6 Best Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners For Home Cooling (2024)

Written By

Josh Mitchell

Expert Reviewed By

Holly Curell

Last Updated On

June 14, 2024

The LG LT1016CER is the best on-the-wall air conditioner I've used.

Despite its specification for a maximum cooling area of 450 square feet, I was thoroughly impressed when it efficiently cooled my 600-square-foot living area from 82°F down to a comfortable 68°F in just about 30 minutes.

My customers all report that the user interface is easy to use. Options include cooling, fan-only, dehumidifying modes, three fan speeds, a programmable timer, and an energy-saving mode.

One feature I was concerned with was the lack of a sleep mode. The unit operates at 65 dB at its highest setting, which personally never wakes me from a nap.

However, if you're noise-sensitive, keep this in mind, and you might consider the Frigidaire FHTC123WA1 instead.

In my opinion, this AC is easy to use. Just plug it into a standard 115V outlet, and it will go to work without causing a spike in your electricity bill.

I love that the remote control is equipped with an integrated thermostat.

This smart feature actively monitors the ambient temperature and adjusts the air conditioner accordingly, which I found incredibly convenient.

It maintains a consistent indoor climate without constant manual adjustments.

I also have to give a shout-out to LG for channeling the power cord through the unit rather than dangling it loosely. This is a very thoughtful feature that helps prevent wear and tear over time.

Despite the poor installation instructions, the installation was a breeze compared to other units I've wrestled with.

The indoor installation is polished off with a snap-together trim kit made of durable plastic and a protective mesh grille that doesn't detract from your home's aesthetic — it's a subtle but significant touch that I really appreciate.

In my opinion, if you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly air conditioner, the LG LT1016CER should be your top choice.

I recommend this LG model to anyone who needs a reliable and efficient air conditioner for medium-sized rooms.

I've been using the Koldfront WTC12002WCO115V in my home office, and it's significantly improved my comfort during the warmer months.

This through-the-wall air conditioner can efficiently cool spaces up to 550 square feet, making it an excellent choice for larger rooms, similar to the Wallmaster.

Installing the Koldfront WTC12002WCO115V was straightforward. It requires a wall sleeve, specifically the WTCSLV model.

While this does mean an additional purchase, it is ultimately a small step towards a significantly improved living space.

The installation process requires some manual work but can be managed without additional help, unlike the Friedrich Wallmaster WCT12A10A, although having an extra pair of hands can make it easier.

In my opinion, the performance of the Koldfront WTC12002WCO115V is impressive. It can cool large areas quickly and maintain a consistently comfortable temperature.

I appreciate that this unit is simple to operate. From adjusting temperature settings to switching between modes, all of this can be done via the remote control.

However, every product has its flaws. The installation instructions provided weren't as straightforward as they could be, which can be a challenge to those who aren't accustomed to DIY projects.

Also, I've noticed that the thermostat can sometimes be off the mark, which requires manual adjustments now and then for optimal comfort.

Overall, I recommend the Koldfront WTC12002WCO115V to anyone needing a reliable, powerful, straightforward cooling solution.

Its performance, combined with the low energy cost and ease of use, makes it an excellent investment for maintaining a comfortable home environment.

I recently installed the Frigidaire FHTC123WA1 in my master bedroom, and it has been an absolute game-changer for both comfort and convenience.

This unit is specifically designed for medium-sized rooms, ideally ranging from 450 to 550 square feet, and it fits perfectly in my space.

One of the standout features of the Frigidaire FHTC123WA1 is its Automatic Remote Temperature Control.

While the Keystone KSTAT10-2C and the model also offer remote control functionality, the Frigidaire FHTC123WA1's automatic remote temperature control is specifically designed to adjust the cooling based on ambient room temperature.

This feature helps the unit maintain a consistent temperature without me manually adjusting the settings frequently.

It's especially handy during the nights or while I'm away from home, as it adjusts based on the ambient temperature to keep the room comfortably cool.

The programmable timer is another feature I love using.

I have it set to cool the room about 30 minutes before I go to sleep, which ensures the room is at the perfect temperature by the time I'm ready to tuck in.

This helps with energy efficiency but also means I'm always stepping into a perfectly cooled room.

Unlike the LG LT1016CER, the Frigidaire FHTC123WA1 has a sleeping mode.

This feature reduces the compressor speed and fan noise, making nice, soothing white noise, perfect for light sleepers.

For reference, on low, it's 57 dB, and sleep mode is much quieter.

I recommended this unit to several of my customers who are noise-sensitive, and they say there's been a significant improvement in their sleep quality since they started using this model.

I also have to mention the easy-to-clean washable dust filter, which makes maintenance a breeze.

It's simple to remove, wash, and replace and ensures that the air quality in my bedroom stays high and the unit runs efficiently.

Overall, my experience with the Frigidaire FHTC123WA1 has been overwhelmingly positive.

It's an excellent air conditioner that combines efficiency, convenience, and comfort.

