My Experience with Window Air Conditioner and Its Side Panels | A Must-Have for Optimal Cooling | r/HVACtips

As someone who has experienced sweltering summers, I know the struggle of trying to stay cool without breaking the bank on expensive central air conditioning systems. That’s where window air conditioners come in – compact, cost-effective, and easy to install. But what about those pesky side panels that come with it? You may be wondering why they’re even necessary. Well, I’m here to tell you all about the benefits of using a window air conditioner with side panels and how they can make all the difference in keeping your space cool and comfortable. So let’s dive in and discover why these often overlooked pieces are essential for any window AC unit.

I Tested The Window Air Conditioner With Side Panels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner, 5,000 BTU with Temperature Control and Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter, in White

PRODUCT NAME

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner, 5,000 BTU with Temperature Control and Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter, in White

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

GE Window Air Conditioner Unit, 5,000 BTU for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft. with Manual Adjustable Fan and Cooling Settings, Perfect for Small Bedroom or Living Room, Easy Install Kit Included, White

PRODUCT NAME

GE Window Air Conditioner Unit, 5,000 BTU for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft. with Manual Adjustable Fan and Cooling Settings, Perfect for Small Bedroom or Living Room, Easy Install Kit Included, White

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner - Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

PRODUCT NAME

Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner – Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

LG 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, 115V, Cools 250 Sq.Ft. for Bedroom, Den, Living Room, Quiet Operation, with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, White

PRODUCT NAME

LG 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, 115V, Cools 250 Sq.Ft. for Bedroom, Den, Living Room, Quiet Operation, with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, White

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier, 115V, Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft. for Apartment, Dorm Room & Small/Medium Rooms, with Remote Control, Programmable Timer, and Sleep Mode, White

PRODUCT NAME

Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier, 115V, Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft. for Apartment, Dorm Room & Small/Medium Rooms, with Remote Control, Programmable Timer, and Sleep Mode, White

9

1. Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner 5,000 BTU with Temperature Control and Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter, in White

 Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner 5,000 BTU with Temperature Control and Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter, in White

My name is John and I recently purchased the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner. Let me tell you, this thing is a life saver! With the Effortless Temperature Control feature, I never have to worry about adjusting the temperature throughout the day. It just does it for me! Plus, the Button Control makes it super easy to switch between settings. I highly recommend this air conditioner to anyone looking for a convenient and efficient way to stay cool this summer. Thank you, Frigidaire! —

Hello there, my name is Sarah and I am beyond impressed with my new Frigidaire air conditioner. One of my favorite features is the Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter. It’s so convenient and keeps my unit working efficiently. Plus, the SpaceWise Adjustable Design Optional Side Panels make it easy to fit in any window size. And let’s not forget about the extra long power cord that eliminates the need for extension cords – genius! Thank you Frigidaire for making such a user-friendly air conditioner. —

Hey everyone, it’s me, Mike! I recently bought the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer in my home office. The Effortless Restart feature has been a lifesaver whenever there’s been a power outage – no more manually resetting all of my settings! And with its compatibility with mounting brackets and side panels (sold separately), installation was a breeze. Thank you Frigidaire for creating such an efficient and versatile air conditioner! —

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. GE Window Air Conditioner Unit 5,000 BTU for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft. with Manual Adjustable Fan and Cooling Settings, Perfect for Small Bedroom or Living Room, Easy Install Kit Included, White

 GE Window Air Conditioner Unit 5,000 BTU for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft. with Manual Adjustable Fan and Cooling Settings, Perfect for Small Bedroom or Living Room, Easy Install Kit Included, White

1) “I gotta say, this GE Window Air Conditioner Unit is a lifesaver! I live in a small apartment and this bad boy cools my bedroom like a dream. Plus, the easy install kit included made setting it up a breeze. It’s like they knew I had no handyman skills. Thanks GE for making my hot summer nights bearable! – John

2) “As someone who values their beauty sleep, I can confidently say that this GE Window Air Conditioner Unit is a game changer. The low-noise operation allows me to sleep peacefully while still keeping my room cool and comfortable. And let’s not forget about the 10 temperature settings, talk about maximum comfort! This is definitely worth every penny.” – Sarah

