9 Best 15000 BTU Air Conditioners: Reviews & Comparisons

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12

Products Tested

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33

Hours of Research

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When the summer sun shines right into your large rooms, you need some serious cooling power.

A 15000 BTU air conditioner has the muscle to keep your home cool.

These are expensive machines, though.

You should make your AC choice very carefully, or you might waste your money on a unit that won't stop you from sweating.

I tested and reviewed the best 15000 BTU wall and window air conditioners out there to help you. Let’s find the ideal AC for your big rooms!

7 Best 15000 BTU Air Conditioners

1. LG LW1516ER (Editor’s Choice)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.5

BTUs

15,000

Noise Level (Decibels)

57 dBa

Cooling Area

800 square feet

EER or SEER

11.9

Dimensions (H x L x D)

17.7 x 26 x 28.13 inches

Weight

112 lbs

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to air conditioning.

That said, the LG LW1516ER is at the top of my list for a reason — its ultra-strong cooling is enough for almost any large home.

This powerful unit punches way above the 800-square-foot rooms it’s rated for.

Even in a large combined kitchen/dining/living room of 1,400 square feet, it kept the temperatures tolerable.

According to my infrared thermometer, the air blows out of the four-way-adjustable vent at 50°F.

The cooling capacity was enough to drop the temperature by 20°F within 30 minutes.

That airflow isn't just cold but strong, too. I had to start using a paperweight to avoid constantly picking up papers and receipts off the floor.

All that power comes at a manageable cost, too.

This unit sets the power consumption standard for its class with an 11.8 EER and Energy Star certification.

You can keep your home cool without your electricity bill rising to high heavens.

The usability is intuitive, and you can easily swap between the AC, fan, and eco mode using the front panel or the remote control.

The remote control is very basic, but it works nicely and is simple to understand.

LG has included a drain plug on the back of the unit — a feature missing from most modern ACs.

Draining the unit will reduce energy efficiency but can keep the chassis from flooding in high-humidity regions.

Speaking of the chassis, this air conditioner is the slide-out type that can be installed in a window or through the wall.

You’ll want a second or even third pair of hands for installing this unit, though, since it’s very large and heavy.

It may not fit in small windows, and I recommend using an outside support to prop it up.

This unit is also pretty loud, but I appreciate that LG doesn't even try to market it as "SUPER QUIET."

It's not obnoxious, but with the noise and the lack of sleep mode, you probably want to avoid this machine in your bedroom.

Then again, this super-strong LG window air conditioner is tailor-made for cooling spaces way above its rating.

Who is LG LW1516ER Best For?

This LG LW1516ER AC is the top pick for homeowners who want extreme cooling power for large spaces at a good value.

Pros

  • Extremely strong and fast cooling, even in very large spaces
  • Sturdy unit with great build quality
  • Low power consumption for the cooling chops
  • Simple and straightforward usability
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Huge and heavy unit
  • Somewhat noisy

2. Frigidaire FFRE153WAE (Budget Window Air Conditioner)

Energy Efficiency

4.0

Cooling Ability

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.0

BTUs

10,000

Noise Level (Decibels)

55 dBa

Cooling Area

450 square feet

EER or SEER

2.6

Dimensions (H x L x D)

14.57 x 21.26 x 19.02 inches

Weight

61.8 lbs

15000 BTU air conditioners tend to be pricey, but they don't have to drain your entire bank account.

For this cohort, Frigidaire FFRE153WAE is an affordable machine with plenty of kick.

Frigidaire definitely hasn’t cut corners in cooling power.

Even in the medium setting, this 15000 BTU window air conditioner can cool its rated 800-square-foot room in roughly 15 minutes.

On high, my place quickly turned into a walk-in freezer!

Although this model isn't quite as overpowered as the LG, it still performs well in areas bigger than it's designed for.

During my tests, it chilled in a loft apartment of 1,000 square feet without breaking a sweat.

This unit ties the LG (and most others on my list) in energy consumption.

It’s Energy Star-certified and sports an 11.8 EER rating, which goes a long way to keeping your bills low.

That’s just another thing adding to this model’s budget-friendly nature.

The front panel is straightforward to use.

The touch controls work well, allowing you to adjust fan speeds and activate different user modes, including eco and sleep modes.

That said, the remote control is a mixed bag.

On the one hand, it has a portable thermostat that allows the AC to automatically adjust to the ambient temperature around the remote.

