Close up of wall mounted air conditioning unit in a home. Dark blue wall with plants in the room.
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Wall-mounted air conditioners, also known as ductless mini-splits or in-wall air conditioners, are a convenient solution when traditional air conditioning units and ductwork are not available. If you're in the market for a wall-mounted air conditioner, it's essential to choose a reliable brand that offers excellent performance and energy efficiency. We've done the research for you and compiled a list of the top wall-mounted air conditioner brands for 2024.
Top Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Brands
We highly recommend the following brands based on our extensive research:
- Best Overall AC Units: Carrier
- Most Energy Efficient: Lennox
- Most Protection: Trane
- Best Selection: Amana
- Best for Extreme Climates: American Standard
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Carrier
- Our Rating: 5 out of 5
- Price Range: $3,000 to $15,000
- SEER Rating: Up to 42.5
What we like about Carrier: Carrier has a long history of innovation and is known for producing highly energy-efficient and quiet AC units. The brand partners with ENERGY STAR to meet strict efficiency requirements, and their products have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating between 18 and 42.5. Some of Carrier's AC units have sound levels as low as 29 decibels (dB) thanks to their use of variable speed compressors.
Recommended model: The Infinity Highwall Indoor unit is our top suggestion. It's ENERGY STAR-certified, offers low noise levels, and comes with smart integration for convenient temperature control through your device, anywhere with Wi-Fi. Additionally, you get a 10-year limited parts warranty when you register your unit.
Benefits of Carrier:
- Is an ENERGY STAR partner and has high SEER ratings
- Is known for low-noise units
- Has a large inventory of well-rated products
Drawbacks of Carrier:
- Is more expensive than many competitors
- Has a relatively short warranty that only covers certain parts
- Requires a consultation to get an estimate
Lennox
- Our Rating: 5 out of 5
- Price Range: $3,100 to $10,000
- SEER Rating: Up to 28
What we like about Lennox: Lennox is another ENERGY STAR partner committed to producing high-efficiency air conditioners. Their units use advanced technology to adjust cooling based on the surrounding climate, resulting in better energy efficiency and lower utility bills by minimizing temperature swings.
Recommended model: We recommend Lennox's MPB Mini-Split unit, which has a SEER rating of up to 24.5 and a low sound score of 24 dB. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty on covered components and a 7-year limited warranty on the compressor. It's also eligible for a 12-year extended warranty if you register it.
Benefits of Lennox:
- Is an ENERGY STAR partner with solid SEER ratings
- Is more cost-effective than some brands on our list
- Is available at home improvement retailers such as The Home Depot
Drawbacks of Lennox:
- Has many customer reviews pointing to frequent repairs
- Includes high repair fees due to proprietary parts
- Warranty options vary greatly by product
Trane
- Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Price Range: $3,500 to $15,600
- SEER Rating: Up to 28
What we like about Trane: Trane offers more comprehensive warranties than many competitors, including a 12-year compressor warranty and a 10-year parts and labor warranty. They prioritize advanced technologies, such as smart thermostats and a mobile app that allows you to control your home's temperature and humidity from anywhere.
Recommended model: We suggest Trane's Single-Zone Pump for floor mounting. It sits lower on your wall, providing a more discreet appearance. It includes washable and reusable anti-allergen filters, and you have plenty of control options for air direction, fan speed, and temperature. It also boasts a high SEER score of up to 28.2.
Benefits of Trane:
- Allows you to control the unit using a mobile app
- Offers a more comprehensive warranty than many competitors
- Provides reusable air filters with its units
Drawbacks of Trane:
- Charges premium prices for many products
- Requires ongoing maintenance, according to customer reviews
- Certain units require a specific thermostat to work properly
Amana
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Price Range: $3,600 to $11,000
- SEER Rating: Up to 25
What we like about Amana: Amana has a vast inventory of air conditioning units and is part of Goodman, the world's largest HVAC manufacturer. They offer high-quality air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers through their sister company CleanComfort. Amana provides customers with two-way communication technology to optimize energy efficiency and lower electricity bills.
