Best 10000 BTU Air Conditioners: Portable & Window AC Reviews

8 Best 10000 BTU Air Conditioners Reviewed

Here they are! Our top-rated and tested 10k BTU air conditioners. Read about each model and watch our video to learn more.

10000 BTU Air Conditioners Compared

Considerations When Buying A 10000 BTU AC Unit

AC Type

If you’ve ever shopped around for ACs before, you probably already know that there are several different types to choose from. The most common types of air conditioners with the 10000 BTU rating are window and portable units, but you also have the option of wall ACs and mini-splits.

Each AC type comes with its own set of pros and cons. For example, a portable unit is easier to install than a window unit, but a window AC is the better choice if you aren’t willing to give up on floor space. Mini-splits and through the wall ACs are more challenging to install, but they are also the most powerful, offering the best 10000 BTU air conditioner coverage.

Coverage Area

The general rule of thumb for a 10000 BTU air conditioner is that it can cool down space between 400 and 450 square feet. However, not all 10000 BTU ACs offer the same coverage area. Some will be capable of cooling a space that is larger than 450 square feet, while others may not even be able to handle 400 square feet. This is why it’s so important to read the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing, as well as 10000 BTU AC reviews.

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)

An air conditioners Energy Efficiency Rating, or EER, is “the ratio derived from dividing the cooling output of a unit (expressed in British thermal units or Btu) with the energy usage in watt-hours. In other words, it’s the unit’s Btu rating over its wattage.”

If math isn’t your strong suit, all you need to know is that a higher EER means better energy efficiency.

An EER between 9 and 10 is pretty standard for the best rated 10000 BTU air conditioners, but the most energy-efficient models will have an EER of 12 or above. A higher EER doesn’t just mean more energy efficiency, but also more savings, enhanced cooling comfort, and a lower carbon footprint.

Related Article – Understand More About EER (Energy Efficiency Rating)

Noise Levels (DBA)

Like all types of sound, AC noise is measured in decibels, and the lower the decibel value, the lower the noise output. Even the quietest window ACs make at least a little bit of noise, so there’s no AC in existence that has a 0 dBA rating. But you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a 10000 BTU AC that has a noise level between 40 and 60 dBA.

Performance Features

An air conditioner’s performance is at the top of the list of considerations, but try not to focus solely on how efficiently the unit can cool down a room. Also, look into the extra features and settings, like whether or not the unit comes with multiple fan speeds, sleep mode operation, heating, dehumidification, timer settings, and remote control operation.

Installation Requirements

It’s just a fact of life that some types of ACs are easier to install than others. With portable units, the AC is essentially ready to go right out of the box, but this isn’t the case with through-the-wall and mini-splits. If you’ve got your heart set on DIY installation, but you’re not well-versed with HVAC practices, a portable unit may be your best bet.

The main installation requirements to be mindful of are voltage, venting, and drainage. Most ACs are compatible with the standard 120V outlet, but some require 240V. Although an AC works to release cool air, it produces hot air in the process, which needs to be vented out properly. As for drainage, many ACs remove humidity from the room as they work, so proper drainage is also a must.

Price & Warranty

Are you looking for a top of the range 10000 BTU AC, or is staying within a budget your #1 concern? Whatever the answer may be, you’ll find something that fits the bill in the 10000 BTU reviews below. Each of these products comes with a warranty policy, ranging from 1 year to 5 years.

Types Of AC Units With A 10000 BTU Rating

Not all types of air conditioners are built with the 10000 BTU rating, but three types are: window, portable, and through-the-wall. Knowing the type that is right for you is the first step in deciding on an AC, so here’s what you need to know about each one:

Window

A window AC is mounted within a window frame, which isn’t ideal for everyone since the AC unit will be visible from the outside. But the perk of choosing a window AC unit 10000 BTU is that you’ll save on interior floor space, and on top of that, window ACs are often more efficient than portable ones.

Related Article – Can a Window AC Unit be Hidden from the Outside?

Portable

A portable AC 10000 BTU unit is perfect for those looking for easy installation, which is the most noteworthy perk of going portable. Another advantage is that portable ACs are easy to move from room to room, and most even come on a set of rolling caster wheels. However, they do take up some floor space, so you have to be willing to lose out on a bit of square footage.

Related Article – Is It Possible to Vent a Portable AC Without a Window?

Through The Wall

A 10000 BTU through the wall air conditioner is similar to a window AC in terms of power and efficiency, but instead of being mounted in a window, it’s installed through the wall.

Doityourself.com says that “this air conditioner type requires a hole through your wall to fit in, so the installation is not quite easy. A good position for the hole is required for the air conditioner to be able to provide airflow for the entire room.”

Types Of AC Units Without A 10000 BTU Rating

RV Air Conditioner

Unfortunately, if you’re in the market for the best 10000 BTU air conditioner for your RV, you won’t have much luck. RV ACs come in many sizes, but 10000 BTU isn’t one of them. Portable RV AC units typically fall within the 5000 to 8000 BTU range, but you can also find more powerful units over 13500 BTU.

Mini Split

Ductless mini-splits are the perfect choice for anyone living in a ductless home or apartment. They’re a bit expensive compared to other types of ACs, but Energy.gov says that cooling your home with a mini-split “avoids energy loss relating to ductwork.” But sadly, mini-splits aren’t manufactured as 10000 BTU units. It’s more common to find 9k, 12k, 15k, and above.

Related Article – Are Mini Splits Really Worth the Cost?

