This Lab Award winning window air conditioner cools my old house in the summer, and is $60 off during a peak day

CNET’s key takeaways

• The Windmill air conditioner typically starts at $339 for a 6,000 BTU, but you can find it on sale now at Windmill site or Amazon For $279 ($60 off).
• Not only is the Windmill AC the easiest unit I’ve ever installed, it’s the only AC unit I’ve tried that has kept my old, poorly insulated house cool during heat waves.
• Bonus: It’s really stylish. (I’d still pay for something ugly that works).

There are a lot of things I love about living in an old house — my 100-year-old rental house has original 1920s Art Deco tiles, high ceilings, and a lot more character than you would find in a newly constructed home. One thing he doesn’t have? Central air conditioning.

With record heat waves regularly hitting my area, I needed to find window air conditioners that could cool my poorly insulated 2,500 square foot home.

I’ve searched for the right person for years. Every summer I would buy and test a new window Air conditionersonly to feel frustrated by their poor work. I will sell them at the end of the season, and start the cycle again the following year.

Finally, after years of sweating in extremely hot temperatures and excessive humidity, I found this: Windmill WhisperTech Window Air Conditioner. This innovative power was so effective at cooling my oversized master bedroom, that I eventually purchased two more. These three air conditioning units effectively cool my 2,500 square foot home in Philadelphia even during extreme heat waves. And they look great while doing it.

The Windmill AC is not the cheapest option on the market, but for me, it was worth every cent. If you’re tired of sweating indoors, here’s why you need to try this game-changing air conditioner.

My experience with Windmill air conditioner

I was skeptical about Mill window air conditioner When I first arrived. It was lighter than other units I’d tried (I could have picked it up myself), so I panicked, thinking there was no way this unit could cool our 350-square-foot, south-facing bedroom.

But within minutes, my partner and I had the unit installed and running. After just a few hours, our bedroom felt less like a sauna and the temperature dropped to 68 degrees Fahrenheit — a feat that hadn’t happened with previous air conditioners. Humidity, which often jumped to 65% or higher on humid days, also dropped below 50%. I was equally impressed with how well the set temperature was maintained as well. Especially during severe heat waves.

The next day, I ordered a second unit for the other end of our house.

Note: CNET conducts scientific tests on Window air conditioners At our testing labs in Louisville. In our A recent comparison between window and portable air conditioning unitsthe Windmill 8k was found to be the best performing window air conditioning unit.

What makes Windmill air conditioner different?

Windmill air conditioners have some unique features, but what prompted me to add one to my cart was the cooling design of the unit. Windmill air conditioners push cool air from the top of the unit at a 45 degree angle for better cooling. After trying several big-name window air conditioners that push air out horizontally, I was excited to find that this feature actually cooled a second-floor room with a high ceiling; The air seems to circulate better since the unit pushes cool air up instead of out and down.

No need to hide your ugly window air conditioner

I’ll deal with an ugly air conditioner as long as it cools my house. But I’m glad I don’t have to. The Windmill air conditioner has a sleek, simple design that many of my friends and family have commented on. The unit has an attractive front panel design that hides its air filter and has small buttons almost hidden at the top of the panel.

The LED display lights are automatically dimmed, so you don’t have to worry about any visual disturbances at night. It also comes with side covers that provide extra insulation and a seamless look.

It also offers a windmill Colored magnetic panel facades To add some whimsy to your window, if you like that kind of thing.

It is the quietest air conditioner I have ever owned

Although it wasn’t a major selling point for me, I’m now a big fan of Windmill’s Whispertech quiet cooling technology. My first priority was the air conditioning that would make my house feel comfortable; I just assumed it would come with some noise. Specifications indicate 42 dB – Softer than the average household refrigerator. I’ve found my Windmill units to be comfortably quiet, even after using two of them regularly for about three years.

