Who Should Choose Amana? Brand Comparison vs Friedrich, LG, and GE

🏆 🏠 Introduction: Choosing the Right Brand for Your Through-the-Wall AC

With several reputable brands offering through-the-wall (TTW) air conditioners, many homeowners ask: how does Amana stack up against Friedrich, LG, and GE? Each manufacturer offers unique strengths depending on your priorities—whether that's noise level, warranty, price, or long-term reliability.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll help you decide whether the Amana 11,600 BTU PBC122J00AA is the best fit for your needs.

🏷 Brand Reputation Overview

Amana:

• U.S.-based, trusted since 1934

• Known for durability and simplicity

• Focuses on long-term reliability and efficient design

Friedrich:

• Premium U.S. brand

• Highly regarded for commercial-grade components

• Often used in hotels and commercial properties

LG:

• Korean global electronics leader

• Known for tech-forward designs and innovative features

• Typically more affordable consumer models

GE (General Electric):

• Iconic American brand

• Broad range of residential appliances

• Emphasizes affordability and availability

Verified by Consumer Reports Brand Ratings.

🔧 Build Quality and Durability

Brand	Build Quality	Lifespan Estimate
Amana	Excellent	10-15 years
Friedrich	Outstanding (commercial grade)	12-20 years
LG	Good	8-12 years
GE	Fair	7-10 years

 

Amana delivers excellent durability for residential use, often lasting 10+ years with proper maintenance (Energy Star Durability Studies).

🔊 Noise Levels Comparison

Brand	Model	Noise Range
Amana	PBC122J00AA	52-57 dB
Friedrich	UE12D33B	54-59 dB
LG	LT1236CER	55-60 dB
GE	AJEQ12DCF	56-62 dB

 

Amana consistently ranks among the quietest TTW units available, making it a standout for bedrooms and home offices (Energy Star Noise Ratings).

💸 Price Comparison (MSRP Range)

Brand	Typical Price (115V 11,000-12,000 BTU Models)
Amana	$700-$900
Friedrich	$1,200-$1,500
LG	$600-$800
GE	$500-$750

 

Amana hits a balanced price point—not the cheapest, but delivering excellent value for its build quality and noise performance (Home Depot AC Pricing Guide).

💰 Energy Efficiency Head-to-Head

Brand	Model	EER
Amana	PBC122J00AA	10.6
Friedrich	UE12D33B	10.5
LG	LT1236CER	10.3
GE	AJEQ12DCF	9.8

 

Amana’s 10.6 EER places it at the top of the efficiency list for its voltage class, lowering long-term energy costs (AHRI Certified Ratings).

🔑 Warranty Comparison

Brand	Warranty Coverage
Amana	5 years parts & labor
Friedrich	5 years parts, 1 year labor
LG	1 year parts & labor
GE	1 year parts & labor

 

Amana's comprehensive 5-year parts and labor warranty reflects its confidence in product reliability (Amana Warranty Details).

🎯 Ideal Buyer Profile Summary

If You Value...	Best Brand Choice
Quiet operation	Amana
Commercial-grade build	Friedrich
Tech features	LG
Lowest price	GE
Best warranty	Amana
Balanced value	Amana

🏅 Amana’s Sweet Spot: Balanced, Quiet, Reliable

The Amana 11,600 BTU PBC122J00AA is ideal for:

• Homeowners seeking long-term reliability

• Noise-sensitive spaces like bedrooms

• Those wanting excellent warranty coverage

• Efficient 115V installation without special wiring

While Friedrich may appeal to commercial buyers and LG may offer more tech-driven features, Amana consistently delivers best-in-class value for homeowners who prioritize quiet, simple, efficient cooling.

In the next topic we will read about: Do Wall AC Units Qualify for Energy Rebates or Tax Credits?