This Window AC Winner Cools My Old Home In The Summer, And It’s $60 Off During The Big Day.

Highlights taken by CNET

• Windmill ACs usually start at $339 for 6,000 BTUs, but you can find them on sale right now Windmill website or Amazon for $279, ($60 off).
• Not only is the Windmill AC the easiest unit I’ve ever installed, it’s the only AC unit I’ve tried that keeps my old, uninsured home cool during heat waves.
• Bonus: It’s actually stylish. (I’d still pay for the damn thing to work.)

There are many things I love about living in an old home — my 100-year-old rental has 1920s art deco tiles, high ceilings, and more character than you’d find in a newly built house. One thing it doesn’t have? Central air conditioning.

With record-breaking heat waves hitting my neighborhood, I needed to find window ACs that would cool my poorly insulated 2,500 square foot home.

I hunted for the right one for years. Every summer I would buy and test a new window air conditionersthey feel frustrated at how ineffective they are. I would sell them at the end of the season, then start the cycle all over again the following year.

Finally, after years of sweating through extreme triple-digit temperatures and extreme humidity, I found out: Windmill WhisperTech window air conditioner. This new powerhouse was so effective at cooling my master bedroom, that I ended up buying two more. These three AC units effectively cool my Philadelphia 2,500-square-foot home even during intense heat waves. And they look good while doing it.

Windmill AC is not the cheapest option in the market, but for me, it was worth every penny. If you’re also tired of sweating indoors, here’s why you need to try this game-changing AC.

My experience with Windmill air conditioner

I had my doubts about it Windmill window air conditioner when it first arrived. It’s lighter than other units I’ve tried (I could handle it myself), so I panicked, thinking there was no way this would cool our 350 square foot south facing bedroom.

But within minutes, my partner and I had installed the unit and it was working. After a few hours, our bedroom felt less like a sauna and dropped to 68 degrees Fahrenheit — a feat impossible with previous ACs. Humidity, which used to soar to 65% or more on humid days also dropped to less than 50%. I was equally impressed with how well it maintained the set temperature, too. Especially during intense heat waves.

The next day I ordered a second unit at the other end of our house.

Be careful: CNET conducted a scientific test on window ACs at our Louisville testing locations. Ours recent comparison of window and portable AC unitsthe Windmill 8k has been found to be the most efficient window AC unit.

What makes Windmill AC different?

Windmill air conditioners have several unique features, but what prompted me to add one to my cart was the cooling design of the unit. Windmill AC pushes cool air out the top of the unit at a 45 degree angle for better cooling. After trying several large window AC units that pushed air upward, I was pleased to find that this feature cooled a second-floor room with a tall ceiling; the air seemed to circulate better as the unit pushed cold air up, rather than out and down.

No need to hide a bad Window AC

I would put up with a bad air conditioner as long as it cooled my home. But I’m glad it’s not necessary. The Windmill air conditioner has a great design, very small that my friends and family have commented on. The unit has an attractive front panel design that hides its air filter and features small buttons that are almost hidden at the top of the panel.

The LED lights dim automatically, so you don’t have to worry about any visual disturbances at night. It comes with side panel covers that offer extra coverage and a seamless look.

Windmill also offers colorful magnetic panels a nice addition to your window, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Quietest AC I’ve ever owned

While it wasn’t a major selling point for me, I’m now a big fan of Windmill Whispertech’s silent cooling technology. The first thing I came to was the air conditioner that made my house comfortable; I just thought that would come with some noise. Specifications list it as 42 decibels — softer than a standard household refrigerator. I have found my Windmill units to be comfortably quiet, even after using two regularly for nearly three years.

My partner and I can watch TV at normal volume, talk to each other from other parts of the house and jump on work calls without the noise disturbing us. I really enjoy the white noise it provides in our bedroom at night.

Sometimes I find the streaming noise annoying when I’m on work calls, but that’s possible with any AC since my window is next to my desk. This usually only happens on high or medium, so I switch it to low or eco mode to solve this problem.

You can install it in minutes (really)

I have installed three of these units in many homes and windows, and it only takes me five to ten minutes to set up. That’s because this unit comes pre-assembled. No attaching panels or screwing brackets to the base before installation.

All you have to do is add window foam to the sides of your windows, set the unit on your window pane, extend the side panels, close your window, and secure it with screws. If you can’t drill into your windows or if you’re renting (like me) and don’t want to, you can secure it to a block of wood.

I usually have a partner help me install this (one of us raises while the other opens and lowers the window), but I’ve had success installing it myself in the past.

It comes with a smart app and voice control

Windmill will send a remote control through your window AC, but if you have multiple units to control, I highly recommend using the Windmill smart app. It only takes a few minutes to install and register your device (they send a QR code you can use to make setup even easier).

The app is easy to use and useful when you leave the house and forget to adjust the temperature before you leave. Sometimes it shows the wrong temperatures, though. I had a problem with my office AC temperature on the app showing as 61 degrees when it clearly wasn’t, but resetting the AC quickly solved that.

Similar to a smart thermostat, you can create automations to lower or raise the temperature, speed or turn off the unit at certain times of the day. It’s a great tool if you want to raise the temperature while you’re at work or away on the weekend.

I don’t use voice control with the Alexa feature, but if you’re into that, it seems easy to set up.

Eco mode keeps my energy bill low

Since I have gas heat, my electric bill tends to go up in the summer when I use the AC. Even so, I no longer care about the rising energy bill. The Windmill’s eco-mode helps my rooms stay cool without causing a surprising electricity bill.

Windmill air conditioners are Energy Star rated, with up to a 15 Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio. To get an Energy Star rating, air conditioners need a CEER rating of 12 or higher.

It solves the storage problem

I am lucky enough to have a basement where I can store my air conditioners when I am not using them. But if you don’t have an extra closet or garage to put these units in for the winter, the Windmill is for sale. winter cover that will protect your unit, keep your house sealed, and add a pop of color (if you choose) to your window.

I like this idea, although the current options are limited and I personally don’t like any of the color schemes they offer.

Details

• 6,000, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units available.
• Pre-assembled for easy installation
• WhisperTech silent technology
• A unit of 6,000 BTU is 42 decibels
• Comes with side panel covers for added coverage and a seamless finish
• Air flow at a 45 degree angle
• Auto-dimming LED lights
• Three cooling options
• Three fan speeds
• Eco-mode
• Remote control
• Smart app with voice control
• One year limited warranty
• The 6,000 BTU unit retails for $350, but we typically see it for $340. The 12,000 BTU retails for $629 and usually retails for $589.

CNET’s shopping advice

I recommend Windmill window air conditioners to everyone I know who wants one. My experience with the three units I have has been good. They have worked better than the GE and Midea air conditioners I have tried in the past and work well to keep my humidor house cool and comfortable.

The biggest drawback of the Windmill air conditioner is its price. Although the cost is comparable to competitors such as July (yes, they are an AC company named for one of the hottest months of the year) and Midea, you can find affordable options. Paying $630 for a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is a steep price, but you can often find them on sale at Windmill website or to Amazon, The Home Depot, LowesPC Richards and Costco.

If Windmill AC is not in your budget, don’t go into debt to buy it. Instead consider the GE 5,000 BTU mechanical window air conditioner, CNET’s best budget pick, GE AHEC05AC AC window about $160-170.