The quietest through-the-wall air conditioner provides performance, cooling capacity, modern features, and energy efficiency at noise levels which won’t interrupt work, sleep, or anything else where a certain amount of quiet is needed. While the best air conditioners are powerful, feature-rich, and often energy-efficient, they’re usually not the quietest. And, too, wall-installed units aren’t generally known to be super quiet, to begin with.
The quietest wall air conditioner designed for low-noise operation is an excellent choice if you’ve got a windowless home office or workshop where you need a distraction-free environment. Just like quiet window air conditioners, they make an ideal choice for recording studios, nurseries, entertainment rooms, or bedrooms.
The noise level of a through-the-wall conditioner unit is measured in terms of decibels, which you can usually find in the product descriptions of most models. However, there are other factors to consider when deciding on a model, including efficiency (based on EER rating and Energy Star certification), cooling power in BTUs, and whether a low-noise operation is enough of a priority for you to justify the increased costs associated with them.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about the quietest through-the-wall air conditioners and what they offer.
Quietest Through The Wall Air Conditioners
#1 Koldfront WTC8001W 8000BTU Through The Wall Air Conditioner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is perfect for small spaces, and it doesn’t get very noisy when functioning. It also has a heating function, a 24-hour timer, and three fan modes to choose from.
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- Great for small spaces
- Low sound output of 56.5 dB
- Has a heating function
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- Not ideal for large rooms
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The Koldfront WTC8001W air conditioner is a mid-sized AC unit with a decent cooling capacity of 8000BTU, which is sufficient for rooms between 300 to 350 Sq ft in size. The AC unit comes with a remote that allows owners to control it from a distance, and thanks to its four-way air directional louvers, owners will be able to decide precisely where they need the air to flow. The unit also has a 24-hour timer that might be very useful for users who would like the unit to automatically shut down at some point and also has three different fan modes to choose from. Unfortunately, the air conditioner will have little to no effect when placed in mid-sized to larger rooms.
This excellent air conditioner has a heating capacity of up to 4200BTU. Owners will be able to switch between three fan speeds, and since the unit also has a sleep function, it can be set to periodically make adjustments to the current temperature until the required level is reached. The AC unit also has an Energy Saver Mode where its fan runs for two minutes at 10-minute intervals, and with a noise output of only 56.5 dB, it can be considered a pretty quiet unit.
#2 LG LT1216CER 11800 BTU Through The Wall Air Conditioner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for medium to large-sized rooms and has a dehumidifier function that eliminates up to 3.9 pints of moisture per hour. Its Auto Restart feature maintains the same settings in the event of a power outage, and its green-lit LCD display is easy to read.
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- Dehumidifier function that can remove up to 3.9 pints of moisture per hour
- Auto Restart feature for powering back up with the same settings
- 24-hour timer
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- Hard time trying to reach LG’s customer service team
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This 11800BTU AC unit from LG is a through-the-wall AC unit ideal for spaces up to 530 Sq ft in size. It has a 4-way louver that is great for air circulation and a 24-hour timer that can be used to configure its functioning. Maintaining it is pretty easy to do thanks to its easy-to-clean air filter, and with an Energy Efficiency Ratio of 10.6, users shouldn’t expect a steep rise in their electricity bills even with regular use. The unit also has easy-to-use digital controls and a green-lit LCD display that is also easy to read. However, some previous users complained about having a hard time when they tried to reach LG’s customer service team.
There haven’t been any noise complaints from owners of this AC unit even when it is operating at high levels, and since it also comes with a remote, owners won’t have to walk up to it to make changes to its setting. The unit’s dehumidifier mode is also pretty good since it can remove up to 3.9 pints of moisture from the air per hour, and since it also has an Auto-Restart feature, it’ll pick up right where it left off with the same settings even in the event of a power failure.
#3 KeyStone KSTAT12-1C 12000BTU 115V Through The Wall Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR EVEN TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: It comes with a temperature sensing remote for making accurate adjustments and a dehumidification function that eliminates up to 2.5 pints of moisture from the air per hour. Its filter is at the front for easy access, and it is ideal for rooms up to 550 Square feet in size.
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- Great for medium to large sized rooms
- Ships with a temperature sensing remote
- Low noise output of only 60dB
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- Has an outdated looking design
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The KeyStone KSTAT12-1C is a mid-sized air conditioning unit with an impressive cooling power of up to 12000BTU, making it an excellent alternative for anyone with a room around 550 Sq ft in size. The AC unit has three fan speeds and has a handy Energy Saver Mode that regulates and turns it off whenever the desired room temperature is reached. The unit is also shipped with an LCD remote designed with a built-in thermostat for on-site temperature adjustment and an LCD screen that indicates the current room temperature. Still, some may not appreciate its outdated design.
