AC Product Database

LG LW6024R

After fitting countless budget window ACs, the LG LW6024R  tops my list for its cooling capacity, which suits smaller spaces up to 250 square feet.

From an HVAC expert's standpoint, the unit's 6,000 BTUs feel optimal for bedrooms and home offices. I'm impressed that the AC packs more punch than some entry-level units like the GE AHEC05AC. 

Noise levels are a concern for many clients I've worked with. LG claims this unit is quiet, and I'd say they're not too far off the mark.

At 52 dB on low mode, it's not silent, but it's one of the quieter models I've worked with at this price point. Clients tell me they barely notice it running at night—it's more like a soft, white-noise machine than an AC. 

Efficiency-wise, this LG model impresses me with its 11.5 EER rating. 

It's not Energy Star certified, but in my professional experience, it's noticeably gentler on the electric bill than older models I've had to replace for homeowners. 

I'd say the 520-watt power consumption is pretty standard for its cooling capacity.

I love the flexibility of this unit. With three cooling and fan speeds, plus 2-way air deflection, you can fine-tune your comfort level.

I used this feature to target specific hot spots in clients' homes, and it works like a charm.

If you live in an area prone to power flickers, I prefer you pick this unit, as the auto restart function will save you from waking up soaked in sweat after a power failure.

A 1.8-pin dehumidification capacity is doable during those humid days, but I'd not consider it a replacement for a dedicated dehumidifier.

I'm wowed by this unit's ease of maintenance. I always point out the slide-out washable filter to my clients—it's a real money-saver in the long run.

The filter check reminder is also a godsend for folks who tend to forget about AC maintenance. 

While cheaper options exist, like the Midea MAW05M1BWT and the GE AHEC05AC, the LG LW6024R's performance and features make it worth every penny. 

It's a solid choice that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to homeowners looking for reliable cooling in smaller spaces.

LG recently updated this model to make it slightly smaller overall. It retails for $220 new, but has been on sale for under $200 every time I have checked. 

Related article: Recommended 6000 BTU air conditioners

Midea MAW05M1BWT

I've worked with the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool window air conditioner, and it's a solid little window unit for smaller spaces. 

First, this AC is super competitive in rooms up to 150 square feet compared to models in the same range I've fitted. 

After installing more than a dozen Midea units in home offices and guest bedrooms, I'd say it keeps these spaces nice and cool without breaking a sweat. 

Midea claims it's quieter than your fridge at 57 dB, but I'll be straight with you—it's not whisper-quiet. It's a bit louder than the LG LW6024R, but in my experience, it's more of a white noise that fades into the background.

You'll notice it, sure, but it won't drive you up the wall. Installation is always pretty straightforward with this one.

I've lost count of how many I've put in; all I ever need is a screwdriver. Midea includes all the mounting gear, which makes my job easier, and it's great for DIY folks, too.

Energy-wise, it's no slouch. With a EER of 11.0, it's not the most energy efficient window AC, but it's right up there with the competition in the under $200 category. My electric bill didn't take a big hit running this unit.

I'm a fan of the mechanical controls on this model. They're not fancy, but they're reliable and easy to use. In my line of work, I've seen too many digital controls fail, so I appreciate the simplicity here.

I also appreciate its decent customization options, including 7 temperature settings, 2 cooling speeds, and 2 fan-only speeds.

Like the LG model, this also came with a 2-way air direction mode for directing the airflow where I needed it most. The other standout feature is its washable, reusable air filter that's easy to remove and clean.

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, such as a remote control or programmable timer.

Still, from where I sit, for a basic, reliable cooling solution, this Midea unit hits the mark. Its simplicity could be a huge plus if you're looking for a straightforward, no-fuss AC.

I'd pick this window AC  if I need a compact, efficient AC for a small space and don't care about fancy features. At 5K BTUs, it gets the job done without some smart functions, and that's something I can get behind.

Shinco 8000 BTU Portable AC

With 8,000 BTU (ASHRAE, the standard set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) cooling capacity, the Shinco portable AC is a unit I'd recommend if you want to cool 200 square feet of space. 

I installed one during a brutal heatwave, and it held its own, keeping the space at a comfortable 72°F even when outdoor temps were pushing 90°F.

The adjustable temperature range of 60°F-86°F gives you plenty of control over your comfort level. I've found this range to be more than adequate for most of my clients' needs.