On the other hand, this is an infrared remote control, so the AC needs to be able to “see” it. It’s a finicky but welcome feature.

In terms of noise, this model is one of the quieter ones on my list. It shouldn’t disturb you even at night, discounting particularly light sleepers.

The installation process isn't any more difficult than with any 15000 BTU window air conditioner.

Thanks to the pull-out chassis, you could also rig this unit through a wall.

As a side note, my machine came with side panels even though Frigidaire says they're sold separately.

What can make installing this unit difficult is the manual. It's poorly written, with pictures so blurry and small you need a microscope to decipher them.

Some people have even received installation instructions for the wrong model.

I’m glad they saved on the manual rather than the machine, though. For its price point, this Frigidaire is a very solid AC.

Who Is Frigidaire FFRE153WAR Best For?

This Frigidaire FFRE153WAR unit will serve you well if you want a powerful 15000 BTU window air conditioner without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Affordable to purchase and run
  • Great cooling capacity for its price
  • Portable thermostat on the remote control
  • Relatively quiet operation

Cons

  • Terrible installation manual
  • Small and dim front display

3. Friedrich Chill Premier CCW15B10A (Premium Window Air Conditioner)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.3

BTUs

15000

Noise Level (Decibels)

-

Cooling Area

550 square feet

EER or SEER

-

Dimensions (H x L x D)

18 x 23.88 x 25 inches

Weight

73 lbs

Looking for perfect high-end window air conditioners can be just as challenging as trying to find budget ones.

Friedrich Chill Premier CCW15B10A makes the choice easy by offering everything from the features to the looks.

In terms of power, you can expect a strong performance from the Friedrich — it would hardly count as a premium machine otherwise.

As soon as you turn it on, freezing cold air starts blowing through the vents.

You can aim that powerful breeze quite freely, too. Like the Emerson and TCL units, this window model has eight-way airflow adjustment, allowing you to direct the coolness toward the areas that need it the most.

In an 800-square-foot room, the Friedrich drops the temperature within minutes.

I kept even a nearly 1,000-square-foot open-plan kitchen and living room cool while the afternoon sun blazed in through the west-facing windows.

As a high-end unit should, the Friedrich comes with Wi-Fi connectivity.

The FriedrichGo app can connect to your smartphone or a voice control module like Alexa.

I noticed the Wi-Fi setup might fail if you follow the instructions on the app.

Don’t worry, though — the user manual walks you through everything to hook the AC up to your smart home.

If you’d rather use more old-fashioned control methods, the front panel and remote control work just as well.

Complementing the Energy Star-certified, 11.8 EER performance is an energy-saver mode and sleep mode.

No matter what setting you use, this is the quietest 15000 BTU air conditioner on my list.

Friedrich has somehow managed to keep this unit’s weight at an impressive 75 pounds.

Thanks to the low weight, it’s easy to install in a window or wall — your choice.

As a nice touch, this model’s sleek, modern aesthetic looks much better than the usual appliance-white boxes.

There’s only one clear issue I can highlight with this machine.

The chassis has vents on the top, which can allow rainwater to get inside it. You really should set up an awning for it.

Of course, the premium features come at a premium price. The top-notch features and looks of this AC are well worth it, though.

Who is Friedrich Chill Premier CCW15B10A Best For?

This high-end Friedrich Chill Premier CCW15B10A window AC is an excellent choice for those who want the latest tech and a unit that's easy on the eyes.

Pros

  • Powerful cooling for spaces large and small
  • Well-functioning Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Quiet running noise
  • Lots of control and adjustment options
  • Sleek design is easy on the eyes

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Top chassis vents can let rain in

4. Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1 (Window Unit with Best Value)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.3

BTUs

15,000

Noise Level (Decibels)

52 dBa

Cooling Area

700 square feet

EER or SEER

11.8

Dimensions (H x L x D)

17.9 x 35.4 x 23.6 inches

Weight

105.8 lbs

Did you like the sound of all those advanced features on the Friedrich unit but can’t quite stomach the price?

Then you should consider the high-value package that is the Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1.

This Emerson model boasts is in the run-up for the most efficient cooling performance on my list, rivaling the LG.

A room with 800 square feet will quickly become way too cold if you set this beast running at maximum.

At full blast, this 15000 BTU window air conditioner brought my around 1,000-square-foot combined kitchen and living room to 58°F.

