AC Product Database

GE PHNT12CC

The GE PHNT12CC is hands-down my top choice for low-profile window ACs. When it’s installed, this GE saddle AC only takes up the bottom 6” of window viewing. 

For homeowners who have never installed a window unit before, saddle units are the easiest place to start.

This GE model sits snugly over your windowsill and can be adjusted over wall thicknesses of 4.75” to 13.75”, making it ideal for almost any home. 

While installation is easy, I have to point out that it’s definitely a two-person job. The GE PHNT12CC weighs a whopping 75.8 lbs., which is twice as much as the next item on my list, the LG LW5016. 

Also, the total height of this model is 12.75”, so keep in mind that even though it doesn’t block the window, you will need at least 13 inches of clearance while placing it over the sill. 

Since it uses the wall for support, it doesn't require the traditional AC brackets either.

I recently installed this unit in a condominium. My client was looking for quiet, powerful cooling for their 500 square foot space, but still wanted to be able to see the ducks outside on the pond. 

We settled on the GE PHNT12CC because it checked all his boxes, including being within budget (under $600). 

Because the inverter compressor on this model is on the outside, it blocks most of the noise and runs inside at just 40 dB. The fact that it’s also energy efficient (14.6 EER) was the icing on the cake. 

At 40 dB noise level (at low fan settings) this is actually one of the quietest window ACs on the market, if not the quietest.

The one complaint I’ve heard others express about this unit is that it creates a loud vibration.

I’ve found that this is usually caused by the installer not tightening the brace enough, and it’s easily remedied.

I recommend this low profile GE model to homeowners seeking an easy alternative to traditional window ACs. 

Windmill WhisperQuiet

The low profile, compact Windmill AC is an ideal solution when it comes to smart air conditioners with style. 

Not only is the system easy to use, but the brand behind it has some of the most responsive and caring customer service reps in the business. This WhisperQuiet model is even more silent that the GE Profile PHC08LY, and registers at just 42 dB on low. 

This is the option I typically choose when my customers are looking for a smart window AC of 10000 BTUs (which typically covers 450 square feet). 

However, for those who like the Windmill, this model is also available in 6000 BTU, 8000 BTU, and 12000 BTUs. 

There are a lot of features on this compact AC. The auto-dimming digital display will show you the temperature, mode selection, and WiFi connectivity.

When the room gets dark, the display will dim to not cause a distraction, which I love when I’m trying to sleep.

On top of all that, I appreciate that I can use the included remote control, the Windmill Air App, or even Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa enabled devices for voice control. No matter where you are or what is going on, you can have complete control over your home’s temperature.

I find the setup of the Windmill app to be easier than that of other smart appliances I’ve worked with, including the GE app. 

The system is easy to install, too. With the window kit coming already assembled, I just have to take it from box to window and tighten a few screws. 

The Windmill does take up 13.3” of height in a window space. However, once set up, it’s ready to use the system and have cooler air in your home in less than 10 minutes. This is the one I recommend for my clients who want to DIY.

With an EER of 15 and Energy Star certification, the Windmill WhisperQuiet is a good choice for your wallet long-term, too. 

Related article: My favorite smart ACs reviewed

LG LW5016

LG is known as a high-quality and reliable brand, regardless of the product. Their compact, low profile AC is among those products that are reliable, durable, and easy to use. 

This particular model (the LW5016) is arguably the smallest low profile air conditioner on the market right now.

This LG model makes my list because it’s a traditional window AC, but very short, allowing users to see out most of the window with no problem.

With a height of less than 11.31 inches and a weight half that of the other brands (40 pounds), it is the easiest and lightest standard window model to install. 

The downside for some is that it is all mechanical. There are no digital controls, timers, voice or mobile app controls, or digital displays like are found in the Windmill WhisperQuiet or GE PHNT12CC. 

The system uses analog turn dials for temperature settings and a toggle switch for power and fan speed (high or low).

While it may be a turn-off for some, the unit simply works and is highly affordable. It even comes with a 1-year full warranty and the LG customer service team behind it.

It isn’t the best model for larger rooms, but I absolutely recommend the LW5016 for small spaces of up to 150 square feet. It’s a smart investment to help maintain cooler air during the hottest months.

Related article: Top-rated 5000 BTU air conditioners

GE Profile PHC08LY

I like the GE brand and really value their quality, so it’s no surprise that I’m including a second GE product to my list of low profile window ACs. 

