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8,000 BTU U-shaped window air conditioner

Hisense AALW08TW26

Below average efficiency for its size: a CEER of 15.0 ranks #17 of 29 8,000 BTU window air conditioners.

It cools a room of about 250-350 sq ft, draws about 533 watts and costs about $72 a year to run at typical U.S. use and prices.

CEER
15.0 Combined efficiency, higher is better
Below average · beats 33%
Cooling
8,000 BTU/hFor about 250-350 sq ft
Energy use
400 kWh/yr38% less than the federal minimum
Unit size
20.3" wide 14.6" high, 20.7" deep, 51 lb

A good fit if…

  • You want a quieter room and a usable window - the window closes into the U, so the compressor sits outside the glass.
  • You want to plug it into an ordinary outlet - it runs on 115 V.

Think twice if…

  • Running cost matters most - its CEER is below average for 8,000 BTU window air conditioners.
  • You also need heat - it cools only.

Calculate my running costCheck the size for my room

Details

Specifications8,000 BTU, 115 V
General
BrandHisense
Model numberAALW08TW26
TypeWindow
DesignU-shaped (window closes through it)
HeatingNo, cooling only
CompressorVariable speed (inverter)
Voltage115 V (standard outlet)
RefrigerantR-32 (GWP 675)
Support bracket includedYes
On the market sinceNovember 5, 2024
Last certifiedJanuary 7, 2026
Performance
Cooling capacity8,000 BTU/h
CEERCombined energy efficiency ratio, includes standby power15.0
Yearly energy useENERGY STAR test: 750 hours400 kWh
Better than federal minimum38% less energy
ENERGY STAR Most EfficientNo
Size
Width × height × depth20.3" W × 14.6" H × 20.7" D
Weight51 lb
How it compares with 28 other 8,000 BTU window units#17 of 29
  • CEER (class median 15.0)15.0, tied with 10 others
  • Yearly cost vs. class median ($72)about the same
  • Width 20.3" (class median 19.4")narrower than 36%
  • Weight 51 lb (class median 56 lb)lighter than 75%
  • Rank among 10 similar designs (U-shaped)#7

Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 8,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight as the Hisense AALW08TW26: the same unit under another brand, or with a colour or retailer code. Everything on this page applies to them.

Questions8
How many square feet does the Hisense AALW08TW26 cool?
At 8,000 BTU/h it suits a room of about 250 to 350 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 275-385 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 225-315 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.
How many watts and amps does the Hisense AALW08TW26 use?
About 533 watts at full power (8,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 15.0), which is 4.6 amps at 115 V. That is 0 W less than the typical unit in its class (533 W), or $0 a year cheaper to run at 18.0¢/kWh. Its inverter compressor slows down instead of cycling, so real use is usually lower. Its CEER beats 14% of the 29 units in the class.
Can the Hisense AALW08TW26 run on a standard outlet?
Yes. It runs on 115 V and draws about 4.6 A, well inside a standard 15 A outlet, but do not share the circuit with a space heater, microwave or other big load. Every certified unit in this class is 115 V.
What are the dimensions of the Hisense AALW08TW26, and will it fit my window?
20.3" W × 14.6" H × 20.7" D, 51 lb. It is narrower than 36% of its 28 competitors and lighter than 75% of them. The window closes into the U-shaped slot, so measure the opening height as well as the width: you need at least the unit's 20.3" width between the frame sides.
Is the Hisense AALW08TW26 U-shaped design an advantage?
Mostly yes. The sash closes into the unit, so the window stays sealed and daylight comes in, and the compressor is outside the glass, which cuts noise indoors. The trade-off is a window that must slide up and down, and a few extra steps to fit the foam seals.
Can the Hisense AALW08TW26 also heat the room?
No, it only cools. If you also need heat, 4 certified units in this class can do both; see the list of air conditioners with heat.
Is the Hisense AALW08TW26 worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?
An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $120 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $72, so it saves roughly $48 a year.
Is the Hisense AALW08TW26 the same as the Hisense HLAW0825TW?
As far as the certified data goes, yes. ENERGY STAR lists both model numbers with the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight, which means the same unit sold under another brand or with a different colour or retailer code. The full list is on this page.

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 Hisense AALW08TW26
2. How you use it
Per year
$113
Per month of use
$20
Per day
$0.68
Per hour
8.5¢
Power draw
533 W

Electricity used: 704 kWh a yearAn old 9 CEER unit of the same size would cost $188

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 Hisense AALW08TW26.

ModelCEERCompared with this one
Friedrich CCV08A10A15.0same CEER, 5 lb heavier, standard box
Windmill 08W2Wi15.0same CEER, 1" narrower, 10 lb heavier, standard box
Midea MAW08V1UWT15.0same CEER, 1.1" narrower, standard box
Midea MAW08RV1CWT15.0same CEER, 1.7" narrower, 7 lb lighter, standard box
GE Profile PWDV08W15.0same CEER, 1.8" narrower, 8 lb lighter, standard box

See all 29 8,000 BTU window air conditioners, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), certification of January 7, 2026. How we use the data.