7 Best 12000 BTU Air Conditioners (2023 Reviews)

7 Best 12000 BTU Air Conditioners Reviewed

Now we offer you the best 12k BTU air conditioners. Each one has been reviewed, rated, and compared. We are confident you will find your next air conditioner on the list below.

12000 BTU Air Conditioners Compared

Considerations When Buying A 12000 BTU AC Unit

There are several factors to think about when trying to choose the correct 12,000 BTU air conditioner.

AC Type

As I am sure you are aware, there are many types of air conditioners. Central air is common in residential and commercial buildings. RV air conditioners, automotive ACs, and many others. When you are using the BTUs as a measurement, though, you will mostly look at window units and portable ACs.

A window unit is a compact air conditioner that exhausts directly outside by being placed in your window. It rests on the sill, half in your home and half out. These come in all sizes from 5,000 BTUs to over 30,000 BTUs.

Portable ACs are small appliances that cool a space or room and use a hose to vent outdoors. The hose usually attaches to a mount that fits in a window. These units require more power and aren’t generally much stronger than 16,000 BTUs (though some can get up to 20,000 BTUs).

Coverage Area

As we covered above, the size of your room is vital in determining what size AC you need. The larger the room, the more power is required to cycle the air and drop the temperature. Smaller rooms don’t need much help to move the air.

Larger rooms can benefit from adding a ceiling fan or oscillating fan to help move the air to the AC unit for cooling. Using the formula above, you can determine the minimum BTUs needed for your room size.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

The Energy Efficiency Ratio, or EER, is a standard that tells you how energy efficient the air conditioner is. EER is determined by the ratio of BTUs per hour versus the kilowatt-hours used in that hour. The higher the ratio or EER number, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

High-efficiency air conditioners cost you less energy (and lower electric bills) to run. Most air conditioners will have a yellow Energy Guide sticker on them to tell you the EER and expected cost per kilowatt-hour of operation.

Noise Levels (DBA)

Air conditioners make noise. The louder the machine, the less likely you are to run them continuously. You will want to find an air conditioner with a low decibel attenuation (dBA) rating. As an example, a hairdryer at 5 feet produces about 67 dB. Heavy city traffic at 20 feet is about 65 dB. A conversation at zero feet at normal talking levels is about 48 dB.

The higher the dBA of the air conditioner, the louder you will need to turn the TV or talk so everyone in the room can hear you.

Performance Features

Besides turning on an air conditioner and cooling a space, whether in your window or a portable unit in your bedroom, some come with additional features. You may find that your AC is also a heater. For window units, this common feature means you can use them year-round.

Some have timers or sleep modes and energy-saving modes that shut them off after a particular time or temperature is reached. You can also find models with multiple fan speeds, dehumidifier settings, and even remote, Bluetooth, or mobile app controls.

Additional features add performance and value to the air conditioner. While you may pay a little more, some of these creature comforts are worth the added cost.

Installation Requirements

Something else to consider is the installation requirements. You will need the space to install the air conditioner, of course, but larger units, such as the 12,000 BTU models, may be wider or taller than your window can open.

It might also require you to install an additional outlet or special outlet for the unit. These generally require professional installation, unless you work with electricity and power outlets yourself.

Voltage Requirements

You also need to check on the voltage requirements of the unit. Some will require dedicated 220v lines, and others can plug into any 110-volt outlet. Knowing what you have and what the air conditioner needs will go a long way towards buying the correct model for your home or office.

Price & Warranty

Finally, you will want to look at the price and the warranty. While these units are cheaper than installing an entire central air system, they can still get expensive. You want to stay within your budget so that you don’t overspend and end up regretting your purchase.

The warranty should be a factor as well. The term and coverage the warranties provide should be enough to get your money’s worth should the AC outlast the warranty, plus it should provide a quick and inexpensive means to repair or replace the AC if something goes wrong.

Types Of AC Units With A 12000 BTU Rating

There are a lot of AC styles that come in the 12,000 BTU rating size. Each type has its own pros and cons, making each one a personal choice for the buyer. Which one is best for you?

Mini Split

We use mini-split ACs on a per-room basis. You still have the condenser unit outside (this is the “split”). Inside each room that has climate control is a miniature air handler (where the “mini” comes from).

Each air handler is controlled separately, allowing you to set different temperatures in various rooms. They are challenging to install but offer more localized control. The mini-split system can also end up costing you more on your energy bill. The trade-off is that your house doesn’t have cold or hot spots unless you want them.

Related Article – How Many Mini Splits Do I Need?

Window

Window units are all-in-one designs that sit in your window, as the name implies. The condenser unit sits at the back of the unit, where a fan pushes air over the coils of the evaporator. The condensation drains through a small drain pan outside while cold air blows inside.

Large windows with small window ACs will need to use extending flaps to prevent outside air, bugs, and other unwanted things from getting in (or out) of the space on either side of the AC. If you get a window unit that is too large for the window space, you won’t be able to use the unit. Precision measurements are crucial in your window AC selection.

Related Article – More Information on How a Window AC Work

Through The Wall

Through the wall ACs are the same as a window unit.

They are all-in-one ACs, but instead of sitting in a window, you cut a hole in your wall that the unit will sit in.

Most of these have cages and require the cage is mounted and sealed.

The AC will then slide into the cage, secured to the sides with mounting screws.

