Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner–Cools up to 450 Sq. Ft., Ultra Quiet with Open Window Flexibility, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, 35% Energy Savings, Remote Control

Top-rated, most energy-efficient, quietist A/C – if you can find one – but installation’s tricky
Consumer Reports lists this model as the top-rated 12,000 BTU window A/C you can buy, by quite a bit. Perhaps that’s why the model is sold out almost everywhere for the time being, and Amazon only has them from third-party sellers at $300 over the list price. Even so, if you absolutely have to an air conditioner this season, it may be worth it.What makes this model and the two smaller models in the product line unique is the way the inverter/compressor and air circulation unit are completely separated from each other. In a sense, this is like a mini-split A/C, but fit into the form factor of a window unit for those who have no way to mount a mini-split in their home. We live in a high rise in NYC, so a mini-split is definitely out of the question. Also, most mini-splits require a 220v circuit, which isn’t available in our post-war building. The Midea U runs on a standard 110v circuit. The Midea U is the first window unit to meet the latest Energy Star efficiency standard, being more than twice as efficient as most models. That said, the SAR rating is is comparable to the least efficient mini-split systems. In other words, the most efficient window air conditioner you can buy right now, which is this model, is equivalent to the least efficient mini-split air conditioner. If there is any way you can install a mini-split A/C in your home, it will likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. If you live in a high rise and can talk the management into installing central air, even as expensive as that might be, it will likely pay for itself compared to using window units. However, if you have no choice in the matter, this is the one to buy.When it comes to installation, the instructions are fairly minimal and a bit confusing. Complicating matters is that Midea requires the use of their proprietary mounting bracket (included) – otherwise the warranty is voided. That can be a problem in New York or any city with restrictions on mounting over brick. We got around that by installing the unit over our terrace, where falling bricks aren’t an issue, but not everyone has that option. It may be worthwhile getting something in writing from Midea that they will honor the warranty, should an alternative mounting bracket have to be used by law. The supplied mounting bracket is significantly longer than the air conditioner and was probably designed for use with other models. For some, that may be a problem as it may stick out too far. Since the unit’s on our terrace, the bracket was decidedly in the way. It’s not possible to saw off the excess, as that would compromise its integrity. Instead, I took up the slack on the inside by using a pair of T-brackets to shift the mounting bracket back to a more reasonable position, which worked quite well.The mounting bracket is designed to attach to the inside of the window frame on both sides, but that’s a problem if the window has multiple segments, as is the case with ours. We have a large picture window with double-hung windows on each side. Therefore, there is no inside to which to mount the bracket on the right side. As shown in the picture, the mounting bracket is left just hanging in mid air. The way I secured it was with a spacer and a long screw to mount it to the window sill below.The window itself serves to separate the internal and external portions of the unit from each other. This isolates the vibrations of the compressor, making for an exceptionally quiet window unit. However, there are spaces on both sides that still require insulation, for which white foam insulating panels have been provided. Unfortunately, there’s barely enough insulation to do the job, and our window was far from the widest for which the unit was designed. Be prepared to buy more if needed. Also, there is flexible memory foam provided, but it’s black and the foam panels are white, which isn’t a good combination. Worse, there isn’t quite enough memory foam, so be prepared to buy more, preferably in white. There are gaps underneath the A/C that are easily missed, through which air can get through, and possibly bugs. Be sure to take the time to plug these with additional memory foam. Finally, there isn’t room to use your screen, so if you plan to open the window on a nice day, you might want to build your own screen to fit the available space.In operation, the unit works extremely well. It’s quiet, efficient and much better at cooling the room than our last one. The interface takes a little getting used to and the unit has it’s way of overruling your choices so as to provide more effective cooling. It’s actually easier to use the smartphone app than the included remote control, but again, there’s a learning curve. Setting up the A/C with your WiFi is tricky, but reliable once done. You will need to broadcast your SSID, which most people do – otherwise, the Midea will lose connectivity. Living in a high rise with dozens of WiFi networks in range, I would have preferred otherwise. If you have the expertise and live in a similar situation, I recommend getting a router that lets you restrict WiFi connections to those you specify (MAC address filtering). The smartphone app will work with multiple units, so if you install more than one of them, you’ll be able to control them all from one location.

Very well made & absolutely worth the money
I purchased this on a hot day and it got delivered on a slightly cooler day. I had the chance to put it to the test today and it has exceeded my expectations greatly. It is quiet, efficient, and it cools the house very very well. It is currently 90 degrees outside and it is sitting at 71 inside.App works well. Install was simple and it comes with several brackets.Don’t hesitate, it’s better than the 600 dollar ones at home depot and lowes.

This is a fantastic product for two reasons. It is QUIET, and it is energy efficient.FIVE STAR PART: The unit installs in classic vertical sash windows, but unlike conventional window units, it separates the compressor, motors, and fans from the controls by allowing the lower sash to divide these elements. Brilliant: efficient moving components outside and cool, dry air inside. The space for the lower sash is also wide enough to permit a window blind to function in the gap. This allows light blocking, which is not something one would have thought important, but is, and it is very slick. The marketing literature talks about being able to operate the lower slider if you want fresh air, which seems silly. There is already a fan setting to bring in fresh air, and it is a fair bit of effort to make sure everything reseals when moving the sash. I think the marketing team went a little too far in this one and the notion detracts attention from the overall design excellence of the product.It is very thoughtful to include a remote control for those needing one, and the voice access through Wi-Fi provides even more accessibility options. I am fortunate enough to not need these, and the on-board control layout of the unit is excellent! Although it took me a while to get used to a display that only showed the temperature setting and not the room temperature, it turned out that the unit is so good that there is rarely a difference anyway.THREE STAR PART: You may have a little effort on your part to get the mounting bracket to work, since it is designed for specific sill configurations. A few people must be lucky, and it all works out, but our outer sill was too big. So, when the unit is installed, we put a conveniently sized brick on top of the sill (shown in the picture) and don’t use the rear angled support arms. We also put a thin piece of rubber between the metal of the mounting bracket and brick to reduce possible vibration transmission. (My calculations show it’s very safe since the majority of load goes through the wall of the house in compression. Plus, the additional load is quite small. But we leave critical decisions of this nature to lawyers; think of this a shared experience from a questionable source.) Once you get the unit positioning sorted out, the mounting bracket is a dream, and next year’s install will be easy-peasy.I strongly recommend this unit! The price and effort are well worth it but do your homework.

This thing performs beautifully. It has modern features with your Google Home and Alexa and though it is not “virtually silent”, it is indeed one of the quieter A/Cs I’ve ever owned in my life and I had about a dozen different over the years. It’s also that beyond the noise level being fairly low, the noise type is extremely bearable and fades out quite easily in the room, even when ramped up all the way.I greatly recommend!