Many of the older residential properties do not have a central air conditioning system. Therefore, finding a suitable air conditioning unit for your space is crucial.
Some feel that buying an AC is too significant an investment for a seasonal appliance; however, there are numerous advantages of using various forms of home air cooling.
Window AC units and portable air conditioners are great alternatives, so if you’re looking for the best 18000 BTU air conditioner, read on:
Quick Guide – Our Top Picks
7 Best 18000 BTU Air Conditioners Reviewed
1. Amana AMAP182BW – Best 18000 BTU Window AC
| AC Type | Window Air Conditioner |
| EER | 11.9 |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Weight | 116.8 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
First, in the line of the best 18000 BTU air conditioners, the Amana AMAP182BW I routinely mentioned among the best 18000 BTU wall air conditioners.
With its easy-to-install feature and affordability, this model by Amana is one of the best-rated 18000 BTU window air conditioners, which quickly dehumidifies or cools a room of around 1000 sq. feet.
Furthermore, the Amana AMAP182BW has a 24 hour programmable on/off timer, which helps you leave the window AC running and set time to fit your schedule. This feature offers maximum comfort; readying your home even before you’re back!
Some other flexible features of this model include:
- Three varying cooling speeds
- Sleep mode
- Eco-mode
In addition, it is easy to maintain due to its washable and removable window AC air filters. All you have to do is rinse them every month to keep your air conditioner’s performance at the optimum level.
One thing to note about Amana AMAP182BW is that it needs a specialized 230V electrical outlet and does not function with the typical household outlets of 115V.
With an energy star rating of 11.9 EER, this model has an onboard digital display electronic control panel and remote control so you can operate it from across the room.
Another critical feature of Amana is that in the case of a power outage or failure, it will automatically restart once the power is restored. Not only that, its 8-way directional louvers ensure that the air is directed where needed.
Without any doubt, the Amana AMAP182BW wall air conditioning unit with its energy-efficient cooling will effectively cool your room and keep you comfortable.
What We Like
- Has three varying cooling speeds
- Easy maintenance
- Has onboard digital display
- Cools a room of about 1000 square feet
What We Don’t Like
- Does not function with 115V
2. Tripp Lite Air Conditioner – Best 18000 BTU Portable AC
| AC Type | Portable Air Conditioner |
| Noise | 59 dB |
| Voltage | 208/240V |
| Weight | 175.37 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
When we talk about some of the best-rated 18000 BTU air conditioners, we must not forget the 18000 BTU portable AC units.
Not only do portable units offer what they promise: mobility, they are also excellent replacements for in-wall air conditioners. This is especially true for those on a budget.
So without further ado, let us meticulously dissect the Tripp Lite SRCOOL 18K SmartRack:
This unit is among the best 18000 BTU Portable AC. Its specialty includes dehumidifying, cooling, and filtering the air inside data centers, server rooms, or any room that carries heat-sensitive equipment.
One defining feature of this air conditioning unit is that it is quite compact and can fit in just four sq. feet of floor space.
The SRCOOL is designed explicitly for backup or supplemental cooling of IT equipment to prevent malfunctions, shutdowns, and high-cost downtime due to fluctuating temperatures and overheating.
This self-contained unit has a great 18000 BTU per hour cooling capacity in only a rack-width chassis.
Not only that, its built-in evaporator expels condensates via directional duct, thus eliminating the need for a water collection tank or floor drain.
Due to its compact size, it is easy and quick to install and does not need any disruptive construction or high costs that come with hiring an HVAC specialist or a plumber; it just rolls into place on its built-in and durable casters.
This model comes equipped with a NEMA L6-20P plug which connects to a typical 208/240 V outlet (20A), and it restarts automatically in case of power failures.
What We Like
- Portable size
- Easy maintenance
- No need for a floor drain or water collection tank
- Ideal for the server room or gaming rooms
What We Don’t Like
- Does not function with 115V
- Suitable for high-heating equipment as an auxiliary, not suitable as the only cooling source
3. Frigidaire FHWW183WC2 – Best Smart Control Window AC
| AC Type | Window Air Conditioner |
| EER | 11.8 |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Weight | 113 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
If you prefer the latest smart-control technology in all your appliances, then you are going to love this AC Window Unit with 18000 BTU, the Frigidaire FHWW183WC2.
