In 1952, Friedrich started manufacturing air conditioners to cement its position as the world’s leader in cooling and refrigeration equipment. It is a brand that has been in the industry for long and demonstrated reliability and high quality, especially when it comes to window and portable AC units.
We reviewed 15 of their models which come in different types, sizes and coverage area to determine the best Friedrich air conditioner that would be suitable for your requirements. The following comparison table outlines the top 5 products that provide great value in terms of features, performance and competitive price. The best among them is the Friedrich ES12N33B which is an surprisingly decent device. We factored in several features when researching the best Friedrich air conditioner. First, we considered the type of model to provide you with a variety of installation options that would be convenient for your room’s layout. Secondly, we evaluated the coverage area and the BTUs to identify the products that have sufficient power to cool substantial spaces. Thirdly, we looked at the dimensions for space-saving installation and the number of fan speeds for customizable output.
More features: Wi-Fi capability; timer; Energy Star certified
Our Editor’s Choice is packed with advanced features such as Wi-Fi capability which applies in all the models in Kuhl Series. This allows you to operate the unit from a smartphone, computer, smart Grid and other compatible mobile devices.
Friedrich ES12N33B also boasts of a high EER rating of 11.3, Energy Star certification, and extensive coverage of up to 500 square feet of space. It achieves this through 8-way air flow system and a powerful cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs.
The unit comes with two integrated schedules and offers an additional five program options that you can customize by tweaking up to four settings each day.
It installs in a window or through walls up to 7-3/8 inches deep, and the front cover is available in 6 different colors; designer white, black onyx, deep red, pink diamond, cobalt blue, and classic beige.
Protective features include anti-intrusion EntryGard and washable air filters with antimicrobial capability.
As well as performance, this model is one of the best Friedrich wall air conditioners in durability. It is made of heavy-gauge galvanized steel, high-tech aluminum fins and rifled copper tubing. The mounting hardware is rubberized to reduce the level of noise. The only thing that may deter you is the price but you would hardly find these features in cheaper units.
More features: slide-out chassis; remote control
Friedrich CP08G10B is a window cooling unit that can also be mounted through walls up to 7½ inches deep. The hole should have a width of 18-7/8 inches and a height of 14-1/8 inches. It is equipped to improve air quality in rooms with maximum square footage of 350 at a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTUs.
The Friedrich AC unit works as a dehumidifier and an air conditioner. It is easy to repair and clean this appliance because it slides in and out of the sleeve.
Unfortunately, there are several buyers who received damaged units and defective misaligned fans. Owners would also prefer a manual that is more comprehensive on through-the-wall installation although the slide-out chassis makes it easier to screw on the supports.
Despite these drawbacks, this is one of the bestselling Friedrich wall air conditioners on Amazon and it is certified by Energy Star. Buyers like the automatic swiveling louvers which circulates air in multiple directions, the low sound output and the powerful and quick cooling effects. They also appreciate the convenient remote control, economical Energy Saver feature, and the flexible power cord that runs on either side of the unit.
More features: heating capability; 24-hour timer
Friedrich EP08G11B is part of the Chill Series which also have an impressive heating capability. It features cooling power of 7,500 BTUs and a heating capacity of 3,850 BTUs. The dual-function unit evenly distributes air through an automatic sweeping action by the louvers which swing from left to right. This is an efficient Friedrich wall air conditioner that is plugged into 220V outlets. It has an EER rating of 11.2. EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is derived by comparing the cooling capacity in BTUs to the power consumed in wattage. A high EER rating indicates greater efficiency.
Other notable features include an antibacterial air filter that can be washed for long-term use and a safety guard which prevents intruders from gaining access by kicking in the unit.
You can choose from three cooling settings or opt for fan mode only to turn off the compressor and save energy. The controls and display is mounted at the top of the air conditioner. To prevent the appliance from cycling on and off when heating mode is active, deactivate “Money Saver” mode first by pressing the button on the left of the “Heat” button.
We like the auto restart feature which resumes operation with the settings programmed prior to a power outage, the slide-out chassis which makes maintenance easier and the flexible set up options for windows or through walls up to eight inches deep.
