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The most energy-efficient window air conditioners are not automatically the ones with the lowest annual electricity-use figure: capacity matters, too. Compare CEER for efficiency, then check cooling capacity and whether the unit fits your room and window. ENERGY STAR’s current Most Efficient listings show three models with comparable CEER figures; a fourth, GE’s ClearView PHNT10CC, is worth considering for its window-straddling design, but the available manufacturer information does not establish a CEER figure for it.
How to compare window AC efficiency
CEER, or Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the key efficiency metric in ENERGY STAR’s Most Efficient criteria for room air conditioners. The 2025 criteria require products to be ENERGY STAR certified and meet CEER thresholds under the U.S. Department of Energy test procedure or an approved waiver. A higher CEER indicates greater efficiency under the applicable rating procedure, but it does not tell you whether the unit has enough capacity for your room.
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Annual energy use is useful context, not a stand-alone ranking. A lower kWh-per-year figure may reflect a smaller-capacity unit; the models below do not all deliver the same amount of cooling. Compare CEER among compatible products, then choose capacity based on the room and confirm that the unit fits the window. ENERGY STAR’s figures are listed ratings, not independent comparative test results.
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Four energy-efficient window ACs to consider
| Model | Listed cooling capacity | CEER | Listed annual energy use | Notable details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea MAH09W1AGR | 9,500 Btu/h | 17.6 | 404.8 kWh/year | Heating mode; variable-speed compressor; straddles the windowsill |
| Kühl KCVS08B10B | 8,700 Btu/h | 17.0 | 383.8 kWh/year | Variable-speed compressor; straddles the windowsill |
| Midea MAW08V1WWT | 8,000 Btu/h | 16.0 | 375.0 kWh/year | Variable-speed compressor |
| GE Profile ClearView PHNT10CC | 10,300 Btu/h | Not stated in the collected manufacturer material | Not stated in the collected manufacturer material | Inverter; smart window model; manufacturer lists rooms up to 450 sq. ft. |
The first three models’ capacity, CEER, annual-use figures, and listed details come from ENERGY STAR’s current Most Efficient results and model listings, accessed in 2026. The GE capacity, room guidance, inverter design, and ENERGY STAR designation come from GE Appliances’ product page; the collected page information does not supply a CEER or annual-use figure. It is therefore a design-oriented option, not one that can be ranked numerically alongside the first three.
#1 Best Overall
- 3 IN 1 COMFORT - The Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner unit has three modes to help your house, apartment, office, or room be as comfortable as possible. It can cool a space up to 150 sq. ft. quickly, circulate air with its 3-speed fan, or reduce humidity utilizing the dehumidifier mode.Controller type:Remote Control.
- QUIET & EASY TO USE - This window AC unit is low as 52dB(low mode). The intuitive LED display and remote control (batteries included) allow easy setting of time, temperature, and mode from across the room. The removable and reusable air filter protects your family and living space from dust and pet hairs.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Install easily in your home or apartment's existing window frame . All mounting accessories are included. A screwdriver is required (but not included) for installation. For some window frames, pilot holes are recommended before installing screws. Installation instructions are simple and setting it up is a breeze.
- WORLDWIDE LEADER - Midea is the air treatment brand with a motto to help make customers feel at home with each of their products. As a testament to our dedication to quality and our customers, we offer one-year parts and labor warranty on this product.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT - The EasyCool window air conditioner helps save you money throughout the year. There are also multiple custom settings to help you be even more energy-efficient like Eco mode and an EasyTimer feature to program a schedule that fits your needs.
Midea MAH09W1AGR: highest CEER among these listed options
ENERGY STAR lists the MAH09W1AGR at 9,500 Btu/h, CEER 17.6, and 404.8 kWh/year. Its listing also identifies a heating mode, variable-speed compressor, and a design that straddles the windowsill. Consider it if those features and its capacity suit your space; the higher listed annual use than the smaller options is not evidence of worse efficiency by itself.
