In the labs: New air conditioner Ratings

July 30, 2010 1:34 PM

Our ongoing tests of small, medium and large air conditioners found a new batch of good-performing units that use the environmentally friendlier R410 refrigerant. We also tested the stylish Friedrich Kühl SS08M10-A, which wowed us in every category except price.

Many of the new air conditioners are excellent deals. “Right now, consumers have many good-performing models to choose from at the $150 price point for small air conditioners, $200 for medium-sized models, and $300 for large ones,” says Christopher Regan, who oversees our testing. Here's a snapshot of the results:

Small (5,000 to 6,500 Btu/hr; cools 100-300 sq. ft.)
The Kenmore 70051 and Frigidaire LRA074AT7 (both $150) drew high marks for cooling performance, quiet operation and ability to cope with brownouts. The Sharp AF-S60RX, $200 and the LG LP601ER $300 scored lower, mostly because they were not as quiet.

Medium (7,000 to 8,200 Btu/hr; cools 250-400 sq. ft.)
The LG LGW801ER, $200, placed near the top of our ratings, well ahead of the newly reviewed Frigidaire LLRA087AT7, $200, and the Kenmore 79081, $200.

But the Friedrich Kühl SS08M10-A topped our ratings in this category, scoring excellent in comfort and brownout resistance, and very good for noise and ease of use. It also boasts very flexible cooling settings and can be hard-wired into a thermostat. Designer colors like Cobalt Blue and Pink Diamond further boost the cool factor. But its $800 price, large size and weight (104 pounds) as well as the likely need for professional installation may be a drawback for some homeowners.

Large (9,800 to 12,500 Btu/hr.; cools 350 to 650 square feet)
Two new LG models—the 10,000-Btu/hr. LW010ER, $250, and 12,000-Btu/hr. LG LW1210ER, $300 impressed in our tests, topping the new Kenmore 72101, $300. All of our Recommended models in this category (which includes two other Kenmore models we tested earlier) are relatively quiet on low but noisier on high settings.

With so little difference in price between 12,000- and 10,000-Btu models, it can be tempting to opt for a larger unit. But Regan points out that the larger capacity model will have less run time in general and in a small room it may not run enough to adequately dehumidify the space. Use our air-conditioner sizing calculator and this video buying guide to find the right model for your particular space.

—Gian Trotta