,000 | 11" x 14" x 30" | 300 |
Pros
- 24-hour timer
- Portable for extra versatility
- Affordable and compact
Cons
- Lack of screen on vent tube
Tip: If you move often or simply want a single air conditioner for more than one room without breaking the bank, check out the best portable air conditioners on the market in 2018!
8. LG Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
With both three cooling speeds and three fan speeds, this window-mounted unit easily adjusts to all your cooling needs. It has an 11.5 energy efficiency ratio being the most efficient air conditioner so far on our list.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6/5 | 6,000 | 18" x 15" x 12" | 260 |
Pros
- Convenient remote control
- Dehumidification up to 1.8 pints per hour
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Energy saver function
Cons
- Slightly loud
Note: This product is currently unavailable, but if you’re a fan of the LG brand we recommend looking into this next model:
LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
This through-the-wall LG air conditioner is the best energy efficient air conditioner you could get in 2018 if you have little to no space for it. It has a 10.6 energy efficiency ratio and can work on three cooling or fan-only speeds. In addition, it comes with an easy to clean filter and an alert that lets you now when it needs cleaning.
| User Rating | BTU | Unit Size | Cooling Capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 9,800 | 24" x 20.1" x 14.4" | 450 |
Pros
- Can cool down a room of up to 450 square feet
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- The best energy efficient air conditioner for the money according to customer reviews
Cons
- Quite noisy
7. Whynter Green ARC-10WB Air Conditioner
You can operate this model on either the air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier hose. It has a portable design, so it can be installed quickly in any room. In addition, it comes with a self-evaporation system that further increases its efficiency. This energy efficient portable air conditioner comes with an extendable exhaust hose with a maximum length of 59″ and a window kit, which makes it even more convenient.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8/5 | 10,000 | 17" x 13" x 28" | 300 |
Pros
- Comes with anti-bacterial filter
- Uses CFC free refrigerant and lead-free components
- Recycles moisture to cool air efficiently
Cons
- Works best in smaller areas
- Inconveniently short exhaust hose
6. Cool Living Energy Star Window Mount Air Conditioner
You can mount this air conditioner in any window to enjoy energy efficient cooling. Its thermostat can be set anywhere from 62 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a programmable timer that can be set between 30 minutes and 24 hours in 30-minute increments. All in all, this is the third best energy efficient air conditioner according to ratings and reviews from verified customers.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1/5 | 8,000 | 19" x 15" x 14" | 350 |
Pros
- 7 different modes
- Energy star certified to use 15 percent less energy than normal
- Programmable timing
Cons
- Somewhat noisy
5. Frigidaire 115V Air Conditioner
In addition to cooling, this air conditioner also features a clean air ionizer that removes pollen and other impurities from the air, making it the best energy efficient air conditioner for those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory afflictions. It easily mounts on any window, can plug into a standard 115V electrical outlet, and has a 11.3 energy efficient ratio.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1/5 | 10,000 | 21" x 19" x 14" | 450 |
Pros
- Eco setting for extra efficiency
- Cools quickly
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Remote control only works from close range
- Slightly inaccurate thermostat
Tip: If you’re looking for a low-profile air conditioner, make sure to check out our article on the best low profile air conditioners of 2018.
4. Frigidaire Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Most of the people who have tried this air conditioner agree that it is the top choice if you are looking for the best energy efficient air conditioner for home use. This compact air conditioner mounts in the window easily and keeps your home cool without wasting electricity.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1/5 | 5,000 | 16" x 15" x 12" | 150 |
Pros
- Two-way air direction
- Dehumidifies at 1.1 pints per hour
- Very quiet while the fan runs
Cons
- Not ideal for larger spaces
3. Haier High-Efficiency Room Air Conditioner
With an energy efficiency ratio of 11.3, you can enjoy a nice, cool home without using excessive amounts of energy. The four functions on this AC include cooling, fan, energy saver, and dehumidification. In addition, this unit comes with a magnetic remote control that can be placed on the unit and that also has braille, making it the best energy efficient air conditioner for the visually impaired.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2/5 | 12,000 | 20" X 14" x 20" | 550 |
Pros
- Braille for visually impaired
- Magnetic remote control for convenient programming
- Electronic control panel
- Easy to install
Cons
- Unit may be a bit loud
2. Koldfront Window Air Conditioner
Koldfront’s air conditioner is energy star rated because it has a special energy saver mode to reduce power usage. You can set the thermostat anywhere between 62 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. All in all, this is the second best energy efficient air conditioner on the market according to ratings and reviews from verified customers.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3/5 | 10,000 | 14" x 19" x 21" | 450 |
Pros
- Also dehumidifies
- Three fan speeds
- LED alert for filter change
- Remote control included
Cons
- Only dehumidifies smaller areas
- Noisy startup
1. Friedrich Chill Series Room Air Conditioner with Heat
This product is the most energy-efficient air conditioner of this year and the best part is it can be used to either chill or warm a room. It can be installed in either a window or a wall for extra convenience and space. It comes with a remote control and a 24-hour timer. It features 3 fan speeds and also has a LED alert that lets you know when to change the filter.
| User rating | BTU | Unit size | Cooling capacity (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6/5 | 18,000 | 17" x 26" x 29" | 1,000 |
Pros
- Impressive capacity
- Sleek and unobtrusive appearance
- 11.2 energy efficient ratio
- Three cooling modes
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
- Difficult installation because of its large size
Conclusion
When you get the right energy efficient air conditioning unit, you can choose the ideal combination of cooling power, appearance, and environmentally-friendly features. According to our research, the absolute best energy efficient air conditioner is the one from Friedrich Chill series as it is a well-made, reliable product with useful features.
Have you tried any of the air conditioners on our list? Comment below to let us know which one is your favorite and which ones you had trouble with!