GE vs. LG vs. Friedrich: Which Through-the-Wall AC Does Tony Actually Recommend?
Every homeowner asks Tony the same question before buying a through-the-wall AC:
“Which brand is the best — GE, LG, or Friedrich?”
Here’s the truth Tony gives on every job site:
There is no “one best brand”…
…but there IS a best brand for your room, your building, your climate, and your expectations.
Each brand plays in a different lane.
Each one has strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and “Tony-approved” situations where it outperforms the others.
This blog breaks down cooling power, noise, reliability, build quality, sleeve compatibility, heating performance, repair cost, and real-world durability — not marketing fluff.
Let’s settle this once and for all.
Residential HVAC Load Calculation Standards
1. Friedrich — The Premium, Whisper-Quiet “Built Like a Tank” Option
Friedrich is the top-shelf brand in the through-the-wall AC world.
Tony calls it the “luxury unit for people who want peace, precision, and perfect cooling.”
✔ Best For:
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homeowners who want near-silent operation
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bedrooms and noise-sensitive spaces
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premium apartments or condos
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multi-family buildings where vibration matters
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anyone with high expectations
Cooling Performance:
Excellent airflow, very stable temperature control, best in class for eliminating hot spots.
Noise Levels:
Quietest wall unit available — both indoors and outdoors.
Build Quality:
Heavy steel, insulated cabinets, superior fan design.
The thing feels military-grade.
Heating Options:
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Friedrich heat pumps perform very well in mild/warm climates.
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Electric heat versions are reliable but standard.
Sleeve Compatibility:
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Friedrich Kühl → needs Friedrich sleeve
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Friedrich Uni-Fit → fits almost any sleeve with side panels
(Uni-Fit is Tony’s favorite for retrofits.)
Cost:
Highest of the three brands — and worth it if quietness matters.
Tony’s Verdict:
“Best performance. Best sound control. Best build.
If you want the wall AC equivalent of a Lexus, buy Friedrich.”
2. GE — The High-Value, Hard-Hitting All-Arounder
GE wall units hit the sweet spot between performance, affordability, and compatibility.
Tony installs more GE AJEQ/AJES units than anything else in the field.
Why? Because they work. They last. They cool fast. And they don’t complain.
✔ Best For:
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homeowners who want strong cooling without paying premium prices
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living rooms, dens, offices
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older sleeves or buildings needing drop-in compatibility
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balanced performance + long lifespan
Cooling Performance:
Very strong, very consistent, great for rooms with direct sun.
Noise Levels:
Moderate — not silent, not loud.
Perfectly acceptable for most homes.
Build Quality:
Solid, reliable, good internal components, easy access for cleaning.
Heating Options:
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GE electric heat: powerful but energy-heavy
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GE heat pump models: improving each year, good for mild climates
Sleeve Compatibility:
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GE’s standard 26" sleeve fits many older homes
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Often compatible with LG sleeves
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Adapter kits available for Friedrich conversions
Cost:
Mid-range. Smart choice for value.
Tony’s Verdict:
“GE gives the most bang for the buck.
Strong cold air, good durability, fair price, easy installs.”
3. LG — The Flexible, Quiet-Enough, Easy-to-Service Option
LG sits right between GE and Friedrich.
Smoother airflow than GE, cheaper than Friedrich, with great versatility.
Tony chooses LG when homeowners want a quality unit without going premium.
✔ Best For:
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apartments or mid-size rooms
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older buildings with unusual sleeves
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homeowners wanting quiet but not paying Friedrich prices
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people who want clean aesthetics + efficient cooling
Cooling Performance:
Very good — smooth airflow patterns, great for bedrooms and living spaces.
Noise Levels:
Quieter than GE, not as quiet as Friedrich.
Build Quality:
Solid, reliable compressor, fan motors hold up well.
Heating Options:
LG heat pump models are excellent for mild climates — Tony uses them frequently.
Sleeve Compatibility:
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LG fits most 26" sleeves
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Works with GE sleeves
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Adapter kits make retrofits simple
One of the easiest brands to install in older apartments.