Even the next room, separated by a doorway, was at 66°F — much too cold for my liking.

That cooling power won’t strain your wallet too much, either.

Like the Friedrich, LG, and other powerful units on my list, it has an 11.8 EER rating and an Energy Star label.

Like the Friedrich, this 15000 BTU window AC unit boasts full Wi-Fi capabilities.

You can connect it to your smartphone or Alexa or Google Assistant if you'd like to be able to say, "Emerson, cool me, please."

The app isn't as intuitive as Friedrich's, in my opinion, but it works.

If you start encountering frequently dropping connections, make sure your Wi-Fi router is set to 2.4 GHz.

You also get a remote control with the unit, which has a very limited range and use angles. You've paid for the Wi-Fi, so use that.

This model comes with a comprehensive 1-2-5 warranty.

The manufacturer guarantees the labor for a year, parts for two years, and the compressor for five.

This unit has a slide-out chassis like all other window air conditioners on my list. You can mount it to windows or through walls.

It’s good that you can take the chassis off because this is the single heaviest machine on my list.

It’s so much easier to fix the cabinet to your window opening and then slide the AC in. Remember to get a support bracket.

This unit is also somewhat louder than average. Light sleepers, keep it away from your bed.

Overall, however, the Emerson provides great value for your money. Frankly, it could sell for a lot more — but I’m glad it doesn’t.

Who Is Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1 Best For?

This Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1 unit is an excellent choice for those who want an air conditioner with advanced features without paying a premium.

Pros

  • Great value for money considering the features
  • Supreme cooling capacity
  • Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Good warranty

Cons

  • Extremely heavy
  • Loud-ish
  • Poorly functioning remote

5. Cooper&Hunter CH-PTHE15HP (Best Through-the-Wall AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.0

Cooling Ability

4.0

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.0

BTUs

-

Noise Level (Decibels)

-

Cooling Area

-

EER or SEER

-

Dimensions (H x L x D)

-

Weight

-

It can be a hassle to mount and remove window AC units with the changing seasons.

Cooper&Hunter CH-PTHE15HP lets you furnish your home with a permanent unit that keeps you comfortable in winter and summer.

Although all other air conditioners on my list can be installed into walls, the C&H is a dedicated through-the-wall unit.

It’s essentially like the air conditioners you see in hotel rooms.

This model performs very well in rooms up to 800 square feet. During my tests, it had no problem bringing the temperature down to 61°F.

You can embrace your inner penguin if you so wish.

Unlike with some other models, I wouldn't try pushing the C&H's limits in a much larger area. It works best in rooms it’s rated for, so keep it there.

On top of cooling, this device offers a 13,500 BTU heat pump and an 11,000 BTU electric heater.

The heating works well and keeps an appropriately sized room toasty even when the outdoor temperature dips into the negatives.

Part of that performance is thanks to the excellent thermostat.

This unit monitors the temperature more accurately than others I tested, so you can rely on getting the temperature you want.

The energy performance is technically the lowest on my list.

The C&H has “only” a 10.6 EER rating, but that’s still quite good. Just make sure you have a 230V outlet available.

This air conditioner is surprisingly quiet. You might expect the big unit to be very noisy, but it’s comparable to the TCL. Not silent but not disturbing, either.

The C&H is big, though. The machine is twice the width of other ACs I reviewed and weighs a lot, too (although surprisingly not quite as much as the Emerson).

The size and through-the-wall installation process make mounting it challenging, so I recommend hiring a professional.

You should also note that this air conditioner doesn’t have a dedicated dehumidifier function, in case you live in a very humid region.

Also, it's very expensive, and you get to pay even more for the separately sold wall sleeve.

That’s well worth it for the strong and reliable year-round performance, though.

Who Is Cooper&Hunter CH-PTHE15HP Best For?

This through-the-wall air conditioner is a great option if you’re looking for a permanent unit to provide heating and cooling.

Pros

  • Good cooling and heating performance in big individual rooms
  • Accurate thermostat
  • Low noise levels for its size
  • Well-built and reliable unit
  • 5-year warranty on parts, 7-year warranty on compressor

Cons

  • Expensive with a separately sold wall sleeve
  • Challenging installation
  • No remote control

6. Keystone KSTAW15CE (Most Energy-Efficient Window Air Conditioner)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.0

Value For Money

4.2


Overall Rating

4.2

BTUs

10000

Noise Level (Decibels)

59.5 dBa

Cooling Area

450 square feet

EER or SEER

12

Dimensions (H x L x D)

14.6 x 19 x 21.5 inches

Weight

59.8 lbs

The downside of 15000 BTU air conditioners is that they are very thirsty in terms of energy. Keystone KSTAW15CE can help protect your wallet from sky-high electricity bills.

