Summer is right around the corner and with it comes the horrors of sleepless nights in the sweaty sheets. If you’re easily disturbed by steady humming you’ve probably thought the same as us: what’s the quietest through the wall air conditioner on the market? We decided to find out!
In addition to our picks you’ll find some insight on why you should choose a through the wall AC instead of other options and what factors you should take into consideration before buying. As the demand for air conditioners is on the rise, you’re not the only one pondering over these questions!
If you’re here to just find out a short answer to the question here’s a quick glance at our findings:
| AC Unit | Photo | Details | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Air Kontrol AK-08HS115V |  | Noise level: 51 dB Capacity: 8,000 BTU Dehumidifying: ❌ Energy Star: ❌ Voltage: 115 V | No products found. |
| LG LT0816CER |  | Noise level: 56/53 (on high/low) Capacity: 8,000 BTU Dehumidifying: ✅ Energy Star: ✅ Voltage: 115 V | See details |
| Emerson Quiet Kool |  | Noise level: Under 57 dB Capacity: 14,000 BTU Dehumidifying: ❌ Energy Star: ❌ Voltage: 230 V | See details |
| Koldfront WTC8002WCO |  | Noise level: Under 57 dB Capacity: 8,000 BTU Dehumidifying: ✅ Energy Star: ❌ Voltage: 115 V | See details |
| Keystone KSTAT12-1C |  | Noise level: 56 dB (on low) Capacity: 12,000 BTU Dehumidifying: ✅ Energy Star: ✅ Voltage: 115 V | See details |
Quietest Through The Wall Air Conditioner 2023
1. Star Air Kontrol 8,000 BTU – Quietest Through The Wall Air Conditioner
- Cooling area: Up to 170 sq ft
- Noise level: 51 dB
- Cooling power: 8,000 BTU
- Dehumidifying: ❌
- Fan: 3-speed
- Timer:
- Remote control: ✅
- Size: 20.3 x 14.5 x 24.2 in
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Energy Star: ❌
- Voltage: 115 V
No products found.
Star Air Kontrol AK-08HS115V is the most silent through the wall air conditioner that we found in our research. With an operating noise level of just 51 dBA it’s a step above the rest of our picks.
However, it does lack some of the features that its competitors have, and it is best suited for smaller spaces (up to 170 square feet) with the cooling power of 8,000 BTUs. If your only criterion is the sound, it is your pick. Otherwise we would suggest you to keep scrolling.
2. LG 8,000 BTU Silent Wall Air Conditioner
- Cooling area: Up to 330 sq ft
- Noise level: 56/53 dB (high/low)
- Cooling power: 8,000 BTU
- Dehumidifying cap.: 2.1 pints / hour
- Fan: 3-speed
- Timer: Up to 24 hrs ✅
- Remote control: ✅
- Size: 24 x 14.41 x 20.09 in
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Energy Star: ✅
- Voltage: 115 V
- Energy Efficient R-32 Refrigernat: With an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.7, this Energy Star-rated air conditioner employs the most efficient refrigerant currently used in the industry.
- Through the Wall Installation: This 8,000 BTU air conditioner is suited for a through the wall installation. Unit has dimensions of 24” W x 20.1” D x 14.4” H and requires a wall sleeve of 24.5”-27” in width (recommended–AXSVA1 or AXSVA4, sold separately).
- Confident Cooling: This air conditioner features 3 cooling speeds and 3 pre-programmed modes meant to cool rooms up to 330 Sq. Ft.. Dry mode removes up to 2.1 pints of moisture per hour. 4-way air deflection gives you ultimate flexibility.
- Accessories Included: A plastic, snap-together trim kit finishes the indoor installation, while a plastic mesh grille protects the outdoor. A washable, reusable filter, insulation foam, and a remote control are also included.
LG LT0816CER is the most silent air conditioner with dehumidifying capabilities on our list. In addition to all the premium features that it comes equipped with it’s also energy-effective: it’s one of the two AC units on our list with an Energy Star certificate. Similar to the Star Air Kontrol it’s also best suited for smaller rooms.