With the Frigidaire FHWW183WC2, you can control your air conditioner from anywhere with their innovative mobile application.
So now you can:
- Remotely and conveniently turn your window air conditioner off or on
- Control modes
- Change temperature
- Generate custom schedules
- Increase your comfort by adapting fan speeds
One defining feature of this AC Window Unit of 18000 BTU is distributing into two pieces via slide-out chassis.
Therefore, distributing the weight and making installation more straightforward, a key feature we all need in our window air conditioning units.
Frigidaire FHWW183WC2 goes through multiple strict criteria to ensure that they are energy-efficient, without the loss of any cool air, and it is quite apparent with its EER of 11.8.
Not only that, the eco mode keeps your room comfortable by turning the unit off and on at various intervals. This makes sure your room stays at optimum temperature.
Equipped with three varying fan speeds, you can enable optimal cooling and circulation with six-way directional airflow.
And unlike many traditional air conditioners, this model draws in fresh outdoor air, so stale indoor air does not recirculate.
The Frigidaire is easy to maintain and clean because of its easy-clean washable filters, and with its built-in Clean Filter Alert, you do not have to worry about changing your filter; it will notify you when it is time to clean it.
What We Like
- Easy installation because of a slide-out chassis
- Easy maintenance
- Presence of Clean Filter Alert
- Has six-way directional airflow
What We Don’t Like
- 230V must be specialized and is not suitable with 115V
4. LG Dual Inverter
| AC Type | Window Air Conditioner |
| EER | 14.7 |
| Voltage | 230/208V |
| Weight | 110.23 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
This smart and quiet operating LG air conditioning unit is designed for intelligent use, just swipe and select any mode, timer, or temperature with the LGSmartThinQ app.
Specifically made for remote operation, this AC window unit of 18000 BTU features lower noise settings for high, medium, and low fan speeds with four different operating modes; these modes include:
- Cool: You can circulate air all over your room with 4-fan speeds
- Sleep: The fans will operate at lower noise (44 dB) and will turn off after seven hours when the set time is achieved
- Dry mode: Ideal for rainy days, this mode removes around 4.5 pints of moisture/hr
- Fan only mode: You can circulate stagnant air with fan-only mode
What We Like
- Slide-out chassis makes it easier to install
- Clean filter indicator reminds you to change the filter
- Has high energy efficiency ratio
- This model is known for its quiet operation
What We Don’t Like
- Has four fans instead of six like other AC window units of 18000 BTU
5. Koldfront WAC18001W
| AC Type | Window Air Conditioner |
| EER | 10.7 |
| Voltage | 230/208V |
| Weight | 117.5 pounds |
| Warranty | 2-year labor and parts |
Gracing the list of the best-rated 18000 BTU window air conditioners is the Koldfront WAC18001W. It is among the heavy-duty models included in this list to keep your house cool and comfortable.
The Koldfront WAC18001W employs a NEMA 6-30P power plug that is relatively larger and designed for a 30A 240V power supply.
Therefore, before purchasing this model, ensure that your household power supply is equipped to handle this model.
Koldfront does not have an 18000 BTU unit but has a great 18500 BTU, effectively cooling around 1000 square feet of space.
As a result, this unit is considered an excellent investment for those who want more control over how they cool their living spaces.
It also comes with a 16000 BTU heater, so you do not have to worry about those cold and long winter nights. Not only that, it has three fan speeds that are perfect for any situation.
WAC18001W is fully equipped with electronic touch controls that make it easy to adjust fan speeds, program timer operation quickly.
Furthermore, it also allows users to play around with temperature settings at the touch of a button. The easy-to-read digital display helps you to regulate your home’s internal temperature easily.
Moreover, this model is also known to be eco-friendly, with its R-410A refrigerant. Additionally, this has also been hailed as the refrigerant of the future.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes that the R-410A has no chlorine or bromine; therefore, it does not deplete or harm the ozone layer, unlike its counterparts.