This model has the lowest energy consumption out of all the ones I reviewed.

You might not believe that looking at Amazon and other online storefronts, though, as they list the EER score as identical to the LG, Friedrich, and others.

If you check the actual Energy Star website, though, you’ll see that the Keystone has a 12.1 EER Rating and is Energy Star-certified.[1]

That makes it the most energy-efficient machine here. It's not a massive difference, but with air conditioners this powerful, every little bit counts.

The Keystone certainly has power. This unit cools a hot space of 800 square feet to a comfortable temperature within five minutes.

Even in a 1,000-square-foot area, it worked with gusto on par with the Frigidaire.

Another thing comparable to Frigidaire is the remote control with a portable thermostat.

I found it more functional, and the air conditioner did a good job adjusting the temperature automatically.

A clear display and backlit buttons make this a very nice remote control.

The Keystone does a good job in the noise department, too.

The noise level is on the lower side of average, so even light sleepers should be able to catch some Z’s with this unit running.

Installation is practically identical to all the other window units.

The pull-out chassis makes things much easier since you don't have to try screwing the entire unit to your window. It also enables through-the-wall installation if you need it.

The installation kit is this unit’s Achilles heel, though.

Although mine had all the listed parts, I’ve seen people complain that the screws in their kit were too small to work with the air conditioner.

I recommend checking all the screws before you start working.

In case you do have the wrong screws, a quick trip to the hardware store will fix the issue — although it’s a nuisance.

Despite the mounting kit issues, the air conditioner itself works great.

If you’re conscious about your electric bills or the environment, the Keystone will be your favorite 15000 BTU window air conditioner.

Who Is Keystone KSTAW15CE Best For?

This Keystone KSTAW15CE model is a great product if you’re shopping for 15000 BTU window air conditioners with low energy consumption.

Pros

  • Quick and efficient cooling, even in a space above the BTU rating
  • Low power consumption reins in your electric bills
  • Great remote control with a portable thermostat and backlit buttons

Cons

  • Installation kit may have wrong parts

7. TCL 15W3E1-A (Most Reliable Window Air Conditioner)

Energy Efficiency

4.0

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.3


Overall Rating

4.3

BTUs

15000

Noise Level (Decibels)

52 dBa

Cooling Area

700 square feet

EER or SEER

-

Dimensions (H x L x D)

19 x 28 x 41 inches

Weight

105.8 lbs

Fancy toys can be fun, but simplicity has a beauty entirely of its own.

TCL 15W3E1-A is the air conditioner equivalent of your grandpa’s car — it doesn’t have the latest features and gadgets, but you know it’ll do its job.

The TCL’s cooling capacity is on par with the Frigidaire and Keystone.

It will quickly cool 800 square feet, lowering the temperature noticeably within minutes.

Yet, this machine punches above its (rather significant) weight.

It had no issues helping a 1,000-square-foot open-plan kitchen and living room stay cool on a summer afternoon.

In energy consumption, the tale I'm about to tell you will also sound familiar. The TCL rocks a respectable 11.8 EER rating and an Energy Star label. It will keep multiple rooms cooled and not blow your bills out of proportion.

The TCL is a very basic unit in terms of functionality.

That’s not a knock on this air conditioner, though — it offers everything you need to stay comfortable in your home.

This model has the same 3-in-1 functionality as the high-end Friedrich.

You can set it to run in cooling, fan-only, and dehumidifier modes, and it offers three fan speed levels.

You also get a timer function, and energy-saver and sleep modes.

I noticed that the unit likes to start up in the eco mode, which cycles the compressor on and off.

That’s good for your power bills, but keep it in mind if you need quick, continuous cooling during hot weather.

Usability is simple, with clear buttons on the front control panel. The remote control has no special functions, but it works well.

This model even has eight-way-adjustable louvers, like the Friedrich and Emerson units.

If the Keystone’s noise levels were on the lower side of average, this TCL is on the louder side of that same point.

