I've tested 30 units for our best air conditioner guide over the last six years. I evaluate many factors that make a good AC, like energy efficiency, intuitive controls, and easy installation. But, of course, none of these qualities are anywhere near as important as an air conditioner's ability to do its primary job: cooling your room. Out of all of the air conditioners I've tried, the Friedrich Chill Premier Smart Window Air Conditioner (CCF08A10A) is superior at cooling.
It's a little louder than most, and some of the buttons on the control panel have stopped working after four years of use. Yet, it's energy efficient, has a good app, and, in my opinion, this is the best air conditioner you can buy.
If you have a medium-sized room, the Friedrich Chill Premier Smart Window Air Conditioner (CCF08A10A) is your best option with its impressive cooling abilities, smart connectivity, and long warranty.
- Long warranty on the sealed refrigerant system
- WiFi connectivity
- Fits a broad range of window sizes
- Performed the best in our cooling tests
- Operates loudly
- The control panel stopped working
Design
The Friedrich Chill Premier air conditioner has a pretty standard design: a rectangular prism with the bulk of the unit hanging out your window. The vents are multi-directional, meaning you can adjust the airflow vertically and horizontally, directing the cool air right where you want, a plus on super-hot days.
Our review of the Friedrich Chill Premier air conditioner
Setup
The setup was straightforward and took about 30 minutes. I only needed to use a screwdriver, though you may also need a power drill to drill pilot holes for securing the AC to your window.
The first installation step was attaching the top rail and side panels to the main unit. Next, you put the AC in your window, extend the side panels, and secure the unit with screws. Afterward, you stick on the provided side curtain insulation, plug any cracks with the foam seals, and install the window security bracket.
You can control the Friedrich Chill Premier with the control panel on the face of the unit, a remote control, or the FriedrichGo app. I spent 10 minutes of the installation time downloading and connecting to the app. However, I was unable to connect using the in-app directions, so I turned to the manual's instructions, which got the job done.
Energy Use
The Friedrich Chill Premier air conditioner is Energy Star-certified to help protect the climate, save money, and save energy. I used a smart plug to measure how much electricity the Friedrich air conditioner used in an hour while running on high. It did a little better than average, consuming 0.4 kWh. Based on the average US electrical costs, you should expect to pay $49 to run the AC on high for eight hours per day for a full summer.
Cooling Performance
I test window air conditioners by running them on high for an hour in a 650-square-foot room. I place a digital thermometer on the opposite side of the room and compare the before and after temperatures to see how well the AC cools.
The Friedrich Chill Premier performed the best of any air conditioner I've tested, dropping the room's temp by 5.3 degrees Fahrenheit. This is even more impressive when you consider the 8,000 Btu unit I tested is designed for 350-square-foot rooms, much smaller than the test room.
This is my fourth summer using the Friedrich Chill Premier on the top floor of my house, where all the heat collects. Originally, I used a portable AC to cool up there, but it wasn't getting the job done. The Friedrich does. Unless it's a sweltering day, I prefer to run the dehumidifier setting. Otherwise, it gets too cold for my comfort.
My testing suggests that the Friedrich AC is an excellent option for very hot climates or for individuals who like to keep their rooms extra cold.
Noise
I placed a sound meter 6 feet from the air conditioner to gauge its sound output. The AC registered 56 decibels on high, and the reading was close to the same on low, 55 decibels. For context, this is slightly quieter than a normal conversation and somewhat louder than the average of the ACs I've tested.
Smart features
The FriedrichGo app provides a full array of features. Like the unit's physical control panel and remote, the app lets you adjust the fan speed and switch between modes (including auto, cool, dehumidify, and fan.) Yet, the app does more by enabling you to create schedules. Since the AC is in a room we primarily occupy during the day, I like to schedule the AC to switch off at bedtime. I also schedule it to turn off during my utility's peak pricing hours, which helps me save on energy costs.
The app seamlessly integrates with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, giving you voice control capabilities.
Maintenance
Since I'm constantly testing new ACs, I rarely have them long enough to clean them. Fortunately, I had the chance to thoroughly clean the Friedrich Chill Premier, inside and out. Cleaning the filter is easy and should be done every two weeks. Other maintenance should be done each season, like cleaning the coils and fins.
For more details, see our guide on how to clean a window air conditioner.
Cons to consider
The Friedrich AC operates louder than most. However, I've never found it distracting, and it doesn't have any jarring sounds, like when the compressor turns on and off. I live on a busy street, and the white noise helps drown out the city sounds.
After three years of use, the control panel on the unit doesn't work well. Most annoyingly, the power button doesn't work. Fortunately, it has a remote control that works well, and I can control the AC from anywhere using the app.
What are your alternatives?
If the CCF08A10A isn't available, the Friedrich Chill Premier CCW08B10B is a great option. It was among the best in our cooling tests, though it used 50% more electricity than the CCF08A10A. In appearance, it's identical.
If you want a quiet AC, consider the Midea U, which has a unique design that allows you to open your window with it installed. It didn't do nearly as well at cooling, though. Read our full Midea U-Shaped air conditioner review and check out our guide to the best air conditioners for more options.
If your window doesn't accommodate a window air conditioner, consider picking up one of the recommended models from our best portable air conditioner guide.
The bottom line
The $400 Friedrich Chill Premier is the best air conditioner I've tested. It was the top performer in my cooling test, without using too much electricity. It has a user-friendly app and has performed well in my home for four years. If cooling power is what you want, this is the air conditioner to buy.
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