Lots of us want to feel comfortable all year round not only in hot months. The best solution for how to stay comfortably at home in summer as well as in winter is to think about a window air conditioner with heating. This appliance is able to cool your rooms and give you a breeze feeling in summer. And during winter you can rely on warm pleasure provided by the heating function.
The window air conditioner is a cheap and elegant machine that doesn’t have high annual costs. It brings lots of functions and features making your life more comfortable even if you are on a budget. The manufacturers designed the units to be energy-efficient, conserve money, and be eco-friendly.
If you are looking for a very good window AC unit with heating availability I prepared in the first part of my article an honest review for my top picks. And if you need more information regarding your purchase or you’re confused about some terms related to the AC unit with heating keep reading the second part of my article where you can find the best tips in the Buying Guide.
Review: The Top 7 Window Air Conditioners with Heating
I picked the top 7 window air conditioners with the heating on the market and summarized all facts in my honest review. I involved in the most important things you should consider when shopping for a new unit with a heating function. And I added my personal experience and point of view. It’s not my cup of tea to hide any drawbacks. This is an honest review. And if there is something I always say it explicitly and notice what you can expect or how to deal with it.
Remember there is no perfect unit that meets all of your requirements. The goal is to find the most suitable cooling machine with a heating combo for your home. Keep reading my top picks and let’s see if you will find a new home device.
If you need more information about how to shop the ideal window air conditioner with heating, read the second part of my article and the buying guide. If you don’t need the window AC unit with heating you can check my best window air conditioner recommendations.
Friedrich Chill Series EP08G11B 7,500 BTU
A little gem among all of the window air conditioners with heating. It’s a very well efficient appliance with the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) 11.2. Along with it, the AC unit also offers energy-saving management to conserve money and consumed energy as well.
According to the manufacturer’s instruction, it’s an ideal device to cool and heat floor space up to 300 sq. ft. The eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant is a very pleasant benefit. And for those who would prefer a through-the-wall installation this unit is designed to fulfill their wish.
Very positively I rate the dehumidify mode with removing 2.1 pints of moisture per hour. It’s useful if you live a humid location or struggle with a humid home and some mold spots occurred on walls or floor. But never forget to run the AC unit at least 30 minutes to activate the ability to remove the moisture from the air. Turning on and off the unit doesn’t allow the machine to work properly in this way.
If you are used to using a sleep mode you will be disappointed because this model doesn’t have it. On the other hand, there are some very cool functions, for example, auto restart, fan only mode, 24-hour on/off timer and must-haves such as extra-long power cord and remote control.
The plug type is NEMA 5-15P and the appliance requires 125 Volt/15 Amp electrical outlet.
Frigidaire FFRH0822R1 8,000 BTU
If you’re looking for a compact window air conditioner with heating that is designed for mid-sized rooms up to 350 sq. ft. this could be a great choice for you. It provides a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU.
This cooling machine is very popular because it offers an amazing price-performance ratio. And there are hundreds of happy customers.
But let’s talk about the most important thing we’re interested in. The heating function is brilliant for such a smaller appliance. You can rely on 7,000 BTU heat pump capacity if the outside temperature doesn’t drop under 47 degrees Fahrenheit. But once we are under this value it’s possible to count only on 3,500 BTU supplemental heating capacity. But if you have another source of heat I think it will be still enough and it gives you pleasant comfort.
Believe it or not, I have to rate very positively the noise level because it’s one of the most important conditions when we’re buying a new machine is the noise. The sound of an operating machine at low speed is only 52dB which means it’s very quiet. You may be interested in the quietest window air conditioner review and buying guide.
This cooling appliance has lots of to offer like sleep mode, 24-hour on/off timer, clean filter alert, effortless restart, extra-long power cord, etc.
Regarding energy efficiency, I really like this model from Frigidaire is Energy Star qualified but the answer to the question of what about its Energy Efficiency Ratio isn’t so positive. You must be satisfied only with 9.8 EER.
Another not so positive aspect is you can deal with some issues during the installation. And just like other users, you will have to buy some brackets on a window sill to install the AC unit on.
Koldfront WAC8001W 8,000 BTU
An ideal window air conditioner with heating function for living rooms or bedrooms with floor space up to 350 sq. ft.