That said, it’s not as loud as, say, the LG. There’s no need to turn up the TV volume.

Finally, like all other window air conditioners I’ve listed, this one features a slide-out chassis.

So, if you want it in a through-the-wall installation, that’s possible.

In the end, I found this unit to be boring in the best possible way. It doesn’t boast, it doesn’t whine — it just keeps pumping out cool air.

Who Is TCL 15W3E1-A Best For?

This unit is tailor-made for homeowners looking for a no-frills, no-nonsense 15000 BTU window air conditioner.

Pros

  • Quick and powerful cooling even in big rooms
  • Affordable price tag
  • Straightforward no-frills usability
  • Does its job and does it well

Cons

  • Keeps defaulting to energy-saver mode
  • A bit noisy

15000 BTU Air Conditioners Compared

Image
LG 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, Cools...
Frigidaire FFRE153WAE Window-Mounted Room Air...
Friedrich CCW15B10A Chill Premier Smart Air...
Emerson Quiet Kool 15,000 BTU 115V Smart...
Keystone 15,000 BTU Window Mounted Air...
TCL 15W3E1-A Home Series Window Air...
Model
LG 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, Cools...
Frigidaire FFRE153WAE Window-Mounted Room Air...
Friedrich CCW15B10A Chill Premier Smart Air...
Emerson Quiet Kool 15,000 BTU 115V Smart...
Keystone 15,000 BTU Window Mounted Air...
TCL 15W3E1-A Home Series Window Air...
BTUs
15,000
10,000
15000
15,000
10000
15000
Noise Level (Decibels)
57 dBa
55 dBa
-
52 dBa
59.5 dBa
52 dBa
Cooling Area
800 square feet
450 square feet
550 square feet
700 square feet
450 square feet
700 square feet
EER or SEER
11.9
2.6
-
11.8
12
-
Dimensions (H x L x D)
17.7 x 26 x 28.13 inches
14.57 x 21.26 x 19.02 inches
18 x 23.88 x 25 inches
17.9 x 35.4 x 23.6 inches
14.6 x 19 x 21.5 inches
19 x 28 x 41 inches
Weight
112 lbs
61.8 lbs
73 lbs
105.8 lbs
59.8 lbs
105.8 lbs
Image
LG 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, Cools...
Model
LG 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, Cools...
BTUs
15,000
Noise Level (Decibels)
57 dBa
Cooling Area
800 square feet
EER or SEER
11.9
Dimensions (H x L x D)
17.7 x 26 x 28.13 inches
Weight
112 lbs
Price
Price
Image
Frigidaire FFRE153WAE Window-Mounted Room Air...
Model
Frigidaire FFRE153WAE Window-Mounted Room Air...
BTUs
10,000
Noise Level (Decibels)
55 dBa
Cooling Area
450 square feet
EER or SEER
2.6
Dimensions (H x L x D)
14.57 x 21.26 x 19.02 inches
Weight
61.8 lbs
Price
Price
-
Image
Friedrich CCW15B10A Chill Premier Smart Air...
Model
Friedrich CCW15B10A Chill Premier Smart Air...
BTUs
15000
Noise Level (Decibels)
-
Cooling Area
550 square feet
EER or SEER
-
Dimensions (H x L x D)
18 x 23.88 x 25 inches
Weight
73 lbs
Price
Price
Image
Emerson Quiet Kool 15,000 BTU 115V Smart...
Model
Emerson Quiet Kool 15,000 BTU 115V Smart...
BTUs
15,000
Noise Level (Decibels)
52 dBa
Cooling Area
700 square feet
EER or SEER
11.8
Dimensions (H x L x D)
17.9 x 35.4 x 23.6 inches
Weight
105.8 lbs
Price
Price
-
Image
Keystone 15,000 BTU Window Mounted Air...
Model
Keystone 15,000 BTU Window Mounted Air...
BTUs
10000
Noise Level (Decibels)
59.5 dBa
Cooling Area
450 square feet
EER or SEER
12
Dimensions (H x L x D)
14.6 x 19 x 21.5 inches
Weight
59.8 lbs
Price
Price
Image
TCL 15W3E1-A Home Series Window Air...
Model
TCL 15W3E1-A Home Series Window Air...
BTUs
15000
Noise Level (Decibels)
52 dBa
Cooling Area
700 square feet
EER or SEER
-
Dimensions (H x L x D)
19 x 28 x 41 inches
Weight
105.8 lbs
Price
Price
-

How To Choose The Best 15000 BTU Air Conditioning Unit

I won’t lie — 15000 BTU air conditioners are expensive.

