If all you know about air conditioning units is that they keep your home at 68℉, you know next to nothing about them. The best 15000 BTU air conditioner will shelter you from the sweltering summer heat. But, be careful – the wrong one will make your energy bills go through the roof and leave areas of your home uncomfortably hot and humid.
On our quest for the best 15000 BTU air conditioner, we considered four key characteristics. The type of unit was most valuable, as some consumers prefer window units while others enjoy portable air conditioners. BTUs and coverage areas go hand in hand, so we focused on 15000 BTUs and 300-800 square feet of indoor coverage. Dimensions were critical because some consumers have more space to work with, and the warranty was vital for saving money in the long-term. Now, let’s take a closer look at our top 15000 BTU air conditioners starting with the Perfect Aire 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, our Editor’s Choice.
More features: quick installation, remote control, comes with washable filter and window mounting kit, soft-touch buttons
It may not be as mighty as a central air system, but the Perfect Aire 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is pretty darn close.
The environment and electronics don’t usually go hand-in-hand, but you can expect that with this AC unit. This Perfect Aire window unit boasts an energy saver mode that’ll keep your monthly energy bill at the forefront — it’ll turn itself off automatically when your desired temperature is reached to save energy and cash. This unit also boasts a safer refrigerant alternative (R32) to prevent dangerous spillage and a washable air filter to limit what you send over to the landfill.
This unit from Perfect Aire comes with a nifty remote control with a “Follow Me” function that’ll essentially turn your remote into a thermostat. Instead of struggling with a unit that only reads the temperature a few inches in front of the device, you can count on the entire room being chilled to a cozy 62℉. Never settle for the chair closest to the AC to stay cool during summer. Unfortunately, it can be somewhat tricky to install due to its weight.
More features: adjustable fan speed, sleep mode, quick to install, LED display, 24-hour timer, self-evaporating, quiet operation, comes with window kit
For a portable AC unit like the Black + Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner, “efficiency” and “convenience” are the names.
At hardly 17” long at its widest point, this dainty unit won’t eat up your precious floor space in a small apartment or dorm room — so leave the floor space for the essential things like a place to sit. Off-season storage when winter strikes will require nothing more than disconnecting the exhaust kit and rolling this AC unit into the depths of your bedroom closet. It’s that simple!
You sure are getting some bang for your buck for the pretty penny that you’re spending on this portable air conditioner. A quick hook-up to the nearest window will send those steamy temperatures packing — this beast of a unit can drop your bedroom temperature 10℉ in less than an hour for quick results. This AC unit also doubles as a self-evaporating dehumidifier to keep your air dry and mildew at bay, leaving you to never have to drain an AC unit again. Just make sure the unit stands upright for at least a day before using, and don’t forget to clean it from time to time.
More features: quiet operation, dampening brackets, light and small design, maximized air flow and performance
Calling all camping enthusiasts: The Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner is the 15000 BTU RV AC that your camper needs for a cozy camping trip or a family road trip adventure.
The geniuses at Dometic spent years crafting this Dometic 15000 BTU AC unit, making it a labor of love and the “gold standard” for RV cooling. As this unit bakes in the 95℉ temperatures of the West Coast, you won’t know what to expect when you open that camper door — you’ll be lounging comfortably in a 70℉ oasis day or night, bedroom or kitchen. This system is so powerful that you no longer have to be a stickler for keeping the RV door shut.
Installing an AC unit on a camper isn’t as simple as slipping a window unit into its chassis. Though, the manufacturer makes the install of this unit possible to figure out without directions. Load your toolbox with your Phillip’s head screwdriver and a ⅜” wrench and head out to the driveway. In less than a few hours, a temperature-controlled RV is your reality!
More features: 3 cooling and fan-only speeds, auto fan, Energy Star certified, Wi-Fi control with voice command app, antimicrobial air filter, auto-restart
Smart units like the Friedrich CCW15B10A Air Conditioner make manually-adjusting your indoor AC temperature officially “old-school.”
Remote-controlled AC units are convenient, but fumbling around with the remote as you’re out of range isn’t. This unit by Friedrich is as tech-savvy as you can get — you can control it via Google Home, Alexa, or the FriedrichGo app. Just alert your favorite device that you want to change the fan speed or drop the temperature from halfway across your apartment.
This AC unit is even “smarter” thanks to the design and construction. The manufacturer strategically crafted the casing to keep outdoor sounds (like your neighbor’s loud party) from sneaking in and keeping you up. The dampened vibration in the fan and compressor regions will blow crisp cold air 25% quieter than any other AC unit. So set this device to your ideal sleep temperature and rest your head on your pillow for a quiet, cool night’s sleep.
More features: LED display, Energy Star rated, 3 cooling and fan speeds, 24-hour timer, comes with window installation kit, washable filter, auto-restart
The TCL 15W3E1-A 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is what your new home needs if you crave the chill while keeping money in your wallet.