3. Emerson Quiet Kool 14,000 BTU Through The Wall Air Conditioner
- Cooling area: Up to 700 sq ft
- Noise level: < 57 dB
- Cooling power: 14,000 BTU
- Dehumidifying: ❌
- Fan: 3-speed
- Timer: Up to 24 hrs ✅
- Remote control: ✅
- Size: 20.3 x 24.2 x 14.5 in
- Weight: 91.9 lbs
- Energy Star: ❌
- Voltage: 230 V
- QUIET COOLING AND HEATING: This through the wall air conditioner (14, 000 BTU cooling / 10, 600 BTU heating) efficiently cools and heats up to 700 sq. ft. At 57dB, this unit is among the quietest in the industry, making it ideal for family rooms and other medium to large sized rooms. (Product is not suitable for window installation)
- EXCLUSIVE 1-2-5 : Your Emerson Quiet Kool Wi-fi enabled air conditioner comes with an industry-exclusive 1-2-5 that covers 1 year of labor, 2 years of parts, and 5 years on the compressor. Buy and use with confidence.
- LCDI NEMA 6-20P PLUG: 4. 8 ft power cord with special LCDI NEMA 6-20P plug requires 230 volt/20 amp outlet, and is unable to be plugged into a standard 115V electrical outlet.Application area Cooling EPA (sp. ft):550
- SPLIT AIR EXHAUST VENTS: Two air exhaust vents (instead of one) combine with three fan speeds to give you 8-way flexibility to direct the flow of air where you want it when you want it.
- PROGRAMMABLE TIMER AND SLEEP MODE: Integrated 24-hour timer can be set via on-board controls, remote control, phone/tablet app, or voice controls. Intelligent sleep mode goes one step further by slowly adjusting the temperature and fan speed to keep you comfortable overnight while saving you energy and money.
The 14,000 BTU version of Emerson’s Quiet Kool series is a powerful beast, yet it still remains silent. The silent operating sound is not the only thing that makes it a wonderful pick for restless sleepers: Emerson has also included a button on the remote for turning off the display. If you’re easily distracted by even the smallest lights in your bedroom, this feature is a godsent.
If you’ve got a large master bedroom, look no further.
4. Koldfront 115V 8,000 BTU Thru-The-Wall Air Conditioner
- Cooling area: Up to 300-350 sq ft
- Noise level: < 57 dB
- Cooling power: 8,000 BTU
- Dehumidifying: ✅
- Temperature: 62° F – 86° F
- Fan: 4-speed
- Timer: Up to 24 hrs ✅
- Remote control: ✅
- Size: 14.5 x 24.2 x 20.3 in
- Weight: 64.9 lbs
- Energy Star: ❌
- Voltage: 115 V
- PLEASE NOTE: This product does not ship to California. It is not approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for sale in California.
- 8,000 BTU cooling; Coverage area 300-350 square feet; EER 10.6; Remote control included
- Temperature Range: 62° F - 86° F; Sleep mode; 24 hour timer; Energy saver feature; Control panel with digital display
- Dimensions: 14.5" H x 24.2" W x 20.3" D; Weight 68.3 lbs; Dehumidifier function; Power cord length 6 1/2 ft; Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
- Compatible with the Koldfront wall air conditioner sleeve (WTCSLV) sold separately
If you’re looking for versatility, this Koldfront 8,000 BTU AC unit might be your pick with its 4 different fan speed options, 24 hr timer and energy saving & dehumidifying functions.
Best suited for areas up to 300-350 square feet it is not ideal for larger rooms, but there are 10,000 and 12,000 BTU models of the same device available.
5. Keystone KSTAT12-1C 12,000 BTU 56 dB Air Conditioner
- Cooling area: Up to 550 sq ft
- Noise level: 56 dB (on low)
- Cooling power: 12,000 BTU
- Dehumidifying cap.: 2.5 pints / hour
- Fan: 3-speed
- Timer: Up to 24 hrs ✅
- Remote control: ✅
- Size: 24.2 x 20.3 x 14.5 in
- Weight: 75.9 lbs
- Energy Star: ✅
- Voltage: 115 V
- Energy Star Rated: With a 10.5 energy efficiency ratio (EER), this 12,000 BTU through the wall air conditioner can effectively cool rooms up to 550 sq. ft and dehumidify up to 2.5 pints per hour. Perfect for medium to large bedrooms, living rooms, basements, bathrooms, or family rooms. (Product is not suitable for window installation).
