Frigidaire FRA086AT7

With 8,000 Btu of cooling power, the Frigidaire FRA086AT7 can effectively cool a space of around 350 square feet (or more, according to some user reviews). However, it's noisier than its competitors, such as the LG LW8012ER (Est. $220) . Yet, this Frigidaire is efficient and easy to install, and users like its features -- especially the remote-sensing thermostat on the remote control. Some users do complain that the Frigidaire's construction is flimsy, but reports of actual breakdowns are rare.

Performance

Noisy. In professional tests, the Frigidaire FRA086AT7, like all other window units, does a good job of cooling a room to the desired temperature. However, it's also fairly noisy, especially on high speed. The user-written reviews we read on retail sites confirm these findings. Frigidaire claims the unit can effectively cool spaces up to 350 square feet, and most owners agree it performs well in larger spaces.

A few owners find the cooling inadequate with some noting that it doesn't circulate cold air effectively. We also saw many complaints about its noise level. The unit meets Energy Star standards, with an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.8.

Ease Of Use

Many useful features. Although professional testers rate this unit only average for ease of use, owners are generally pleased with its variety of convenience features. They especially like the remote control, which contains a built-in thermostat so it can measure air temperature across the room, rather than just at the site of the air conditioner itself.

Seamus Bellamy of TheSweetHome.com also cites several other features as useful, including the eight-way air direction control. However, other reviews indicate that the direction controls don't actually work that well, especially for directing airflow to the right. On the plus side, most owners find the unit easy to install.

Value

Not built to last. While the actual price of this unit is fairly modest, several owner reviews complain about its flimsy construction. One says it arrived with a foam insulator broken, and another says several screws were missing and various metal parts were bent. We didn't see that many reports of actual mechanical failures, but users who did have problems generally say that Frigidaire's customer service is terrible. Although the unit's standard warranty covers repairs, owners say they had a lot of trouble getting through to Frigidaire and, once they did, the staff was unresponsive or unhelpful.