The Friedrich SS08L10 is a window/wall air conditioner built for performance. With 8,400 Btu, this Friedrich unit is marketed to cool single rooms, but it easily cools multiple spaces in homes with an open floor plan. Although it weighs more than 100 pounds -- nearly twice the weight of many of its competitors -- it runs very quietly. It's also quite compact; it is about 15 inches in height and about 25 inches wide. The faceplate isn't flush with the window frame, but it is close. It extends beyond the window casing only 3-1/16 inches, which makes it easy to lower a blind over the air conditioner when it is not in use. It also makes the air conditioner less obtrusive than other models we've tested.

The Friedrich SS08L10 is Energy Star rated and seems to work more efficiently than most. It took little time to cool a sizeable room, and that was on the air conditioner's lowest speed. Turning it up would have had our teeth chattering in no time. Plus, a "money saver" feature runs the fan at the same time as the compressor, which helps conserve energy (and money). It has four fan speeds, compared to the three speeds offered by many of its competitors, as well as a light that indicates when the filter should be changed. Again, this is a thoughtful addition not found on many competitive units. The antimicrobial filter helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, and only needs an occasional washing.

The SS08L10 can be programmed to bring a room to a certain temperature at certain times, and the program has a backup feature to save the settings if there is a power outage. There is a 24-hour timer and a remote control; both features that make operating this model more convenient. This is perhaps the quietest window/wall air conditioner we've tested. We give the Friedrich SS08L10 some of our highest marks for its powerful, quiet performance and plenty of convenience features.


Pros: Effective and powerful air conditioner, quiet, efficient, lots of extras
Cons: Price

Warranty
1 year