Best Casement Window Air Conditioner (2022 Review)

Looking for an AC unit that will fit a casement window?

We’ve got you covered! In this proHVACinfo review, you’ll learn:

  • What is a casement window air conditioner (are they any different?)
  • Are there different types of casement window air conditioners (surprising answer)
  • What to look for in the best casement window air conditioner (3 crucial considerations)
  • The top casement window air conditioners (best in 2021)
proHVACinfo - Best Casement Window AC

In a hurry? Here’s an easy list of our top window ACs for sliding windows!

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
Koldfront 10,000 BTU Casement Window Air Conditioner
  • Overall Good Value
  • Doubles As Dehumidifier
  • High CFM
  • Overall Good Value
  • Doubles As Dehumidifier
  • High CFM
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Keystone 10,000 BTU Casement Window AC
  • Efficient Operation
  • Energy Saver Mode
  • Sleep mode
  • Efficient Operation
  • Energy Saver Mode
  • Sleep mode
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Casement Window AC
  • Remote Control Operation
  • Easy Temperature Control
  • Affordable Price
  • Remote Control Operation
  • Easy Temperature Control
  • Affordable Price
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
PerfectAire 10,000 BTU Slider Window AC
  • Installation Kit Included
  • Easy-to-Clean Filter
  • 3-Speed Fan Modes
  • Installation Kit Included
  • Easy-to-Clean Filter
  • 3-Speed Fan Modes
View on Amazon

What Is a Casement Window Air Conditioner (Are They Any Different)?

First, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about casement windows.

When we say “casement window” in this article, we mean the following:

Either your window has hinges on the upright side (i.e. the vertical side) of the window and opens by cranking outward (almost like a door), or your window slides horizontally from side to side.

Either way, these windows are much taller than they are wide, and for that reason casement air conditioners are structured differently than typical window AC units.

The casement window AC has a vertical orientation and is usually at least 20 inches taller than traditional window air conditioners. They require a specific setup to secure the AC in place.

Casement window ACs sit on the window pane, and a panel is cut to fill the empty space above (and, when needed, to the left and right of) the air conditioner.

Now that we’ve clarified the terminology, let’s get into the details.

Are there different types of Casement Window Air Conditioners?

Casement window air conditioners are surprisingly difficult to come by (especially considering how common casement windows are). Because they’re so rare, there’s less variability among casement ACs than traditional ACs.

The most important variations among casement window ACs are the size and the BTU ratings

Size is especially important if your casement window cranks out. Unlike with a sliding window, there is no flexibility in the width of the window.

Be sure to measure your window width carefully because, put simply, a 14-inch AC unit cannot fit in a window that is 13-inches wide!

This is less of a concern if your window slides horizontally.

The other variation among casement window ACs are the British Thermal Unit (“BTU”) rating. Casement ACs only come in two: 8,000 and 10,000. More on that below!

What to Look for in the Best Casement Window Air Conditioners

The things to keep an eye out for when it comes to casement ACs are largely the same as traditional window ACs. Because casement ACs are less common, though, you should really hone in on two factors:

  • Cooling capacity
  • Energy efficiency ratings (EER)

Cooling Capacity

This is an important consideration for any window air conditioner, and casement ACs units are no exception!

All AC units are rated according to their British Thermal Units (“BTU”). The higher the BTU, the more powerful the AC, and the more quickly it can cool down your room.

Check out this table, which tells you how many BTUs your AC unit should have based on room size!

Source: psu.edu

As we said above, casement ACs only come in two sizes: 8,000 BTUs and 10,000 BTUs. So they work well for rooms that are between ~300 and ~450 square feet.

The table is a good benchmark, but you might want to size up from an 8,000 BTU unit to a 10,000 BTU unit for rooms that get a lot of sunlight or have fixtures that produce heat (the kitchen or garage, for example).

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is another big factor when shopping around for a new casement window AC. The EER tells you how efficient your AC is. You see – different AC models require different amounts of energy to produce the same BTUs.

More efficient units reduce waste and are easier on your electric bill.

You’ll find this number on the yellow BTU sticker. The higher the EER, the more efficient your AC.

Also read: How Much Does it Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner?

The Top 4 Casement Window Air Conditioners (Reviewed)

Final Thoughts on the Best Casement Window Air Conditioners

Casement windows are a unique architectural design that can add a lot of character to your home (or office).

Even though ACs for this window design are harder to come by, we’ve found several great options that have many of the bells and whistles of high-end traditional window AC units.

We hope this guide is helpful in picking out your next casement window air conditioner!

Stephen Marks

Stephen Marks

Stephen is an HVAC and home-repair enthusiast. He's here to answer any of your questions about HVAC!

Leave a Comment

Stephen Marks

Stephen Marks

Stephen is an HVAC and home-repair enthusiast. He's here to answer any of your questions about HVAC!

About proHVACinfo

You’ve got HVAC questions. We have the best answers from a network of seasoned pros.

Recently Published Guides