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18,000 BTU U-shaped window air conditioner

Friedrich CCV18A30A

Below average efficiency for its size: a CEER of 14.4 ranks #7 of 10 18,000 BTU window air conditioners.

It cools a room of about 700-1000 sq ft, draws about 1250 watts and costs about $169 a year to run at typical U.S. use and prices.

CEER
14.4 Combined efficiency, higher is better
Below average · beats 20%
Cooling
18,000 BTU/hFor about 700-1000 sq ft
Energy use
938 kWh/yr35% less than the federal minimum
Unit size
26" wide 15.3" high, 27.5" deep, 116 lb

A good fit if…

  • You want a quieter room and a usable window - the window closes into the U, so the compressor sits outside the glass.

Think twice if…

  • Running cost matters most - its CEER is below average for 18,000 BTU window air conditioners.
  • You only have ordinary outlets - it needs a 230 V circuit and plug.
  • You plan to install it alone - at 116 lb it is a two-person job.
  • You also need heat - it cools only.

Calculate my running costCheck the size for my room

Details

Specifications18,000 BTU, 230 V
General
BrandFriedrich
Also sold asTCL, HEMA
Model numberCCV18A30A
TypeWindow
DesignU-shaped (window closes through it)
HeatingNo, cooling only
CompressorVariable speed (inverter)
Voltage230 V (needs a 230 V outlet)
RefrigerantR-32 (GWP 675)
Support bracket includedYes
On the market sinceMay 16, 2024
Last certifiedDecember 10, 2024
Performance
Cooling capacity18,000 BTU/h
CEERCombined energy efficiency ratio, includes standby power14.4
Yearly energy useENERGY STAR test: 750 hours938 kWh
Better than federal minimum35% less energy
ENERGY STAR Most EfficientNo
Size
Width × height × depth26" W × 15.3" H × 27.5" D
Weight116 lb
How it compares with 9 other 18,000 BTU window units#7 of 10
  • CEER (class median 14.7)14.4, tied with 3 others
  • Yearly cost vs. class median ($169)about the same
  • Width 26" (class median 25.4")narrower than 11%
  • Weight 116 lb (class median 99 lb)lighter than 22%
  • Rank among 4 similar designs (U-shaped)#2

Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 18,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

Same unit, other model numbers3

These model numbers have the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight as the Friedrich CCV18A30A: the same unit under another brand, or with a colour or retailer code. Everything on this page applies to them.

Questions8
How many square feet does the Friedrich CCV18A30A cool?
At 18,000 BTU/h it suits a room of about 700 to 1000 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 770-1100 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 630-900 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.
How many watts and amps does the Friedrich CCV18A30A use?
About 1250 watts at full power (18,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 14.4), which is 5.4 amps at 230 V. That is 0 W less than the typical unit in its class (1250 W), or $0 a year cheaper to run at 18.0¢/kWh. Its inverter compressor slows down instead of cycling, so real use is usually lower. Its CEER beats 0% of the 10 units in the class.
What outlet does the Friedrich CCV18A30A need?
It is a 230 V unit that draws 5.4 A, so it needs its own 230 V circuit with a matching plug (typically NEMA 6-15 or 6-20). If the room has only ordinary 115 V outlets, an electrician has to add one. Only 100% of the 10 certified units in this class are 230 V.
What are the dimensions of the Friedrich CCV18A30A, and will it fit my window?
26" W × 15.3" H × 27.5" D, 116 lb. It is narrower than 11% of its 9 competitors and lighter than 22% of them. The window closes into the U-shaped slot, so measure the opening height as well as the width: you need at least the unit's 26" width between the frame sides.
Is the Friedrich CCV18A30A U-shaped design an advantage?
Mostly yes. The sash closes into the unit, so the window stays sealed and daylight comes in, and the compressor is outside the glass, which cuts noise indoors. The trade-off is a window that must slide up and down, and a few extra steps to fit the foam seals.
Can the Friedrich CCV18A30A also heat the room?
No, it only cools. If you also need heat, 0 certified units in this class can do both; see the list of air conditioners with heat.
Is the Friedrich CCV18A30A worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?
An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $271 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $169, so it saves roughly $101 a year.
Is the Friedrich CCV18A30A the same as the TCL H18W4KW?
As far as the certified data goes, yes. ENERGY STAR lists 4 model numbers with the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight, which means the same unit sold under another brand or with a different colour or retailer code. The full list is on this page.

Running cost calculator

Pre-filled with this model. Pick your state and how many hours you run it, or see the yearly cost in every state.

1. The air conditioner Friedrich CCV18A30A
2. How you use it
Per year
$264
Per month of use
$48
Per day
$1.60
Per hour
20.0¢
Power draw
1250 W

Electricity used: 1,650 kWh a yearAn old 9 CEER unit of the same size would cost $422

Power draw is capacity divided by CEER, which already includes standby power. Inverter units often run below full power, so real use can be lower. Electricity prices: U.S. EIA residential averages (12 months to July 2026). Days a year start from your state's cooling degree days (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).

Closest alternatives

Units with a similar CEER in the same class, and what sets each one apart from the Friedrich CCV18A30A.

ModelCEERCompared with this one
TCL T18WQ2S14.4same CEER, 0.6" narrower, 20 lb lighter
Kühl KCVM18B30B14.60.2 CEER higher, 14 lb heavier, saddle design
LG LW1822IVSM14.70.3 CEER higher, 4 lb lighter, standard box
Whirlpool WHAW-181IN14.4same CEER, 4" wider, 10 lb lighter
Friedrich KCVM18B30A14.4same CEER, 14 lb heavier, standard box

See all 10 18,000 BTU window air conditioners, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), certification of December 10, 2024. How we use the data.