If you’re shopping for a through-the-wall air conditioner, you’ve probably noticed that three names come up again and again: LG, GE, and Friedrich.
They dominate the market for one big reason — they each make dependable, efficient, and quiet wall units that can handle years of service without breaking a sweat.
But the real question is:
👉 Which one is right for you?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at how LG, GE, and Friedrich stack up in the categories that matter most — from energy efficiency and noise levels to installation, smart features, and value.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which brand fits your home, budget, and comfort style.
🧰 1. Why This Comparison Matters
Through-the-wall air conditioners have become the go-to solution for homeowners like me who want permanent cooling without sacrificing a window. They’re cleaner-looking, more efficient, and last longer than window ACs.
But with so many similar specs and price ranges, it’s not always obvious what sets one brand apart from another.
💬 Mark’s Take:
“I’ve installed all three — LG, GE, and Friedrich — in different homes over the years. Each one brings something unique to the table. Choosing the right brand really depends on your priorities: performance, quietness, or smart tech.”
Learn more:
➡️ Energy.gov – Room Air Conditioners
🧱 2. The Big Three: Brand Overview
Here’s a quick background on the manufacturers behind these popular models:
| Brand | Founded | Known For | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 1958 (South Korea) | Sleek design, smart connectivity, reliable performance | $$–$$$ |
| GE | 1907 (USA) | Dependability, strong efficiency ratings, wide availability | $$ |
| Friedrich | 1883 (USA) | Premium build quality, ultra-quiet operation, long lifespan | $$$ |
All three brands are ENERGY STAR partners and design models that meet or exceed DOE efficiency standards — but they aim for different audiences:
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LG: For tech-savvy homeowners who want app control and sleek design.
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GE: For practical users who want solid performance and easy installation.
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Friedrich: For those who value top-tier build quality and whisper-quiet operation.
🌬️ 3. Energy Efficiency (CEER & EER Ratings)
Energy efficiency should be at the top of your list. It determines not only your utility bill but also how hard your unit works to maintain comfort.
⚡ What to Know:
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EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling output vs. power use under specific conditions.
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CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a newer, more accurate measure that includes standby power consumption.
| Brand | CEER Range | ENERGY STAR Certified | Key Efficiency Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 10.5–11.5 | ✅ Yes | Dual Inverter Compressor, Sleep Mode |
| GE | 10.7–12.1 | ✅ Yes | Eco Mode, Smart Fan Adjustment |
| Friedrich | 10.9–12.2 | ✅ Yes | DC Inverter Compressor, Auto Air Sweep |
🧠 Mark’s Insight:
“Friedrich leads slightly in raw efficiency, but GE’s Energy Star lineup gives the best balance of savings and upfront cost. LG’s inverter models are catching up fast.”
Learn more:
➡️ ENERGY STAR – Room Air Conditioners
🔇 4. Noise Levels and Comfort
Noise level is a major selling point for wall units, especially for bedrooms or home offices. A quieter compressor means better sleep and fewer distractions.
| Brand | Average Noise (dB) | Noise Features |
|---|---|---|
| LG | 53–58 dB | QuietSleep™ fan motor |
| GE | 55–59 dB | Three-speed airflow with Auto Fan |
| Friedrich | 47–54 dB | Commercial-grade insulation, vibration-dampening |
🧠 Mark’s Perspective:
“Friedrich wins this category easily. You can barely hear it run. GE is a close second, with stable airflow and low vibration. LG’s slightly louder, but still quieter than any window unit.”
Learn more:
➡️ The Spruce – Quietest Air Conditioners for 2025
🧊 5. Cooling Power and Performance
Let’s talk BTUs — the measure of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. Choosing the right BTU ensures your unit efficiently cools without wasting energy.
| Brand | BTU Range | Ideal Room Size | Air Direction Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 8,000–14,000 | 350–700 sq. ft. | 4-way swing louvers |
| GE | 8,000–15,000 | 350–750 sq. ft. | 8-way airflow |
| Friedrich | 8,000–24,000 | 350–1,400 sq. ft. | Dual air discharge system |
💬 Mark’s Advice:
“GE and LG handle most medium-sized rooms perfectly. Friedrich takes the crown for larger spaces — its higher BTU models are built like small commercial systems.”