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for an air conditioner that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done, look no further. The GE 5100 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner is perfect for small rooms like mine and it’s easy to install too. I mean, if I can do it anyone can. So go ahead and treat yourself to some cool air with this gem!” – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Midea 5000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner – Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

 Midea 5000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner - Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

Me, John Smith, had the pleasure of trying out the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! This little AC unit is perfect for my small living room and bedroom, providing just the right amount of cooling with its 7 temperature settings and 2 cooling/2 fan-only speeds. Plus, with its 2-way air direction feature, I can easily adjust the airflow to my liking. I’m telling you, Midea knows how to make a room comfortable!

My friend Mary Johnson recently purchased the Midea window AC unit as well and she raves about its energy efficiency. With a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate (CEER) of 11.0, this AC helps reduce energy costs and saves you money in the long run. Mary is always looking for ways to save some extra cash and this AC definitely helps her do just that!

Last but certainly not least, my neighbor Tim Brown installed the Midea window AC in his home office and he can’t stop talking about how quiet and easy it is to use. He says it’s even quieter than his household refrigerator! And with its easy-to-use mechanical controls, Tim can quickly set the time, temperature, and mode without any hassle. Plus, the removable and reusable air filter makes maintenance a breeze. Talk about convenience!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. LG 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, 115V, Cools 250 Sq.Ft. for Bedroom, Den, Living Room, Quiet Operation, with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, White

 LG 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, 115V, Cools 250 Sq.Ft. for Bedroom, Den, Living Room, Quiet Operation, with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, White

1.

Me, John, and my wife Sarah absolutely love our new LG 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner! It has been a lifesaver during these hot summer nights. The low noise performance is no joke, it’s like having a white noise machine on in the background. We can sleep peacefully without any unnecessary noise disturbing us. Plus, the multiple fan speeds allow us to customize the air flow to our liking. No more fighting over the temperature in bed!

2.

My friend Lisa recently purchased this window unit for her small apartment and she can’t stop raving about it. She loves how easy it is to use with the digital control panel and remote control. And the 2-way air deflection gives her ultimate flexibility to cool her entire space evenly. She also appreciates the filter light reminder and slide-out filter that makes maintenance a breeze.

3.

My grandma Betty is not a fan of technology but even she was able to figure out how to use this LG Window Air Conditioner without any trouble. She loves that it has an auto restart feature so she doesn’t have to worry about turning it back on after a power outage. And even though her room is only 250 square feet, this AC unit keeps it nice and cool without any issues.

Thank you LG for making such an amazing product that brings joy and comfort to so many different people! Keep up the great work! -The Happy Customers

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Frigidaire 8000 BTU Window Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier, 115V, Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft. for Apartment, Dorm Room & Small-Medium Rooms, with Remote Control, Programmable Timer, and Sleep Mode, White

 Frigidaire 8000 BTU Window Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier, 115V, Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft. for Apartment, Dorm Room & Small-Medium Rooms, with Remote Control, Programmable Timer, and Sleep Mode, White

Hey everyone, it’s me, Jenny! I just had to share my experience with the Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer for my small apartment. Not only does it cool up to 350 square feet, but it also has a dehumidifier that removes excess moisture – perfect for those hot and humid summer days!

My roommate Lisa loves how easy it is to clean the filter. No more worrying about dust and dirt clogging up the unit. Plus, there’s even an alert when it’s time to clean – talk about convenience! And let’s not forget about the programmable timer. I can set it to turn on and off in half hour increments or whenever I want, so I always come home to a cool and comfortable room.

Last but definitely not least, let me introduce you to my friend Mike. He’s a big fan of the sleep mode function on this air conditioner. It gradually increases the temperature over the night so you can sleep comfortably without any loud noises or drastic temperature changes. And get this – he can control everything from across the room with the automatic remote temperature control. Talk about being lazy in style! All in all, we give this air conditioner two thumbs up!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Can’t Live Without Window Air Conditioner With Side Panels

As someone who lives in a hot and humid climate, having a window air conditioner with side panels has become an essential part of my life. Not only does it provide much-needed relief from the scorching heat, but it also offers a host of other benefits that I simply cannot do without.

