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19,100 BTU window air conditioner

Friedrich KCVM18B30A

Below average efficiency for its size: a CEER of 14.4 ranks #10 of 10 18,000 BTU window air conditioners.

It cools a room of about 700-1000 sq ft, draws about 1326 watts and costs about $179 a year to run at typical U.S. use and prices.

CEER
14.4 Combined efficiency, higher is better
Below average · beats 20%
Cooling
19,100 BTU/hFor about 700-1000 sq ft
Energy use
995 kWh/yr35% less than the federal minimum
Unit size
25.9" wide 17.9" high, 29" deep, 130 lb

A good fit if…

  • You want a certified 19,100 BTU window air conditioner at a typical efficiency level.

Think twice if…

  • Running cost matters most - its CEER is below average for 18,000 BTU window air conditioners.
  • You only have ordinary outlets - it needs a 230 V circuit and plug.
  • You plan to install it alone - at 130 lb it is a two-person job.
  • You also need heat - it cools only.

Calculate my running costCheck the size for my room

Details

Specifications19,100 BTU, 230 V
General
BrandFriedrich
Model numberKCVM18B30A
TypeWindow
DesignStandard box
HeatingNo, cooling only
CompressorVariable speed (inverter)
Voltage230 V (needs a 230 V outlet)
RefrigerantR-32 (GWP 675)
Support bracket includedYes
On the market sinceMarch 12, 2025
Last certifiedMarch 13, 2025
Performance
Cooling capacity19,100 BTU/h
CEERCombined energy efficiency ratio, includes standby power14.4
Yearly energy useENERGY STAR test: 750 hours995 kWh
Better than federal minimum35% less energy
ENERGY STAR Most EfficientNo
Size
Width × height × depth25.9" W × 17.9" H × 29" D
Weight130 lb
How it compares with 9 other 18,000 BTU window units#10 of 10
  • CEER (class median 14.7)14.4, tied with 3 others
  • Yearly cost vs. class median ($169)$10 more
  • Width 25.9" (class median 25.4")narrower than 33%
  • Weight 130 lb (class median 99 lb)lighter than 0%
  • Rank among 5 similar designs#5

Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 18,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

Questions6
How many square feet does the Friedrich KCVM18B30A cool?
At 19,100 BTU/h it suits a room of about 700 to 1000 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 770-1100 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 630-900 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.
How many watts and amps does the Friedrich KCVM18B30A use?
About 1326 watts at full power (19,100 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 14.4), which is 5.8 amps at 230 V. That is 76 W more than the typical unit in its class (1250 W), or $10 a year dearer to run at 18.0¢/kWh. Its inverter compressor slows down instead of cycling, so real use is usually lower. Its CEER beats 0% of the 10 units in the class.
What outlet does the Friedrich KCVM18B30A need?
It is a 230 V unit that draws 5.8 A, so it needs its own 230 V circuit with a matching plug (typically NEMA 6-15 or 6-20). If the room has only ordinary 115 V outlets, an electrician has to add one. Only 100% of the 10 certified units in this class are 230 V.
What are the dimensions of the Friedrich KCVM18B30A, and will it fit my window?
25.9" W × 17.9" H × 29" D, 130 lb. It is narrower than 33% of its 9 competitors and lighter than 0% of them. The window must be wider than 25.9"; the side panels fill the remaining gap.
Can the Friedrich KCVM18B30A also heat the room?
No, it only cools. If you also need heat, 0 certified units in this class can do both; see the list of air conditioners with heat.
Is the Friedrich KCVM18B30A worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?
An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $287 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $179, so it saves roughly $108 a year.

Running cost calculator

Pre-filled with this model. Pick your state and how many hours you run it, or see the yearly cost in every state.

1. The air conditioner Friedrich KCVM18B30A
2. How you use it
Per year
$280
Per month of use
$51
Per day
$1.70
Per hour
21.2¢
Power draw
1326 W

Electricity used: 1,751 kWh a yearAn old 9 CEER unit of the same size would cost $448

Power draw is capacity divided by CEER, which already includes standby power. Inverter units often run below full power, so real use can be lower. Electricity prices: U.S. EIA residential averages (12 months to July 2026). Days a year start from your state's cooling degree days (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).

Closest alternatives

Units with a similar CEER in the same class, and what sets each one apart from the Friedrich KCVM18B30A.

ModelCEERCompared with this one
TCL T18WQ2S14.4same CEER, 0.5" narrower, 34 lb lighter, U-shaped
Kühl KCVM18B30B14.60.2 CEER higher, saddle design
Whirlpool WHAW-181IN14.4same CEER, 4.1" wider, 24 lb lighter, U-shaped
LG LW1822IVSM14.70.3 CEER higher, 18 lb lighter
Friedrich CCV18A30A14.4same CEER, 14 lb lighter, U-shaped

See all 10 18,000 BTU window air conditioners, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), certification of March 13, 2025. How we use the data.