The best air conditioners provide maximum cooling power with minimal energy costs, and great window air conditioners offer the easiest installation and flexibility in-home air conditioners. The best 15000 BTU window air conditioners combine that convenience with the most cooling power available on the market.
Cooling power is determined by BTUs (British thermal units), which are the standard measure of an air conditioner’s cooling power per square foot. The best 15000 BTU air conditioners are designed to efficiently and quickly cool 650-750 square foot spaces but can also effectively cool kitchens and rooms with high ceilings of slightly smaller dimensions.
A 15000 BTU window unit can even cool an entire mid-sized apartment or building floor and then be put away during the off-season. These powerful units often come with a variety of excellent features, too, such as a 24-hour timer, remote control, sleep mode, voice control, eco modes, and more.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about the best 15000 BTU air window conditioners and what they offer.
Top 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioners
#1 Frigidaire FFRE153WAE Air Conditioner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features numerous onboard controls and a responsive wireless remote, so users have the tools to monitor their indoor temperatures. This unit can quickly cool a room or maintain the desired temperature with a three-speed fan and automatic temperature control.
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- Impressive fan speed
- Reusable air filter
- Energy Star certified
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- Auto mode lacks power
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The Frigidaire FFRE153WAE air conditioner is an excellent pick for users needing an efficient unit to cool their home, office, or shared workspace. This model has an Energy Star certification, which is efficient and lowers energy costs compared to standard air conditioners. Additionally, this model offers three-speed fans so users can dial in their desired air circulation and cooling power. While the automatic cooling mode isn’t as powerful as manual settings, users will love the convenience of presetting the desired temperature.
In addition to lower energy costs and multi-speed fans, the Frigidaire FFRE153WAE air conditioner offers clearly-marked onboard controls and a responsive wireless remote that makes it easy to change the temperature, adjust the fans, and power the unit. The removable air filter is washable and reusable, and it ensures that you enjoy reduced dust, dirt, and allergens in your air conditioner. Additionally, the 24-hour timer allows users to set a cooling schedule, so they don’t waste energy while at work. If you need AC and heat for several rooms, consider the best mini split as well.
#2 LG LW8017ERSM-P Air Conditioner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a modern design, and it delivers powerful indoor cooling and temperature monitoring for spaces up to 800 sq. ft. Additionally, this model has an Energy Star certification for reduced energy costs, and the four-way fan ensures enough cooling coverage for an entire family.
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- Fantastic coverage
- Great filter
- Multi-speed fans
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- Loud on full power
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The LG LW8017ERSM-P air conditioner is a compelling option for users needing efficiency and power to keep their home or office cool during the sweltering summer heat. This model features a complete installation kit with sturdy mounting brackets and side panels to mitigate air bleed. Additionally, users will love the reusable mesh filter that stops dust, dirt, and large particles from getting into their homes. While this model gets loud on the highest setting, users will appreciate the unit’s consistent and fast cooling power.
In addition to a great filter and powerful cooling, the LG LW8017ERSM-P air conditioner offers an accessible way to a comfortable home or office. The fast-moving fans ensure excellent air circulation so that users won’t suffer through a stuffy afternoon in the house or crowded workplace. Additionally, the Auto Cool feature makes maintaining a comfortable temperature easy, and users will love the clear LED display. Lastly, the wireless remote is easy to use, and the buttons are responsive.
#3 HOmeLabs HME030343N Air Conditioner
Award: BEST USER FRIENDLINESS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model is excellent for monitoring the indoor climate with simple onboard inputs and clearly-marked directions. The super-fast fans help quickly reach desired indoor temperatures, and users will love the effective air circulation that keeps their environment feeling fresh.
