Windmill AC 3.0 Review: Smart Air Conditioning That’s Attractive, Quiet, and Efficient

Here’s what anyone with window air conditioning knows: They’re ugly and loud. Many city dwellers, like me, are forced to use them (no central air conditioning in our pre-war apartments).

But two years ago, I bought a Windmill air conditioner that solved one of those problems. It was attractive, elegant, and as decorative as a window air conditioner can get. It worked well, too, until it broke down in the middle of the summer heat this year. Since I liked the first model so much, I decided to try the improved Windmill 3.0 with WhisperTech, an advanced inverter technology that supposedly makes it nine times quieter than older window air conditioners.

I put it to the test in July and August, during the hottest weeks in New York City. And I was pleased to find that not only did the Windmill AC 3.0 keep me from melting like a candle, but it was also pretty quiet. Maybe not whisper-quiet, but better than the previous generation and certainly quieter than my two other non-Windmill air conditioners. Paired with an intuitive app that connects to Alexa and Google Voice Assistant, the Window AC 3.0 is one of the best smart air conditioners on the market.

Windmill AC 3.0 Review: Price and Availability

The Windmill air conditioner is available in four models: the original 6,000 BTU model, which costs $339; the 8,000 BTU WhisperTech model, which costs $449; the 10,000 BTU WhisperTech model, which costs $549; and the 12,000 BTU WhisperTech model, which costs $599.

That’s a bit more than our favorite LG Dual Inverter smart air conditioner (10,000 BTU for $449) and our second choice, Midea U Inverter (8,000 BTU for $379). But if you can buy off-season, during sales, the Windmill air conditioner is more affordable than both.

Windmill AC 3.0: Installation

Windmill 3.0 Air Conditioner Specifications

Size: 23 x 14 x 22.5 inches
Libra: 63 pounds
BTU: 10,000
CEER: 15
Minimum window size: 23 – 37 inches wide, 14 inches high
Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant

Two years ago, I called installing the original Windmill air conditioner a piece of cake—and nothing has changed. As before, my new WhisperTech model came fully assembled, including the side panels. All I had to do was get a friend to help me lift it to the window (it weighs more than 60 pounds) and then install the cosmetic panels and foam insulation. The instructions are so clear that the whole thing took a little under 20 minutes.

Windmill air conditioner in original packaging

(Photo source: Tom’s Guide)

I live on the ground floor and have bars on my windows, so I didn’t need a bracket, but you may need this safety measure if you live on the first floor. The window must be a double or single-leaf window with a minimum opening width of 23 inches and a minimum vertical opening of 14 inches.

Once the Windmill 3.0 is securely placed in the window and plugged in, you can connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the Windmill app. There’s a handy QR code in the box that will prompt you to download the app.

Windmill AC 3.0: Design and Remote Control

AC 3.0 fan front view

(Photo credit: Kelly Woo/Tom’s Guide)

The Windmill 3.0 design hasn’t changed from the original model, and thank goodness because that was one of the things I liked most about it. Most window air conditioners are UGLY, but the Windmill changes that.

The matte cream unit is discreet and understated, with smooth rounded corners and an elegant perforated panel on the front. No gaping horizontal grilles staring into the dark depths of the air conditioner! The Windmill almost blends into the background, which is the highest praise a window unit can receive.

The display is also discreet, automatically dimming after 60 seconds. No bright lights to catch the eye or keep sensitive sleepers awake. Next to the display are small, nearly invisible buttons that control power, temperature, Wi-Fi, fan speed (low, medium, high, auto) and mode (fan, cool, eco). An LED light will turn on as a reminder when it’s time to clean the filter,

As for the filter, the new 3.0 model has a large-mesh filter that traps dust and is washable, as well as an activated carbon filter that absorbs odors and is replaceable.

Unlike many traditional window air conditioners, the Windmill blows air upwards rather than outwards at a 45-degree angle. Aside from the looks, this feature was my second favorite aspect of the Windmill. Remember, hot air rises and cold air sinks. Over the two years I used the original model, I found that the air seemed to circulate better and I preferred the air not being aimed directly at my face.

The palm-sized remote has the same controls as the device itself. I rarely used the original remote, and the same was true for the new 3.0. I relied on the app almost 100% of the time.

Windmill AC 3.0 Review: Performance

AC 3.0 fan top view

(Photo credit: Kelly Woo/Tom’s Guide)

In my original review, I was pleased that the 6,000-BTU unit cooled my 250-square-foot living room so effectively. So naturally, I expected even better performance from the 10,000-BTU WhisperTech model. And that’s exactly what I got.

The original model cooled my room by eight degrees in half an hour; the new one did it in 20 minutes on high cooling mode. I usually used eco mode, which was more gradual but still very effective at cooling the air. It was also quieter.

The biggest difference between the original and the new 3.0 is of course the WhisperTech inverter technology. As I mentioned in my review two years ago, the original Windmill was significantly quieter than my old Kenmore. The 3.0 specs say the noise level starts at 42 decibels, which is the same as the Midea. It’s similar to the sound of a quiet library or a light rain.

The 3.0 fan isn’t literally whisper quiet, but it is very quiet, especially on low mode. Of course, when you first turn on the air conditioning on a hot day, it will make some noise. But I noticed that by the end of the day, when the fan was maintaining the set temperature in eco mode, the sound was barely audible. In fact, it was so quiet that there were a few times when I forgot it was on and forgot to turn it off overnight or even for the entire day (oh, my electric bill).

By the way, the Windmill 3.0 advertises a CEER of 15.0, the same as Midea, which is considered a good efficiency rating. Windmill air conditioners use R32 refrigerant, which is better for energy efficiency and the environment than the commonly used R410a. So my electricity bill was quite reasonable, despite my forgetfulness.

Windmill AC 3.0 Review: Smart Home App and Control

Windmill AC 3.0 App Screens

(Photo credit: Kelly Woo/Tom’s Guide)

The Windmill app is so easy to use that I’ve controlled both the original model and the 3.0 WhisperTech almost exclusively with it. For example, I’ve sometimes left the house without remembering to turn off the air conditioning, and I could easily turn it off from miles away.

The app, available for iOS and Android, can be downloaded via a handy QR code that comes in the box. It walks you through connecting the device to a Wi-Fi network and then pairing it with the app.

The app has all the same controls as the remote and the device itself. You can turn the air conditioning on and off, raise or lower the desired temperature, and change the fan mode and speed.

In the individual climate view, you can tap the lightning bolt icon to monitor energy usage or the three dots icon to adjust settings, including night mode.

The app’s home page lists your paired Windmill air conditioners. There, you can check notifications, add a new unit, or create an automation. These are essentially commands you can set up to turn on your air conditioner or lower the temperature based on the time of day, sunset or sunrise, or room temperature. So you can easily create a schedule to turn on your air conditioner when you first get home or run it on low fan speed at night while you’re asleep.

Windmill supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, but does not support Apple HomeKit.

Windmill AC 3.0 Review: Verdict

The most important thing about any window air conditioner is that it works, but the Windmill elevates style as much as substance. It looks great AND works great. The improved 3.0 WhisperTech unit actually seems to make less noise, and combined with its subdued, attractive design, it becomes almost invisible in the room. This is a big win in the book of every city dweller.

Windmill air conditioners are a tad more expensive than their competitors, so they may not be for you if you’re only interested in price. But if you value form and function, the Windmill AC 3.0 hits the nail on the head.