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Best Casement/Vertical Window Air Conditioners in 2021

If you have vertical windows in your home or office, your best option to cool the space is with a vertical window air conditioner, also known as casement window air conditioner or sliding window air conditioner

Vertical window air conditioners are typically narrow and taller than traditional window air conditioners and come with the hardware you need to install them on casement windows.

However, buying the best vertical window AC isn’t easy, because not many brands manufacture them.

But after a few hours of research, we’ve rounded off 6 solid options in the vertical window air conditioner segment.

Best Casement / Vertical Window Air Conditioners: Our Picks

1. Frigidaire Slider/Casement Window Air Conditioner

Frigidaire Slider/Casement Window Air Conditioner
Editor’s choice
B00VV2JV3I
Check price on Amazon
Features
Timer and auto-off
Great energy efficiency
Front-loading washable filter/full-function remot

The Frigidaire sliding window AC is engineered to cool rooms up to 450 sq. ft. and offers three fan speeds to choose from, high, medium, and low.

Furthermore, the Frigidaire window air conditioner comes with an onsite timer, from where you can preconfigure the unit to turn on and off automatically in half-hour increments.

Adding to its long list of features is sleep mode, which when engaged increases the temperature gradually while you sleep for great energy efficiency and comfort.

The Frigidaire window air cooling unit provides four-way direction air circulation, allowing you to direct the air exactly where you want to.

It is equipped with electronic controls and a front-loading washable filter with tilt-out access that captures dust and enhances the energy efficiency of the window AC.

The Frigidaire casement window air conditioner is a perfect fit for windows that measure a minimum of 21.5″ in height (40″ max), and 15.5″ minimum width.

The package includes a full-function remote control and a three to five-year warranty card on the compressor.

What We Like:

  • Cools rooms up to 450 square feet
  • Timer and auto-off
  • Great energy efficiency
  • Front-loading washable filter/full-function remote
  • Suitable for 21.5″ in height (40″ max), and 15.5″ minimum width windows
  • 3 – 5 year warranty on compressor

What We Don’t Like:

  • Can be a little noisy at times

2. Keystone Slider Casement Window Conditioner

Keystone Slider Casement Window Conditioner
Runner up
B08911DLPL
Check price on Amazon
Features
Removes 0.9 liters of moisture per hour
Easy to remove the filter with time to clean indicator
Programmable timer, sleep mode, energy saver mode

This Keystone AC can be installed in casement windows and sliding windows, and boasts 8,000 BTU cooling power, making it a great fit for rooms as large as 350 sq. ft.

It offers three fan speeds to select from, and four-way air direction control, making it easy to get the right amount of cooling in your room.

The Keystone window AC is easy to install with the included window kit on casement windows that measure a minimum of 21.3″ in height, and 15.5″ – 16.3 inches wide.

Apart from air conditioning capabilities, the Keystone vertical window unit can also dehumidify your space by removing an impressive 0.9 liters of moisture per hour.

The filter of the Keystone sliding window AC is easy to slide in and out and even features an indicator to alert you when it’s time to clean it.

The Keystone window  AC features a programmable timer, sleep mode, energy saver mode, and is backed by a one-year warranty against any manufacturer defects.

What We Like:

  • For windows measuring min 21.3″ in height, and 15.5″ – 16.3 inches wide
  • 8,000 BTU cooling power/350 square feet
  • Removes 0.9 liters of moisture per hour
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Easy to remove the filter with time to clean indicator
  • Programmable timer, sleep mode, energy saver mode
  • 1-year manufacturer warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • Doesn’t come with remote control

3. FRIGIDAIRE FFRS0822S1 Sliding Window Air Conditioner

FRIGIDAIRE FFRS0822S1 Sliding Window Air Conditioner
Runner up
B01B4XUU2O
Check price on Amazon
Features
Easy to select digital controls
Built-in timer and sleep mode
Easy to remove and clean filter

The  FRIGIDAIRE FFRS0822S1 window air conditioner offers 8,000 BTU air cooling power, making it an ideal option for rooms up to 350 sq. ft. It comes with three different fan speeds, so you can easily adjust the level of cooling you desire in your room.

It is equipped with easy to select digital controls and a front-fitting washable filter that keeps dust at bay. The Frigidaire sliding window AC comes with a remote control that allows you to access several of the unit’s features from anywhere in the room.

Furthermore, this casement window air conditioner model from Frigidaire features a built-in timer that can be set to turn the window AC on and off automatically in 30-minute increments.

Additionally, the sleep mode feature of this window AC unit raises the temperature gradually by a few degrees as you sleep for enhanced comfort.

The Frigidaire 8000 BTU window air AC unit is protected by a three to five warranty on its motor, so you can rest assured it will serve you well for many years to come.

What We Like: 

  • 8,000 BTU air cooling power
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Easy to select digital controls
  • Built-in timer and sleep mode
  • Full function remote control
  • Easy to remove and clean filter
  • 3-5 year manufacturer warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • Doesn’t come with an accordion panel
  • Can’t be installed in double-hung windows

Casement / Vertical Window Air Conditioners FAQ

Do they make upright air conditioners for sliding windows?

