If there is one thing that can be guaranteed in New England, it’s the sporadic weather, especially during the summer months.
One day can be a beautiful summer day – not too hot, not too humid, and a nice breeze. A day later can be completely different – way too hot, way too humid, and no breeze to offer any sort of reprieve from the heavy air.
A lot of old homes in New England don’t even have central air (mine included), and those weeks of heat can be brutal. So, what are the options?
Why Central Air Isn’t Always an Option
Usually, it’s not in the budget to redo all the ductwork to allow an old colonial to have central air.
Split systems are also a bit more complicated to install, and sometimes you don’t want to wait until the end of summer to get a contractor out. Portable units (while great!) require a bit of upkeep that you might not have time for.
Window units, however, are a great option:
- Easy to install.
- Do a good job cooling the house.
The only downside to window units? The noise.
The Struggle with Noisy Window Units
When my husband and I bought our small single-family home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, air conditioning wasn’t on my radar — we bought it in November. The first summer was rough. I figured it was just a few weeks of heat. I was wrong.
We picked up a couple of cheap window AC units. They did the job...but the noise was unbearable. The TV volume was maxed out, and we were practically yelling at each other over the hum of the AC. Even sleeping was hard despite the cool air.
That’s when I started researching ways to quiet it, but ultimately I searched for: Which AC units are the quietest? There had to be something better — especially for those with nurseries or shared spaces.
Tired of Research? I Did It for You
A quick search for “quietest window air conditioner” turns up hundreds of results — from The New York Times to Top 10 USA. But who has time to dig through it all when your house is already too hot?
Good news: I’ve done the research, and Shore Appliances, along with Hallocks and Morrone Electric, have plenty of quiet window units in stock. They are often available, if not on the same day, within a matter of days.
Here’s a breakdown of the quietest, most efficient brands — so you can skip the stress and go straight to cool.
LG Window Air Conditioners
LG window units cool your space quietly and efficiently. They’re sleek, full of useful features, and easy to install.
Features include:
- Adjustable fan speeds.
- Programmable timers.
- Four-way air direction.
- Washable filters.
- Heating Mode.
Highlighted LG Models:
- LW8023HR – 7,600 BTUs, cools 300 - 600 sq. ft.
- LW1424RD – 14,000 BTUs, cools + 600 sq. ft.
- LW2423HRSM – 23,000 BTUs, cools + 600 sq. ft.
GE Window Air Conditioners
GE Appliances offers a wide range of room AC units. Some models even act as dehumidifiers, reducing humidity while keeping you cool.
Top features:
- Multiple fan settings
- Built-in timers
- Remote control access
Highlighted GE Models:
- AWCS06BWF – 6,000 BTUs, compact and feature-rich
- AWGH12WWF – 12,000 BTUs, smart-enabled for medium rooms
- AWCS14WWF – 14,000 BTUs, ideal for larger rooms
Friedrich Window Air Conditioners
Friedrich has been around since 1883 and is known for premium quiet cooling. Their QuietMaster™ technology makes them one of the best choices for bedrooms, nurseries, or living rooms.
Smart features:
- Wi-Fi enabled.
- Alexa and Google Home compatible.
Highlighted Friedrich Models:
- CCW06B10B – 6,000 BTUs, great for bedrooms
- CCF10B10A – 10,000 BTUs, perfect for mid-to-large rooms
- CCW18B30B – 18,000 BTUs, excellent for large rooms
Frigidaire Window Air Conditioners
Frigidaire offers reliable window AC units for any room size. Whether you care most about efficiency, noise level, or ease of installation, there’s a Frigidaire for you.
Highlighted Frigidaire Models:
- FHWC054TE1 – 5,000 BTUs, ideal for small spaces like nurseries or offices.
- FHWC123TC1 – 10,000 BTUs, perfect for a multi-use room.
- CCW24B30B – 28,000 BTUs, great for large open-plan areas
My Picks: What I Ended Up Choosing
Personally, I went with a Friedrich for the living room and a GE for the bedroom. Both keep our rooms cool and are quiet enough not to interrupt our daily routines.
If you’re struggling with summer heat and looking for a quiet window unit, I hope these suggestions help make your decision easier.
And remember, if you have questions, your local Shore Appliance, Hallock’s, or Morrone Electric location has a professional sales team ready to help you pick the perfect AC to keep you cool this summer!
Kelly Esposito
Shore Appliances
11 East Main Street
Clinton, CT 06413 | 860.669.8007