Kühl KCVS08B10B: a smaller straddling-window option
The KCVS08B10B is listed at 8,700 Btu/h, CEER 17.0, and 383.8 kWh/year. ENERGY STAR identifies a variable-speed compressor and a windowsill-straddling design. Verify the exact installation dimensions for your window before choosing this or any other model.
Rank #2
- Effortless Cooling: Achieve optimal comfort with customizable temperature settings and two fan speeds; Effortless Temperature Control helps to maintain your preset temperatures for consistent comfort
- Easy Maintenance: Keep your air conditioner running efficiently with the easy-to-clean washable filter, designed to capture dust from the air for long-lasting performance
- Undisturbed Comfort: Experience a peaceful home environment with a quiet performance at 52 dBA – ideal for bedrooms or small spaces up to 150 sq. ft.
- Effortless Convenience: Benefit from the Auto Restart feature, which automatically restores the unit's previous settings once power is restored to the window air conditioner
- Hassle-Free Operation: The extra-long three-prong power cord eliminates the need for extension cords, while the adjustable side panels easily extend to best fit your window, ensuring a secure installation with optimal efficiency and airflow
Midea MAW08V1WWT: lowest listed annual use of these three
ENERGY STAR lists the MAW08V1WWT at 8,000 Btu/h, CEER 16.0, and 375.0 kWh/year, with a variable-speed compressor. Its annual-use figure is the lowest of the three ENERGY STAR-listed models here, while its cooling capacity is also the smallest. That makes capacity matching essential: the figure alone does not make it the best choice for every room.
GE Profile ClearView PHNT10CC: consider the layout, not an unreported score
GE Appliances identifies the PHNT10CC as an ENERGY STAR-designated 10,300-Btu/h inverter smart window AC and lists room guidance up to 450 square feet. Because a CEER and annual-use figure were not captured in the available manufacturer material, the model cannot be placed above or below the others on rated efficiency using these figures. Treat the room-size guidance as manufacturer guidance, and check the current product details and installation instructions for your space.
Rank #3
- PERFECT FOR SMALLER ROOMS - Midea's Affordable Window AC unit is perfect to help your room be as comfortable as possible. It can cool 150 sq. ft. with 7 temperature settings, 2 cooling/2 fan-only speeds, and 2-way air direction to give you the perfect amount of cooling every time.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT- Midea's 5,000 BTU window air conditioner has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate (CEER) of 11.0 which helps reduce the energy costs to save you money throughout the year.
- QUIET & EASY TO USE - This window AC unit is quieter than a household refrigerator. It also features easy-to-use mechanical controls to quickly set the time, temperature, and mode and has a removable & reusable air filter.
- EASY INSTALLATION - Easily install in your home or apartment's existing window frame. Suitable for windows 23''-36'' wide and minimum 13'' high. All mounting accessories are included. A screwdriver is required (but not included) for installation. For some window frames, pilot holes are recommended before installing screws. Please see included instruction manual for further detail.
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty comes with each Midea product to ensure the quality of our brand to our customers. Our team is happy to help if any questions or issues arise and make sure to register your product on our website for even faster support in the future.
Choose capacity and window fit before chasing a rating
First estimate the cooling capacity your room needs, then compare the suitable models’ CEER. An undersized unit may struggle to cool the space, while a unit that does not fit the opening is not a practical choice regardless of its rating. The model names and feature summaries above do not establish minimum or maximum window-opening dimensions, so check the exact installation manual and current product page before purchase.
- Measure the window opening and compare it with the manual’s required dimensions and installation clearances.
- Check whether the installation style works with your sill and window operation, especially for a unit designed to straddle the windowsill.
- Confirm that the selected model’s capacity is appropriate for the room rather than choosing by annual kWh alone.
- Review current noise, warranty, and service information on the manufacturer’s product page; those details are not established by the ratings listed here.
Verify certification, model number, and rebates
ENERGY STAR listings, product availability, and retailer stock can change. Confirm the complete model identifier and current certification before ordering, especially when similar model numbers appear in product listings. ENERGY STAR notes that rebates may be available for certified products and offers a ZIP-code rebate finder; eligibility and amounts depend on location and can change, so check the current listing for your area rather than assuming a rebate applies.