This AC unit covers 700 sq. ft. of living space for a fraction of the cost of other popular units — and, it sure covers every nook and cranny. This TCL air conditioner has multi-direction louvers that blow in eight different ways. Now, you don’t have to sit right in front of the AC to cool off on a hot day, just sit back and relax as this air conditioner keeps you comfortably cool.
The energy efficiency this unit provides will be enough to seal the deal for any Earth lover. With an EER of 11.9, this unit is about 50% more energy-efficient than the average air conditioner. The Eco Mode setting makes this possible — this AC unit will automatically turn off the compressor once your room is cooled to your ideal temperature. The fan will take over, effectively cutting your energy costs while still providing you with a relieving breeze. As for the drawbacks, a few people complained about condensation inside.
More features: remote control, dehumidifies up to 3.8 pints per hour, dual-exhaust, 3 speeds, 24-hour timer, comes with window kit
The Whirlpool 14,000 BTU Dual-Exhaust Portable Air Conditioner is the perfect solution if your rooms tend to get scorching hot and unbelievably steamy.
This portable AC unit (15000 BTU) is a dehumidifying phenomenon that can wick up to 3.8 pints of water from the air every hour. Lowering the humidity can make the air less heavy to breathe, drop the “Feels Like” temperature by several degrees, and keep gross grime and mildew from growing on the surfaces. Your air will always be dry, crisp, and clean!
The dual hose exhaust system turns this “good” AC unit into a “great” one. Single hose systems are problematic, to say the least — they create negative pressure that allows hot air to leak back into your room from the cracks in your windows and doors. The two hoses on this unit will keep warm air out for good and draw cold air to keep your system chilled. This AC unit will never have to work against itself as it tries to keep your room comfy. But, it can still be quite loud.
More features: LED display, remote control, 24-hour timer, auto restart, washable filter, quiet and fast cooling, 8-way air direction, easy to install
An all-in-one HVAC unit doesn’t exist unless you’re purchasing this wildly overlooked TCL 14PH31 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.
Many AC units do a wonderful job keeping bedrooms cool, but they’ll collect dust in your closet when winter finally arrives. This TCL AC unit also doubles as a heater, making a cool and cozy temperature a year-round guarantee. For an extra $100, you can count on this powerhouse to beat the heat, cold, and moisture. Unfortunately, the remote can be a bit tricky to use.
This nifty AC unit will give you 350 sq. ft. of coverage and reach every square inch with coolness thanks to the automatic-swivel blowers. When the high temperatures come with insane humidity, this unit has your back. It’ll suck any excess moisture out of the air to keep indoor air cool and easy to breathe. The system will then automatically evaporate the moisture to keep you from getting down and dirty draining the device. Just set it and forget it!
More features: remote control, 4 modes, auto-restart, continuous auto air sweep louvers, washable antimicrobial air filter, standard installation hardware
The 700 sq. ft. of coverage and oscillating feature that this unit provides is perfect for your home’s corners that your older AC can never seem to reach. When the outdoor temperature soars well over 90℉, you’ll be relaxing comfortably in a sweet 70℉ haven — just toggle a few settings on your remote, and an ice-cold breeze will cool a scorching room down in minutes.
Thus, you will never have to choose between a cool bedroom and a quiet bedroom. This Friedrich window-mounted unit boasts an incredibly quiet compressor and fan construction, unlike the competition. So, no more yelling across the room to talk to your spouse or cranking up the TV’s volume to hear your favorite shows! This AC unit will emit nothing more than white noise to make a restful and interrupted sleep a thing of the future. Unfortunately, it is a bit heavy, so it might take a while to install it.
Deciding to buy a brand new 15000 BTU AC unit is the first step toward a relaxing and comfortable home during the steamy summer months. But, not every AC unit on our list will make a great fit in your home. So in this buying guide, we’ll be discussing how to figure out which of our favorite units best meets your needs. To do that, we’re going to be reviewing the minor details that make each 15000 BTU unit unique. We’ll then conclude the buying guide section with the answers to some frequently asked questions.
It’s safe to say that a 15000 BTU air conditioner boasts quite a few unique benefits. Below, we’ll discuss some of the key features and advantages that stand out most.
It’s important to understand that a 15000 BTU AC unit won’t make sense in all homes, especially in scorching areas of the country or in large spaces.
Before you buy a brand new 15000 BTU air conditioning unit, you’ll want to think about the following things:
Now that you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, we’re going to walk you through decision-making and buying processes.
There are three major types of 15000 BTU AC units: portable, window-mounted, and rooftop.
Portable AC units like the Whirlpool 14,000 BTU Dual-Exhaust Portable Air Conditioner will rest on the floor next to a window. An air hose will be wedged within the window to allow hot exhaust and air to escape. These units also have wheels so you can roll them from room to room.
Window-mounted units like the TCL 15W3E1-A 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner are lodged directly below an open window and are a bit too bulky to move. The noisier pieces of the unit are housed outside the window, meaning these AC units tend to be on the quieter side.
Rooftop units like the Dometic 15000 BTU RV AC are primarily installed on large vehicles like RVs and campers. This style of AC unit can improve cooling and airflow in your camper as you’re road tripping across the country.