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- Strong coverage area
- Good remote control
- Sturdy mounting equipment
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- Heavy for some users
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The hOmeLabs HME030343N air conditioner is an excellent option for users needing easy climate control for their shared workspace, large living room, or crowded office space. This model offers up to 700 sq. ft. of cooling coverage thanks to the strong multi-speed fans that ensure the desired temperature in record time. Additionally, the power cord is over five feet long so that users can fit this AC unit in most areas. While this model is heavy for some people, users will love the sturdy window mounting equipment.
In addition to strong mounting brackets and excellent coverage, the hOmeLabs HME030343N air conditioner offers a user-friendly indoor climate control option thanks to marked onboard controls and a responsive wireless remote. The fully-featured remote allows users to adjust their indoor temperature, activate ECO Mode, set cooling timers, and activate fan-only operation. Additionally, this model offers Sleep Mode so users can rest easy, thanks to reduced power output and dimmed display lighting.
#4 ROVSUN Window AC Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR APARTMENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a modern design while remaining durable for season-long cooling and air circulation for mid-sized office spaces, apartments, or family quarters. Additionally, users will love the multi-directional fans and multitude of onboard controls that make regulating indoor temperatures more accessible.
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- Brillant display
- Wireless remote
- Good ECO Mode
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- Sub-par filter
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The ROVSUN Window AC air conditioner is a fantastic choice for users needing efficient and user-friendly climate control for their home, office, or multiple-car garage. This model offers an energy-saving ECO Mode and a high-quality compressor for more efficient cooling than other AC brands. Additionally, this AC unit features easy assembly and a detailed instruction manual so users can acquire a comfortable environment in no time. While the filter is pretty basic, users can reuse it and clean it for prime operation.
In addition to easy installation and an efficient compressor, the ROVSUN Window AC air conditioner delivers a clear display and a responsive wireless remote control so users can manage their indoor climate from their desk, bed, or another room. Additionally, users will love the onboard controls that are easy to read and offer fan control, a cooling timer, and other settings. The 24-hour timer makes it easy to set cooling schedules, and the Sleep Mode ensures that users aren’t woken up by loud fans or the bright LED display.
#5 Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RE1 Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR LARGE SPACES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model offers impressive cooling power and circulation to keep environments like family quarters, shared offices, and bedrooms from feeling hot and stuffy. Thanks to multiple operating modes like ECO and Sleep Mode, users can make this model fit into their busy lives.
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- Easy installation
- Great coverage area
- Long power cord
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- Remote misses inputs
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The Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RE1 air conditioner is an excellent option for users needing a quiet and effective device to manage their indoor climate and ensure good airflow through their home or office. This model features 8-way airflow that allows for full coverage of a room or office up to 700 sq. ft. Additionally, the long power cable and sturdy mounting supplies offer easy installation without needing extension cables or power strips. While the wireless remote misses occasional inputs, users will love controlling every aspect with the remote.
In addition to a fully-featured remote control and fantastic coverage, the Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RE1 air conditioner features multiple operating modes to match a user’s desired temperature or cooling cycle. With a 24-hour timer and ECO Mode, users can schedule cooling and dehumidification cycles to ensure they’re not wasting energy cooling or drying an empty home. This model also features a rotary compressor that delivers a quieter and longer-lasting AC system.
#6 AMANA AMAP151BW Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR ENERGY SAVINGS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a clear onboard display and responsive buttons to dial a user’s desired indoor temperature. In addition to cooling a space up to 700 sq. ft., this model also offers to dehumidify at up to 3.52 pints per hour.
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- Strong ECO Mode
- 700 sq. ft. coverage
- Great onboard controls
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- Extremely heavy for some users
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The AMANA AMAP151BW air conditioner is an excellent pick for users needing powerful cooling and dehumidifying for the hot summer months. This model has a modern design and numerous pathways to spread cold air in every direction. Additionally, this model covers up to 700 sq. ft. with cool air, and the dehumidifier feature dries the air at 3.52 pints per hour. While this model is cumbersome for some users, the mounting kit is sturdy and is installed in minutes.