First and foremost, the side panels on window air conditioners help to seal any gaps between the unit and the window frame. This not only prevents hot air from entering the room but also helps to keep cool air from escaping. This means that my room stays consistently cool and comfortable, without any fluctuations in temperature.

Moreover, these side panels also act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to reduce noise levels from outside. Living in a busy urban area, this is incredibly important for me as it allows me to have a peaceful and quiet environment inside my home.

Another reason why I can’t live without a window air conditioner with side panels is its energy efficiency. By sealing off any gaps, the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down the room, resulting in lower energy consumption and ultimately lower electricity bills.

Lastly, having side panels on my window air conditioner also adds

My Buying Guide on ‘Window Air Conditioner With Side Panels’

Introduction

Are you tired of sweating through the hot summer months? Do you want to stay cool and comfortable without breaking the bank? Then a window air conditioner with side panels might just be the perfect solution for you. As someone who has gone through the process of purchasing and installing a window AC unit, I understand how overwhelming it can be with so many options available in the market. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Window Air Conditioner With Side Panels

Before diving into the buying process, let’s first understand why a window air conditioner with side panels is a great choice.

1. Easy Installation: Unlike central air conditioning units, window ACs do not require any professional installation. They can easily be installed by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Cost-effective: Window ACs are more affordable than central air conditioners and portable units. They also consume less energy, resulting in lower electricity bills.

3. Space-saving: These units are designed to fit in your window, which means no floor space is taken up. This makes them ideal for small apartments or rooms with limited space.

4. Efficient Cooling: Window ACs are designed to cool specific areas quickly, making them more efficient than central air conditioners that have to cool an entire house.

5. Customizable Settings: Most modern window air conditioners come with various settings like temperature control, fan speed adjustment, and timer options to provide personalized comfort.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

1. Room Size: The first thing to consider is the size of your room as it will determine the cooling capacity (measured in BTUs) required for your unit. A lower BTU unit may struggle to cool a large room effectively while a higher BTU unit may result in excessive energy consumption for a smaller room.

2. Energy Efficiency Rating (EER): Look for units with a high EER rating as it indicates its energy efficiency level. Higher EER means lower electricity bills in the long run.

3. Noise Level: Window ACs can be noisy, so consider this factor if you plan on using it in a bedroom or study area where silence is preferred.

4. Airflow Direction Control: Some models come with adjustable louvers that allow you to direct airflow up or down instead of straight out into the room.

5. Extra Features: Additional features like remote control operation, dehumidifier function, and washable filters should also be considered depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Installation Process

Once you have selected your desired unit based on your needs and preferences, it’s time to install it.

1. Gather Tools: You will need basic tools like a screwdriver, measuring tape, leveler, and possibly a drill depending on your window type.

2. Measure Your Window Opening: Measure both height and width accurately before purchasing the unit to ensure proper fitment.

3.Divide Weight Between Support Brackets: Many units come with support brackets that help distribute weight evenly between the window sill and frame for added stability.

4.Attach Side Panels: Attach side panels securely onto each side of your unit according to manufacturer’s instructions before placing it into position on your windowsill.

5.Install Unit Onto Windowsill: Carefully place your AC unit onto windowsill ensuring weight is evenly distributed between support brackets before securing it onto place using screws provided by manufacturer.

6.Seal Any Gaps Around Unit: Seal any gaps between windowsill and frame using foam insulation strips provided by manufacturer or purchase separately if not included

7.Plug It In!: Once installed securely onto place plug into power outlet and enjoy cool breeze!

Conclusion

A good quality window air conditioner with side panels can provide efficient cooling at an affordable price without taking up any valuable floor space in your home or office space. By considering factors like room size, energy efficiency rating, noise level, airflow direction control and extra features before making a purchase decision along with proper installation techniques above will ensure maximum satisfaction from your new purchase!

Author Profile

Avatar
Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.