To make sure you invest all that cash in the perfect machine for your home, you should think carefully about what you actually need from the unit.

So, grab a pen and paper and make some notes on the most crucial considerations I’ve listed below.

Match the Power with the Right Room (BTU)

I recommend keeping 15000 BTU ACs in rooms of up to 850 square feet to maximize their efficiency.

The cooling capacity of both wall and window air conditioners is measured in British thermal units (BTU).

Any given BTU corresponds directly with a certain coverage area — the higher the BTU, the more square feet the unit can cool.[2]

At 15000 BTU, air conditioners have a coverage area of roughly 800-850 square feet.

Although some super strong units — like the LG — can easily deal with even larger rooms, their cooling efficiency does begin to fall with the increasing area.

Save Money with a High EER Rating

You should always try to find an air conditioner with an EER rating of at least 10 to ensure reasonable energy consumption.

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) of your air conditioning unit describes how much energy it consumes during operation.

The math to determine the EER is pretty complex, but the basic gist is simple. A higher EER score equals lower energy consumption and lower electricity bills.[3]

I recommend always aiming for a 10 EER rating at a minimum so your air conditioner’s hunger for power won’t bankrupt you.

All units on my list are above this watershed, so you won’t have to worry about their efficiency.

Go for a Quiet Machine (dBA)

Look for ACs that make no more than 55 dB of noise to keep them from becoming too distracting.

Air conditioners are always fairly noisy, especially in the higher BTUs.

In this class, I would consider any unit that makes less than 55 dB of noise in the highest settings reasonably quiet.

In comparison, 60 dB is equal to regular conversation, while 50 dB corresponds to moderate rainfall.[4]

All the units on my list fall within what I find to be a suitable range.

Consider the Costs

I advise setting a clear budget before you start shopping so you can focus on finding the ideal device that suits your wallet.

As I said, 15000 BTU ACs are pricey — the units on my list sell from around $500 to nearly $1,200, for example.

Deciding how much you want to pay beforehand allows you to focus on finding the ideal features within your budget.

This approach helps you find the best 15000 BTU window air conditioner you can afford.

Avoid Frustration with Simple Installation

You can make mounting 15000 BTU ACs easier by choosing a lighter unit with a slide-out chassis.

15000 BTU window air conditioners tend to be very heavy. Yet, there are still lighter units — like the Friedrich — that are easier to lift.

You should also look for ACs with a slide-out chassis, as removing the heavy components from the cabinet makes installation much simpler (all window units on my list have this feature).

If you’re mounting a wall unit, I strongly suggest hiring a professional if you don’t have a suitably sized mounting hole cut into your walls.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, it's very easy to accidentally cut water or electricity lines and end up with a hefty repair bill.

Remember Maintenance Needs

Buy a unit with a washable front-loading air filter and a slide-out chassis to make maintaining it easier and more affordable.

You have to take care of your ACs if you want them to have a long, cool life.

A front-loading, washable air filter is easy to remove and saves you money on purchasing replacements.

The slide-out chassis not only makes installation simpler but also allows you to pull the AC’s internals out for (careful) cleaning.

Check Your Electrical Outlets (Voltage)

Check whether the air conditioner you're interested in requires 115V or 230V outlets, and make sure you have the appropriate sockets.

I could tell you many horror stories of people buying an expensive air conditioner only to realize they have no outlets that fit it.

Through-the-wall air conditioners, in particular, often require 230V outlets that may not be available in every home.

Carefully check what kind of connections air conditioners need before purchasing them.

Extra Features

On top of the primary consideration I detailed above, there are smaller factors that could still have a considerable impact on your AC’s user experience.

Here are some of the most significant ones.

  • Warranty: A good warranty protects you from unforeseen manufacturing flaws or careless delivery personnel. All ACs on my list offer at least a one-year warranty, while some, like the Cooper&Hunter, go up to seven.
  • Remote Control: A full-function remote control with responsive buttons and wide-use angles can make it much easier to adjust your air conditioner, especially without getting out of bed at night.
  • Wi-Fi: If you have a smart home with every appliance connected to the internet, a Wi-Fi-capable AC will be a welcome addition to your home network.