My partner and I are able to watch TV at normal volume, talk to each other from other ends of the house and take work calls without being bothered by noise. I really enjoy the white noise effect it provides in our bedroom at night.

I sometimes find that running noise is distracting when I’m on work calls, but that would happen with any air conditioner since my window is right next to my desk. This usually only happens if the mode is on high or medium, so I just switch it to low or eco mode to solve this problem.

You can install it in minutes (really)

I have installed three of these units in several homes and windows, and they only take five to ten minutes to set up. This is because this unit comes pre-assembled. There are no attaching plates or brackets attached to the base before installing it.

All you have to do is add window foam to the sides of your windows, set the unit over the window pane, expand the side panels, close your window, and then secure it with screws. If you can’t drill into your window panes or if you’re a renter (like me) and don’t want to, you can screw it onto a block of wood.

I usually have my partner help me install this (one of us raises while the other opens and lowers the window), but I have successfully installed it on my own in the past.

Comes with smart app and voice control

Windmill will send a remote with your window air conditioner, but if you have multiple units to control, I highly recommend using the Windmill Smart App. Installing and registering your device takes just a few minutes (they send a QR code that you can use to make the setup process easier).

The app is easy to use and useful if you leave home and forget to set the temperature before leaving. However, it sometimes shows wrong temperatures. I had an issue with my office air conditioner temperature on the app showing up as 61 degrees when it clearly wasn’t, but quickly resetting the air conditioner solved the problem.

similar to a Smart thermostatYou can create automations to lower or raise the temperature or speed or even turn off the unit at certain times of the day. It’s a great tool if you want to turn up the heat while you’re at work or away for the weekend.

I don’t use voice control with Alexa, but if you’re interested, it seems Easy to set up.

Eco mode keeps your energy bill low

Since I have gas heat, my Electricity bill tends to rise In the summer when I turn on the air conditioner. While this is still the case, I don’t have to worry about skyrocketing energy bills anymore. The Windmill’s Eco Mode helps my room stay cool without causing a surprise electricity bill.

Windmill air conditioners are Energy Star rated, with up to 15 combined energy efficiency ratings. To obtain an Energy Star rating, air conditioners need a CEER rating of 12 or higher.

Solves the storage dilemma

I’m lucky to have a basement where I can store my air conditioners when I’m not using them. But if you don’t have an extra closet or garage to house these units during the winter, Windmill sells Winter covers They will protect your unit, keep your home insulated, and add a pop of color (if you choose) to your window.

I like this idea, although the current options are somewhat limited and I personally don’t like any of the color schemes they offer.

Specifications

• 6,000, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU available.
• Pre-assembled for easy installation
• Quiet WhisperTech technology
• The unit for 6000 BTU is 42 dB
• Comes with side panel covers for added insulation and a smooth finish
• Airflow at a 45 degree angle
• Self-dimming LED lights
• Three cooling options
• Three fan speeds
• Environmental situation
• Remote control
• Smart APP and voice control
• One year limited warranty
• The 6,000 BTU unit retails for $350, but we usually see it on sale for $340. The 12,000 BTU unit retails for $629 and often retails for $589.

CNET Buying Advice

I recommend Windmill window air conditioners to everyone I know looking for one. My experience with the three units I have owned has been nothing but positive. It outperforms air conditioners I’ve tried from GE and Midea in the past, and works well to keep a humid home cool and comfortable.

The biggest drawback of the Windmill air conditioner is its price. While the cost is on par with competitors like July (yes, it’s an air conditioning company named after one of the hottest months of the year) and Midea, you can find more affordable options. Paying $630 for a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is a steep price, but you can often find it for sale at Windmill site Or in Amazon, Home Depot, Louise, P. C. Richards and Costco.

If a Windmill air conditioner isn’t in your budget, don’t go into debt to buy one. Instead, consider the GE 5,000 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner, CNET’s top budget pick GE AHEC05AC window air conditioner For about $160-170.