This through-the-wall AC unit has a decent airflow efficiency of 300 Cubic feet per minute per watt, which guarantees efficient air circulation. Since its filter is located in the front, it is pretty easy to access and change, and with a low noise level of only 60 dB, the unit is not likely to interrupt anyone’s sleep at night. The unit has an Auto Mode that is great for maintaining a constant temperature, and since it also has an Auto-Restart feature, it’ll be able to start right up again with the same settings that it had whenever the lights went off.
#4 Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 24-inch 12000BTU Through The Wall Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR HIGH AIRFLOW EFFICIENCY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is very well designed and has an impressive airflow efficiency rating of 550 Cft per minute per watt. It is also not noisy and has an Energy Saver Mode to keep energy levels under control. Its remote also has an LCD for viewing the current temperature.
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- Great air flow efficiency
- Low noise output of only 61 dB
- Energy Saver Mode that turns on and off at different intervals
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- No heating function
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The Frigidaire FFTA123WA1 is a modern-looking air conditioning unit with a cooling capacity of up to 12000BTU, making it perfect for room sizes of up to 550 Sq ft. The unit can operate at up to three different fan speeds and has a programmable 24-hour timer that owners can take advantage of. With a noise output of only 61 dB, it can be considered a pretty quiet unit, and since it also has six-way directional louvers and an impressive Air Flow Efficiency rating of 550 Cubic Feet per minute, it can deliver full room air circulation. This unit also ships with a remote with an LCD screen that shows the current room temperature, but its lack of a heating function may dissuade others from buying it.
This AC unit has three fan speeds to choose from and a clean air ionizer built-in that can be used to reduce any airborne particles and thus improve room comfort, and an easy to clean and a washable filter that can eliminate dust from the air. It also has an Energy Saver Mode that turns on and off at different intervals to maintain a constant temperature and an Auto-Restart feature that has it resume its previous settings in the event of a power outage.
#5 Emerson QuietKool EATE14RD2T 14000BTU Through The Wall Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR LOW NOISE OUTPUT
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a super low noise output of only 57 dB and is great for large rooms. It also has an Auto Mode that will have it operate at a constant temperature and an easy-to-access filter that is not difficult to clean.
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- Very low noise output of 57 dB
- Easy to use remote control
- 8 way louvres for directional air flow
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- 92 pound weight might be difficult to handle
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This Emerson Quiet Kool EATE14RD2T air conditioning unit boasts a decent cooling capacity of up to14000BTU, as well as a heating capacity of 10600 BTU. This makes it perfect for getting through both the hot and cold seasons. It’ll be able to deal with a surface area of up to 700Sq ft, and with a super low noise level of only 57 dB, it is pretty difficult to notice when it is working. This AC unit ships with an easy-to-use remote control and a washable filter that is also pretty easy to remove. Its Sleep mode automatically adjusts temperature for overnight sleep comfort, and its eight-way air directional louvers make it easy for users to direct the air wherever they need it to go. Unfortunately, its 92-pound weight might make it difficult to handle.
This AC unit also has an impressive dehumidification capacity that allows it to remove up to 91 pints of moisture from the air per day, and it also features an Auto Mode that will have it operate at a constant temperature. The AC unit also has a quick access filter that is relatively easy to clean and a clean filter indicator that lights up whenever it is time to do so, which is great, especially if you have your A/C cleaning brush handy.
#6 Friedrich CCF05A10A 5000BTU Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR CONVENIENT CONTROL
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its support for WiFi connectivity makes it very easy and convenient to control since owners can opt to download its app or even set up voice control. The unit is also pretty quiet and ideal for small rooms up to 150 Sq ft in size.
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- WiFi connectivity allows for convenient control
- Ideal for small rooms of up to 150 Sq ft
- Has a 24 hour timer
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- Ineffective in mid to large sized rooms
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The Friedrich CCF05A10A air conditioner is an impressive pick for users who would like to have the utmost convenience when using it since its support for WiFi connectivity means that owners will be able to control its functioning through their smartphones. They can also integrate it with their smart home systems and enable voice control for even more convenient functionality. To do this, owners will have to download the Friedrich Go app, but for those who would rather not, the unit still features a remote control that can be used instead of having to walk up to the unit. Unfortunately, it is not effective in mid to large-sized rooms.