Cost:
Affordable, especially considering the features and quietness.
Tony’s Verdict:
“LG is the smooth operator — good airflow, good quietness, good price.
Perfect middle option.”
4. Cooling Performance Comparison (Tony’s Field Data)
Cooling Strength (Highest to Lowest):
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GE
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Friedrich
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LG
GE wins because it pushes hard air and handles sun-heavy rooms well.
Friedrich wins in stability and comfort.
LG wins in balance.
5. Noise Level Comparison (Tony’s Real Decibel Meter Readings)
Indoor Low Fan:
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Friedrich: 46–52 dB
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LG: 48–54 dB
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GE: 50–56 dB
Indoor High Fan:
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Friedrich: 52–59 dB
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LG: 54–61 dB
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GE: 56–64 dB
Outdoor Noise:
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Friedrich: quietest
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LG: mid
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GE: strongest compressor hum
If noise is your #1 dealbreaker → Friedrich.
If noise is your #4 or #5 concern → LG is great.
(Reference: Mechanical Noise Prevention and System Balancing Principles)
6. Heating Performance Comparison
Heat Pump Heating:
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Friedrich — best cold-weather control
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LG — strong in mild climates
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GE — good but varies by model
Electric Heat:
Tie — all brands run similarly
(Just remember: electric heat is expensive to run.)
7. Sleeve Compatibility Comparison (Most Overlooked Factor)
Winner: LG (most flexible)
Fits old buildings, rentals, retrofits.
Runner-Up: GE
Strong compatibility with standard 26" sleeves.
Most Picky: Friedrich Kühl
Requires specific sleeve unless using Uni-Fit, which solves the problem.
(Reference: Equipment Matching and System Compatibility Guidelines)
8. Reliability & Durability (Tony’s Repair Calls)
Most Reliable:
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Friedrich (fewer compressor and fan failures)
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GE (strong, long-running units)
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LG (rare failures but parts availability varies)
Friedrich rarely dies early unless abused.
GE units take a beating and keep going.
LG tends to need maintenance earlier — but still reliable.
9. Installation Difficulty Comparison
Easiest to Install:
LG
Lower weight, flexible sleeves, predictable fit.
Most Forgiving:
GE
Standard sleeve depth, simple rear vent design.
Most Precise Install Required:
Friedrich
Needs proper sleeve alignment, insulation, and sealing.
Friedrich rewards good installers and punishes lazy ones.
(Reference: Air Distribution and Duct Sizing Reference)
10. Repair & Maintenance Costs Comparison
Lowest Parts Cost:
GE
Easiest to Service:
LG
Most Expensive Parts:
Friedrich (but also least likely to break)
11. Tony’s Scenario-Based Recommendations
Tony doesn’t pick a “winner.”
He picks a match based on the room, climate, and expectations.
✔ Best for Bedrooms → Friedrich
Silent, smooth airflow, top-tier comfort.
✔ Best for Sun-Facing Living Rooms → GE
Powerful cooling + strong airflow output.
✔ Best for Older Buildings → LG
Flexible sizing and sleeve compatibility.
✔ Best for Multi-Family → Friedrich Uni-Fit
Retrofits cleanly into almost any sleeve.
✔ Best for Budget Buyers → GE
Best value per dollar.
✔ Best for Heat Pump Heating → Friedrich
Handles cold snaps better.
✔ Best Middle-Ground Choice → LG
Quieter than GE, cheaper than Friedrich.
12. Tony’s Final Verdict
Here’s Tony’s no-nonsense breakdown:
Friedrich
Best overall — quietest, strongest build, true premium performance.
GE
Best value — strong cooling, reliable, affordable, excellent airflow.
LG
Best flexibility — good quietness, easy installs, excellent compatibility.
If Tony had to choose one brand for a high-end bedroom?
→ Friedrich.
One for a hot living room with big sun exposure?
→ GE.
One for older apartments with weird wall openings?
→ LG.
Choose based on your room, not the logo.
Let's understand the troubleshooting guide in the next blog.
