Last Updated: March 3, 2022
You sit around in your room, relaxing, when all of a sudden, a rising temperature surges through your body. But as you turn on your air conditioner, you hear a buzzing echo throughout the room. Noisy air conditioners are a bummer.
Aren't they?
I reviewed several of the best-selling quiet wall air conditioners today and highlighted each of their features. But, hey, maybe I can help you find the one that suits your needs.
I found the Emerson Quiet Kool Air Conditioner the best and quietest thru the wall air conditioner for everyday use. Find out why. 🙂
7 Of The Best Quiet Wall Air Conditioners
1. Emerson Quiet Kool Air Conditioner – Best Overall
Emerson Quiet Kool 230V AC is one of the popular wall conditioner units with supplemental heating. Its 10,600 BTU (or the amount of heat it can eliminate in an hour) covers approximately 450 square feet.
The noise level is 55dB only; the quietest wall air conditioner reviews backed up this statement. For installation, you will need to use a 230-V outlet.
It also comes with two exhaust air vents with three fan speeds to give you eight-way flexibility in directing airflow. The controls are also easy to manage with multiple comfort settings, and you'll find its smart-fit sizing feature helpful.
It fits with any 24.5-in to 27-in wall sleeve and the package includes foam insulation to aid you.
Besides all these impressive features, you’ll also find the integrated 24-hour timer and intelligent sleep mode convenient when adjusting to your schedule needs. The Emerson Quiet Kool also has varying units from 8,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU; go for the one that suits you best.
Pros
- Easy touch controls
- Programmable timer and sleep mode
- Quick access filter
- Energy saver
- Includes Voice Control w/ Alexa and Google
- Smart-fit sizing
Cons
- Some components may malfunction when buying online
- Difficulty with the WiFi feature
Takeaway
I consider the Emerson Quiet Kool AC to be one of the best quiet wall air conditioners out there. Its up-to-date features and a 450 sq. ft. cooling area is perfect for an average person’s everyday use.
2. LG 8,000 BTU – Best Value
The LG 8,000 BTU Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner shows promising results among reviews and feedbacks. It has an estimated cooling area of 340 square feet and comes with a supplemental heater.
The unit’s maximum noise level is up to 56 dB with a dehumidification rate of 2.1 pts per hour.
You may also adjust the air conditioner at three different speeds. Most quiet wall air conditioner reviews rave about the unit's energy-saving mode and effectiveness in cooling the room. Many people also love its relatively quiet compressor.
For all these reasons and more, you can consider it a cost-effective device that promises a good night’s rest. LG even offers 10,000 and 11,800 BTU through-the-wall units if you find this model's BTU insufficient. Remember that the BTU is always dependent on your room size.
Pros
- Relatively quiet compressors
- Cools a large portion of the room
- Energy saver
- Cost-effective
- Easy clean filter
Cons
- Installation instruction complaints
- Weak packaging
Takeaway
If you want good quality and a cost-effective price, try the LG 8,000 BTU quiet through the wall air conditioner. It’s the people’s choice!
3. Frigidaire Energy Star FFTA103WA1 – Best Controls
The Frigidaire Energy Star Air Conditioner offers a 10,000 BTU cooling capacity that can cover 450 square feet.
You can feel comfortable anywhere in your room with its built-in thermostat in the remote and even saves your energy with the programmable timer. Its energy saver mode turns the unit on and off at different intervals to maintain the set temperature.
Apart from being energy star certified, it has an EER rating of 10.7. The noise levels of Frigidaire Energy Star Air Conditioner can range from 55 dB to 60 dB, depending on the fan level.
Nevertheless, the fan comes in three speeds, and the noise levels are still within the range of a quiet air conditioner wall unit. Moreover, it has a remarkable capacity to cool the area, making it a crowd favorite and worth the investment, especially on a hot day.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Programmable timer
- Remote control with thermostat
- Energy star
- Auto-restart feature
Cons
- Vents may not be that flexible
Takeaway
The Energy Star can offer you ease and comfort with its easy-to-manage controls. Its features and noise levels are also exceptional; I recommend it as a good AC unit.
4. Keystone KSTAT12-1C – Best For Easy Installation
People know the Keystone KSTAT12-1C Energy Star for its easy installation and cost-effective price. With 12,000 BTU, it covers around 550 square feet.
Noise level only reaches 60dB and only 56.5dB on low settings. It also has three cooling modes and fan speeds for flexibility. There's likewise an auto-option that conveniently adjusts the fan speed to keep you’re pre-set temperature constant.
Moreover, the package provides foam seals and an installation kit that makes the setup procedure more convenient.
