LG 6,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

I have a window that is ~21 – 21.25″ which is below the minimum width of the specifications (22″). Thought I might add some information about my experience for people, so as to know what to expect.

The AC unit itself is 19.5″ so any window – actual opening – smaller than that will be a no go. You can install this without the curtain panels (side accordions) which are not unit supporting features but rather to keep the air out. However, I wanted to keep the panels to get a good seal and center my AC in the window frame. For this, I had to do a few modifications.

You can cut the accordion/baffles of the panels but both ends of the baffles have unique shapes that “fits” into the unit or frame. Cutting it down to about 1 or two baffles can shave about 0.5″ off both ends. I had to do so, then I epoxied the remaining baffle together. Doing this shortens the accordion down to the point where it’s difficult to screw the baffle into the AC but can be done with a little fidgeting. Not as cleanly as if you were working with more standard sizes but doable. Also, the plastic frame of the panels has a few pieces that will prevent the panels from pushing in toward the AC to the maximum compression, minimum total width. I had to use a hacksaw to cut some of these pieces off so that the frame can slide in more compactly into the unit. The plastic frame isn’t as structurally rigid, but works and since this isn’t a major piece that actually supports the weight of the AC, should be okay to go.

With these modifications it’s a near perfect fit but there is not much more that can be shaved. The unit is pretty well balanced but it is heavy so installing in a just-fit window makes it hard to work with more than one person. I highly recommend the installation of an AC supporting bracket to prevent this from falling out during installation. I used the top supporting frame and passed through lashing straps that I secured to the radiator to prevent it from accidentally tipping out, slowly letting out slack little by little as I slid the unit into the window frame. This part was easier than I thought it would be, esp with a supporting bracket so I never felt I was in any danger of losing control throughout the process. The hardest part aside from modifying the panels was getting the resting lip on the underside of the unit to lift over the edge of my sill/frame. Once that worked, it settled into the AC window frame L-brackets easily.

So the long story here is it’s possible with some modifications and planning to get this thing to fit into a 21-21.25″ opening for a perfect fit w/ panels. I don’t recommend trying this with anything (window) smaller unless you go panel-less and fill the gaps with something like insulation foam. This is as small (width) as it will get.

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Other reviews have mentioned but I might as well restate. The best selling points are: 1) low noise levels, 2) efficiency, 3) powerful.

The AC unit itself is fantastic. It’s so ridiculously quiet I can’t hear it over the sound of my computer fan. It cools the room quickly and I can feel air circulating in upper levels of my studio/loft. If you have high ceilings and spend time in high up places, 9500 BTU is a good choice even if your square footage points to something like 6000. My old unit (6000 BTU) was a little under-powered to cool anything but the lower levels of my room. It struggled to get under 80F and on super hot days… I just had to grin and bear it. This unit is a bit more expensive than other units, but the rated efficiency should be factored into the cost calculations. If it works as well as it’s supposed to, I estimate I should see my money back after a season or so with better performance to boot.

In these strange times where we’re stuck in our homes – might as well make it comfortable. I’m happy that I made this purchase before the season gets super hot and everyone is scrambling to purchase a new AC.

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EDIT: The unit has about 6″ depth from INSIDE the window to the furthest point on the front panel. My window sits inside a deep casing, 7″ of wall. The unit takes in air from both sides and the bottom so probably best to make sure these intakes are not blocked. With the above modified minimum width, I have about 1-1.5″ of head space on all L/R/B sides of the unit. The bottom is more forgiving since the air inlet hole is at a slant so even if it sat flush on the sill it shouldn’t get completely blocked. Regardless, this has been plenty enough free space around the AC to provide it with clear air-flow in and operate as expected.

This is by far the best investment to date I’ve made for my 33 foot “live-in” full-time travel trailer. Here in Arizona where 110-120F for long stretches and 90+ being our cool days this AC exceeded what I was hoping for. Typically what I’ve seen here with others adding a window AC is they still need to have the less than efficient rooftop AC running as well. So I expected the same especially when I ordered it just as the heatwave was coming. Even when it’s 120F, no need for rooftop AC and I set it at 65 (low) during the day and 75 (low) at night. If I’m super hot coming from outside I’ll momentarily give it a medium blast for 5 mins to cool down.

At night like 2-3AM (still upper 90’s outside) I find myself pointing the vents away cause it’s a bit chilly and that’s a good thing. I mounted it in a window that is 2 feet from where my favorite lounge chair is and it super quiet. Rooftop is half way across the trailer and I always have to turn up the volume when it’s on. This thing is really efficient and a fraction to operate compared to the rooftop unit.

Remote is nice but the app is awesome. Way more control in the app. I love that I can turn it on off by timer or if driving back home I want it freezing when I get there you can control it as long as you have wifi for the unit and cell signal for your phone.

It’s just a little bigger than expected but that’s only cause I was using my neighbors AC for reference but turns out here is smaller than normal. I’ll say this though, it does have some weight. At 65 years old, I’ve always been into active sports but I really burst out in a sweat just as it was entering the case it mounts in which I really liked. Pretty simple setup if you’re a DYI. I was very surprised when looking at Amazon that it is well over $100 more now and it wasn’t some special sale when I bought it July 17th so I’m glad I didn’t wait.

Overall I am 10/10 with this one. I’m usually a Samsung purchaser so this is my first LG appliance and I wouldn’t switch it for anything. Will definitely purchase another if needed and recommend to anyone asking.

1. It’s is quiet. 2. It is not an energy hog. I’m saving on my electric bills. 3. It will blow very cold air. 4. Energy saver function works just like a home thermostat. 5. It was easy to install.
I could go on and on about the qualities of this AC. I searched Internet AC reviews and videos, as well as Amazon reviews for 2 weeks before purchasing this LG AC. Awesome product.