Window Air-Conditioner Brands To Avoid, Based On Data From Consumer Reports

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Compact. Affordable. Easy to install. Window air conditioners have a lot going for them. The problem, however, is that there are a ton of window air conditioner brands out there. And with everyone claiming to be the best, it is easy to end up with a unit you might regret buying later on. There's no need to worry, though; Consumer Reports can help you steer clear of the duds. It routinely tests different window air-conditioner brands while also surveying members about their experiences. According to the data, Haier, GE, and Danby have the lowest owner satisfaction scores.

Haier and GE also landed near the bottom of the list when it came to predicted brand reliability, which basically measures how likely it is that a new window air conditioner from the brands would face a problem. The predicted brand reliability score of Danby was, however, good. That said, Consumer Reports' data does not single these brands out as products to categorically avoid. However, if user experience and brand reliability matter most in your eyes, you might want to do your research before buying a Haier, Danby, or GE window air-conditioner.

Lastly, if you are buying an air-conditioner for the first time, do not rush into purchasing a window unit just yet. Instead, compare different types of air-conditioning units first, and make sure you are getting the one that best fulfills your particular needs.

Consumer Reports' member data on brand reliability and owner satisfaction can be useful for many prospective buyers. However, it does not show the whole picture, and it might be more helpful to see what current owners have to say about the window AC units of these brands. Take, for instance, the GE AWGP08WWF. It was among the units tested by Consumer Reports, and received an exceptionally low score for its lack of comfort. According to the buyers from Home Depot, though, the AC has good cooling and is quite energy-efficient. Others say it's unreliable, though, and some noted that it was loud — despite this model receiving a high score from Consumer Reports for keeping noise to a minimum.

The Danby DAC060EB6WDB, which is another model tested by Consumer Reports, has similar reviews on Home Depot. Some buyers say it works great, cools the room fast, and is relatively easy to install, while others say that they run into drainage and noise issues with the window AC unit. Some buyers also mentioned that the AC is not adequate for cooling large spaces, so make sure you know how to choose the right size window AC for your space in case you are after one.

Lastly, there is the Haier HWE12XCR. The brand has the lowest customer satisfaction score according to the Consumer Reports' data, and its Home Depot rating is the lowest of the three brands, too. While some customers had a good experience with this window AC unit, others say that it just didn't work at all. Ironically, the unit itself received a high overall score from Consumer Reports, though its owner satisfaction is abysmal there, too.

If you want to get the most out of your window AC unit, first of all, pick a reliable brand. Midea, Arctic King, and LG, for instance, reached the top of Consumer Reports' list on predicted brand reliability and owner satisfaction. Just keep in mind that a good window AC requires more than just looking at customer feedback and brand reliability. You also need to make sure that you install the window AC unit properly and pay attention to its maintenance to keep it running efficiently.

Similarly, you should pay attention to the energy efficiency of a window AC unit when buying. Even if you are getting a window air conditioner for a low price, it will cost you more money in the long run if it isn't efficient. Similarly, do not overlook the warranty. No matter how reliable a window AC unit is, there's no guarantee that it will not run into any problems, and having a good product warranty can save you a lot of trouble.

Just make sure that you do not assume the warranty covers everything, and make sure to ask how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Lastly, do not fall for unnecessary features. Sure, Wi-Fi controls, smartphone apps, and other smart features can be convenient, but they are not what you are buying a window AC unit for.