One of the highest-rated things was, is, and I believe, will be the energy-efficiency. I personally like Koldfront provides some energy-saving functions to conserve money and protect the environment. They are sleep mode, energy saver mode, check filter light, and thermostat-controlled operation.
The cooling machines with heating ability usually aren’t so energy efficient as many customers wish. Their Energy Efficient Ratio (EER) is usually under the value of 12 but also above 10. In general, the appliances with EER 12 or higher are considered to be truly energy efficient. And the units with heating combo having above 10 are the same. The EER of this model from Koldfront is 10.9.
But what I have to point out is the fact this window AC unit doesn’t offer any heating as a full source of heat. There is only a supplemental heating capacity of 3,500 BTU. It refers to approximately 100 sq. ft. As I said if you have another heat source this unit will be enough and the hot air will be still very pleasant. Especially if it’s installed in a bedroom where kids sleep.
The perfect thing for many users is the Auto temperature control that is able to change from heating mode to cooling one without having to manually change it. I really like it.
Keep in mind the input voltage is 115V/60Hz and the plug type is NEMA 5-15P.
FRIGIDAIRE FFRH11L2R1 11,000 BTU
A very reliable and affordable window air conditioner with heating mode from Frigidaire has cooling capacity 8,000 BTU which makes from it a great pall for spaces up to 500 sq. ft.
This model brings you heat pump capacity 9,900 BTU (designed to heat up to 400 sq. ft.) and supplemental heating capacity 3,500 BTU. The heat pump capacity means you can use the machine as the main heat source until the outside temperature doesn’t drop under 47 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature is lower it’s possible to rely only on supplemental heating suitable for 100 sq. ft in this case. It means you need another heat source.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) isn’t high it’s only 9.8 but for such a strong machine with a heating combo is enough. The Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) indicates the combination of the normal operating unit and the stand-by regime. In this case, it’s the same value as EER.
If you are looking for a very quiet machine maybe this won’t be a great option for you however it has an average noise level while operating. At low speed, it produces sound 53dB. It’s like a running TV in the background. For somebody is OK but for light sleepers who installed the appliance in a bedroom, it could be an issue. But of course, it also offers a sleep mode and energy saver mode.
The input voltage is 115V. It’s great for those who are looking for a similar AC unit providing also the heating combo. By adding a smart WiFi plug you can make your window AC unit smart.
Koldfront WAC12001W 12,000 BTU
A strong window AC unit with heating function offers cooling capacity 12,000 BTU which is used for 550 sq. ft. The heating power is 11,000 BTU referring to a coverage area of 400 sq. ft. The heating capacity is more than decent compared to other models with the same cooling capacity and parameters.
I think the positive rating belongs to dehumidification ability. The capacity of dehumidification is approximately 60 pints per day. You don’t know if the number is enough? Well, this value says you don’t need to be worried even if you struggle with wet spots on the walls and floor and mold is apparent. This window air conditioner with heating is strong enough to get rid of the humidity that negatively affects your life and AC unit operation. And of course, you won’t need to buy any additional dehumidifier.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is 10.9. Keep in mind the EER higher than a number 10 is enough but all values above 12 are excellent. And we can say the appliances with EER higher 12 are very energy efficient. But when we are shopping for the unit with heating the value above 10 is very very good! It means this model is still a very good unit however it’s not Energy Star qualified.
The input voltage is 208/230 V/60 Hz and a plug type is NEMA 6-20P. There are lots of pleasant functions like an energy saver mode, 24-hour programmable timer, and sleep mode. The washable air filter is a must-have and conserves money.
Frigidaire FFRH1822R2 18,500 BTU
This model is very good and offers everything you desire for. The cooling capacity 18,500 BTU is strong enough to keep your room up to 1,050 sq. ft. cool during hot months. The heating capacity 16,000 BTUprovides the supplemental heating (when the outside temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit). It helps you to heat up floor space up to 800 sq. ft. if your room is well-insulated.
I have to point out the cooling and heating effect is significantly dependent on the level insulation of the room where the window air conditioner with heating is installed. If you need more information read the second part of my article.
I don’t want to rate the noise level directly negatively but I think Frigidaire could do a better job and this model could be quieter. The noise at the med-speed is 57dB. You can imagine it as a talk between two adult persons. Of course, the truth is the model is designed for larger rooms and the noise is different if we have the cooling machine in a small closed bedroom or if we install it into a spacious living room joined with a kitchen.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio is 10.7. As I have already mentioned for the AC unit with heating is brilliant to reach the ratio above the number 10. Therefore I can say this model is energy-efficient however it’s not Energy Star certified.