The features like the programmable timer, sleeping mode, and automatic temperature control have genuinely made a daily difference in how I enjoy my home.

I recently upgraded my client’s studio apartment with the Keystone KSTAT10-2C wall-mounted air conditioner, and he reports the experience has been nothing short of transformative.

In my opinion, the installation process is straightforward, thanks to the Keystone's compatibility with the universal 24” sleeve.

I was able to use the existing sleeve as I was replacing an older model, which was a huge relief.

The unit is relatively lightweight and is easier to handle during setup compared to the Koldfront WTC12002WCO115V and Friedrich Wallmaster WCT12A10A.

Moreover, the clear and detailed instructions provided in the manual facilitated a smooth installation. I could get the unit up and running without any hassle.

In terms of performance, the Keystone KSTAT10-2C cools areas up to 450 square feet and quickly reduces temperatures from 92°F to 75°F in about an hour.

It has three cooling modes, three fan speeds, and 4-way adjustable air louvers, which are especially effective in directing airflow precisely where needed.

The programmable timer is another handy addition. I have many older customers who ask me to set cooling schedules to match their daily routine, which is a great energy saver.

The built-in dehumidification feature removes 2.1 pints of moisture per hour and enhances comfort.

I can report that this AC maintains optimal humidity levels, especially during humid days.

The smart remote control with a portable thermostat automatically adjusts settings based on real-time temperature readings. I love how this ensures consistent cooling without me having to intervene manually.

In my opinion, energy efficiency is another strong suit of this model. With a 10.6 EER rating and Energy Star certification, the Keystone operates economically.

The energy-saving mode minimizes power consumption and maintains comfort.

The sleep mode reduces cooling intensity overnight, which helps reduce electricity bills without sacrificing nighttime comfort.

Overall, my experience with the Keystone KSTAT10-2C has been highly positive.

It combines powerful cooling capabilities with thoughtful, energy-efficient features, all wrapped up in an easy-to-install package.

In my opinion, one of the most compelling advantages of the Cooper&Hunter unit is its warranty coverage.

It offers an impressive 7-year limited warranty on the compressor and a 5-year limited warranty on parts.

This extended warranty period provides extra peace of mind and assurance of the durability and reliability of the unit.

Another feature of Copper & Hunter that I love using is its app, which allows you to control the air conditioner from anywhere. Who doesn’t love coming home that’s pleasantly cooled down in the middle of summer?

Whether I’m at work or on my way home, I can adjust settings from my smartphone, which isn’t a common feature among most traditional wall-mounted units, including the ones my top choice of the LG model.

Unlike the previous models on this list that only offer cooling, the Cooper&Hunter air conditioner also has heating capabilities. This dual functionality makes it an excellent choice for year-round climate control.

You won’t need separate heating and cooling systems.

I also believe that this feature is especially beneficial in regions with variable temperatures, where both heating and cooling are necessary throughout the year.

In terms of installations, a wall sleeve and an exterior grille are required, which aren't included and must be purchased separately.

This adds to the initial cost and installation effort but is typical for through-the-wall air conditioners intended for secure and lasting installation.

Overall, I recommend the Cooper&Hunter air conditioner for its dual heating and cooling options and excellent warranty terms that set it apart from others on the list.

Its ability to both cool and heat, combined with the convenience of app-based controls, makes it a great option for year-round climate control.

The Friedrich Wallmaster WCT12A10A is a top-notch in-wall air conditioner that earns its place as the second-best on my list.

I've integrated it into my smart home setup, and I've been more than happy with the decision.

With a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, the Wallmaster efficiently handles spaces up to 550 square feet, ideal for medium to large rooms.

It cools areas quickly and maintains a comfortable environment even in slightly larger spaces than its rating suggests. In my opinion, this AC provides significant relief during hot months.

I didn’t have any issues with the installation, which is similar to the Koldfront and models.

The process is straightforward. The unit is designed to fit 27-inch sleeves and mount flush with exterior walls, perfect for thicker wall installations.

This setup is easy, though the unit is heavy at 101 lbs. I had to get an extra pair of hands to tackle the installation safely.

I believe that the latest smart home technology sets the Wallmaster apart. Connecting the unit to Wi-Fi and managing it via the FriedrichConnect app is a breeze.

I could make remote adjustments and monitor the unit through my smartphone, and I loved that it even supports voice commands via Alexa.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Wallmaster impresses with a 10.5 EER rating. In my opinion, the power consumption is surprisingly low, making it an economical choice without sacrificing performance.

Several of my clients have said they thought the controls were complex initially, but they loved that there are plenty of settings that allow for precise climate control.

I've also appreciated the temperature limiter setting, which helps maintain a consistent temperature by setting upper and lower limits.

I recommend the Friedrich Wallmaster WCT12A10A to anyone looking for a powerful, efficient, smart wall-mounted air conditioner.

It's an excellent choice that promises convenience and reliability, integrating seamlessly into the modern home.

1. https://tadiran-international.com/wall-mounted-air-conditioner-placement/
2. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/room-air-conditioners
3. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html