LG 14,000 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.

SUPER LONG REVIEW (sorry):
Bought this as a backup to our central air. Took 10 days to arrive. Husband installed according to directions. Doesn’t work at all. Makes a horrible racket when it kicks into high. Sounds like a blade is banging on the inside and it shakes the whole unit. Can not use at all!!!
Also, there are three dents in the back and the fins have a huge scar. The packaging on this unit was horrible. It had no outer box, just the box that the unit comes in which is open on both sides, allowing damage to occur. I have no doubt the damaged fins were the cause of the poor packaging, but the damage to the innards is so severe that it was caused elsewhere.
Called the seller and they would not do anything. Was told to call LG. Seriously?
The seller has a link on the product page that takes you to the LG store and seeing this made me think I was actually buying it from LG. They need to take that link down as it’s misleading. I did not know I was buying from “Cyber Savings”
So…called LG. Was on the phone with them for almost 2 hours! They would not replace the unit, even though it is brand new and never used (supposedly). They would ONLY agree to send a technician. Had to wait 4 days for the tech. Waited from noon and he finally arrived after 5pm.
When he looked inside the unit, he stated that nothing looks right and he will request a replacement, however, he also said it is not his decision so he has no idea what they will say (will find out today). He stated that if they tell him to repair it, he has no idea how to do that since it’s so messed up.
LG needs to step up and take care of their customers. This is supposed to a brand new unit. Never used. It needs to be replaced. There should be no question at all and we should not have to wait this long and go through all of this stress and hassle. Back your products up LG.
As for the seller…shame on you for treating your customers this poorly. I will never purchase anything from this “store” again. I’m curious as to where they got this unit from? Did they buy a truckload of returns, is it a used unit, refurbished? If they did, they need to specify that in the listing.
I will update this review once I have a final decision. For now, my recommendation is to not buy it.

UPDATE 1: Technician requested a replacement, but LG denied. LG feels the damage was caused in delivery, so they refuse to do anything. We were sent a report that stated the insides of the AC are “tweaked”. The tech told us that it looked like a return or previously owned product, but he refused to put that in the report. At this point, I don’t care if it was the manufacturer, the seller or the delivery company who caused the damage, I just want my money back…rightfully so.
Return eventually authorized by company. Sent unit back in original packaging (better than how we received it!), sent pics, sent the report etc, but I’m still waiting on my refund. The return was received but they don’t seem in a hurry at all. Never had this much trouble with any company. It’s impossible to get a hold of them in any way as well.
I will initiate a chargeback by September 6th if I don’t get this refund.

This thing is great, it was easy to install and cools our room easily and efficiently. It’s very quiet most of the time unless it’s really needing to push itself which it hasn’t had to do yet. It’s whisper quiet for the most part because it barely uses electricity when it doesn’t need it. My only gripe is the price. Solid by other than that.