There also other functions you will appreciate and that helps you to improve the comfort of your life such as sleep mode, programmable 24-hour on/off timer, effortless temperature control, 8-way direction control, and many others. I think this machine is very well designed and you won’t regret a purchase.
Koldfront WAC25001W 25,000 BTU
Koldfront is a very good brand with a good reputation. I personally rely on it. This model offers an energy saver mode. How does it work? When the ambient temperature exceeds the set temperature, this function allows running the fan for 2 minutes at 10-minute intervals. It conserves energy and money.
With 25,000 BTU of cooling capacity, it’s a strong window air conditioner with heating suitable for rooms to 1,500 sq. ft. The supplemental heating power is 16,000 BTU. It refers approximately to 800 sq. ft. If you’re not sure why the heating power is always weaker than the cooling one read the second part of my article.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) isn’t above the value of 10 as we desired for this kind of AC unit. It’s 9.4 EER. But to be honest, it’s not bad but on the other hand, it could a little bit better.
Fortunately, this model also provides the sleep mode when the ambient temperature is periodically increasing during the night until you are woken up. The reason why the sleep mode works like that is that the human body doesn’t require to be cooled as much as it needs to be in a day. And the second reason is the body prefers to waken naturally which means by not so pleasant but healthier temperatures in the room.
Before you purchase this model keep in mind the plug type is LCDI 6-30P and it requires a 30 Amp 230 Volt breaker to work properly. I recommend verifying if your home power supply is compatible with this device. Don’t overlook it!
Window Air Conditioner with Heating: Buying Guide
Cooling Capacity
As you maybe know the cooling capacity is defined by the British Thermal Units (BTU). And if I say it very very simply it represents how much energy you need to cool the floor space a room where your AC is installed.
Since the air conditioners are primarily used to cool the households their strength is dependent on the BTU. With a more spacious room, you need a stronger AC unit with higher BTU. But the number of BTU isn’t dependent only on the floor space of a room in square footage. Why? Because there could be many other things affecting the efficiency of your window air conditioner. Then, you have to involve these things and increase or reduce the final BTU number. But let’s get started at the beginning.
When you decided to buy a new cooling machine and don’t have any experience you should know to define the BTU according to your room. Where to start? Well, measure the length and the width of your room. Then, multiply those numbers. The final number you will receive is the room size in square footage.
Let’s say I have a room with a length of 25 sq. ft. and a width of 22 sq. ft. I multiplay 25 x 22 = 550 sq. ft. I can use the table below and find I need a unit having cooling capacity 12,000 BTU. But this number isn’t my final one. I have to involve some things affecting the efficiency of my unit. Which ones?
| ROOM SIZE (IN SQUARE FOOTAGE) | COOLING CAPACITY (IN BTU) | ROOM SIZE (IN SQUARE FOOTAGE) | COOLING CAPACITY (IN BTU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 sq. ft. | 5,000 BTU | 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 BTU |
| 250 sq. ft. | 6,000 BTU | 1,000 sq. ft. | 18,000 BTU |
| 300 sq. ft. | 7,000 BTU | 1,200 sq. ft. | 21,000 BTU |
| 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 BTU | 1,400 sq. ft. | 23,000 BTU |
| 400 sq. ft. | 9,000 BTU | 1,600 sq. ft. | 25,000 BTU |
| 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 BTU | 1,900 sq. ft. | 28,000 BTU |
| 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 BTU | 2,700 sq. ft. | 36,000 BTU |
There are some tips you should consider when shopping for a new cooling machine and wondering what size of BTU is suitable for your home:
- For every person living in your home, you need to increase the BTU from 600 up to 800 BTU. The reason is the human body radiates heat.
- Are you planning to install the unit in a kitchen? Increase the cooling power by 4,000BTU. The cooking and accumulating of heat make the work for the AC unit harder.
- For very well shaded rooms (for example if there is a tree in front of the window) it’s possible to reduce the cooling capacity by 10-15 percent.
- If the room is exposed to the sun all day you should definitely increase the cooling capacity by 15-20 percent.