Unlike my top choice (the GE PHNT12CC), this GE model is a non-inverter option, much like the LG LW5016. 

I decided to include this one because it’s a quiet, affordable option, registering at just 43 dB, making it great for bedrooms. 

The GE Profile PHC08LY does take up 12.44” of window height, which is a little over an inch more that the LG LW5016, but it does come with digital controls and WiFi compatibility, which the LG lacks. 

At 8100 BTUs, GE rates this 11.4 EER model for areas of up to 350 square feet. I recently installed it in a 300 square foot bedroom for a client, and they have found it the ideal solution for their summer sleep needs. 

When people ask me how much the GE Profile PHC08LY costs, I like to tell them that it costs “about $1 per square foot of coverage,” as it usually averages between $300-$350. For a product with this many features, I find that to be a steal. 

It even comes with an EZ Mount Installation Kit, which is quite impressive for this price point. I recommend this option to anyone looking to pack as many features into a value option as possible. 

The one flaw I’ve noticed with this GE model is that sometimes the top cover makes a rattling noise because the fit is just a tiny bit off.

For the two times I have encountered this, I have used clear weather sealing tape to secure the top in place and stop the noise.

TOSOT Chalet 8000BTU

TOSOT set out to make a modern, sleek, and stylish air conditioner. The result is the TOSOT Chalet, a low-profile and compact window unit that performs well, looks great, and is easy to maintain.

I like that this model is available in several capacities, including 8000 BTUs, 10000 BTUs, and 12000 BTUs. I have used all three models and they all have an impressive EER of 12. 

However, only the 8000 BTU makes my list of low profile units, because it comes in as 12.8” height. Both the 10000 and 12000 BTU options are 15.8”, which isn’t bad, but isn’t considered low-profile either.

The TOSOT Chalet is not quite as aesthetically pleasing as the Windmill Whisperquiet, but it comes in as a close second, in my opinion.

Once I have the unit installed (which should take less than 30 minutes), my customers can start with the touch-sensitive digital display to turn the system on or use the remote control. 

One of the biggest draws of this model is the iFeel functionality of the remote control. Depending on what temperature you have the machine set for, the iFeel button will send a temperature update to the unit every 10 minutes.

This will ensure the air conditioner runs as long and as hard as needed to get the temperature down, wherever the remote is located.

Since you are likely to have the remote control near you, your ambient air will reach temp before the system shuts off.

I wish I could say that this TOSOT model is as quiet as the GE Profile or the Windmill models, but the TOSOT is about average for non-inverter window ACs, coming in at about 55 dB. 

LG Dual Inverter LW1517IVSM

I love it when clients ask me to outfit a large room with AC because they are always so surprised when I can pull it off with just one large window unit. 

For large spaces of up to 800 square feet, my go-to window AC is the LG Dual Inverter LW1517IVSM. 

Yes, it is the tallest model on my list at 14.96” tall, but it’s also proof that 14000 BTU low profile units exist – with premium features and for under $700, too. 

This inverter AC has all the top-tier WiFi features using the LG ThinQ app, and my clients love that they can also use it with voice commands when paired with their Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

With an EER of 14.7 and Energy Star certification, this one will be easy on your energy bills.

Their Energy Star rating suggests that this unit will only cost $29 annually to run (assuming you’re using it seasonally). 

Inverter technology means that this LG model runs super quietly. On low, it registers at just 44 dB, which is almost as quiet as my top choice, the GE PHNT12CC, at 42 dB. 

I recently installed this model in a conference room at a law firm, and my customers have had zero complaints about the noise levels. 

The one downside of this model is that it is a heavy monster, weighing 98 lbs. You can bet that when I install this one, it’s a three-person job to position it just right while making sure it stays supportive. 

For those who need even more cooling power, this LG model is also available in 18000 and 22000 BTU versions (though those are taller). For these more powerful models, I have to note that a 230 volt outlet is required. 

What is the smallest size window air conditioner?

With new models coming out all the time, it is difficult to pinpoint a single model. However, there are quite a few small room models that are less than 13 inches in height and smaller than 20 inches wide.

Is it better to oversize or undersize AC?

When sizing an air conditioner, you want to get as close as possible to the ideal size. However, if your measurements put you between two sizes, you should always go with the larger one.

What clearance do I need with a window AC?

Each model will be slightly different on clearance requirements and bracket installation.

This is due to the size of the unit, placement of the intake and exhaust vents, and heat retention of the case.