The device is also energy-efficient due to its impressive 10.5 EER rating. In addition, its energy-saving mode automatically turns off the compressor once the unit reaches the desired temperature. Cleaning it is likewise hassle-free, huge thanks to its front access filter.
You can also check out its 8,000 and 10,000 BTU units here.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Cost-effective
- With energy saver mode
- Front access filter
- Remote comes with a built-in thermostat
- Energy star
Cons
- Some people experience issues with the shipment
- Compressor makes occasional noises
Takeaway
This Keystone model has many good attributes. Nonetheless, what stands out the most of all its features is the easy installation. Now you don't need to bother looking for professionals to do the unit installation. Instead, you can effortlessly install this unit in no time with no help at all.
5. Friedrich Series UCT12A10A – Best In Energy-Efficiency
The Friedrich Uni-Fit Series UCT12A10A is one of the wall air conditioners with the best specs. You can use this 12,000 BTU unit for areas around 550 sq. ft.
Thanks to its three adjustable fan speeds, people consider it a relatively quiet wall ac unit. Its seacoast protection for corrosion resistance in harsh environments further enhances its durability.
It's also energy-star certified and very energy-efficient, with unique sleep settings and an EER rating of 11.0.
The AC will give you high-quality comfort with its six-way airflow control and stale air exhalation for a clean and crisp atmosphere. A unique attribute is its universal-fit design. It comes in smaller dimensions to fit a wide range of sleeve sizes.
It's compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Additionally, it features a 24-hour timer, auto-restart control for blackouts, a washable, antimicrobial air filter, and an eco-friendly refrigerant.
Pros
- Energy star, Energy-efficient with sleep settings
- Built-in WiFi and Alexa & Google Home compatible
- Programmable timer and Auto-restart
- Universal fit
- Washable, antimicrobial air filter
- Eco-friendly refrigerant
Cons
- May experience troubles with the remote control
Takeaway
The Friedrich Uni-Fit Series UCT12A10A wins the award for consideration in energy and money. It's not only energy-star certified but also ranks the highest EER of 11.0 among all the units I've reviewed.
6. Koldfront WTC14012WCO – Best For Larger Areas
With a 14,000 BTU, this Koldfront model covers 550 to 700 sq. ft. It's a good choice if you want your AC to cool down a large room or two small ones. Its EER rating is 9.4, so you're assured that it's still energy-efficient.
The noise level is 59 dB, which is relatively quieter than other AC units of the same size. You might occasionally hear noises, but we should expect that from a 14,000 BTU unit.
It has good features for your comfort.
Its easy-to-clean filter and dehumidification function is helpful, too. However, note that the unit requires a 230-V outlet and doesn’t work with the standard 150-V.
If you're interested, Koldfront also offers 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units with high-quality specs.
Pros
- Comprehensive area coverage (up to 700 sq. ft.)
- Auto-speed fan
- Programmable timer
- Energy saver
- Easy-to-clean filter
Cons
- Temperature and cooling control malfunctions in some units
- People view purchasing a sleeve for proper installation as a bit hassling
Takeaway
Out of all the wall air conditioners we’ve discussed, the Koldfront WTC14012WCO unit seems to be the best if you have large rooms. It can cool 700 sq. ft. thanks to its 14,000 BTU and effective specs.
7. Perfect Aire 4PATW10000 – Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you want a quiet wall air conditioner that's cost-effective within your budget, try the Perfect Aire 4PATW10000.
The 10,000 BTU unit can cool an average of 450 sq and has noise levels only reaching up to 57dB. Additionally, it's energy-efficient with an impressive EER rating of 10.6.
The unit’s features are likable, too. Like some of the other ACs we’ve mentioned, it has a built-in thermostat in its remote control and a 24-hour programmable timer. You can also set it to sleep mode, auto mode, or dry mode (dehumidification) for your convenience.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Energy-star certified
- Thermostat Remote Control
- Programmable Timer
- With auto, dry, and sleep mode
Cons
- Poor instruction material
- Cooling component prone to malfunction
Takeaway
If you’re currently saving or are on a tight budget like me, consider the Perfect Aire 4PATW10000 quiet wall mounted air conditioner. It sells at a relatively fair price with maintained efficiency and quality.
Window Vs. Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners
Many users mistakenly interchange these two types of air conditioners, thinking they are the same. They have several similar attributes, but they also differ in some features.
For starters, from their names themselves, we attach window air conditioners in windows, while wall air conditioners in walls. Some units are flexible and secured in either place.
One way to differentiate them is determining where the airflow comes out for each unit, which is also why you can't interchange them.
Through-the-wall air conditioners vent warm air at the back, while window air conditioners vent from the sides and the back. Placing a window AC in the wall would null the purpose of the side vents.