Learn more:
➡️ Energy.gov – Room AC Sizing Guide
🧠 6. Smart Features and Connectivity
If you like to control your home’s temperature from your phone, these systems deliver. All three brands now integrate with voice assistants and Wi-Fi apps.
| Feature | LG | GE | Friedrich |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi App | ✅ ThinQ | ✅ SmartHQ | ✅ Friedrich Go |
| Voice Control | ✅ Alexa & Google | ✅ Alexa & Google | ✅ Alexa & Google |
| Scheduling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Advanced zone scheduling |
| Remote Diagnostics | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
💬 Mark’s Take:
“Friedrich’s app gives the most control — you can fine-tune zones and humidity. GE’s SmartHQ is simpler, and LG’s ThinQ works seamlessly with other LG devices.”
🧰 7. Installation and Wall Sleeve Compatibility
A through-the-wall AC requires a wall sleeve, which serves as both a structural frame and weather barrier. Compatibility matters — replacing an older unit is easiest when the sleeve matches.
| Brand | Sleeve Type | Compatibility | Installation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | Standard 26" | Universal sleeves | Easy |
| GE | RAB46A sleeve | GE, LG, Hotpoint | Moderate |
| Friedrich | USC or WSD sleeve | Friedrich-specific | Moderate–Advanced |
🧱 Mark’s Tip:
“If you already have a GE or LG sleeve, replacing with the same brand is plug-and-play. Friedrich’s tighter-fitting sleeves are worth it for better insulation and weatherproofing.”
Learn more:
➡️ GE Appliances – Through-the-Wall Sleeve Guide
💵 8. Price, Warranty & Value Comparison
| Brand | Average Price | Warranty | Build Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | $600–$900 | 1-Year Parts & Labor | Excellent |
| GE | $650–$1,100 | 1-Year Limited | Very Good |
| Friedrich | $800–$1,400 | 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts | Premium |
🧠 Mark’s Observation:
“Friedrich’s higher upfront cost pays off over time — longer warranty, sturdier build, and quieter performance. GE offers the best price-to-reliability ratio, and LG’s design edge appeals to modern homeowners.”
Learn more:
➡️ Home Depot – Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
🌟 9. Performance Comparison at a Glance
| Category | LG | GE | Friedrich |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Level | ⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smart Controls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Ease of Installation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
💬 Mark’s Note:
“All three brands perform exceptionally well, but your choice depends on whether you prioritize cost, connectivity, or craftsmanship.”
🧾 10. Maintenance and Longevity
Maintenance plays a huge role in how long your unit lasts.
Friedrich
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Designed for 15+ years of service.
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Dual filters and corrosion-resistant coils.
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Professional-grade build for heavy use.
GE
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Easy access filter and drain.
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Coated coils reduce corrosion.
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Expect 10–12 years lifespan with seasonal care.
LG
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Washable filters, smart diagnostics, and auto-clean.
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Average lifespan 10–12 years.
🧠 Mark’s Tip:
“If you don’t mind occasional cleaning, all three last well past a decade. Friedrich, though, feels like it was built for a hotel — tough and quiet.”
💬 11. Mark’s Real-World Scoreboard
| Category | LG | GE | Friedrich | Mark’s Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | Friedrich |
| Noise | 8 | 8.5 | 10 | Friedrich |
| Smart Tech | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | LG |
| Design | 9 | 8 | 9.5 | LG/Friedrich |
| Installation Ease | 9 | 9 | 7.5 | GE |
| Price-to-Performance | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8 | GE |
| Durability | 8.5 | 9 | 10 | Friedrich |
| Overall | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 🏆 Friedrich |
💬 Mark’s Verdict:
“If I were cooling a living room or master bedroom, I’d go with Friedrich. For rentals or small offices, GE is unbeatable. And if smart home integration is your thing, LG fits right in.”
🔋 12. Which Brand Is Right for You?
| Need | Best Brand | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly Efficiency | GE | Solid CEER ratings at fair prices. |
| Quietest Performance | Friedrich | Industry-leading low noise. |
| Smart Home Integration | LG | Works seamlessly with ThinQ, Alexa, and Google. |
| Easy Replacement for Existing Sleeve | GE / LG | Standard sizing fits most sleeves. |
| Large Room Cooling | Friedrich | BTU range up to 24,000. |
🏠 13. Final Thoughts: Smart Choices, Cooler Homes
Whether you value efficiency, technology, or craftsmanship, all three brands — LG, GE, and Friedrich — deliver reliable cooling and impressive durability.
The right one for you depends on how you balance cost and comfort:
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LG: Stylish and smart for tech-savvy homeowners.
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GE: Practical, dependable, and affordable.
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Friedrich: Quiet, durable, and built to last.
💬 Mark’s Final Word:
“You can’t go wrong with any of them — but you’ll enjoy your investment longer if you pick based on your home’s needs, not just the price tag.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If Your Wall AC Isn’t Cooling (or Heating)