What We Like
- Equipped with touch controls that make control easier
- Has three fan speeds for fast cooling operation
- Eco-friendly since it uses R-410A refrigerant
- Also has a 16000 BTU heater
What We Don’t Like
- It only has an EER of 10.7, unlike other models with higher energy efficiency
6. Friedrich CCW18B30A
| AC Type | Window Air Conditioner |
| EER | 11.8 |
| Voltage | 230/208V |
| Weight | 106 pounds |
| Warranty | 5 year limited |
This Chill Premier Room AC (CCW18B30A) by Friedrich has smart Wi-Fi control and voice command, allowing you to control your unit remotely anytime, anywhere.
Like other models, it also features three varying fan speeds and auto-restart. However, one distinctive feature of this model is that it contains an anti-microbial washable air filter.
Its QuietMaster® technology has been specially designed to provide quieter operations using superior components with as much quieter as 25% than their counterparts.
The noise reduction is made possible by absorbing sound via heavy-duty insulation in the inner wall of the AC Window Unit 18000 BTU.
This is strengthened by a stiff metal sheet casing that blocks external noise; whereas, the wide air discharge vents minimize front panel noise and optimize airflow.
In addition, the accompanying counterweights decrease sound by dampening vibrations in this AC unit.
Comfort is just a voice command away with smart Wi-Fi control via Friedrich Go TM Application. Its simplified setup will connect you in a matter of minutes, and with its three fan-only heating and cooling speeds, unique sleep setting, and eight-way airflow control, comfort is truly a voice command away.
Friedrich is also dedicated to creating eco-friendly air conditioning units, and their commitment is visible in their choice of refrigerant in this unit.
With the R-401A refrigerant and recyclable packaging, you can be fully committed to saving the environment as well.
So breathe in that eco-friendly and clean air with anti-microbial washable air filters and a check filter alert.
The Friedrich CEW and CCW models have been designed with easy installation and maintenance in mind.
What We Like
- Has eight-way airflow control making cooling operations much smoother
- Voice command enables it to be used from anywhere
- Eco-friendly since it uses R-410A refrigerant
- Equipped with an anti-microbial washable air filter
What We Don’t Like
- It cannot be installed in a lower voltage setting
7. KwiKool 18,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
| AC Type | Portable Air Conditioner |
| EER | Not Energy Star Certified |
| Voltage | 115V |
| Weight | 205 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Made in the US, this 18000 BTU portable AC is ideal for cooling server rooms and industrial spaces, especially in places where extra heat is generated by electrical equipment.
With it being able to cool rooms of around 600 sq. feet, the KwiKool KIB1811 is one of the best portable air conditioners of 18000 BTU out there.
It is among the heavy-duty models with an internal pump for constant operations, simple controls, and a big condensate tank.
However, unlike the easy-installation feature accompanying other models, this unit requires a ceiling vent kit for proper installation.
The KwiKool has a heavy-duty construction with a hammer-coat protective finish; its galvanized and insulated cabinet allows maximum efficiency, durability, and quieter operations.
Furthermore, its big, locking casters makes installation easier. And it comes equipped with internal overload circuitry that prevents this unit from overheating during operation.
The pressure switches cut off operation when the temperature gets too low or high. Because of this, your 18000 BTU portable AC does not mean overwork and prevents any operation problems.
This air conditioning unit is also equipped with an internal pump for constant operations. You just have to use the internal condensate pump to remove moisture away from the unit into the tank.
Additionally, it has control board notices and alarms that tell you when the tank is filled, automatically stopping the operation.
The KwiKool Portable air conditioner plugs into a 115V outlet, and the adjustable vents can be adjusted where needed.
Another defining feature of this model is that it does not have any negative air pressure. Many portable air conditioners produce negative air pressure when they cool since they use the same internal air to cool the unit while cooling the room.
But with KwiKool, you can avoid the problem by getting a two-way ceiling duct kit to cool the unit.