I really appreciate the unit's cooling mode, which performs admirably. The fan mode, with its two-speed settings, gives ample air circulation on milder days. The dry mode is reliable for whisking away up to 19.2 liters of moisture daily.

Since it uses a self-evaporating system, clients who I've recommended this unit to don't have to fuss with tweaking humidity settings.

I've dealt with too many units where you constantly empty water tanks. Still, this one takes care of itself for the most part while maintaining a consistent 62°F in dry mode.

Just keep an eye on that "FL" indicator during high humidity conditions—you might need to empty it more often. 

You'll find its LED display easy to read, and the remote control, with a 23-foot range, particularly convenient for adjusting settings from across the room. For targeted cooling, you can manually adjust the direction of the air outlet grille. 

The sleep mode is another feature I really like as it gradually increases the temperature by 1.8°F every two hours, which helps prevent those jarring temperature changes that can disrupt your sleep.

Plus, it keeps the noise below 55 dB, which is pretty quiet for a portable unit.

Using its 24-hour timer, scheduling cooling gets even easier. With a SEER of 5 and an 8.7 EER, it's not the most efficient unit I've worked with.

The LG and Midea window models I've installed definitely have an edge here, but for a portable unit, it's still performing adequately.

Related article: Air conditioners with an 8000 BTU cooling capacity

GE AHEC05AC

The GE AHEC05AC 5K BTU unit shines in compact spaces, such as studio apartments or home offices, where space is at a premium.

Weighing 36 pounds, this sits among ACs I've fitted that don't dominate the window space. I wouldn't exactly call it a low profile window AC, but it does only take up about 12.5 inches of height. 

The cooling options are pretty straightforward—-two cooling modes and two fan speeds. I like that simplicity, especially for clients who don't want to fuss with complicated settings. 

The mechanical controls with 10 temperature settings are a bit old school, but they're reliable and easy to use.

In my line of work, I've seen too many digital interfaces being prone to glitches, so I appreciate this no-nonsense approach. Installation is way easier with the EZ Mount kit. I've put in dozens of these units, and it's always a smooth process.

That's a big deal when you're working in cramped apartments or tight schedules.

At 50 dB, the GE AHEC05AC isn't the quietest window AC I've ever installed, but it's the quietest in this price category. In my experience, it won't drown out normal conversation or keep you up at night. It's more of a white noise that fades into the background. 

To keep tabs on maintenance, I love how this unit keeps it convenient with a removable, washable filter.

Energy efficiency is solid, with an EER of 11. I've seen plenty of units that'll run up your electricity bill, but this one keeps things reasonable. It's a good balance of cooling power and energy use.

At around $160, it's the most budget-friendly window unit I've worked with recently. For cooling areas under 150 square feet, it's hard to beat. I've installed the Amazon Basics unit in similar spaces, but GE's better energy efficiency gives it the edge in my book.

One thing I like to point out about this unit is that sometimes GE lists their refurbished (gently used) models online. These are just as good as the new models, but it's something you should double check when you're ordering. 

Related article: 5000 BTU air conditioners for rooms under 150 square feet

Amazon Basics Window AC

The AmazonBasics 5000 BTU window air conditioner, priced at around $150, is among the compact ACs I've seen offering comfort on a budget.

I recently put one in a stuffy 10x15 spare room, and it cools things down nicely. It's rated for 150 square feet, which is spot on in my experience. 

I saw a 10°F drop in about an hour—not too shabby for a budget unit. Just keep in mind that on those scorching summer days, it might struggle a bit with efficiency.

The lightweight design (35.3 pounds) doesn't require me to channel my inner bodybuilder to hoist it into the window. I've had tougher times moving my toolbox! The included mounting kit is a nice touch—I had it up and running in about 20 minutes flat.

While the AmazonBasics window AC isn't the quietest unit  I've ever installed, it's far from the loudest. You'll notice it's on but won't interrupt your TV or conversations. In my book, that's a win for a budget unit.

One thing that really impressed me is the 12.1 energy efficiency rating. That's punching above its weight class for a $150 AC. 

I've worked with pricier units that don't perform as well on the energy front.

The controls are pretty basic—just mechanical dials. It's old school, sure, but in my experience, these tend to be more reliable long-term than fancy digital displays. You've got 7 temperature settings and dual cooling and fan modes.

