Choosing a through-the-wall air conditioner isn’t just about BTUs and price tags—it’s about performance, durability, smart features, noise levels, and brand trust. In this guide, we break down three top contenders: LG, GE, and Friedrich.
🔍 What We’re Comparing
We evaluated each brand across 8 core categories:
| Icon | Category |
|---|---|
| ❄️ | Cooling Performance |
| 🔇 | Noise Level |
| 📱 | Smart Features & Controls |
| 💨 | Airflow & Vent Design |
| 🔧 | Build Quality |
| 💵 | Price & Warranty |
| 🌱 | Energy Efficiency |
| 🛠️ | Installation & Sleeve Compatibility |
Each category features side-by-side brand ratings, model examples, and expert commentary from Tony.
❄️ 1. Cooling Performance
| Brand | Max BTU Range | Common Room Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| LG | 8,000–11,800 | 300–550 sq. ft. |
| GE | 8,000–14,000 | 350–700 sq. ft. |
| Friedrich | 7,500–24,000 | 250–1,400 sq. ft. |
🧰 Tony says: “Friedrich’s got the brawn. If you’re cooling a big space—especially a commercial room—start there.”
🔍 Top Models:
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LG LT1036CER: 10,000 BTU for medium spaces
-
GE AHTT14BC: 14,000 BTU powerhouse
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Friedrich Kühl KCM18A30A: 18,000+ BTUs for large rooms
🔇 2. Noise Level
| Brand | Avg. dB (low fan) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LG | ~58 dB | Quieter than older models |
| GE | ~55–60 dB | Variable based on fan speed |
| Friedrich | ~47–52 dB | Whisper-quiet on low settings |
🧰 Tony says: “Friedrich is the Cadillac of quiet cooling. If it’s going in your bedroom, that’s the move.”
🔗 how AC noise levels are tested
📱 3. Smart Features & Controls
| Feature | LG | GE | Friedrich |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| App Control | LG ThinQ | SmartHQ | FriedrichConnect |
| Voice Assistant Support | Alexa, Google | Alexa | Alexa |
| Scheduling & Energy Reports | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
🧰 Tony says: “GE’s SmartHQ app is slick—you can program schedules, get filter alerts, and control it from your phone anywhere.”
💨 4. Airflow Design
| Brand | Air Direction | Vent Style | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 4-way | Rear | Auto-swing vents |
| GE | 4-way | Rear (no side vent) | Multi-speed fan |
| Friedrich | 8-way | Rear + advanced grille | Precise louvers |
🧰 Tony says: “Friedrich gives you actual control—not just up/down, but directional. Great if you’re cooling a long room or corner.”
🔧 5. Build Quality & Longevity
| Brand | Build Quality | Materials | Service Life Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | ★★★☆☆ | Plastic w/ metal trim | 7–10 years |
| GE | ★★★★☆ | Durable poly casing | 8–12 years |
| Friedrich | ★★★★★ | All-metal, commercial-grade | 10–15+ years |
🧰 Tony says: “I’ve seen Friedrichs from the early 2000s still running in hotels. They’re built like tanks.”
💵 6. Price & Warranty
| Brand | Average Price Range | Standard Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| LG | $500 – $800 | 1-year parts/labor |
| GE | $550 – $1,100 | 1-year full, 5-year sealed system |
| Friedrich | $800 – $1,700 | 5-year full warranty |
💡 Rebate Potential:
Friedrich and GE often qualify for state rebates due to Energy Star and high SEER2 ratings.
🌱 7. Energy Efficiency
| Brand | Energy Star Certified? | Avg. EER | SEER2 Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | Some models | ~10.7 | Yes |
| GE | Most models | ~11.3 | Yes |
| Friedrich | Yes (many) | ~12.0–12.5 | Yes |
🧰 Tony says: “If you want low bills and maybe a tax credit, go for a Friedrich Energy Star Elite model.”
🛠️ 8. Installation & Wall Sleeve Fit
| Brand | Sleeve Sold Separately? | Compatible with Other Sleeves? |
|---|---|---|
| LG | Yes | Yes (standard) |
| GE | Yes | Yes (RAB standard size) |
| Friedrich | Often Included or Bundled | Only with Friedrich-compatible sleeves |
🧱 Key Tip:
Friedrich’s advanced features often require proprietary sleeves—be sure to budget for that.
🔗 Friedrich WallMaster Sleeve Specs
🏆 Final Verdict: Which Brand Wins?
| Category | Best Brand |
|---|---|
| Bedroom Quiet | Friedrich |
| Budget-Friendly | LG |
| Smart Home Integration | GE |
| High Performance | Friedrich |
| Small Spaces | LG |
| Commercial Use | Friedrich |
| Rental Units | GE |
🧰 Tony says: “If you’re running it every day, spend the money and get a Friedrich. For casual cooling or rentals, GE’s your best bet. LG is solid if you want good value without too many bells and whistles.”
🔚 Summary Table
| Feature | LG | GE | Friedrich |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling Range | Up to 11,800 BTU | Up to 14,000 BTU | Up to 24,000 BTU |
| Noise Level | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Smart Controls | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Airflow Design | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Build Quality | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Savings | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Warranty | 1 yr | 1–5 yr | 5 yr full |
💬 Want Help Choosing?
If you're unsure about:
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Wall sleeve compatibility
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115V vs. 230V wiring
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Room size and insulation factors
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Delivery and install logistics
Reach out to The Furnace Outlet team for expert support—or let Tony handle it.
In the next topic we will read about: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Through-the-Wall AC Running Like New
