Windmill v.s. July: Which is the best air conditioner?

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Window Air Conditioner

By: [Author Name]

Introduction

If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, buying something to keep you cool is a non-negotiable.

Temperatures are higher than ever worldwide, according to NASA, so having some sort of fan or air conditioner at your disposal is a must. Relying on window ACs and if being completely honest, I didn’t put much effort into shopping for them about two years ago.

That left me with models that are quite the eyesore and unable to sufficiently cool off my space when it’s over 85 degrees.

That said, I started browsing for new ACs earlier this year. I wanted something powerful that didn’t draw attention to itself, and during my research, two brands popped up over and over again: July and Windmill.

At first glance, the window units look pretty similar — sleek and not bulky — and are both marketed as efficient, quiet, easy to install and straightforward to operate. Deciding between the two was difficult, even when I evaluated the price difference.

To settle the AC debate, I tested July’s AC, while two NBC Select staff members tested Windmill’s for over a month during the summer when the temperatures in New York City were at their highest.

Below, I compare the two brands and share what I think you should know about each before buying.

Windmill versus July Air Conditioner

Before comparing the ACs, here are some key terms to know:

**BTUs:** An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. The higher the BTUs, the larger the space the AC can cool. (You can learn more about BTUs in our guide to portable air conditioners).

**Decibels:** Sound levels are measured in decibels. Both a normal in-person conversation and the typical air conditioning unit clock in at around 60 decibels, according to the National Council on Aging.

July Air Conditioner

$379.00

**What we like:**

  • Works with three window types
  • Offers many modes and programs
  • Two additional filters avail.

**Something to note:**

  • Limited size options
  • No filter change indicator
  • No auto-dimming panel

July’s air conditioner (starting at $399) is compatible with slider windows (those that open horizontally), as well as single- and double-hung windows (those that open vertically). The AC has three fan speeds — low, medium, high, plus auto — and four modes: cool, fan, auto and dry. Dry mode helps reduce the humidity of the air in your room, similar to a dehumidifier.

The AC also has three programs: eco, sleep and timer. With any AC purchase you’ll also get a washable filter, though you can add on a purifying filter ($30 for a pack of three) or a carbon activated purifying filter ($30 for a pack of three). (Purifying filters capture fine particles like pollen, pet dander and dust mites, while carbon-activated filters get rid of smoke, car exhaust and odors, according to July).

When you need to clean or change the filter, the unit has a removable magnetic front panel that makes it easy to do so. Beyond the matte white one it comes with, you can buy interchangeable options in Sky Blue and Rose colors, and those made from wood and fabric.

Since this AC is Wi-Fi enabled, you can adjust its settings via its control panel, the included remote, the July app or Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. Each AC comes with an installation frame that sits around the unit, and soft white side panels, the latter of which you can upgrade by purchasing clear plexiglass, insulation or solid side panels separately.

If you don’t want to install the air conditioner yourself, July offers white-glove installation service through Handy, which you can schedule through the brand’s website during checkout. If you’re replacing an old AC with July’s and want to get rid of it, the brand will donate your existing unit to someone in need or recycle it, depending on its condition.

**Size options:** 6K BTU (~250 sq. ft.), 8K BTU (~350 sq. ft.) | **Sound:** 50 dB. (6K model), 55 dB. (8K model) | **Warranty:** 1 year, plus 30-day trial | **Window compatibility:** Slider windows at least 15 ⅛ inches tall and at least 20 ¾ inches wide, single- and double-hung windows between 20 ⅜ and 39 inches wide

Windmill Air Conditioner

Unlike July, Windmill has two types of window air conditioners: its original model (starting at $339) and a WhisperTech version (starting at $449). They mainly differ in terms of the fans and compressors they’re made with, which make the WhisperTech model quieter and more energy efficient compared to the original model, according to the brand.

Both Windmill ACs have three fan speeds — low, medium and high, plus auto — and three modes: cool, eco and fan. It comes with a washable mesh filter, but you can also add on a purifying activated carbon filter ($60 for a pack of four). Windmill air conditioners have a magnetic, removable front panel, so you can swap in decorative options like lavender, Sky Blue and Sunset (sold separately).

This air conditioner is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can adjust its settings via its control panel, the included remote, the Windmill app or Amazon Alexa voice commands. Windmill’s ACs are only compatible with single- or double-hung windows. All models come with a pre-assembled installation kit, which includes double-insulating side panels.

If you don’t want to install the air conditioner yourself, you can schedule installation service via Taskrabbit through Windmill’s website. Windmill also runs a trade-in and recycling program, where you can receive $20 toward a new Windmill AC.

**Size options:** 6K BTU Original (~250 sq. ft.), 8K BTU Original (~350 sq. ft.), 8K BTU WhisperTech (~350 sq. ft.), 10K BTU WhisperTech (~450 sq. ft.), 12K BTU WhisperTech (~550 sq. ft.) | **Sound:** 49 dB. (original models), 42 dB. (WhisperTech models) | **Warranty:** 1 year | **Window compatibility:** For 8K, 10K and 12K BTU ACs, the window’s opening must be between 23 and 37 in. wide and at least 14 in. tall. For 6K BTU ACs, the window’s opening must be between 22 and 36 in. wide and 13 in. tall

What are the Key Differences?

Windmill and July’s ACs offer many of the same features, like a one year warranty, three fan speeds, being Wi-Fi enabled and offering voice control compatibility.

How we Tested Windmill and July’s Air Conditioners

Two of my colleagues and I tested Windmill and July’s ACs for at least five weeks in our New York City apartments. During the trial period, NYC experienced multiple heat waves that consistently brought temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and caused humidity levels to spike. This scorching summer weather put our ACs to the test, allowing us to evaluate cooling efficiency as well as overall look, user-friendliness, fan speeds, noise level and more.

July sent me its small 6K BTU air conditioner, which I put in my bedroom. Prior to July’s AC, I used a 6K BTU LG model for two years.

Windmill sent NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown its 8K BTU WhisperTech AC, which she put in her living room. Prior to Windmill’s AC, she used a 6K Frigidaire unit for about five years.

NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez bought Windmill’s 10K WhisperTech AC, which she put in her living room. She has never owned a window AC prior to Windmill’s and previously relied on a Dyson tower fan to cool off her bedroom.

Were the AC Units Easy to Install?

To install a window AC, you typically center the unit in your window’s opening and fill in the spaces on either side with panels made from materials like vinyl or plexiglass. You have to cut the panels to perfectly fit the space between your