Rank #4
- Multi-Season Comfort - Midea 8000 BTU window air conditioner with heat is better than standard ac units. It will beat the heat in summer with powerful cooling and dehumidification and keep you warm through the fall with supplemental heat. Best for large rooms up to 350 square feet. NOTE: heat pump function works when outside temp> 41°F.
- Easy To Use – This air conditioner and heat unit comes with an LED display, 5 Modes (Heat, Auto, Cool, Dry, Fan), 3 speed settings (Auto/H/M/L), 24-hr Timer, and ECO energy saver. The Swing button adjusts the louvers up/down to direct the airflow. Wireless control enabled window ac with heat unit from anywhere with the SmartHome App, or with your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant. All functions can be set via the control panel, remote control, and app or voice assistant.
- Save Energy Being Cool – Save on energy costs and enjoy ultimate comfort with this energy star certified unit. This energy efficient air conditioner unit is engineered with variable-speed inverter technology that will quickly cool your bedroom or apartment space while using considerably less electricity; up to 35% energy savings compared to the Energy Conservation Standard. Washable filter is easily accessed from front panel for regular cleaning to maintain peak performance.
- Ultra Low Noise Performance – This ac window unit operates at a noise level as low as 45 dBA. It’s such a quiet air conditioner that you will barely notice it, even when it’s on high. Enjoy your Zoom call, watch your favorite TV show, have a conversation. This ac unit for bedroom also creates just the right amount of white noise so you can get some rest.
- Install Specs – This window air conditioner is designed to fit double hung windows with opening widths of 24 to 38.5 inches. Lower sash must open sufficiently to allow a clear vertical opening of 14.5 inches. AC window unit measures 19.41"W x 22.17"D x 13.9"H. Included components: 8000 btu window air conditioner, remote control, installation kit. This ac heater combo window unit is as a close as you can get to a mini split a/c. You may like it so much you just might buy two!
Keep similarly named models distinct. ENERGY STAR has a separate certified record for Midea model 1014242943 stating that it uses 47 percent less energy than the U.S. federal standard; that is a different 8,000-Btu model, not the MAW08V1WWT in this comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Beat the Heat – This Energy Star 7,800 BTU window air conditioner delivers powerful cooling performance with 4 Modes (Auto, Cool, Dry, Fan), 3 speed settings (Auto/H/M/L) making ideal for larger rooms up to 340 square feet.
- Easy To Use – This air conditioner unit comes with an LED display, 24-hr Timer, and ECO energy saver. The Swing button adjusts the louvers up/down to direct the airflow. Control it from anywhere with the SmartHome App and Voice Assistant Devices. It’s also Smartphone compatible.
- Save Energy Being Cool – Save on energy costs and enjoy ultimate comfort with this energy star certified unit. With a combined energy efficient ratio of 15.1, this ac unit is engineered with variable-speed inverter technology that will quickly cool your bedroom or apartment space while using considerably less electricity; up to 37% energy savings compared to the Energy Conservation Standard.
- Ultra Low Noise Performance – This ac window unit operates at a noise level as low as 39 dBA. It’s such a quiet air conditioner that you will barely notice it, even when it’s on high. Enjoy your Zoom call, watch your favorite TV show, have a conversation. This ac unit for bedroom also creates just the right amount of white noise so you can get some rest.
- Easy to Install – Install the included quick-snap bracket, set the air conditioner on the bracket, and secure the sidearms. Then you are all done and ready to enjoy. Available for single-hung or double-hung windows with width 23"-36", minimal height at 19.6". NOTE: NOT for casement windows. Missing a part? Call the service number in the User Manual.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient room air conditioners — current listed ratings, features, and rebate information.
- ENERGY STAR certified room air conditioner listings — model details for the MAW08V1WWT.
- ENERGY STAR certified record for Midea model 1014242943 — distinct model record and federal-standard comparison.
- GE Appliances PHNT10CC product page — model identity, capacity, room guidance, and features.
- ENERGY STAR 2025 Most Efficient room air conditioner criteria — certification and CEER requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