Do not underestimate the process of finding the right size of cooling capacity in BTU. It’s crucial. If you underestimate it you can deal with a weak unit that won’t be able to cool your room for the desired temperature however it will work as hard as it can. To clarify, your energy bills will skyrocket but the room will never be cooled properly.
The second bad scenario occurs when you overestimate the cooling power. Then, your appliance is too strong and consumes too much energy. Definitely more than it’s required to cool the space. And of course, it leads to higher bills as well.
I significantly recommend thinking about the appropriate cooling power very carefully before you start shopping. Also, keep in mind the location where you live and involve it in your consideration. For more info read how to buy the best window AC unit for the big room (up to 36,000 BTU).
Heating Capacity
Along with the cooling capacity also the heating power is represented by BTUs. People are usually wondering why the heating capacity is lower than the cooling power. Let’s take a closer look and explain two important terms.
Heat Pumps
The heat pumps power is defined for many window air conditioners with heating. It indicates the heating capacity when you use the machine as a main source of heat. But the units are usually able to work properly until the outside temperature isn’t lower than 45-47 degrees Fahrenheit. Why? Simply because the heat pump unit is placed outside and is subject to the varying temperatures it is exposed to.
As the outside temperature declines the heating capacity will decline because a heat pump extracts heat from the air and pumps it into your room. This leads to one thing. The colder outside air contains less and less heat, resulting in reduced heating capacity. Now, we can talk about supplemental heating.
Supplemental Heating
Once the outside temperature drops below 45-47 degrees Fahrenheit we start to talk about supplemental heating. It means, the unit can’t be considered as the main heat source. On the contrary, you need the main heat source and the AC unit is now used only as supplemental heating.
The supplemental heating capacity is lower than the heat pump capacity but can be very pleasant when you have kids or your unit is installed for example in a bedroom where you need a bit higher ambient temperature.
Dehumidification Capacity
The manufacturers of window air conditioners with heating always define the dehumidification level of the machine. The reason is the humidity can negatively affect the operating of your appliance and your life.
The capacity of dehumidification is defined in pints of moisture per day (it means 24-hours). But you can also find the definition in pints per hour. The number of pints simply tells you if your cooling machine will be able to struggle with humidity in your location or home. And it also expresses if you will need to buy a dehumidifier as an extra device and spend extra money.
The crucial question is always: “How damp is your room?” If you buy a very efficient unit but your home usually has more than 80% humidity it won’t so powerful as the same unit working in a room where the humidity is less than 60%. The goal is to understand the humidity level in your home and choose the power of a new appliance according to this condition.
And my last point is letting the machine to work properly. I know many people who desperately desire to save energy and turn on and off their window air conditioner with heating very often however they complain about the dehumidification ability. Keep in mind your new unit needs some time to remove all of the moisture from the air in a room. Let it work for at least 30 minutes.
Is Window Air Conditioner With Heating Combo Energy-Efficient?
Many people ask this question. And it’s a great question. Honestly, the window air conditioners with heating don’t belong to the most energy-efficient units ever. Fortunately, they still have very good parameters. For the most energy-efficient AC units read energy efficient window air conditioners review and buying guide.
In general, the most energy-efficient window AC units have their Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) above the value of 12. But when we talk about machines having also heating function we can’t be so strict. Then, the most energy-efficient units show EER above 10. But don’t expect these appliances are Energy Star qualified. They are usually not.
What is the Energy Efficiency Ratio? Well, it’s a rating visibly attached to the energy label on every box with the AC unit. The EER shows how many BTU’s per hour are used for each watt of power it draws.
How is EER calculated? Imagine a unit having cooling capacity 10,000BTU and consuming 1,200Watts. The calculating formula is (10,000BTU / 1,200Watts) = 8.3 EER.
Summary
My article should have given you a better overview of the top window air conditioners on the market in an honest review where I summarize all of the benefits and drawbacks. I do not hide anything and if I don’t like it I simply say it. From my point of view, you should know about all of the details before your purchase than regret in the future or worse deal with some issues.
In the Buying Guide on how to choose the best window air conditioner with heating, I explained some terms significantly related to this kind of AC unit. You should know those terms and furthermore you should know what they mean and what parameters are the best. I also added some tips on how to avoid some problems. I hope my article helped you and shopping for a new cooling machine will be a pleasure, not a nightmare.