GE vs. Amana vs. Friedrich: Which 12,000 BTU Wall Unit Is Best for Small Spaces?

🏠 Introduction: My Condo Cooling Dilemma

When I bought my condo, one of my first comfort upgrades was replacing my old rattling window AC. My living room is about 500 square feet, which meant I needed something powerful but not oversized. After some research, I zeroed in on 12,000 BTU through-the-wall air conditioners.

But then came the tricky part: which brand should I choose?

The three big names that kept popping up were GE, Amana, and Friedrich. Each had its loyal fans and glowing reviews. Some praised GE’s value, others swore by Amana’s heating strength, and Friedrich was described as the Cadillac of wall units.

Like any careful homeowner, I wanted to know: which one is really the best for a small space like mine?

GE 12,000 BTU 208/230 Volt Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat - AJEM12DWJ

This article is my deep dive into that question. I’ll break down price, efficiency, heating, noise, durability, and overall value—with plenty of real-world perspective from my own decision-making process.

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🔎 The Contenders – Quick Overview

Before comparing details, here’s a snapshot of the three units:

• GE AJEM12DWJ

  • Cooling: 12,000 BTU

  • Heating: 10,600 BTU (electric resistance)

  • CEER: ~9.4

  • Price: ~$850–$1,050

  • Best for: Balanced value

• Amana 12,000 BTU with Electric Heat

  • Cooling: 12,000 BTU

  • Heating: ~11,200 BTU

  • CEER: ~9.6

  • Price: ~$1,050–$1,200

  • Best for: Colder climates

• Friedrich 12,000 BTU Wall Unit

  • Cooling: 12,000 BTU

  • Heating: Some models offer heat pump or resistance heat

  • CEER: ~9.7–10

  • Price: ~$1,200–$1,400

  • Best for: Quiet operation, premium performance

👉 Already, you can see GE is the most affordable, Amana packs more heat, and Friedrich charges premium for luxury.

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💵 Price & Value

For most homeowners (myself included), price is the first question.

• GE AJEM12DWJ: $850–$1,050. Often found on sale at Home Depot or The Furnace Outlet.

• Amana: $1,050–$1,200. Consistently higher due to brand reputation and heating power.

• Friedrich: $1,200–$1,400. Premium pricing across retailers like Lowe’s.

When I shopped, my GE unit cost $899 on spring sale, while the Friedrich equivalent was nearly $1,300.

👉 Samantha’s verdict: GE wins on upfront value. For small spaces, spending hundreds more didn’t feel justified when the performance specs were so close.

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❄️ Cooling Efficiency

Efficiency matters, especially with rising electric rates.

• GE AJEM12DWJ: CEER ~9.4. Good but not top of class.

• Amana: CEER ~9.6. Slightly better efficiency.

• Friedrich: CEER ~9.7–10. Best-in-class.

Real-world costs for 500 sq ft (8 hours/day in summer):

• GE: $80–$100/month

• Amana: $75–$95/month

• Friedrich: $70–$90/month

That’s about a $10/month spread at most.

👉 For me, the GE’s slightly lower CEER rating didn’t translate into a painful difference on my bill.

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🔥 Heating Performance

This is where the brands diverge more significantly.

• GE AJEM12DWJ: 10,600 BTU electric resistance heat. Great as supplemental heat, especially in mild winters.

• Amana: ~11,200 BTU heating—slightly stronger than GE, better for small spaces in colder climates.

• Friedrich: Depends on model. Some offer no heat, others include heat pump options (much more efficient than resistance heat).

👉 In my northeast condo, the GE works perfectly as backup heat in shoulder seasons. But if I lived in Minnesota, I might lean Amana.

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🔇 Noise Levels & Comfort

This was one of my biggest concerns. I didn’t want to hear constant buzzing in my living room.

• GE: A quiet hum. Noticeable on high fan speed but not disruptive.

• Amana: Mid-range. Similar to GE, though some users note a slightly louder fan.

• Friedrich: Quietest of the three. Known for whisper-soft operation, even on high.

👉 I considered paying extra for Friedrich just for noise, but honestly, my GE is quiet enough that I forget it’s running most of the time.

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🛠️ Durability & Lifespan

Wall ACs are investments, so longevity matters.

• GE: 10–15 years with good maintenance. Standard warranty.

• Amana: Built tough, often outlasting 15 years. Strong reliability reputation.

• Friedrich: Premium parts and longer expected lifespan. Some users keep theirs 20 years.

👉 If you want a true “buy it once, keep it forever” machine, Friedrich or Amana edges out GE. But GE still offers solid reliability at a lower cost.

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📋 Warranty Differences

• GE: 1-year parts & labor, 5-year sealed system.

• Amana: Often includes slightly longer warranty on compressors.

• Friedrich: Known for excellent customer support and strong warranties.

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🏡 Best for Small Spaces

So, which 12,000 BTU unit is the best fit for small condos, bedrooms, or apartments?

• GE AJEM12DWJ: ✅ Best overall value. Balanced price, efficiency, and performance. Great for 400–550 sq ft rooms.

• Amana: ✅ Best for colder climates. Stronger heating makes it a winner in northern regions.

• Friedrich: ✅ Best for quiet luxury. If budget allows and noise is a top concern, this is the choice.

👉 My pick was GE because I wanted affordable comfort for my 500 sq ft living room. But I’ll admit, if I lived somewhere colder, I’d probably pick Amana.

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📊 Samantha’s Side-by-Side Comparison

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✅ Conclusion: My Final Verdict

After weeks of research and comparison, here’s how I see it:

• GE AJEM12DWJ – The best value pick. Perfect for most small spaces, especially if you want heating + cooling without overspending.

• Amana – The best choice for cold winters. Stronger heating power, but higher upfront cost.

• Friedrich – The best premium option. Quiet, efficient, and built like a tank—but you’ll pay for it.

For my condo, GE hit the sweet spot. Affordable, efficient, quiet enough, and reliable for both summer cooling and winter backup heating.

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