LG LW8012ER (8,000 BTU)

The LG LW8012ER 8,000-BTU air conditioner is the 2012 version of two older LG air conditioners -- the LW8010ER and LW8011ER -- that are well regarded by experts and users for their features and performance. Although professional reviews have yet to surface, initial user feedback indicates that the LW8012ER is being received just as well; all give it high marks for cooling, ease of use and quietness.

Features include a 24-hour programmable timer, remote control and an "AutoRestart" function that turns the unit back on when power is restored after an outage. Professional reviews of the earlier versions complain that they don't direct air to the left, but no such complaints have surfaced thus far in user reviews of the LG LW8012ER. The Frigidaire FRA086AT7 (*Est. $245) and LRA087AT7 (*Est. $210), a Lowe's exclusive, are similarly regarded in this size range. User reviews are exceptionally positive for both, although an expert review says they're a bit harder to use than the LG and also a bit noisier.

While experts have yet to test the LG LW8012ER, you can find information on the previous-generation LW8010ER and LW8011ER at ConsumerReports.org. Initial owner reviews of the LG LW8012ER are at HomeDepot.com.