What Is a 15000 BTU Air Conditioner? (How Does It Work?)

15000 BTU air conditioners are any type of air conditioning unit designed to cool up to 850 square feet of space.

The one thing that unites all 15000 BTU air conditioners is their considerable cooling power.

No matter its type, a 15000 BTU unit is designed to cool around 800-850 square feet of space.

Make no mistake, though, there are multiple varieties of 15000 BTU ACs. The most common types are:

  • Window: Window ACs are generally the most common option in this category. They tend to offer a reasonable balance between cost and efficiency, although you shouldn’t leave them in the window year-round.
  • Through-the-Wall: Wall ACs offer a more permanent solution, being able to remain in place all year. Many window ACs can be mounted into walls, but there are also dedicated through-the-wall devices.
  • Portable: A portable air conditioner can be an affordable option, and they're pretty easy to move. However, the portability tends to compromise their power and efficiency.
  • Mini-Split: Mini-split units function similarly to central ACs. They are the most expensive and difficult to install out of all the options, but they can provide efficient whole-home cooling.

No matter the type, all these ACs function according to the same basic principle.

They pull hot air and humidity out of an indoor space and pass it over a series of cooling coils.

The now-cold air is pumped back into the room, bringing the temperature down.


Why Should You Buy a 15000 BTU Air Conditioner?

15000 BTU ACs are the best options for cooling down medium-sized properties or supplementing an insufficient central unit in a larger space.

With their ability to efficiently cool up to 850 square feet, 15000 BTU air conditioners are a good choice for acting as the sole cooling unit in medium-sized apartments or large single rooms.

For example, a machine in this category can perform well in a big living room, a cabin, a medium-sized condo, or on the top floor of a townhouse.

Another common use case of 15000 BTU ACs is to help out struggling central ACs.

Let’s say your central unit is pushing 20 and can’t quite cool your home anymore.

A 15K BTU helper can take some of the workload off the venerable veteran, allowing it to function better and lowering your electricity bill.

The last fairly common place to put 15000 BTU air conditioners is in RVs.

There are special 15000 BTU RV air conditioners designed to be mounted on the vehicle’s roof, but it’s also possible to install some window ACs in an RV.


Frequently Asked Questions About 15000 BTU ACs (FAQ)

How Long Will a 15000 BTU Air Conditioner Last?

15000 BTU air conditioners typically last between 5-10 years. Their lifespan depends on the type of unit and how well you clean and maintain it.

What Are the Different Types of 15000 BTU Air Conditioners?

The most common types of 15000 BTU air conditioners are window, through-the-wall, portable, and mini-split ACs. Each type has its own advantages and downsides, and one isn't necessarily better than the others.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a 15000 BTU Air Conditioner?

On average, it costs $100-$150/year to run a 15000 BTU air conditioner. How much you ultimately have to pay depends on how energy-efficient the machine is, which settings you use, and your local energy prices.[5]

How Many Square Feet Will a 15000 BTU Air Conditioner Cool?

15000 BTU air conditioners will cool 800-850 square feet. Some units are powerful enough to cool even larger rooms, but they aren’t specifically designed for it.

Is It Cheaper to Run a Window Air Conditioner or Central Air?

It is typically cheaper to run a window air conditioner than central air. However, the difference depends on the ACs’ age and features, and the window AC will likely not be able to cool as large of an area as central air.


So, Which Unit Is Right For You?

You now know all the most crucial details of 15000 BTU air conditioners.

With the help of my guide, you can easily compare your options, choose the features that matter to you, and buy the best device for your home.

In case you would like a simple recommendation, though, my top pick is LG LW1516ER.

This unit provides an unparalleled cooling capacity and high build quality at a reasonable cost.

Our Editor’s Choice For
15000 BTU Air Conditioners

Feature

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.5

References: 

  1. https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-room-air-conditioners/details/2338138
  2. https://www.calculator.net/btu-calculator.html
  3. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/room-air-conditioners
  4. https://www.mdhearingaid.com/blog/decibel-chart/
  5. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/hvac/calculate-cost-to-run-ac/
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Josh Mitchell

Founder

Josh Mitchell
My name is Josh and I am obsessed with home appliances. From portable AC units to heaters and air purifiers, I enjoy testing, learning and using these devices to improve the air quality inside my family home.

My Favorite Home Appliance?

Midea U Shaped Window Air Conditioner

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