There are a few brands that make window air conditioners including leading window AC brand Frigidaire.

When on the shopping trail for the best sliding window AC, you have two different options available- a proper casement window air conditioner and portable window air AC.

Vertical window AC units can be installed directly with the included installation kit on your window, whereas portable air vertical window AC units can be installed on your window with a hose.

One of the benefits of using a portable AC in a room with casement windows is that you can easily move it around to other rooms. But on the flip side, you may find the hose running from the AC unit out the unit a bit unappealing.

Choosing the right size:

The first, most important thing to do before buying a casement AC unit is to determine the size you need, and we’re referring to more than the size of the unit itself.

You need to consider the amount of air power the respective AC for sliding windows provides, which is represented in BTU (British Thermal Units).

Most casement window air cooling units come in one of two sizes-8,000 BTU and 10,000 BTU, so their good for cooling between 350 sq. ft. to 450 sq. ft.

If you’re looking to cool a smaller area, then it’s worth considering buying a portable air conditioner such as the Black & Decker portable AC.

The Black and Decker portable vertical window air conditioner gives you the best of both worlds-quiet and powerful air 5,000 BTU cooling, making it a great fit for rooms that measure up to 150 square feet.

When set at its highest adjustable fan speed, it can cool up to 65-degrees F. The Black & Decker portable air conditioner features sleep mode for extra-quiet operation and can be installed in double-hung or sliding windows.

The best part is that it even comes with the 4’ 11” hose and the window adapter required for the installation process, so you won’t have to buy the two separately.

The Black & Decker portable window AC unit features a clear and crisp LED display, and apart from cooling, can also be used as a fan or to remove moisture from your space.

Speaking of dehumidification, it is a bucket-less process, as the accumulated water evaporates automatically. The Black & Decker energy saver portable AC is easy to operate with its included remote control and is backed by a two-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Do they make vertical window air conditioners?

Upright window ACs are similar to vertical air conditioners, in that they sit vertically or upright in the window casing. However, since only a handful of brands manufacture casement window ACs, you may want to consider buying a portable window air cooling unit.

Most portable window air conditioners can only cool small spaces as large as 150 square feet. But, if you want to cool a larger space of let’s say 450 sq. ft., the Ivation horizontal sliding portable AC is worth a second look.

Even though it rings in with a slightly higher price tag, the Ivation AC unit comes with most of the bells and whistles available in top-of-the-line models, starting with its whopping 12,000 BTU cool air circulation power.

The Ivation sliding window portable AC boasts a sleek, freestanding design, and arrives complete with built-in carry handles and omnidirectional wheels. It features a crisp LED display, and comes with a full-function remote control for wireless operation, and a rather long 59″ hose.

This portable air cooling system by Ivation showcases energy-efficient operation and can be paired with the Ivation app for convenient control from your Apple or Android device.

Can you put an air conditioner in a sliding window?

You can put an air conditioner in a sliding window, but it’s worth mentioning that you will more than likely require professional help and/or may stick out like a sore thumb.

To install a regular window AC into a sliding window, you will have to create a special frame to accommodate the unit. These simple, solid frames require no exterior brace or support and can be installed or uninstalled in just a few minutes.

You will need:

  • Two – 2 x 4s
  • 12 long wood screws such as deck screws
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Plywood scrap

1. Start by measuring the width of the AC, and make sure this number also includes any vents that are protruding from the sides. Next, measure the height of the air conditioner, and jot these numbers down.

2. Now, measure the height of your window opening from the highest point of the window. Cut the 2 x 4s according to the height and width of the AC and the height of the window frame.

3. Screws the pieces together with the deck screws, and check to see if the frame fits your window before moving further.

4. If it fits, you can install your window AC into the frame you just built, but before securing it in place, check it’s draining properly and is mounted to tip away from the window.

5. Lastly, you will have to close any openings you see in the frame after the window is secured, which is mostly one large one at the top. You can close this opening with another 2 x 4.

If the higher price of vertical window ACs is the reason you’re opting for a regular window air conditioner, the Midea EasyCool window AC is a budget-friendly option.

It provides 5,000 BTU air cooling power and allows you to select from seven temperature settings, and two cooling and fan speeds. The Midea window AC is great for spaces measuring up to 150 sq. ft. and comes with a reusable and washable mesh filter.

Its only drawback is that it doesn’t come with remote control, but if you can get past this, it hardly disappoints in terms of performance and durability.

Do they make air conditioners for crank-out windows?

There are a few, select models available for crank-out windows, but they cost more than regular window ACs. If you don’t want to splurge on a casement window AC just yet or are renting, then your best bet is to either buy a traditional window AC and mount it on a custom-built frame or simply buy a portable AC.

You can even buy a personal air cooler such as the ZEEF portable air conditioner for under $100. Of course, you won’t get the same air cooling performance as regular window air conditioners, but does offers three fan speeds to select from.

It comes with a large 800 ml water tank for several hours of mist spraying to keep small areas cool. It is powered by a built-in 5,000 Ah battery, which when charged completely allows you to use the appliance for roughly two to eight hours.