Weighing only 51 pounds, the AC unit is pretty easy to move around, and with a cooling capacity of 5200BTU, it is an ideal pick, especially for users who want to regulate the temperature in rooms that are up to 150 Sq ft. The AC unit also has a 24-hour timer, and since it has been confirmed to be almost 25% quieter than other alternatives in its category, it is highly unlikely that it will keep anyone up when left on at night.
Beginner’s Guide to the Quietest Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
What Is a Quietest Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
The quietest wall air conditioner is a wall-installed designed for low-noise or “silent” operation while still providing optimal cooling power (rated by British Thermal Units or BTUs) and high efficiency (measured by Energy Efficiency Ratio and Energy Star status).
The general standard for what’s considered a “quiet” or “silent” home air conditioner is any unit with an operational noise level below 60 decibels. Of course, the average quiet wall-installed unit will run between 42 and 54 decibels, and the best quiet window air conditioners follow the same numbers.
Any unit designed for low noise operation will have its decibel level included in its product description, and many units not advertised as “quiet” will include this number, as well. Some models not actually described as quiet running will still qualify as such if their dB level is below 60. Small portable A/Cs can fall under this category, as you’ll see in our Forty4 small oscillating tower fan.
Several design factors of a wall AC unit affect its noise level, such as the size and construction quality of a unit’s chassis (which is directly proportional to its BTU rating). The quality and design of its primary components (compressor, evaporator coil, and condenser) also influence this number. A model’s decibel level number is calculated based on these and other factors to provide an easy indicator for the consumer.
Quiet Through the Wall Air Conditioners vs Other Models
Quiet wall-installed air conditioners, like the Friedrich wall air conditioner, are similar to standard noise level wall units except for a few minor differences.
Generally speaking, lower BTU ratings mean a noisier unit. The reason is that the smaller, more compact chassis or casing of lower BTU units cause their components to rattle and resonate during operation.
Secondly, quiet running AC units usually have a higher price point than standard models, since the low-noise operation is considered a major feature, requiring specialized design and higher quality components and overall construction. For example, a quiet 15000 BTU wall unit will therefore tend to be more expensive than a 15000 BTU window unit with otherwise similar features.
Wall units are slightly more efficient than window units since window units can lose small amounts of air through window creases. And quiet-running units, in general, are often slightly less efficient than standard units, so it’s best to refer to a unit’s EER rating and Energy Star status if efficiency is important to you, since quiet-running units also use these standards of measure.
How Quiet Through the Wall Air Conditioners Work
Quiet through the wall air conditioners work the same way all wall and window AC units work, though they use an installed vent system for air cycling instead of a window. For a quiet central A/C, you’ll want to read our Amana central air conditioner review.
Air temperature and humidity are lowered using a refrigerant chemical and three primary components: a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator coil. These components change the refrigerant from a gas form to a liquid, then back to gas again.
The compressor increases the pressure and heat of the refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser, which changes it to a liquid and sends it to the evaporator coil. There, the refrigerant is changed again to a gas which is cooled and turned into a liquid when it reaches the coil. Next, a fan sends indoor air across the cooled evaporator coil, and that air is sent back into the room. This part of the process changes the refrigerant back into a gas.
The heated and evaporated refrigerant is then sent back through the compressor and changed back into a liquid state. This cycle repeats until the room reaches the desired temperature. When it does, the A/C typically shuts off for a moment. But, if you find your A/C keeps running when turned off, this may indicate another issue.
Why Should You Buy A Quiet Through the Wall Air Conditioner?
A quiet wall-installed AC unit is a good fit for you if you’ve got a windowless home office (or a space where a window unit is impossible or impractical) where excessive appliance noise would be a major distraction. Such units are also a great choice for a recording studio, podcast studio, or radio station where ambient noise can ruin work and a window unit can’t be installed.
Finally, a quiet wall unit is a good choice for a baby room, nursery, or bedroom for anyone who has sleep issues like insomnia.
Is a Quiet Through the Wall Air Conditioner Worth Buying?
- You need to cool a windowless home office: If you have a workspace or home office where noise would disrupt your work and a window unit is impossible or impractical to install, a quiet wall air conditioner will serve your needs.
- You’ve got a baby room to cool: If you’ve got a baby room or nursery to cool that can’t accommodate a window unit, a quiet, high-rated through-the-wall A/C is a good choice.
- You need to cool a bedroom for someone with sleep issues: A noisy AC unit isn’t a good fit for anyone with sleep issues like insomnia, making quiet running units the best choice.
