LG LW6017R Review

The LG LW6017R proved to be a great budget-friendly choice that offers a great balance of performance, energy consumption, and convenience features at an approachable price.

Performance Comparison

Cooling

This metric assessed each AC unit's ability to cool from 84-85 degrees Fahrenheit over a one-hour period while operating at the highest settings and fan speeds possible. This critical metric constitutes 30 percent of the overall score for each window unit.

The LG LW6017R offers respectable cooling performance, especially considering that it is only a 6,000 BTU model standing up against units with ratings up to 12,000 BTUs. It was able to drop the temperature of our test room by 9.4 degrees Fahrenheit, outperforming not just 5K and 6K BTU models, but also an 8K BTU model. While other higher BTU models brought the average temperature change of all the models our team tested to 9.9 degrees, this model is technically below average, but in spaces up to 260 square feet, the LG is not just capable; it is impressive.

Energy Consumption

Our energy consumption test metric comprised 25 percent of each window air conditioner's overall score and involved measuring the energy consumption of each model. We used a device to measure kilowatt-hours of energy consumption while running each model on the highest power and fan speed settings for one hour. This is the same test used to measure cooling power, but with our focus on the watt meter.

The LG LW6017R offers relatively low power consumption considering this model uses older non-inverter technology and does not more precisely control compressor motor speeds. Of the four modes available, one includes an energy saving 'eco' mode and works with a range of fan speeds. Our tests utilized the highest fan and cooling settings, so additional energy cost reduction could likely be achieved using the eco modes.

In our test, the LG LW6017R consumed .42 kilowatts, which is an above-average performance for the test group.

Noise

Our noise metric gauged the loudness of models and accounts for 20 percent of each model's overall score. Unfortunately, the LG LW6017R isn't very quiet, in fact it earned a below-average for the test group.

The LG LW6017R registered 57 decibels on our sound pressure level meter, which is about the middle of the road for all the units we tested. What is particularly bad about the noise generated is that it is not just the hum of a fan or motor that is noisy, but the compressor is particularly audible and annoying. Fortunately, it's not overly loud, just an undesirable sound quality that you can pretty easily ignore by turning up some music.

Convenience

Our convenience metric, making up 15% of each model's total score, evaluates air direction adjustments, temperature, display settings, modes, the remote, WiFi connectivity and apps, timers, and child locks. The greatest weightings are placed on WiFi connectivity and apps, followed by air direction adjustments, remotes, and timers.

The LG LW6017R has a number of modes that include the aforementioned eco-mode, a fairly robust remote, and a useful timer. Timers are fairly easy to set and work in half-hour increments for the first ten hours before changing to hour increments. The timer feature can also be used as a delay to turn on the A/C to your selected settings. When the LG turns on and off, it keeps all the previous settings; however, it does turn the Eco mode on for auto, cool, and dry settings.

Overall, an easy-to-read screen with temperature and fan settings, remote, and timer make this a very convenient model to operate.

Installation

Our final test metric assessed the ease and simplicity of installation, and due to its infrequent nature, perhaps once a year or a one-time task, it contributes only 10 percent to each model's overall score.

The LG LW6017R proved to be below average with regard to installation. However, at about 40 pounds and with relatively clear instructions, the process isn't confusing; it just requires a few extra installation steps than most of the units we tested.

The installation of the LG LW6017R isn't nearly as bad as the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT or its 12,000 BTU variant, but the process could be better. The LG requires that you reference some rather small images in the instructions to determine how to install small curtains that fill the void at the sides of the unit but also require the additional step of screwing the curtain in after installation. This was a step that no other installation had. Additionally, the unit utilizes some foam strips that must be installed to help insulate the room.

Overall, installation could be better, but considering it's only done once or once per year, it isn't terrible, can be done solo, and you only need to plan 25 to 35 minutes of your time to complete the task.

Should You Buy the LG LW6017R?

If your budget has been keeping you from adding a window air conditioner to the home office or that one sun-exposed room that always gets hotter than the rest of the house, then you should consider the LG LW6017R. For a 6,000 BTU unit, it offers reasonably good cooling performance and great energy efficiency. While it may be a bit noisier than other models, it is a great model, and a great value with its modest price compared to other units we've tested. While we don't think you'll be disappointed with this LG, and it's a great budget-minded option, other higher-priced, better-performing, and quieter models are worth your consideration.

What Other Window Air Conditioners Should You Consider?

While the LG LW6017R is capable, energy efficient, and offers some value-enhancing convenience features, it isn't quiet. For similar performance and features, there are significantly quieter options. Take a look at the all-around great Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT, or its larger companion for bigger spaces, the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT. Both offer exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and premium convenience features while remaining exceptionally quiet and are great picks for areas where noise matters. If the most premium models are a little out of reach, and the LG LW6017R still seems like a little more than you are willing to pay, then consider the very capable and even more affordable GE AHEC05AC — just don't expect the premium performance and features only offered by the Midea's.