It might take some fiddling to find your sweet spot, but once you do, it holds the temperature well.

I'm a fan of the adjustable air direction feature. It lets you point the cool air right where you need it.

Not to mention its built-in air filter, which I find simple to remove and wash. I like highlighting this feature to my clients as it keeps the air fresh and the unit running efficiently.

After crunching some numbers, the GE AHEC05AC came close to this unit in terms of specifications.

Still, the Amazon Basics AC slightly has an edge regarding energy efficiency. Just remember, like any budget unit, it has its limitations. Still, for the price? It's hard to beat.

Takywep 8000 BTU portable AC

When I first unboxed the Takywep 8000 BTU portable AC, I wasn't expecting much from a portable unit that clocks in around $170. After a few days of putting it through its paces, I’ve got to say—this little guy punches above its weight in a few key areas.

Let’s start with the footprint. At just 11.7 x 11.3 x 27.4 inches, this thing is a space-saver’s dream. I squeezed it into the corner of a small guest room without sacrificing floor space, and it didn't look like a bulky eyesore. That’s a win already in my book.

Cooling-wise, the single hose Takywep is solid. It’s rated for 8000 BTUs, and while it won’t freeze you out like a dual hose portable model will, it’ll definitely take the edge off a muggy afternoon. 

I found it more than capable of cooling a small to medium-sized bedroom. Just don’t expect miracles if you’re trying to tame a sun-soaked living room in peak summer.

One feature I appreciated was the self-evaporative system. In moderate humidity, it worked pretty well—no constant emptying of water tanks, which is always a bonus. That said, if you’re in a high-humidity zone, expect to drain it now and then. It’s not magic, just physics.

Now, the listing claims a SEER rating of 21.6. For reference, that’s unicorn-level efficiency for a portable unit, and numbers I've only ever seen in mini split systems. Realistically, that number doesn’t pass the sniff test, so I’m calling it what it is: EER not specified.

Compared to something like the Shinco 8000 BTU portable AC, the Takywep holds its own. The Shinco might feel a bit more refined in build quality, but the Takywep is cheaper and still gets the job done.

Installation was quick and painless. The kit is basic, but it works, and I had the unit running in under 20 minutes. The digital controls are simple and intuitive, with all the basics: cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes, plus a timer and remote.

Bottom line? If you’re after a compact, affordable, no-frills portable AC, the Takywep is a solid option—especially at this price point. Just temper your expectations with the energy efficiency claims, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.

Can you get a reliable air conditioner for under $200?

Yes, you can find reliable air conditioners for under $200, but I often advise homeowners to know where to look and what to expect.

In this price range, window air conditioners would be my best bet for reliability and performance. 

Brands like GE and LG have a reputation to uphold, and this often translates to better quality control.

For example, the AmazonBasics 5,000 BTU window-mounted air conditioner, which I reviewed earlier, falls into this price category and offers solid performance for its size. 

However, I've seen the landscape change dramatically when it comes to portable air conditioners under $200. In this category, you'll mostly find generic brands with little track record.

While some of these units may perform adequately, the lack of established reputation makes it harder to gauge their reliability and longevity. 

I tell clients to read user reviews carefully, pay attention to comments about durability and customer service, and check the warranty terms, as these can indicate the manufacturer's confidence in their product.

What are some good, cheap air conditioner brands?

There are many brands that offer budget-friendly air conditioner models in both portable and window units.

Midea and GE are among the leaders and most well-known brands in this price range. However, others like LG and White-Westinghouse are also included.

Does putting AC on low save money?

To save money with window and portable air conditioners, many users think that low settings will help. The true effectiveness comes in the ambient temperature, though.

Trying to cool a hot room on low speed will lower the cost per hour during use, sure, but it will take much longer to cool the space, meaning the system will run longer and can cost more in the long run than if you let the unit work as intended.

What’s the lowest temperature an AC can go?

Many window and portable air conditioners have a low limit stop setting that is usually between 60 and 62 degrees.

It is also understood that unless the space is well sealed and smaller in size, a single portable unit will not get higher temperature rooms that low without some help.

How long do air conditioners under $200 last?

You can expect a moderate design model with standard features and one that is well cared for and maintained to last several years.

Between 5 and 8 years is not uncommon for these priced models.