- You have a windowless recording studio or other audio workspaces: Recording studios, podcast studios, and radio stations need a minimum of ambient noises from appliances and often overheat due to hot-running audio gear. They often don’t have convenient window placement for a window unit, either, so a wall-installed unit with low noise operation is practically made for such spaces.
Why a Quiet Wall Unit May Not Be For You:
- Your budget is tight: If your budget is tight and has very little wiggle room, you might want to consider if quiet operation is a big enough priority for you to justify the higher price point and slight power cost increase of such units.
- You can accommodate a window unit: If the room you’re cooling has a window that an air conditioner could be properly installed in, you may want to consider getting a quiet-running window unit instead of a wall unit. While sometimes slightly less efficient than wall units, window units are less expensive and much easier (and cheaper) to install and maintain.
- You’re concerned about efficiency and carbon footprint: Though the difference in efficiency between quiet-running models and comparable standard models often isn’t huge, quiet models tend to have lower EER ratings than standard models overall. If you’re concerned about even minor differences in efficiency and their impact on your power bill and carbon footprint, it’s worth considering whether noise levels are a crucial factor for you.
How long will a quiet through the wall air conditioner last?
Most through-the-wall air conditioner units regardless of BTU class have a lifespan of around 10 years, with most manufacturers offering warranties for up to five years covering repairs and replacements during that time with normal use.
That said, this lifespan can be shortened or lengthened depending on a few key factors:
Amount of Use
Air conditioners used every day or throughout the year will necessarily have a shorter lifespan than one used only seasonally or occasionally. Quiet running units follow this rule as well. A unit used constantly in a warm climate will generally have a shorter life than one used only during the summer in a temperate one.
Cleaning and Maintenance
A regularly maintained and cleaned air conditioner will last longer than one that’s neglected. Clogged filters make an AC unit work harder to cool the evaporator coil and cycle air, increasing wear and tear on all components. Upkeep and maintenance when needed is key to keeping your AC unit running for a long time.
Direct Sunlight
Regular exposure to direct sunlight for hours at a time can overheat an AC’s chassis and make the components work harder to cool a room, increasing wear and tear and decreasing a unit’s lifespan.
If at all possible, try to install your AC unit in a north-facing window that gets as much shade as possible.
How to Choose the Quietest Through the Wall Air Conditioner
Now that you’ve decided to purchase a quiet through-the-wall air conditioner, consider a few additional factors and features that will help you choose the right model for you.
Quietest Through the Wall Air Conditioner Key Factors
1. What is your room used for?
Quiet through the wall air conditioners are generally at least somewhat more expensive than comparable models and can be less energy efficient, just like the Haier portable A/C is. Therefore, it’s worth thinking about how much noise levels matter to you if you’ve got a strict budget. While a baby’s room or bedroom is somewhere you might need an ultra-quiet air conditioner, other spaces, especially larger ones, don’t necessarily need one, especially if they face noisy areas, like streets or schools.
2. How large a room are you cooling?
Keeping in mind that quiet-running models tend to be a bit less energy-efficient and come at a higher price point than standard models, the size of your room is something to consider when trying to determine how much of a priority quiet operation is. For a room over 600 square feet, a 15,000 BTU quiet-running unit could be exponentially pricier both in purchase cost and energy costs than a standard model in the same BTU class, so if you’ve got a very large (over 600 square foot) space to cool but you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider a standard model, unless the quiet operation is a top priority.
Conversely, a 5000 BTU quiet running model, which would be good for a room under 150 square feet, likely won’t be much more expensive than a standard 5000 BTU model and will have fairly similar energy costs, so you may still be able to prioritize low noise operation if you’ve got a small room.
3. Is energy efficiency a priority?
While the differences aren’t always that significant, wall-installed air conditioners designed for low noise (under 60 decibels) operation tend to be less energy efficient than comparable standard units in their BTU class. However, if you’re on a very tight budget and/or you’re trying to minimize your carbon footprint wherever possible, you may want to decide if quiet operation is enough of a priority to take an extra hit to your power bill on a slightly less eco-friendly appliance.
Nearly all home air conditioning units, including quiet window air conditioner units, measure energy efficiency with ratings created and enforced by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. These will tell you how models within the same BTU class differ in terms of efficiency:
- Energy Efficiency Ratio: A unit’s EER rating indicates BTUs per watt of power used per hour. A higher EER rating means a more efficient model. For all window units, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an EER rating of 10.0 or higher.
- Energy Star status: An Energy Star sticker on an appliance means it’s guaranteed to use a minimum of 10% less energy than comparable models. The majority of U.S. states also offer rebates on Energy Star products.
