or homeowners like Mark who want both cooling and heating in one compact unit, through-the-wall air conditioners with electric heat offer an efficient, cost-effective solution—especially for single-room or zone-based temperature control. Among the leading names, GE, Friedrich, and LG consistently top the list. But which one delivers the best performance, value, and reliability?
In this in-depth guide, we compare three of the most popular 12,000–14,000 BTU through-the-wall AC units with electric heat, covering features, efficiency, installation, noise, and more.
📦 Featured Models in This Comparison
🔹 GE AJEQ12DWJ
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Cooling: 12,000 BTUs
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Heating: 11,000 BTUs (Electric Resistance)
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Voltage: 208/230V
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Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): 9.8
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Special Features: 2-stage fan, adjustable louvers, filter alert
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Warranty: 1-year parts and labor
🔹 Friedrich Uni-Fit UCT12A10A
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Cooling: 12,000 BTUs
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Heating: 10,600 BTUs (Electric Resistance)
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Voltage: 115V / 230V models available
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EER: 10.6
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Special Features: Smart Wi-Fi, 24-hour timer, QuietMaster tech
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Warranty: 5-year sealed system, 1-year full
🔹 LG LT1430HRSM
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Cooling: 13,800 BTUs
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Heating: 11,200 BTUs
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Voltage: 230V only
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EER: 9.3
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Special Features: LG ThinQ Smart Wi-Fi, dual fan, dehumidifier mode
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Warranty: 1-year limited
⚙️ Performance & Power Comparison
| Brand | Cooling BTUs | Heating BTUs | EER | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | 12,000 | 11,000 | 9.8 | 208/230V |
| Friedrich | 12,000 | 10,600 | 10.6 | 115V or 230V |
| LG | 13,800 | 11,200 | 9.3 | 230V |
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Best Cooling Power: LG
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Best Efficiency: Friedrich
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Most Versatile Voltage Options: Friedrich
🔇 Noise Levels & Comfort
GE AJEQ12DWJ
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Moderate noise (~60 dB)
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Basic fan motor
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Directional louvers help minimize airflow noise
Friedrich UCT12A10A
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QuietMaster Technology: dampens compressor vibration
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Operates under 55 dB in low mode
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Best for bedrooms or home offices
LG LT1430HRSM
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Dual inverter fans reduce startup noise
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Still slightly louder than Friedrich at high settings
Winner: Friedrich for quietest operation
🌐 Smart Features & Controls
GE
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Manual and remote operation
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Thermostat and filter light
Friedrich
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Wi-Fi enabled
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Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant
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24-hour timer and sleep mode
LG
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Smart Wi-Fi with LG ThinQ app
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Smart Diagnosis and energy monitoring
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Works with Alexa and Google Home
Winner: LG, followed closely by Friedrich
🛠️ Installation Considerations
| Brand | Sleeve Compatibility | DIY-Friendly? | Rear Grille Included |
| GE | GE RAB46A or similar | Yes | Yes |
| Friedrich | Friedrich USC Sleeve | Yes | No |
| LG | LG AXSVA1 Sleeve | Somewhat | Yes |
Notes:
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GE offers the simplest install for DIYers
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Friedrich requires rear grille to be purchased separately
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LG requires more precise fit and rear clearance
Winner: GE for ease of installation
🌡️ Heating Effectiveness
All three models use electric resistance heat, which is fast but less efficient than heat pumps.
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GE and LG offer slightly higher heating BTUs
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Friedrich offers energy-saving modes that help regulate electric consumption
Best for Milder Winters: All three perform well in shoulder seasons but are not ideal as primary heating in cold climates
For a full understanding of electric heat, see: Energy.gov – Electric Resistance Heating
💰 Price & Warranty
| Brand | Average Price | Warranty Coverage |
| GE | $800–$900 | 1-year full |
| Friedrich | $950–$1,100 | 5-year sealed system, 1-year full |
| LG | $850–$1,000 | 1-year limited |
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Best Value for Warranty: Friedrich
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Best Budget Option: GE
🧑🔧 Mark’s Final Recommendation
“If you want something easy to install, affordable, and reliable, GE’s AJEQ12DWJ is a great all-around option—especially for apartments, dens, or home offices.
If noise is your biggest concern and you don’t mind paying a little more, go with Friedrich.
Tech-savvy buyers who want smart controls and top-end cooling power will be happy with LG, just make sure your sleeve and wiring are compatible.”
🔗 Verified External Resources
🏁 Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
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Choose GE if you want a cost-effective, simple solution that gets the job done.
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Choose Friedrich if quiet performance and reliability matter most.
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Choose LG if you value smart home integration and higher BTUs.
For many homeowners, the decision comes down to budget, control preferences, and ease of install. Thankfully, all three brands offer dependable performance for small-to-medium spaces, making them solid investments.
In the next topic we will know more about: How to Maintain Your GE Through-the-Wall AC with Heat for Year-Round Comfort