Owners like the precise temperature control and the minimal noise. The main complaint regards the remote control which picks and interprets signals such as temperature change poorly unless you are close to the unit.
More features: 4 speeds; Sleep Control function; dual, easy-access antimicrobial nylon filters
One of the features that give Friedrich ZonAire Portable Air Conditioner an edge over Friedrich P10S, which is the dual washable and antimicrobial nylon filters which improve your air quality by removing allergens and other harmful microorganisms.
It also has a higher cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs to cover a broader space of up to 400 square feet. Otherwise, similar features include four speed settings, sleep control function, caster wheels and the ability to operate as a heater, dehumidifier and air conditioner.
When you activate sleep mode, the unit raises the temperature of your room by 2 degrees after every 4 hours.
There is also a built-in storage where you snap the hose in place and a control panel at the top with an LED display and a rotary dial for adjusting temperature and fan speed. Buyers like the large display, accessible user-friendly controls and the quiet operation.
Cool air is distributed from the front side and hot air is exhausted from the back. To use the appliance for heating, switch the front and back sides and then attach the provided hose which also expels condensate. Since the tube is made of thin vinyl, you may have to insulate it with tape to limit heat loss. The tape will also prevent the hose from detaching.
More features: 3-in-1 system; Sleep function, programmable timer
Friedrich P10S provides great value because you can use it in all kinds of climate since it offers three functionalities in the same appliance: cooling, dehumidification and heating. The unit has a heating capacity of 10,000 BTUs and a dehumidification rate of 4.4 pints of moisture in every hour. This makes it the best Friedrich portable air conditioner for mid-sized offices of up to 300 square feet and data centers which require optimal airflow and humidity. To use bonus heat option, turn the air conditioner around and apply the heat clip.
It features a programmable timer, on-board storage compartment for the hose, and four adjustable fan speeds. To reduce the noise of the fans for quiet and comfortable sleep, set the speed to the lowest setting and activate the sleep function.
The casters allow you to easily move the unit to any spot you need to cool and the included remote control enables you to adjust the settings from afar. At the bottom is a white drain plug where you attach a drain tube. Alternatively, you can remove the plug and tilt the unit from an elevated position to drain the collected moisture in low humidity.
This Friedrich AC unit comes with installation hardware but you will have to cut the adjustable window sleeve to fit a regular window since it covers the venting hole. You may also need to use duct tape to keep the hose attached to the back. A few users have complained about the noise levels and the inability to automatically shut off the unit once the target temperature is reached.
In addition to longevity, we look at the other qualities that make Friedrich AC units a popular and reliable choice. We also discuss the most important features to consider before buying the best Friedrich portable or wall air conditioner.
Friedrich has been in existence for more than a decade and is a pioneer of several refrigerated and air conditioning inventions.
The Company offers several solutions of different types with various capacities and installation options for diverse applications. You can choose units that only cool the room or a versatile Friedrich AC unit that cools, heats and dehumidifies it. Alternatively, there is an option for Wi-Fi connectivity for models like Friedrich ES12N33B.
The products are energy-efficient because they are equipped with economical settings such as programmable timers, thermostats, variable speed and Energy Saver mode. They are also certified by Energy Star so you can expect a Friedrich portable air conditioner to consume 10% less energy than a non-certified brand.
Friedrich wall air conditioners are easy to set up and maintain them. They come with comprehensive installation kits and slide-out chassis that makes it easy to remove the unit for cleaning and repairs.
Lastly, they are cost-effective and made of durable material.
To maximize output, efficiency and durability, there are a number of key factors you should keep in mind to identify the most suitable Friedrich AC unit for your space and climate.
Friedrich AC units are available as window models, portable products, air conditioners, through-the-wall air conditioners, ductless split systems, and dehumidifiers. Majority of their window air conditioners support installation through the wall with the depth varying from one model to another. For heating, some products come with heat pumps that can be reversed and others use electric heat.
You can see the same versatility in the functionalities of the Company’s products. A good illustration is Friedrich P10S which is our choice for Best Value because it is a multipurpose appliance that is capable of cooling, heating and dehumidification. It extracts moisture at an hourly rate of 4.4 pints.