How To Measure ‘Quietness'
You can measure the sound levels of an air conditioner with decibels. People commonly consider quiet air conditioners to have around 50-60 dB.
But then again, silence is relative.
To help us determine how loud an AC is, we compare the decibel levels to everyday sounds we hear. For example, 50dB has a more audible sound than a refrigerator hum, while 60dB is around the sound of a normal conversation.
Important Factors To Consider
Size Of The Room
Room size is a crucial factor. How much space an air conditioner can reach is identifiable with its British Thermal Units (BTU). BTU is a measurement of the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove per hour.
There are cases when an AC has low decibels because it has a low BTU. Although it is quiet, the AC might not be able to cover your whole room if it's larger than what the AC can handle. You can also use some of the best quiet air purifier it can be a good help to maintain a pleasant smell to your room.
Usually, air conditioner details show the room size it can cover. But for situations when it doesn’t, you may ask an expert or search reliable websites online. They can tell how many BTU units are compatible with your room size.
Energy-Efficiency
We don’t want a sudden rise in our electric bill now, would we?
The efficiency of air conditioners is usually measurable with their Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The EER is the ratio of a unit’s cooling capacity (in BTU) to its wattage (in watts). The higher the EER, the better the quality.
Some ACs are also energy star certified, meaning they are at least 10% more efficient than other models.
Additionally, you can evaluate this factor by checking if the product includes energy or money-saving mode or a programmable timer. These attributes automatically reduce the work and energy executed by the AC.
Wall Requirements
A quiet through-the-wall air conditioner needs a compatible wall for installation. Check for any plumbing or electrical structures for safety reasons. For through the wall ACs, consider the thickness and exterior wall as well.
Sleeve Dimensions
You should also consider the type of sleeve needed. A sleeve is the metal device that holds your AC in the wall.
In product details, you should see the required dimensions and also some product recommendations for the sleeve. The sleeve can be a different brand.
Electrical Requirements
The voltage outlet required varies among different units, with wall air conditioners requiring the standard 110-120 volts outlet. However, the larger ACs may need a higher voltage. You should also take note of the power cord. See if it is long enough to reach the outlet.
I highly suggest asking an electrician if the voltages or power cords don’t match. We should always observe electrical safety precautions, after all.
Some Extra Tips and Reminders
Buying And Installing A Quiet Air Conditioner
- Multi-level speed fans are a key for quiet AC units. It prevents the fan from running at high speed. The lower the speed, the softer the sound. Some wall AC units come with automatic controls to aid in fan speed.
- Read the reviews, especially when buying online. Some products show excellent details, but the sellers might not offer the high quality they feature.
- Ask an expert. You can contact professionals in the field online or through local shops to help you choose the best type for your situation.
- Hire a good contractor to install your AC and also your quiet return air grille to reduce the noise from return air. It can assure the long-lasting quality of your newly installed quiet air conditioner.
Making Your Wall Air Conditioner Quieter
- Always observe proper maintenance.
- Insulate the compressor. It is the part that circulates the refrigerant and also the loudest part of an air conditioner. There are mounting materials available that reduce the sound the compressor produces
- Choose the proper location. Place the AC further from areas with frequent activities. It will prevent noise disruption. Just be sure that the room you want to cool down is still within the range of the AC.
Additional friendly tip: Learning how an air conditioner works can help you choose and make your wall air conditioner quieter. If you’re interested, check out this entertaining and cool video:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Type Of Air Conditioner Is The Quietest?
When talking about wall air conditioners, the quietest types are with noise levels ranging from 50dB to 60dB. You can also consider how well-insulated the compressors are and how variable the speed fans are.
How Can I Make My Wall Air Conditioner Quieter?
Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your wall air conditioner quiet. You can also choose to insulate the compressor, the loudest part of an AC. This is not only applicable for wall AC but it can also help on how to quiet noisy window air conditioner.
How Many Decibels Is A Quiet Air Conditioner?
People consider the quietest through-the-wall air conditioners to have decibels ranging from 50dB to 60 dB.
Final Thoughts
Among all the wall ACs we’ve discussed, the Emerson Quiet Kool 230V 10,000BTU (55dB noise level) is the quietest wall air conditioner. Its high-quality features promise you comfort and efficiency. I consider it the best quiet wall air conditioner here.
If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend the Perfect Aire 4PATW10000. It is cost-effective and a good deal breaker.
How about you? Which do you prefer? Whatever your choice is, I hope our discussion helped you, especially if it’s summer there.
I hope you enjoy a fresh and quiet atmosphere to your heart’s content. 😉