In addition to strong dehumidifying and an excellent cooling range, the AMANA AMAP151BW air conditioner features simple controls and a responsive remote so users can control their temperature from the bed or couch. The full-featured wireless remote offers temperature adjustment and power control, and the onboard controls are marked and responsive. Additionally, this model features an effective ECO mode that regulates power output and saves users energy costs. Lastly, this air conditioner offers a fan-only method for saving energy or circulating indoor air.
Beginner’s Guide to 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioners
What Is a 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioner?
15000 BTU AC units offer the most cooling power and climate control readily available on the market. They’re designed to cool 650 to 750 square foot spaces at optimal energy efficiency (relative to their BTU class) and can also cool 400-600 square foot kitchens without a considerable loss of efficiency.
While most home air conditioners outside of central air conditioning systems are made for window-mounted installation, there are a variety of models that all reputable brands offer that are either wall-mounted or can be installed either way.
Wall installation isn’t a practical or desirable option for many homeowners, even in the 15000 BTU class, which is why the distinction is an important one to make. 15000 BTU window air conditioners offer exceptional cooling power, with the variety of advanced features that come with high-BTU models and the convenience of window installation.
On the downside, their high price range and high energy costs mean they’re not a good pick for tighter budgets, placing them on the other end of the spectrum from the best energy-efficient window air conditioners.
15000 BTU Window Air Conditioners vs Other Air Conditioners
The most obvious difference between 15000 BTU window air conditioners and other AC units is their cooling power. As mentioned, a 15000 BTU window unit is designed to cool 650-750 square foot spaces quickly, which places them as the most powerful class of window-installed units. They are one fairly significant step above 12000 BTU units, the second most powerful BTU class commonly available.
15000 BTU air conditioners will also cool large kitchens and high-ceiling rooms from 400-600 square feet, around the size range for which 12000 BTU models are typically designed. Budget allowing, they’re a good upgrade for this purpose, since 12000 BTU models lose efficiency when cooling these kinds of spaces.
Besides the easy installation process that window units offer and the quieter performance of high-BTU models, another significant advantage of 15000 BTU window air conditioners is they tend to come with more advanced features than less powerful models. These include options such as remote control, slide-out chassis, built-in Wi-Fi, advanced digital display, programmable timer, and more.
How 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioners Work
15000 BTU window air conditioners work by removing heat and moisture from a room and replacing it with cooled air.
Three main components- a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator coil change a refrigerant gas to a liquid and back to a gas. The compressor then pressurizes and heats the refrigerant and sends it to the condenser, where it’s turned again into a liquid and sent to the evaporator coil. It’s then changed again to a gas, which cools the coil. A fan blows indoor air across the cooled evaporator, which is then sent back into the room.
Next, the heated evaporated refrigerant goes back into the compressor and returns to a liquid state, repeating the whole cycle until the desired ambient air temperature is reached.
Why Should You Buy a 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioner?
If you have a rather large office space and your current cooling system isn’t up to the task, you might consider a 15000 BTU window air conditioner. You’ll find that a 15000 BTU window unit is the best tool for the job in terms of cooling speed.
In general, upgrading to a 15000 BTU window unit is also a wise decision because it lets you take advantage of upgraded technology and features. Several models feature smart features like smartphone connectivity, a 24-hour on/off timer, energy saver modes, and more, making the additional cost and heftier power bill worth it for many consumers.
Is a 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Worth Buying:
- You need to cool a very large space: These units offer ample cooling power and speed for 650-750 square foot spaces.
- You need to cool a large kitchen: You can cool a 400-650 square foot kitchen more quickly and more quietly with a 15000 BTU window unit than with a 12000 BTU one, although with a significant loss in cost/performance ratio.
- You need to cool a large room with high ceilings: A 400-650 square foot space with high ceilings or otherwise poor air circulation will cool quicker with a 15000 BTU window unit than with a 12000 BTU one while still being a fairly practical choice.