Recommended model: The Amana PBC123 Through-the-Wall unit is an excellent choice for those who value technology and convenience. It features an electronic touchpad with a remote control and easy configuration of temperature capabilities, fan auto cycle, and check-filter light.
Benefits of Amana:
- Includes a limited lifetime replacement warranty on high-end units
- Includes noise reduction features on many units
- Offers a wide range of units with smart-home integrations
Drawbacks of Amana:
- Can have lengthy wait times for repairs on certain units if technology malfunctions
- Includes features that may require tech savviness for some customers
- Has lower product performance ratings among customers compared to other brands
American Standard
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Price Range: $3,500 to $10,900
- SEER Rating: Up to 22
What we like about American Standard: American Standard is a well-established company that has been in business for nearly 100 years. They offer competitively priced units and have a vast network of certified dealers who can provide expert advice based on your region's climate. Their units come with a 10-year limited warranty and often incorporate smart-home technology.
Recommended model: We recommend the NAXWPH High-Efficiency system for its energy-saving capabilities. It has a SEER rating of up to 33.1, washable anti-allergen air filters, and smart-home integration.
Benefits of American Standard:
- Includes smart-home integrations
- Well-priced for its features
- Utilizes a network of certified dealers
Drawbacks of American Standard:
- Customers report that their products are louder than some other brands
- Not as energy-efficient as other brands on our list
- Compressor coverage only for high-end units
What to Look for in an Air Conditioner Brand
When choosing an air conditioner brand, there are several factors to consider:
Customer Service
Responsive, friendly, and helpful customer service is crucial. Look for brands that offer multiple contact options, such as phone, email, and online request forms. Additionally, check for mobile apps with live chat features. Reading customer reviews can give you insights into the brand's customer support.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency directly affects your electricity bills. Look for units with high SEER ratings, which indicate better efficiency. Consider choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified unit, ensuring it meets federal guidelines for energy efficiency.
Noise
If noise is a concern, check the unit's noise score in decibels (dB). Brands often provide this information on their websites, allowing you to choose a unit that suits your preferences.
Smart-Home Features
Smart-home features can provide better temperature control and energy savings. Look for units that can be controlled through a mobile app, voice commands, or remote control. These features allow you to adjust temperature and humidity levels manually or automatically based on your preferences.
Warranty Coverage
A solid warranty is essential to protect your investment. Review the warranty coverage details on the manufacturer's website before making a purchase. Look for warranties that cover both parts and labor for at least 10 years.
How Does a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Work?
Wall-mounted air conditioners are sleek and subtle, using advanced technology to cool your space effectively. Most designs feature rectangular units that blow air over coolant coils while expelling warm air outside. These units fit into framed holes on exterior walls and come with specially designed containment wall sleeves for an airtight seal.
Should You Get a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner?
Wall-mounted air conditioners or ductless mini-split air conditioners can be a cost-effective and easy-to-install alternative to central air conditioning. They are particularly useful for guest houses, studios, sheds, or outdoor workshops. However, if you plan to resell your main home, it's best to avoid wall or window AC units as they may be less desirable to potential buyers.
Our Recommendation
Our top recommendation for wall-mounted AC units is Carrier. Despite being more expensive than other brands, Carrier stands out with its high energy efficiency, low noise levels, and positive customer reviews. Lennox is our runner-up, offering exceptional energy efficiency at a more affordable price.
We highly recommend reading customer reviews and thoroughly reviewing warranty details before making a final decision. Additionally, we suggest obtaining price estimates from at least three different brands to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
How We Chose the Top HVAC Brands
Our selection process involved extensive research on dozens of HVAC brands. We evaluated each brand's product specifications, SEER ratings, AFUE ratings, and sound ratings to ensure they met industry standards. We also considered ENERGY STAR certification and closely examined each brand's warranty coverage. Customer reputation and years of experience were also crucial factors considered in our evaluation.
By following these guidelines and considering the top wall-mounted air conditioner brands for 2024, you can make an informed decision and enjoy optimal cooling for your home or space.
