# I'm buying a small room window A/C - any recommendations? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 22, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986 "2025-06-22T20:54:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/1 "2025-06-22T20:54:05Z")
When I had my central A/C unit serviced about a month ago, the tech said it was low on refrigerant but he couldn’t find a leak. He added some and said to let them know if I started having issues with cooling and I’d probably know that in a month or so. So far there are no issues. I live in an area affected by the heat wave hitting the U.S. this week. I bought a window unit years ago to have as a backup in case the A/C broke. I turned it on yesterday to check it and it no longer works. I need to get another one asap in case the worst happens. I’ve been looking at units on the Lowes website and it’s driving me crazy. Every unit has reviews ranging from “best ever!” to “piece of junk!”. So I need some recommendations. I only need a small unit for the bedroom. 115 volt, 5000-6000 BTU. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2025, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/2 "2025-06-22T21:04:23Z")
My last two window units have been from Midea and I’ve been happy with them. The first we got rid of after a few years because the room was really too large for it but it did it’s best for several years and was still working fine when I gave it away during last year’s Midwest heatwave. We now have one of the split type models you close the window on. I’ve heard some people have reservations about them but ours worked all last year and into this year and no issues with mold or drainage that I’ve heard others report. I definitely like having the window 90% closed for temp retention and security rather than the large box with accordion flaps on the sides. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2025, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/3 "2025-06-22T21:09:11Z")
I have a portable unit that sits in the room and vents out the window. I love it, but the brand is no longer made. Lowe’s and HD carry a wide range. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2025, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/4 "2025-06-22T21:14:08Z")
I have a small Polar Wind traditional window unit I picked up used as a 2nd unit/backup that’s on it’s second year with me and doing a fine job. I’m using it to augment the cooling of my main unit. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2025, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/5 "2025-06-22T21:21:28Z")
We have three window units going, including the new one I bought last week. The local stores tend to carry LG and GE, and that’s what I get…they all do fine. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2025, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/6 "2025-06-22T21:28:44Z")
I think they are kind of a “staple”, and you can buy one by the numbers, and it will likely be fine, but might possibly be a lemon (such as from rough handling somewhere between the factory and you.) They don’t have a lot of features to compare. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2025, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-buying-a-small-room-window-a-c-any-recommendations/1019986/7 "2025-06-23T00:04:46Z")
Another vote for Midea. We have one in our upstairs bedroom, which can get hot in the summertime. Works great.