- You’d like a performance upgrade: For quicker cooling, lower operating noise level, and more advanced and smart features, a 15000 BTU is an excellent upgrade to a 12000 BTU one, if you don’t mind spending more.
Why a 15000 BTU Window Unit May Not Be For You:
- You’re on a budget but need to cool a large room: While a 15000 BTU unit will cool a 400-600 square foot space quicker than a smaller unit, the decreased efficiency, higher energy costs, and higher price may not be a good fit for those with a smaller budget who require more affordable prices. But, some of the greatest small window air conditioners will work for tiny homes and RVs.
- You live in an older home or apartment: 15000 BTU window units require a 30 amp circuit breaker with a dedicated outlet, which many older homes and apartments can’t accommodate without the services of a professional.
- You need to cool a kitchen bigger than 700 square feet: A space with ambient heat, like a kitchen, or poor air circulation, like a room with high ceilings, can be cooled with a 15000 BTU window unit but at a loss of efficiency that could increase electrical costs more than is practical.
- You prioritize being eco-friendly: All window air conditioners of 10000 BTUs, even the Arctic King 10K portable air conditioner, or higher draw a lot of power regardless of where they’re used, which means a significantly increased carbon footprint.
How Long will a 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Last?
Most window air conditioners have an average lifespan of around ten years under normal conditions and use. If a manufacturer includes a warranty and a unit is treated with care, it can last a lot longer.
Three primary factors affect an air conditioner’s lifespan:
Usage
Any air conditioner will have a shorter lifespan if it’s used for several months out of the year or all year round as opposed to only a few weeks per year. People living in different regions will notice a difference in how long their AC units last.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your AC unit’s washable filter or changing its disposable filters regularly, in addition to periodic maintenance, will significantly increase its lifespan. Dust and grease-clogged filters prevent proper airflow, increasing component wear and tear by making them work harder to generate cool air. This can also cause your A/C to blow out hot air or your air conditioner may start spitting out ice if your vents aren’t cleaned.
Direct Sunlight
Continual exposure to direct sunlight can overheat an AC unit, making them work harder to cool a room. If you install your AC unit in a north-facing window and make sure it gets any shade it can, you can prevent this from happening. A little sunlight isn’t going to do damage, but prolonged periods of exposure can shorten its time on earth considerably.
How to Choose the Best 15000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
So, you’ve decided to purchase a 15000 Window BTU air conditioner. Let’s look at the factors and features that will help you choose the right model for you.
15000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Key Factors
1. What are its electrical requirements?
15000 BTU window units require a 30 amp (30A) circuit breaker and a dedicated electrical outlet to operate. Many older homes and apartments can’t meet this requirement without procuring the services of an electrician, and using such a unit without proper amperage can cause serious electrical issues.
2. What is its overall cooling power?
15000 BTU window air conditioners are built to cool 650-750 square foot rooms quickly and at maximum efficiency (relative to BTU class.)
3. Is it energy efficient?
As a rule of thumb, an increase in BTU rating equals a decrease in the efficiency of a unit along with an increase in energy costs. These numbers can vary considerably from model to model within a class, however. There are two ways efficiency is rated in air conditioners:
- Energy Efficiency Ratio: The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of an air conditioner is a number that indicates its efficiency calculated with watts per hour. The higher the EER, the more efficient an AC unit. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests choosing an air conditioner with an EER rating of at least 10.0 for an optimal cost-to-performance ratio.
- Energy Star Certified: The Energy Star symbol on an air conditioner indicates that it’s certified as using 10 percent less power than other models in its class. Almost every U.S. offers rebates on Energy Star appliances, making them a great choice for eco-friendly and budget-minded consumers.
4. Advanced Features and Controls
High-BTU window air conditioners tend to offer more advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile device integration and other smart features, designs allowing windows to be opened even when the AC unit is installed, and more. Those features come with a higher price but may be worth it for many.