BTU which stands for British Thermal Unit refers to a unit’s cooling capacity per hour. The best Friedrich wall air conditioner should cool and dehumidify your room before cycling off when the target temperature is reached. For example, Friedrich ES12N33B that is designed to cover rooms of up to 500 square feet features a powerful cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs and an efficient 8-way air flow system. Otherwise, a higher BTU-rated appliance would turn off too soon and skip moisture extraction from the air and a lower rated one would have to overwork to achieve the desired climate.
Increase the recommended BTU amount by 600 for each occupant after the second one and by 4,000 for kitchen installations. Increase your BTU requirement by 10% for rooms with direct sunlight and reduce it by the same number for spaces that are mostly shaded.
Below is a useful guide from Energy Star to help you choose the Friedrich AC unit with the right cooling capacity for the size of your room. Energy Star is approved by The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy to certify products for quality, performance and energy efficiency.
| Area To Be Cooled (square feet) | Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour) |
| 100 up to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 up to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 up to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 up to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 up to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 up to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 up to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 up to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 up to 1,000 | 18,000 |
| 1,000 up to 1,200 | 21,000 |
| 1,200 up to 1,400 | 23,000 |
| 1,400 up to 1,500 | 24,000 |
| 1,500 up to 2,000 | 30,000 |
| 2,000 up to 2,500 | 34,000 |
Before buying the best Friedrich portable air conditioner, you should measure the size of your room in square footage and match it to products designated for that coverage area. This information is available in the product description and manual. Friedrich P10S is suitable for spaces of up to 300 square feet.
You can go for a unit that is a size bigger but not by a large extent since it would cool the room and then turn off before extracting moisture from the air. This would result in a damp and uncomfortable environment. Situations that may necessitate a size larger than recommended are rooms with high ceilings and multiple windows, and spaces with substantial amount of heat load from several heat-generating appliances or close proximity to kitchens.
Multiply the length and width of your square or rectangular room to get its square footage. For triangular shapes, you should divide the square footage by 2. A more complicated design would require to be sub-divided into the shapes we have mentioned so you can use the relevant formula.
One of the best things about Friedrich wall air conditioners and their portable counterparts is the multiple cooling and fan speeds. With these adjustable settings, you can program the unit to work at maximum power to cool a humid room and then cycle off to save energy once it achieves the set temperature.
Variable speed settings allow the Friedrich AC unit to operate more efficiently by adjusting the output to the level of cooling and dehumidification required to maintain optimal climate and comfort. Reducing the fan speed will also generate less noise.
The ideal size will be influenced by the size of the room, the type of product and where it would be installed. Friedrich EP08G11B makes one of the best Friedrich wall air conditioners because it comes in relatively space-saving dimensions of 20.9 x 18.4 x 14 inches that are easy to mount on windows and through walls. The most compact Friedrich portable air conditioner from our list is Friedrich P10S with measurements of 25.2 x 17 x 11.5 inches.
Weight is another prominent parameter to keep in mind when shopping for a Friedrich AC unit. This applies to window versions that come with support brackets for installation and portable models which may need to be moved from one room to another. Fortunately, Friedrich portable air conditioners are available with caster wheels to improve mobility. This is what makes it easy to move Friedrich ZonAire Portable Air Conditioner for spot cooling despite its weight of 55.1 pounds.
Friedrich AC units come with a limited warranty of one year for both portable and window models and a 5-year limited on their sealed systems. Friedrich replaces defective and damaged units as long as it is within this period and an approved technician confirms that you were not responsible for the malfunction.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Friedrich ES12N33B, a powerful conditioner equipped with advanced features such as Wi-Fi capability, high cooling capacity, customizable settings and schedules for 7 days, anti-intrusion guard, and multiple colors to choose from.
Friedrich CP08G10B deserved the second place as a versatile window and through-the-wall air conditioner. It has been certified by Energy Star for being sustainable and economical. This model comes with Energy Saver settings, a cord that connects from either side of the appliance, a remote control, and an installation kit which includes a slide-out sleeve for convenient maintenance of the unit.
Our third pick is the energy-efficient Friedrich EP08G11B with a high EER rating of 11.2. It features auto restart, three cooling settings, “Money Saver” mode, and washable antibacterial air filters.
