When you start shopping for a through-the-wall air conditioner, you quickly notice that three names keep showing up: Amana, GE, and Friedrich. Each one has its own loyal fanbase, its own marketing claims, and its own price points.
Amana 11,800 BTU 230/208V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Remote - PBC123J00AA
But here’s the real question: If you’re a homeowner like me, which one is actually worth buying?
I’ve lived with wall ACs for years. I’ve tested units from all three brands—some in my own home, some at friends’ and neighbors’ places. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison of Amana, GE, and Friedrich, looking at the things that really matter:
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Price 💸
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Noise 🔊
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Energy efficiency ⚡
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Ease of installation & maintenance 🛠️
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Durability & lifespan ⏳
By the end, you’ll know which brand I personally recommend—and whether it’s the right fit for your home.
🛠️ Brand Overviews
Before we dive into comparisons, let’s set the stage.
✅ Amana
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Strengths: Reliability, user-friendly design, solid mid-range pricing.
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Known For: Being a trusted HVAC brand for decades. They’re part of Goodman (which is owned by Daikin, a giant in heating and cooling).
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Typical Buyer: Homeowners who want dependable performance without overpaying.
👉 Mike’s Take: Amana reminds me of that neighbor who always shows up on time—nothing flashy, but you can count on them.
⚡ GE
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Strengths: Widely available, affordable, often sold at big-box stores.
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Known For: Modern looks, digital controls, and smart-home compatibility on some models.
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Typical Buyer: Budget-conscious shoppers or renters who want something easy to buy and set up.
👉 Mike’s Take: GE wall ACs are like the “everyman’s choice.” Easy to find, easy to install, but sometimes a little noisier than I’d like.
🥇 Friedrich
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Strengths: Premium build quality, ultra-quiet operation, top-tier energy efficiency.
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Known For: Being the “luxury” brand in wall ACs. Often found in hotels.
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Typical Buyer: Homeowners who want the quietest, longest-lasting, and most efficient option—and are willing to pay extra.
👉 Mike’s Take: Friedrich is like the Cadillac of wall ACs. I love them, but they don’t come cheap.
📊 Category-by-Category Comparison
Now let’s pit them against each other where it counts.
💸 Price & Value
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Amana – Mid-range pricing, usually between $700–$900 for a 12,000 BTU model. Good balance of cost and features.
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GE – Often the cheapest option, around $600–$800. You pay less upfront, but sometimes sacrifice long-term durability.
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Friedrich – Premium pricing, often $1,000–$1,300 for the same BTU rating.
👉 Mike’s Story: When I was on a budget, I went with a GE unit. It worked fine for a couple of years, but by year five it was struggling. My Amana, meanwhile, is pushing 10 years with no issues.
🔊 Noise Levels
Noise is a deal-breaker if your AC is in a bedroom or living room.
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Amana: Quieter than GE, but not whisper-silent. Good balance for most homes.
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GE: Tends to be the loudest, especially under heavy load. Fine for background cooling, but not ideal for light sleepers.
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Friedrich: The clear winner—these units are engineered for hotel rooms, so they run whisper-quiet.
👉 Mike’s Tip: If you’re installing the unit in a bedroom, Friedrich is worth the extra cost. For living rooms or dens, Amana is plenty quiet.
📖 Reference: Consumer Reports – AC Noise Testing
⚡ Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is measured in CEER or EER ratings. The higher, the better.
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Amana: Solid ratings, many models qualify for Energy Star.
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GE: Mixed results—some models efficient, others just average.
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Friedrich: Industry-leading CEER ratings, often the best in class.
👉 Mike’s Story: I noticed about a $15/month savings on my electric bill when I swapped my old GE for a Friedrich. Over years, that adds up.
📖 Reference: Energy Star – Room Air Conditioners
🛠️ Ease of Installation & Maintenance
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Amana: Straightforward, clear manuals, standard wall sleeve sizes. Great for DIY.
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GE: Also easy to install, though accessories (like sleeves) may vary by retailer.
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Friedrich: Heavy-duty build means heavier units—usually a two-person job. Manuals are detailed, but not as DIY-friendly.
👉 Mike’s Tip: If you’re doing this install by yourself, stick with Amana or GE. If you go Friedrich, grab a buddy (or better yet, hire a pro).
📖 Reference: Family Handyman – Installing a Through-the-Wall AC
⏳ Durability & Lifespan
This is where you really see the difference.
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Amana: 10–12 years with regular maintenance.
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GE: Around 8–10 years, sometimes less with heavy use.
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Friedrich: 12–15 years, built to last in hotels and commercial spaces.
👉 Mike’s Experience: My Amana unit is on its 9th summer and still humming. A friend’s Friedrich is 13 years old and still quieter than my Amana.
📖 Reference: Consumer Reports – AC Reliability
🏠 Which Brand Fits Which Homeowner?
Here’s how I break it down:
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Amana: Best for the average homeowner who wants a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-maintain wall AC.
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GE: Best for budget shoppers or renters who need something quick and accessible.
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Friedrich: Best for long-term homeowners, those sensitive to noise, or anyone who wants “hotel quality” cooling at home.
🧾 Mike’s Final Recommendation
👉 Mike’s Verdict:
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If you’re like me—looking for a good balance of cost, reliability, and ease of maintenance—Amana is the best choice.
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If your budget is tight and you just need a functional unit, GE will do the job (just don’t expect it to last as long).
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If you want the best of the best and don’t mind paying for it, Friedrich is unbeatable for quiet operation and longevity.
For most homeowners, I recommend Amana. It’s the sweet spot between budget and premium—dependable, efficient, and built for the long haul.
In the next topic we will know more about: Do Through-the-Wall ACs Qualify for Rebates or Tax Credits in 2025?
