Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 Review

Our team was impressed by the cooling power of this model but less impressed by its energy consumption and noise generation. It also lacks WiFi connectivity but includes many of the other convenience features we've come to expect from a window air conditioning unit. The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is also a heavy unit, making an otherwise simple installation just a little more difficult. Aside from some obvious considerations regarding noise and energy use, we really liked this model.

Cooling

Our cooling test metric assesses the effectiveness of each model in cooling a space from a specific temperature within an hour. The test metric accounts for 30 percent of each window unit's overall score, and the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 stood out for having the most cooling power of all the models in our product lineup.

The 12K BTU Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 dropped the temperature of our control room by 14 degrees in the one-hour test, while the next most capable unit, a 12K BTU model, lowered the temperature of the room 12.4 degrees.

Runner-ups, the 8K and 6K BTU units lowered the temperature to a very respectable 11 and 9 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. From a pure cooling performance perspective, the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is a top choice, but before you pull the trigger on that purchase, there are a couple of caveats to that performance, which we discuss below.

Energy Consumption

The incredible cooling power of the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 comes with a couple of caveats, the first one being the incredible amount of power needed to achieve that high level of performance. In our one-hour test, the unit consumed .8 kilowatts of energy, making it the most expensive model to operate and one you may notice when you get your energy bill for those hot summer months.

The average for the entire test group was .49 kilowatts, with other 12K and 8K units pulling about .59 kilowatts of energy per hour. The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1's power consumption is about double of the most energy-efficient units tested.

Noise

Our noise metric measures the loudness of models and contributes to 20 percent of each model's overall score, and this is where we run into our second caveat to incredible cooling performance.

The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is the loudest model we tested, and that's one of the trade-offs to its incredible performance. At 4 feet away, on a high fan speed setting, this unit measured 62 decibels on our sound pressure level meter.

While sound measurements are based on perception and use a logarithmic scale and not a linear scale, it's still worth referencing for comparison that a vacuum cleaner is about 70 to 75 decibels and a blender is about 90 decibels. The unit is quieter than a vacuum cleaner, but not by a whole lot, and it should be a serious consideration before you buy.

Convenience

The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 covers the basics but really does not offer the more advanced features and functions of more premium models.

The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 offers a good range of air adjustments horizontally, but the vertical adjustments are a little limited in their range of motion. Multiple cooling modes and fan speed settings are easy to adjust, and the display is readable but utilizes a frosted white LED that can be a little difficult to see in bright light. The remote is relatively robust and offers the majority of controls for the unit. Timers and child locks need to be set on the unit itself.

The unit does not have WiFi connectivity or an app. It's a classic window AC unit that covers the basics very well. If you're interested in more convenience features than a remote, like home automation via Alexa Home or Google Assistant, then you'll want to take a look at other AC units.

Installation

This model offers one of the more straightforward installations of all the units we tested, and the fit in the window is very good. The steps are easy to follow, and the unit can be securely placed in a window in as little as 20 to 30 minutes.

However, it's exceptionally heavy compared to smaller, less capable units, weighing in at 69 pounds, so you will likely want someone to help you lift the unit into place.

Should You Buy the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1?

The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 may be a noisy energy hog, but it is hands down the most effective window AC unit we tested for large spaces. Its ability to cool spaces comes at a trade-off of lots of noise and considerably high energy consumption when compared to the other models we tested. So, if noise and energy consumption rank high on your priority list, look elsewhere. Otherwise, this is an impressive model and a great option for cooling large spaces where sound matters very little, like a workshop or a garage.

What Other Window Air Conditioner Should You Consider?

The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is not necessarily the most environmentally conscious choice when it comes to an air conditioner. It also doesn't have modern inverter technology or a smart app that is more suited to the modern home. For similar performance but with significantly quieter operation, more responsible energy usage, and more convenience features, you'll want to consider the 12K BTU Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT, or for smaller spaces, an all-around top performer in our lineup, the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT. However, if these models are too much for your current budget, the LG LW6017R is also a capable and energy-efficient option with some value-adding convenience features, but it is also noisier than the models mentioned above.