- Smart Remote Control: With a thermostat built into the remote control, it's able to sense the temperature of the room and adjust as needed. The 'Follow Me' remote makes it easier to control the unit from anywhere in the room and its integrated thermostat signals the AC to cool the space based on where you are.
- Front Access Filter: Let’s face it. Filters collect dust. With our front-access design, cleaning that dusty filter is a piece of cake. Simply pull it out, vacuum or rinse and dry, and slide back into place for a reliable clean. An easy clean washable and reusable mesh filter makes maintenance hassle free. The unit will alert you through the Check Filter signal when it is time to clean.
- Custom Cooling: While there are 3 cooling modes and 3 fan speeds pre-programmed, you have flexibility. The Auto option will automatically ramp up and down the fan speed to keep you’re pre-set temperature constant. The Energy-saver mode conserves energy and saves you money by turning off the compressor once your desired temperature is reached. This AC unit is ideal for climate control in your home, apartment, bedroom, or living room.
- Universal Fit: This air conditioner will fit in your existing 24. 5” to 27” durable sleeve. We guarantee it. At 20. 3” D x 24. 2” W x 14. 5” H, we provide the foam seals and installation kit necessary to retrofit your existing sleeve. If you don’t have a sleeve, the matching Keystone KSTSLV1 is also available for purchase (sold separately), which allows for an easy, sturdy installation. 7-ft. LCDI power cord with NEMA 5-15P plug uses standard 115V electrical outlet
Keystone KSTAT12-1C is suited for cooling areas up to 550 square feet in size. The quiet operation sound (56 dB on low) is just one of the highlights of this Energy Star rated unit: it also has the highest dehumidifying capacity of our chosen air conditioners. Combine all this with the usual goods (3-speed fan, 24 hr timer, a temperature sensing LCD remote) and you’ve got yourself an excellent quiet through the wall air conditioner.
Choosing The Right AC Unit
If you’re totally new to air conditioning, here are some factors that you need to take into account when choosing from the wide array of options.
Room Size & Cooling Power
Cooling capacity is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. There are a lot of factors that make it impossible to say for certain that how much is needed – insulation, humidity, how many heating electronic devices are in the room, are the windows exposed to direct sunlight etc.
As a rough generalization, however, we would advise as follows:
- 8,000 BTU up to 340 sq ft
- 10,000 BTU up to 450 sq ft
- 12,000 BTU up to 550 sq ft
- 14,000 BTU up to 700 sq ft
Operation Volume
Since we are looking for through-the-wall air conditioners that operate as silently as possible, loudness of the unit is quite obviously a major factor. We’ve only included units that produce less than 60 decibels of noise according to the manufacturer – the lower the better.
Dehumidifying Capacity
Do you also need dehumidifying with air conditioning? Some air conditioners also operate as dehumidifiers. Dehumidifying capacity is measured in how many pints of excessive moisture the device can remove per day or hour.
Heating
Some units can also be used as heat pumps. Are you only in need of cooling or is this a feature that you could use? If you want a unit that handles both, check out our Best Through The Wall Air Conditioner With Heat guide.
Room Height
Taller rooms require more cooling power.
Advantages Of Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners
Deciding between portable, window and through the wall air conditioners requires some thinking.
Installation
First, let’s get the “for dummies” part out of the way: portable air conditioners are the easiest ones to install since you only need to place (not mount) it close to a window and install the hose. Window AC units are almost as easy, but most people don’t realize that they are not designed for any particular window, making it more complicated since you need to make sure that the unit fits your window.
With through the wall AC units you can just make the whole properly sized (or have it done if you’re like most of us). Yes, it’s a project of its own but the result is also permanent. Window units are usually uninstalled and stored elsewhere for cold seasons. Not to mention that having one on your window isn’t the most beautiful of sights, and it could potentially be blocking off a sight that you enjoy.
Wall air conditioners can usually be installed anywhere on your wall, so it will not be blocking off anything or take any space on your floor, like a portable AC unit does.
Cost-Effectiveness
Even though window-mounted air conditioners are cheaper than through the wall alternatives, they tend to waste more energy, resulting in higher running costs. A through the wall AC will end up saving you more money in the long run.
Last update on 2023-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API