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This post was originally published in July 2023 and has been updated.
Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.
The assignment…
To find out if Windmill’s modern air conditioners (from $369) are quieter and more effective alternatives to my old-school, in-window air conditioner units.
What I tested…
8K BTU with WhisperTech: This size ($429) is equipped to cool down rooms measuring up to 350 square feet. I installed this in my 115-foot bedroom.
10K BTU with WhisperTech: This AC ($499) is designed for spaces up to 450 square feet. I opted for this size for my combination living and dining room — plus my foyer and kitchen, as a possible bonus — that together measures over 400 square feet.
Straight A’s in...
Ease of installation. The order comes with everything you need for installation, and directions are easy to follow. The kit even includes a pair of scissors to cut the insulating side panels to fit your window. You’ll just need to supply your own drill, plus a bracket if your window doesn't already have one. Both units only took about 20 minutes to install. Pro tip: It’s a good idea to have an extra set of hands ready to help you lift the unit and position it in your window.
Aesthetics. My previous AC units were clunky and the side panels were literally held together with duct tape (yikes). Windmill’s minimalist, compact design with soft LED lights and rounded edges blends harmoniously with the rest of my apartment. Thanks to the sleek side panels, the entire unit virtually disappears into the window. I opted for clean, classic white, but for an extra $49, you can choose one of four colored front panels, like sky blue or lavender.
Effectiveness. My old units pushed air straight out, creating a single column of cold air that never fully diffused throughout the room. Windmill ACs are designed with angled top vents to circulate air evenly. The medium size thoroughly cools down my bedroom, rivaling central AC in its effectiveness.
The app. Other than some difficulty setting it up, the app is one of my favorite features of the AC. Each device in your home has its own interface within the app so you can control them separately. You can turn the devices on and off, adjust the temperature and fan speed, and pick a mode, all without needing to get up. And if you forgot to turn off your AC after leaving home, or if you want to turn it on before you get home from a sweaty day out, you can do so remotely.
Noise level. The ACs are not completely silent, but the noise level is about on par with a white-noise machine. They’re noticeably quieter than my old units.
Room for growth…
Setting up the app on multiple phones. Pairing a single AC unit on a single phone was a breeze. But I ran into trouble pairing the device with my boyfriend’s phone as well — and it was even more confusing to pair the second AC with both our phones. Customer service came in handy here.
Remote control. The remote controls don’t work from a distance, which defeats the purpose of having one. And since the app is so effective, I rarely want or need to use the remotes at all.
Plays well with…
People who live in smaller spaces. The unit’s compact footprint and effectiveness in small rooms is particularly ideal for apartment living.
Tech enthusiasts. Between the app and optional voice control, AC units don’t get much more streamlined than this.
Gets extra credit for…
Customer service. My first Windmill unit had a mechanical humming sound, likely an issue with the fan. Windmill’s customer service immediately sent me a new unit that arrived the following day. (All three units I ordered arrived within one to two days.) Windmill gave me the option to pick up my old unit and recycle it for me, or to recycle it myself. Customer service also responded to me within 30 minutes when I had trouble pairing the second device with the app.
Replaceable filters. Regularly cleaning or replacing your AC filter is one of the least fun jobs on earth, but this unit at least makes it more accessible. A small circle on the display panel will turn red to indicate that it’s time to replace your filter, and you can remove the old filter via the magnetic front panel and slot in a new one. You can also add a filter auto-refill plan to your order at the cadence of your choosing.
How I did my homework…
My boyfriend and I have been living with two Windmill AC units in our New York City apartment for about a year, starting in the month of July 2023, which saw record-breaking temperatures.
Footnotes…
Available in five sizes: Original (currently sold out), 8K BTU ($369), 8K BTU with WhisperTech ($429), 10K BTU with WhisperTech ($499), and 12K BTU with WhisperTech ($549)
You can return your unit for free within 30 days
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