The main issue with these types is that if you don’t already have a hole in your wall going to the outside, you have to cut one.

Knowing where your electrical wires, plumbing, and other in-the-wall components are located is a must. Professional installation can be expensive.

Related Article – How Does a Wall AC Differ from a Window AC?

Portable

Portable ACs are small, heavy items that sit on your floor in the room you wish to cool. There is a drip tray for the condensation (some require emptying manually, others evaporate on their own). There will be an exhaust vent, similar to a dryer vent hose. This needs to be mounted in a window to let the hot air out of the house.

Portable units can have high BTUs but aren’t designed to cool large, open spaces. A bedroom or living room will cool with the most efficiency, though.

Related Article – How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?

Types Of AC Units Without A 12000 BTU Rating

Not all types of air conditioners come with a 12,000 BTU rating. There are other options for you though.

RV Air Conditioner

RV systems work much like a central air system or a mini-split system. While there are some smaller sizes, 17,000 BTUs is generally as low as they go. The average top-mounted systems use 20,000 BTUs or higher.

The common sizes for top-mounted AC units in an RV are 20,000, 22,000, 26,000, and 32,000. If the AC unit is internal, there are two common sizes to choose from. Some companies produce various BTU sizes for internal RV ACs, but for the most part, you will decide between 20,000 and 30,000 BTU units.

Understanding BTUs: When Is A 12000 BTU AC The Correct Choice?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is a standard measurement of heat transfer.

The original measurement determined the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree (at sea level). The result is one BTU. Since then, BTUs have been the measurement of air conditioners to determine the amount of heat it can remove.

By measuring your space, you can determine the minimum BTUs needed for proper and efficient cooling. While there are a lot of charts and region mapping you can consider, it doesn’t need to be that exact.

If you are interested in the full mathematical formula, you will need to find your climate zone, factor in the humidity, barometric pressure elevation above sea level, and the square root of your total square footage.

If you want to know if the AC will cool the room without working too hard, overheating, or skipping cycles, there is an easier method. It isn’t exact, but it will work. Take the BTU of the air conditioner, divide by 20 and subtract 50.

Using this example, an air conditioner with a BTU rating of 12,000 will be efficient in rooms with 550 square feet or less (12,000/20 = 600 – 50 = 550).

Need a different size unit? Check out our reviews for other sizes below:

Installing Different Types Of 12000 BTU ACs

Installing most of the 12,000 BTU options isn’t a difficult task. For portable units as an example, you need to install the exhaust hose, run it out a window and plug the unit in. From there, the only installation needs it to wheel it to the desired area and turn it on.

Window units are almost as simple to install. After you open the window and remove the screen, you need to lift the machine into the window opening. There will usually be a lip on the bottom that will catch on the frame. Then you close the window on top, so the top lip catches on the windowpane frame.

Once you extend the side flaps and secure them to the window edge, you just have to plug it in and turn it on. Larger window units will require two people to lift and slide into the window.

Through the wall units install the same as the window units. If you already have a hole through the wall with the cage installed, installation is just like the window unit (minus the flaps). You may need professional installation if there isn’t a pre-cut opening, though.

Mini-split systems require refrigerant, a condenser, and the air handlers installed. This is a professional install only item.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much power does a 12000 BTU air conditioner use?

Most modern 12,000 BTU air conditioners are rated between 9 and 12 EER. This equates to about 11 EER average and just over 1,000 watts of consumption.

How many amps does a 12000 BTU air conditioner draw?

12,000 BTU air conditioners requiring a dedicated outlet draw a minimum of 10 amps. Most simple design systems will average either 10 to 15 amps to operate.

How long can I expect a 12000 BTU AC unit to last?

A lot will go into the average lifespan of a 12,000 BTU window unit. Maintenance, care, average ambient temperature, frequency of use, etc. Based on national averages, though, a 12,000 BTU window AC should last about 10 years.

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

These sized units can suffer the same problems as any other air conditioner. The most common issues include over-cooling, condenser fan running but cooling fan off, rapid cycles, coils freezing over, electrical problems from surges and shorts, and leaking condensation or draining improperly.

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

Routine maintenance, regular cleanings, and replacing or cleaning the filters regularly will go a long way to increase their productive life. During the winter months when the unit isn’t being used, removal from the window, a thorough cleaning, and proper storage will also add to the life expectancy.

Which models on our list offer heating as well as cooling?

From our list, the models that cool and heat are, Koldfront WTC12001W, Senville SENL-12CD Mini-Split, and the Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012A-19.

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

You can purchase a 12,000 BTU air conditioner almost anywhere they sell heating and cooling supplies. This will include home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, and most local hardware stores. You can also find them in brick and mortar shops like Walmart, Sams, and Costco. The best place to buy a 12,000 BTU AC, though, is through Amazon. Quick shipping, expert installation (additional cost), extended warranty options, and excellent customer service are considerable benefits to shopping through Amazon.

Conclusion

There are plenty of 12,000 BTU air conditioners to choose from. It is up to you to find the right style and installation methods for the unit you want the most.

All air conditioners work on the same principle of removing humidity and heat from the air in our homes. Whether that is a portable unit, window AC or a central heating and air combination, they all work well.

If you find it difficult to choose or don’t know where to start, we recommend our top pick, the SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. It is easy to maintain, cools quickly, and can store away when not in use.

Related Article – Which Should I Buy: Portable or Window AC?