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Over-the-sill air conditioners have some huge benefits. These units have upside-down U-shaped designs that saddle the window sill. The noisy stuff such as the compressor and other mechanicals live outside, while the fan and control panel (the quieter stuff) hang below the window, inside the house. This allows folks to open and close the window as they wish while enjoying quieter operation—the best of both worlds.
But which is the best over-the-sill air conditioner? I think it’s the Soleus Air 6,000 BTU Saddle Air Conditioner. It’s quiet, provides plenty of power, and lets me open my office window anytime I want to. But is it perfect? Find out in this over-the-sill air conditioner review.
How We Tested the Best Over-the-Sill Air Conditioners
Air conditioners aren’t cheap, so we wanted to make sure that any model we suggested was truly up for the task. For that reason, we performed hands-on testing with the Soleus Air air conditioner to ensure it has what it takes. What’s more, we tested it along with multiple other air conditioners so we had some data to compare it to.
First, we installed the units and assessed that process. We noted how heavy or difficult the air conditioners were to lift and maneuver, as well as how easy or difficult it was to position and adjust each air conditioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, we cycled through the different modes and adjusted each AC to run at our desired settings. We allowed each model to run through hot weather, taking note of how quickly it cooled the room. We also assessed how quietly each model ran. Throughout these tests, we found the Soleus Air to be the best over-the-sill air conditioner.
Best Overall
Soleus Air 6,000 BTU Saddle Air Conditioner
Product Specs
- Size: 6,000 BTUs
- Display and setting type: Digital
- Additional features: Saddle style, remote control, Wi-Fi
What I Like
- Doesn’t block natural light or outside view; can open the window once installed
- MyTemp sensor adjusts unit’s output based on location of remote control
- Runs very quietly compared to other other models (42 decibels)
What I Don’t Like
- 68-pound weight; can be an armful to get it in place
- Must drain the condensation every few days (standard procedure with over-the-sill models)
The Soleus Air saddle air conditioner was my top choice for the best over-the-sill air conditioner. This model comes in three sizes; 6,000; 8,000; and 10,000 BTU (the largest of which also includes heat). I tested the 6,000 BTU model, which features several modes, including air conditioner, auto, dehumidifier, energy saver, sleep mode, and MyTemp Sensor. A digital remote control is included. The unit boasts a low volume level of 38 decibels, though in testing I clocked it at 42 decibels.
Installing the Soleus Air is a bit of a mixed bag. The installation itself is very easy, as the unit simply sits over the existing sill and the user adjusts two legs under the unit to level and secure the air conditioner. However, the air conditioner weighs about 68 pounds, and it’s longer front-to-back than standard window units, so it proved quite an armful to hold, maneuver, and get into place. However, once it was positioned properly, I was able to open and close my window whenever I liked, and the unit itself didn’t block my view or natural light.
Using the unit was simple as well. The digital display made the adjustments easy to toggle through, and the remote displayed all of the important readings, preventing the need to squint across the room at the air conditioner while making adjustments. The MyTemp sensor is also built into the remote. In this mode, the air conditioner uses the temperature sensor in the remote as a thermostat. As the air temperature in the space around the remote fluctuates, the air conditioner will turn on and off automatically.
My only complaint beyond the size and weight of the Soleus Air unit is something that appears to be unavoidable with all over-the-sill ACs: the necessity to drain condensation from the unit every few days. This involves pulling a silicone plug from the side of the unit and draining the collected water into a large jar or other container. While this doesn’t sound like a big deal, standard window units drain themselves, and users never have to worry about this step.
That chore aside, I really enjoyed this unit. It was one of the only air conditioners in the test that was suitable for personal use in my office, as the others were too loud to run during conference calls. It cooled my small-but-uninsulated office in short order—it only took about 10 minutes to go from 80 degrees Fahrenheit to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Note: My air conditioner is the 2021 model and does not have Wi-Fi. Newer models do have Wi-Fi and use the Soleus Air app, but I can’t speak to the app’s user-friendliness or compatibility.
Get the Soleus Air over-the-sill air conditioner at Amazon or Walmart.
More Over-the-Sill Air Conditioners Worth Your Money
The following are some other air conditioners worth checking out. The first option is a standard over-the-sill model, while the second is a U-shaped model, which has some significant differences but similar benefits (primarily window opening and noise level).
- GE Profile ClearView Window Air Conditioner, available at Amazon or The Home Depot.
- Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Air Conditioner, available at Amazon or The Home Depot.
FAQs
Those who want more information about choosing an over-the-sill air conditioner—or about our Best Overall pick—can read on for answers to two of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
U-shaped and over-the-sill air conditioners are some of the most energy-efficient designs. These models separate the interior space from the exterior more effectively, and many utilize inverter technology. This allows the air conditioner to regulate its electrical draw based on the machine’s needs and settings.
The Soleus Air over-the-sill air conditioner offers auto mode, air conditioner, dehumidifier, energy saver, sleep mode, fan, and “MyTemp Sensor.” The largest Soleus Air model even features heat.
