Replace Your Recalled Midea AC With an LG
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The LG Dual Inverter became the firstinverter-equipped window ACavailable in the U.S. back in 2018, and it was far quieter and more efficient than any of its predecessors. But it wasn’t long before competitors paired this technology with new components to create nearly silent designs that allow you to continue using the window. It’s been half a decade, and LG has yet to adopt any of these features, which seemed like a missed opportunity. However, therecent recallof one of these competitors has me wondering if maybe LG had the right idea all along.
LG’s reputation for making some of the best window ACs predates the Dual Inverter Smart AC by a decade. Jonathan Berkson, owner of NYC-based air-conditioner installation companySuperCoolNYC, has seen them all, which is why I trust his assessment that LG invests more in research and development and customer service than most brands. Perhaps it’s not that LG can’t release an AC that has all the latest features, but rather, it’s concluded that the benefits of doing so aren’t worth it in the long run.
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What makes the LG Dual Inverter AC so good?
While quieter ACs exist, the LG is still very quiet compared to most ACs. At maximum strength, I measured it at about 58 decibels (using my iPhone’s built-in microphone and anapp), which is 10 decibels louder than the quietest models I’ve tested, but still quite good — comparable to the background noise of a quiet office or library. In fact, Strategist writer Dominique Pariso calls it her favorite thing in her apartment, specifically because it’s quiet enough to keep directly beside her desk while working from home. It registered around 45 decibels while running on low — in line with LG’s claims as well as the other inverter ACs I tested.
The LG is also very reliable. Pariso’s unit is on its third summer with no signs of degradation or dankness. And energy-efficiency program managerZachary Horvathhas had his 14,000 BTU unit through six summers without incident. I suspect its longevity may in part be due to its larger, bladed fan, which is louder than thehamster-wheel-shaped blowersfound in many other inverter-based ACs, but also has fewer nooks and corners for mildew to develop in. It’s also the only AC I’ve tested with an “auto clean” function, which evaporates any excess moisture that may have accumulated inside the machine while cooling or drying a space. Running this periodically (by holding the “energy saver” button on the remote for three seconds) gets rid of any dankness before it develops.
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For large rooms, up to 1,440 square feet. (Requiresa 230V outlet.)
Similarly, I have yet to find another AC that comes in as many different power levels to suit rooms of various sizes. In addition to the 10,000 BTU unit I recommend for most living rooms, there are also smaller 6,000 and 8,000 BTU models for smaller spaces, 12,000 and 14,000 BTU versions for larger spaces, and — if you have thecorrect high-voltage outletto accommodate them — 18,000, 22,000, and 24,000 BTU versions for cooling spaces as large as 1,440 square feet.
I find the green LED display to be less glaring than the white or blue lights used in other units I’ve tested. And it’s easy to disable by simultaneously pressing the mode and sleep buttons.
What are the downsides to the LG Dual Inverter AC?
Like most window units, installing the LG takes up a significant portion of a window. And once it’s installed, that window can no longer be used until it’s removed. If you choose to install it with a support bracket from below, you will still be able to open and close the window, but it doesn’t come with one.
It’s nice that the LG has Wi-Fi and can be scheduled or otherwise controlled and monitored using LG’s ThinQ app (where you can configure voice controls using Google Home or Amazon Alexa). I like using it to turn down the temperature when I’m on my way home so it’s already cool by the time I arrive. However, many of LG’s competitors have adopted the universal smart-home protocol known as Matter, which adds support for Apple’s smart-home ecosystem and does not lock you into any particular brand’s smart-home app.
How do I install the LG Dual Inverter AC?
Anyone who’s installed a window AC in the past should have no problems installing the LG. It’s not an easy process, but it’s straightforward. You slide the expanding side panels and their brackets into the top and bottom of the unit, close it into the window frame such that it’s level with the ground — or tilting outward a bit — and install all the foam and hardware per theinstructions.
How do I clean the LG Dual Inverter AC?
The LG Dual Inverter Smart Window AC has a removable mesh pre-filter that keeps dust from clogging the condenser. There’s a light on the control panel that illuminates when it’s time to clean it according toLG’s instructions. After unplugging the unit, remove the front panel with a light tug, then pull out the filter. Rinse it clean in the sink, then shake it off and wipe it down. Replace it once fully dry, then turn on the unit and hold the filter reset button until the indicator turns off.
Like most window air conditioners, there is no way to thoroughly clean the inside of the machine without disassembling it, which would void the warranty. Instead, I’d recommend running the auto-clean mode monthly (by holding the “energy saver” button on the remote for three seconds) to prevent mold from taking root in the first place.
Is the LG Dual Inverter AC worth it?
Starting at $420 for the 8,000 BTU unit, the LG Dual Inverter is among the more expensive window units available. Whether that’s worth it depends on how long you expect an AC to last. While you’re likely to get at least two to three good years from its competitors, none of them can match LG’s decades-long track record for reliability. It may not have all the latest features or be the quietest option, but if that’s what it takes to create a machine that lasts many years instead of a few seasons, it’s well worth the trade-off.
Other window ACs we like
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