What We Like
- Can cool a room of around 600 sq. feet
- Suitable for cooling heavy equipment rooms like server rooms
- Has a two-way ceiling duct kit to cool the ceiling
- Internal overload circuitry stops the unit from overheating
What We Don’t Like
- Is not energy star certified
18000 BTU AC Units Compared
When Are 18000 BTU AC Units the Right Choice?
Your typical air conditioning unit comes with a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. The bigger your room size is, the greater BTU your air conditioning unit should have.
Small rooms like ones lower than 150 sq. feet need a unit with almost 6000 BTU – ideal for single bedrooms.
At the same time, larger rooms of around 350 sq. feet (most living rooms) require a unit with 9000 or even 10, 000 BTU.
Huge rooms – such as ones bigger than 700 sq. feet – require an air conditioning unit with the BTU range of around 18000 BTU, and they will cool the room much faster than your typical lower BTU units.
Related Article – Best Window Air Conditioners for Large Rooms
Factors To Consider When Buying an 18000 BTU Air Conditioner
Before you choose the best 18000 BTU air conditioner, consider the various factors to help you better choose the suitable air conditioning unit according to your needs:
Coverage Area
When selecting an 18000 BTU air conditioning unit, it is crucial to understand your coverage area requirements.
Therefore, you should know the size of your house, office, server room, or any room you will be using the air conditioning unit in.
Noise Levels
A typical conversation happens at 60 dB. Therefore, you will need an air conditioning unit with lower noise than that.
With that said, units with 55 dB or lower are preferable; the ideal noise level should be closer to 15 decibels.
Related Article: How to Quiet a Noisy Window AC
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
It is generally known as Energy Efficiency Rating, and it provides you an understanding of the amount of cooling capacity provided by the unit via energy used.
Typically, the higher the EER, the lower the energy costs. Hence, it would help if you were mindful of this before investing.
Related Article – Full Guide to EER
Performance Features
There are various performance features you must look for when selecting the best 18000 BTU air conditioner.
This includes:
- Auto setting
- Timer setting
- Heat mode
- Multiple fan speeds
- Sleep mode
- Dehumidifier
Most newer models have all these features, but fan speeds vary, and specific models do not have dehumidifiers.
Installation Requirements
Many window air conditioning units have been designed so that they fit inside your typical double-hung windows.
Nevertheless, most unit models can be installed inside any custom-created wall space via special mounting hardware.
These are ideal if you have too large or too small window dimensions or do not have vertical sash windows.
Related Article: How to Install an in the Wall AC
Voltage Requirements
Another feature to look for when selecting the best 18000 BTU air conditioner is the voltage requirements.
If your home only has 220V and you get a unit that requires 240V, it won’t do you any good. So ensure that the unit’s voltage requirements meet your house as well.
Price & Warranty
Another factor to consider when buying an air conditioner of 18000 BTU is the price and warranty.
Typically 18000 BTU units have a one-year limited warranty, and prices vary from 900 USD to 3000 USD based on the model features.
18000 BTU Window AC Vs. Portable AC
An advantage of portable air conditioner has over its window counterpart is that it has higher flexibility options.
It can be moved easily from window to window if you are looking to cool various rooms. Not only that, you can easily install it through the door via an extended installation kit.
Even though window air conditioners cannot easily be shifted from one room to another, they are much more energy-efficient.
This means that you get much more cooling power per BTU, so if you are using an AC window unit of 18000 BTU, you will have much more cooling than an 18000 BTU portable AC.
Related Article – Comparison Between a Portable AC and a Window AC
People Also Ask (FAQ)
How much electricity does an 18000 BTU air conditioner use?
Electricity usage depends on the EER of an 18000 BTU unit as well, but it typically ranges from 4500-5200 watts per hour.
How many watts does an 18000 BTU air conditioner use?
It uses around 1800 Watts.
How fast does the 18000 BTU air conditioner cool the room?
An 18000 BTU AC can cool a maximum area of 1000 sq. feet, and it takes around 3 hours to cool that area. But depending on the room’s size, it can take less as well.
Conclusion
Various models offer 18000 BTUs. And that includes portable and window air conditioning units.
Moreover, window air conditioning units are much more energy efficient in regards to their BTU, so if you do not have to shift your AC from time to time, they might be the ideal option.
