Amana vs. GE vs. Friedrich: Which 11,500 BTU Wall Unit Should You Choose?

When I went shopping for a new through-the-wall air conditioner and heat pump, I found myself staring at three brands over and over again: Amana, GE, and Friedrich.

Amana 11,500 BTU 230/208V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat Pump and Remote - PBH113J35AA

All three had options around the 11,500–12,000 BTU range, which is perfect for medium-sized spaces (450–550 sq. ft.). But the deeper I dug into the specs, the more overwhelmed I felt.

Do you go with the budget-friendly GE? The premium Friedrich? Or the middle-of-the-road Amana that promises both cooling and heating?

If you’re in the same boat, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the specs, performance, costs, and real-world experiences with each brand so you can confidently choose the right wall unit for your home.

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📊 Specs at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of three popular models in this size range:

👉 At a glance, Amana gives you heating + cooling in one, GE is widely available and affordable, and Friedrich offers premium efficiency and quiet performance.

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🧱 Amana 11,500 BTU (PBH113J35CC)

I’ll admit I’m biased here—this is the one I chose for my own home.

Strengths

• Dual-purpose: Both AC and heat pump.

• Balanced efficiency: EER 9.8, CEER 9.7.

• Reliable build: Solid casing and quiet operation.

• Affordable mid-range price.

Weaknesses

• Just misses Energy Star certification (needed CEER ≥10).

• Backup electric heat raises bills in very cold climates.

Best For

• Homeowners who want one unit for year-round use.

• Medium-sized rooms (living rooms, large bedrooms).

• Moderate climates where the heat pump can run efficiently.

💡 Samantha’s Note: I chose Amana because I didn’t want to buy a separate heater for winter. In my climate (Mid-Atlantic), it handles 90% of heating needs, and I only supplement with a space heater on the coldest nights.

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⚡ GE 12,000 BTU Wall Unit (AJEQ12DWH)

GE has been a household name for decades, and their wall units are widely sold in big-box stores.

Strengths

• Affordable: Often $100–$200 less than competitors.

• Widely available: Easy to find replacement parts and support.

• Heat pump included: Decent for mild heating.

Weaknesses

• Slightly noisier compared to Amana and Friedrich.

• Efficiency is good (CEER 9.6) but not stellar.

• Build quality feels more “basic” than premium.

Best For

• Budget-conscious homeowners.

• Rental properties or secondary spaces.

• Areas where easy access to parts and service matters.

💡 Samantha’s Note: I almost bought the GE because of the price, but I wanted quieter operation and a sturdier build for long-term comfort.

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❄️ Friedrich 11,500–12,000 BTU Wall Unit (YS12N10)

If Amana is balanced and GE is budget-friendly, Friedrich is premium.

Strengths

• High efficiency: EER 10.5, CEER 10.2 (Energy Star certified).

• Quiet operation: Friedrich units are known for low noise.

• Excellent build quality: Heavy-duty casing, durable parts.

Weaknesses

• Higher price tag: $1,400–$1,600.

• No heat pump—you’ll need a separate heating solution.

• Accessories sometimes proprietary.

Best For

• Homeowners prioritizing efficiency and quiet operation.

• Spaces where noise matters (bedrooms, home offices).

• Warm climates where cooling is the main concern.

💡 Samantha’s Note: If I lived in Florida or Texas where heating wasn’t a big deal, I might have gone Friedrich for the efficiency and quiet.

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💰 Cost Comparison

When budgeting, it’s not just about the upfront price—you need to think about lifetime costs.

• Amana: $1,200–$1,400 upfront. Slightly higher electric bills in deep winter if backup heat runs often.

• GE: $1,100–$1,300 upfront. Efficiency is mid-range, so operating costs are modest.

• Friedrich: $1,400–$1,600 upfront. But thanks to Energy Star efficiency, you’ll save more on energy bills long-term.

👉 If you want the lowest upfront cost, go GE. If you want the lowest long-term operating cost, go Friedrich. If you want the best balance, Amana hits the sweet spot.

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🛠️ Installation & Compatibility

All three brands are designed for 26-inch wall sleeves, which is the industry standard. But compatibility can vary.

• Amana: Fits most 26-inch sleeves. Recommended sleeve: WS900E.

• GE: Fits standard sleeves; trim kits may be needed for perfect seal.

• Friedrich: Often comes with proprietary sleeve requirements—sometimes requires replacing the sleeve.

💡 Samantha’s Note: I tried sliding my Amana into an old GE sleeve. It fit, but the seal wasn’t tight until I used a trim kit. If you’re replacing a Friedrich, be prepared for extra work.

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🏆 Warranty & Support

• Amana: 1-year full warranty, 5-year sealed system coverage. Strong reputation for reliable customer support.

• GE: 1-year limited warranty, broad network of service providers.

• Friedrich: 1-year full warranty, 5-year sealed system. Premium coverage, but parts can take longer to ship.

👉 I found Amana’s warranty support very responsive when I called about a minor part replacement.

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📊 Side-by-Side Summary

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✅ Final Verdict

So, which 11,500–12,000 BTU wall unit should you choose?

• Amana PBH113J35CC: Best all-around option. Cooling + heating in one, solid build, and a fair price point.

• GE AJEQ12DWH: Best budget option. Affordable, widely available, and reliable enough for most needs.

• Friedrich YS12N10: Best premium option. Ultra-efficient and quiet, but no heating and higher cost.

💡 Samantha’s Take: I chose Amana because I wanted one unit that could handle all four seasons. If I lived in a warm climate, I’d probably choose Friedrich for efficiency. If I were outfitting a rental, I’d go with GE for the lower cost.

In the next topic we will know more about: Do Amana Through-the-Wall Units Qualify for Energy Rebates or Tax Credits in 2025?

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🔗 References & Further Reading

1. Amana PTAC & Wall Units – Official Site

2. GE Appliances – Through-the-Wall ACs

3. Friedrich – Wall Units

4. Energy.gov – Room Air Conditioners

5. Energy Star – Room AC Product Criteria

6. Consumer Reports – Wall AC Reviews