The power of an AC unit is described in BTUs, which stands for “British thermal unit.” In our reviews, we focused mostly on AC units within the 13000 to 15000 BTU range. A unit of this power will consume about 1250 to 1875 watts per hour, on average.
To figure out if an air conditioner is energy-efficient, all it takes is a simple equation. Divide the BTU value by the approximate wattage to get the EER or the “energy efficiency ratio.” The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the unit is.
If you value energy efficiency and want to save a few bucks on your electric bill, you may wish to purchase an Energy Star certified air conditioner with a high EER rating (11+).
For example, the Friedrich CCW15B10A Air Conditioner costs just $125 to run each year.
The power of your air conditioning unit will determine how much indoor coverage it offers as well. The coverage area is often defined in square feet and describes what space your AC unit can keep cool.
An AC unit should be able to keep one square foot cool for every 20 BTU. However, this isn’t an exact science. That explains why AC units like the Black + Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner offer just 350 square feet of coverage while the Perfect Aire 15,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner can cover an impressive 700 square feet (the size of a tiny apartment).
A 15000 BTU unit will have a coverage range of 350 to 700 square feet. Portable units tend to hover around the lower end of the spectrum, while window-mounted units offer maximum coverage.
One of the most important things to consider when buying a new 15000 BTU AC unit is how it works. Nearly every basic AC unit comes with button controls on the unit to adjust settings, temperature, and fan speeds.
Most AC units these days will come with remote control for convenience purposes as well. Now you can control the temperature and fan speed of your air conditioner from across the room or while you’re lounging on the couch.
Modern AC units, like the Friedrich CCW15B10A Air Conditioner, also have Wi-Fi connectivity and voice command capabilities. These tech-savvy systems allow you to control your home’s ventilation via your smartphone or your voice.
AC units usually have one primary function: distributing cool air to maintain temperature control. However, some units offer more advanced features that can get you more bang for your buck and greater convenience overall.
For example, the Whirlpool 14,000 BTU Dual-Exhaust Portable Air Conditioner also doubles as a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier feature can pull moisture out of the air and lower indoor humidity, helping your room feel even cooler. Less humidity can also make air easier to breathe and reduce the growth of mold and mildew in your home.
Most AC units will also come with a “fan-only” function that’ll simply distribute whatever air is currently in the room. This is a great feature to have if you enjoy a nice gentle breeze while you’re sleeping.
Since a 15000 BTU air conditioning unit is considered “middle of the road” in terms of power, these units also tend to be on the smaller side.
Portable AC units come with wheels so that you can move them from one room to another, and they typically don’t take up more than 4 square feet of floor space.
Window-mounted units tend to be a bit bulkier, but it’s important to remember that half of the unit will extend out of the window. These units are typically under 30” wide, so you’ll need to check that your specific model will fit in the desired window.
A 15000 BTU air conditioner will cost you an average of $500 or more for a good unit. So, you want to be sure that you’re getting your money’s worth by purchasing a unit with a warranty.
Most of the AC units among our favorites come with a one-year warranty on labor and parts. If your AC suddenly stops working within 365 days of your purchase, you might be able to get a free replacement or repairs done by the manufacturer.
Some of the units on our list have extended warranties on specific parts. For example, the Friedrich Chill Series CP15G10B Room Air Conditioner comes with a five-year warranty on the sealed refrigerant system. This system keeps the Freon from leaking out of the AC unit, so this warranty can save you a lot in replacement costs.
15000 BTU air conditioners are pretty straightforward, but there are a few extra features or characteristics you’ll want to weigh. These include:
Most of these features are purely for convenience purposes. You might find quiet operation to be crucial while another person prefers washable filters more. Decide what’s important to you.
Most 15000 BTU air conditioners will be a little more costly than you’d expect. You should anticipate paying between $300 and $800 on a new unit, with window-mounted air conditioners being pricier than portable ones.
The Black + Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner is the most affordable air conditioner on our list. Listed at a little more than $400, this unit will offer up to 350 square feet of coverage, pull moisture out of the air with the dehumidifying feature, and have a remote control.
Higher-end models include the Friedrich CCW15B10A Air Conditioner, boasting a normal list price of over $800. This tech-savvy window-mounted unit can be controlled via voice or Wi-Fi connectivity, is Energy Star certified, and can keep large rooms comfortably cool.
Our favorite AC unit in our 15000 BTU air conditioner reviews is the Perfect Aire Window Air Conditioner. This model offers 700 sq. ft. of cooling and hardly makes a sound!
In a close second is the Black + Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner. It can cool a room in as little as 15 minutes, keeps the air cool and dry, and has a convenient 24-hour timer.
The third place goes to the Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner. This model is simple to install on an RV. Also, it boasts several vents to keep all rooms cool and is the “gold standard” for RV AC units.
We hope that this guide helped you find the best 15000 BTU air conditioner, and now, you can enjoy the cool breeze during those hot summer months!
