The window air conditioner in my apartment is very loud. The droning noise is dotted with plastic components vibrating like teeth on a cold, freezing day. The baffles, those plastic wings that extend out from the window frame and close gaps, are in tatters. The duct tape I used to cover them was not enough to stop the noise of New York City’s motorcycles and sirens. It’s important to keep the window firmly in place during winter so that it doesn’t collect dust. My tiny house does not have enough space to store an AC unit.

The old, creaky AC is still cooling my room well, but I have been testing the Midea U-shaped air conditioner. This new unit promises to fix all the problems that I had with any traditional window AC and offer the same (or even better!) temperatures. Temperatures. This has made the hot summer much more bearable.

The Midea was born from an Indiegogo Campaign. It has an unusual form that allows you to open and close your windows even while the unit is still inside the frame. It’s not necessary to remove the team to open the window during the cooler months.

Confusion-Free Setup

The manual that comes with your Midea U-shaped AC is not the best way to get it set up. The instructions are unclear and confusing, making the whole installation process appear overwhelming. It’s actually not that difficult. It takes a bit more time to install than a normal window AC unit, which can be plugged in and plopped down within minutes of opening the box.

Check to see if your windows are compatible. Midea claims that it is compatible with windows up to 36 inches in width, but the minimum height of the window opening must be 14 inches. You will also need to use the bracket that comes with this AC to install it. Please don’t throw it away. Also, a screwdriver is required to secure certain components. Midea claims that the bracket can support the AC without screws. However, they insist on using screws because all windows are different. This ensures a safe installation. The AC was over my balcony, so I didn’t. You should still screw it in. It feels secure.

This air conditioner is unique because of its U-shaped design. This means there is a large notch between the front of the unit and its back. You can slide the window into the team, not all the way, but enough to minimize the space around the sides. This means that there is less space for cool air (or hot heat) to escape. It also provides better soundproofing compared to traditional window ACs.

There’s a tiny gap, however, since the window does not slide down all the way. Midea has included a lot of foam padding. The foam pieces will need to be cut with a kitchen knife and then squished into the side gaps. You’ll find a variety of sash foams in the kit. Use scissors to cut it and then force it into the holes.

It’s not the same as before when you have the window closed completely. I can still hear ambient noises from the street. It’s better than any other unit that I’ve used at blocking out noise. The AC itself isn’t noisy, and the loudest components are located in the rear. The Midea AC raises the decibel level in my apartment to 48 decibels, which is comparable to a quiet library. This is a lot quieter compared to my old window AC, which was blaring at 68 decibels. (similar to a restaurant or vacuum)

The AC unit will not fall out and crush someone on the street. You can slide the window open. This is thanks to the bracket, which balances the AC by leaning it against the wall. On cooler summer days, I would open my window to let in fresh air when I did not need the AC. If you are not planning to remove and store the AC unit during the winter months because of space constraints or laziness, then window access can be very useful. I’m both.

The window locks are also designed to keep out burglars. These locks can be easily collapsed when you need to open the windows yourself. Just remember to remove them when you close the window. You can also install a second window lock if you want to be extra secure. However, you will not be able to open the window.

Slick looks, cool room

The Midea U-Shaped AC is available in three sizes: 8,000 Btu and 10,000 Btu. Midea sent me an 8,000 Btu unit, but that was not the right model for my 450-square-foot room. Energy Star, a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency, has an easy-to-use guide for measuring your room and determining what size AC unit you need. Ideally, I would use the 10,000-btu unit.

The 8,000 Btu model is designed for rooms that are 300-350 square feet in size, but it still manages to cool the room (around 77°) on scorching hot days with temperatures of 98 degrees (it also cools down quickly). I say the part of the room because the details furthest away from the AC are naturally a few degrees hotter.

The unit has the usual controls above the perforated grille. These include the timer, eco mode, different fan speeds, and sleep. The buttons for temperature are flanked by a sleek LED display that shows your chosen degree in large numbers you can easily read across the room. If the LED is too bright in your bedroom, you can turn it off using the app. You can swing the louver up and down or keep it still.

The AC can be connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can then use your voice to set the temperature and select different modes. This functionality allows you to combine it with other smart home routines. Midea is a great addition to my “Good Night Routine,” where Google Assistant shuts off my smart lights, TV, and now the AC. It’s even better to be able to turn on the AC before I arrive home after a walk. This way, I won’t have to enter a hot and humid house. Apple HomeKit does not support Siri users.

You can also use the remote control to perform the same functions without needing an assistant. Install the Midea Android or iOS App. The app is well-designed and allows you to set schedules and share access with family members. You can also turn on the Sleep Curve, which adjusts the temperature during sleep over eight hours. It will tell you how to clean your filter. I haven’t had any problems with the app, but there are some bugs.