Whirlpool WHAW-121IN

• CEER (class median 15.0)15.0, tied with 13 others
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($108)about the same
• Width 24.2" (class median 20.3")narrower than 21%
• Weight 65 lb (class median 59 lb)lighter than 33%
• Rank among 12 similar designs (U-shaped)#11

Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 12,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

These model numbers have the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight as the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN: the same unit under another brand, or with a colour or retailer code. Everything on this page applies to them.

• TCL H12W4KW
• TCL H12W4KW-CA
• Hykolity ACB-2623
• Ktaxon KXTIW-12CRD1
• ROVSUN RVTIW-12CRD1
• PHILODECO PIWC-12CRD1(ES)

How many square feet does the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN cool?

At 12,000 BTU/h it suits a room of about 450 to 550 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 495-605 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 405-495 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.

How many watts and amps does the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN use?

About 800 watts at full power (12,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 15.0), which is 7.0 amps at 115 V. That is 0 W less than the typical unit in its class (800 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 18% of the 34 units in the class.

Can the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN run on a standard outlet?

Yes. It runs on 115 V and draws about 7.0 A, well inside a standard 15 A outlet, but do not share the circuit with a space heater, microwave or other big load. 12% of certified units in this class need 230 V, so a 115 V model is the easy case.

What are the dimensions of the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN, and will it fit my window?

24.2" W × 16.1" H × 20.7" D, 65 lb. It is narrower than 21% of its 33 competitors and lighter than 33% 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 24.2" width between the frame sides.

Is the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN 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 Whirlpool WHAW-121IN also heat the room?

No, it only cools. If you also need heat, 5 certified units in this class can do both; see the list of air conditioners with heat.

Is the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?

An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $180 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $108, so it saves roughly $72 a year.

Is the Whirlpool WHAW-121IN the same as the TCL H12W4KW?

As far as the certified data goes, yes. ENERGY STAR lists 7 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.