Understanding Cooling Power

BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are used to measure energy, in this case, energy relating to air conditioning.

In air conditioners, “one BTU is the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.”

If you think of it in terms of the human body, BTUs operate the same way as calories.

The main thing to remember is that the higher the BTU rating, the stronger the cooling capacity. A 10000 BTU AC can cool a much larger room than a 5000 BTU unit – 400 to 450 square feet, to be exact. Now that you understand BTUs, you can move on to other AC buying considerations.

Need a different size BTU unit? Here are our reviews for other sizes below:

Related Article – Which Window AC Size Should I Go With?

Installing Various Types Of 10000 BTU AC Units

The installation for your new 10000 BTU AC depends on the type of AC you’ve purchased.

There’s not much involved in setting up portable units, so you should have no trouble with DIY installation.

Installing a window or wall AC is a bit trickier, so let’s focus on installing a 10000 BTU window air conditioner.

Lowe’s says that the first step to installing a window air conditioner is to

“Check the load on the circuit you plan to use. If it’s also powering other devices, even simple ones such as a hairdryer, you may want to choose another window near a different circuit, add a dedicated circuit or move those other appliances somewhere else to avoid a tripped breaker or blown fuse.”

Lowe’s says that the first step to installing a window air conditioner is to “check the load on the circuit you plan to use.

If it’s also powering other devices, even simple ones such as a hairdryer, you may want to choose another window near a different circuit, add a dedicated circuit or move those other appliances somewhere else to avoid a tripped breaker or blown fuse.”

Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to double-check that the AC unit fits by measuring the width and height of the window opening and comparing it to the unit’s dimensions. Next, decide on how much insulation and rain protection is necessary, and follow these 5 steps for installation:

1. With a buddy, gently place the AC into the window opening. While keeping it balanced, slide the flange (located on the bottom of the unit) against the outside edge of the windowsill.
2. Lower the upper window sash down onto the top of the unit. To prevent it from being opened in the future, insert two screws connecting the upper flange of the AC into the window sash. Attach the L-shaped clips (usually included) that connect the bottom sash frame to the top sash frame.
3. Expand the unit’s side curtains to the edge of the window frame to prevent bugs, animals, and rain from getting inside. Then, screw or clip these curtains into place.
4. Fill the gap between the lower and upper window sash. Some AC units come with foam sealing included, so cut it down to size and slip it into place.
5. Plug the unit into a compatible power outlet (use an extension cord if needed) and start enjoying the cool air.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much power does a 10000 BTU air conditioner use?

The power rating of the unit is measured in 10000 BTU air conditioner watts, which typically ranges anywhere from 900 to 1200 watts. The total number of watts used depends on the unit’s energy efficiency or EER. You’ll be able to find this information on the unit itself, but if not, feel free to refer to the company’s website.

How many amps does a 10000 BTU air conditioner draw?

Shop Your Way says that “the amp draw on a room air conditioner with the cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU/h should be approximately 9.8 amps. The amp draw may vary based on numerous factors. The answer of 9.8 amps is based on a supply voltage of 115 volts, 60 hertz, and a single phase.”

How does a 10000 BTU AC compare to a 5-6000 BTU AC?

The main difference is that a 10000 BTU AC is capable of cooling a larger space. The best 10000 BTU AC can cool a space up to 450 square feet, while a 6000 BTU unit is better for rooms up to 250 square feet. Just keep in mind that the higher the BTU rating, the higher the cost of the AC.

What are some common problems that may arise with this sized unit?

One of the most common problems even for the best rated 10000 BTU air conditioner is inadequate cooling. In more cases than not, this is an issue relating to a dirty air filter, which is easily fixed with quick cleaning or air filter replacement.

Another common problem is water dripping from the front panel, which usually has to do with the AC’s internal water pan not being positioned correctly. This is an even easier fix than dealing with cooling issues; simply make sure that the AC is level on the window sill.

What can be done to extend the life of a portable AC?

The best way to extend the life of a 10000 BTU portable air conditioner is to replace or clean the filter regularly.

When using a portable AC, Homeowner FAQs says that “this is probably pretty obvious to all homeowners, but the filter in your air conditioner should be changed regularly. This is not only important to ensure proper operation and cooling, but is essential for maintaining your indoor air quality.”

How much does it cost to run a 10000 BTU air conditioner?

HomeGuides by SFGate says this about calculating the cost of running an AC:

“Converting BTUs to kilowatt-hours, a measurement equal to one kilowatt of power consumption per hour, you’ll find that a 7,500-BTU PAC consumes about 2.2 kWh, a 10,000-BTU unit 2.9 kWh, and a 14,000-BTU unit 4.1 kWh. As of 2014, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that one kilowatt-hour of energy usage costs about 16.18 cents in California, for instance. At this rate, running a small, medium or large PAC for eight hours a day would cost roughly $2.84, $3.75 or $5.31, respectively.”

Where is the best place to buy this size air conditioner?

If you do a quick Google search of “10000 BTU air conditioner Walmart”, “10000 BTU air conditioner Lowes”, or “10000 BTU air conditioner Home Depot”, you’ll see that you’re not short on options. But Amazon is hands-down the best place to purchase your new AC, mostly because here’s is where you’ll find the best price on 10000 BTU air conditioner units.

Conclusion

Still wondering what is the best 10000 BTU portable air conditioner for staying cool at home? Our favorite is the Frigidaire window unit – it comes with all the cooling features you could ever imagine, including a 24-hour timer, energy saver mode, and sleep mode. For a standalone portable unit, the SereneLife is another great choice.