Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0

• CEER (class median 15.0)14.5, tied with 1 other
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($72)$2 more
• Width 19.4" (class median 19.4")narrower than 43%
• Weight 56 lb (class median 56 lb)lighter than 43%

Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 8,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

These model numbers have the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight as the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0: the same unit under another brand, or with a colour or retailer code. Everything on this page applies to them.

• Keystone KSTAW08INV-HC

How many square feet does the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 cool?

At 8,000 BTU/h it suits a room of about 250 to 350 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 275-385 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 225-315 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.

How many watts and amps does the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 use?

About 552 watts at full power (8,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 14.5), which is 4.8 amps at 115 V. That is 19 W more than the typical unit in its class (533 W), or $2 a year dearer to run at 18.0¢/kWh. Its inverter compressor slows down instead of cycling, so real use is usually lower. Its CEER beats 7% of the 29 units in the class.

Can the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 run on a standard outlet?

Yes. It runs on 115 V and draws about 4.8 A, well inside a standard 15 A outlet, but do not share the circuit with a space heater, microwave or other big load. Every certified unit in this class is 115 V.

What are the dimensions of the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0, and will it fit my window?

19.4" W × 13.9" H × 22.2" D, 56 lb. It is narrower than 43% of its 28 competitors and lighter than 43% 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 19.4" width between the frame sides.

Is the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 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.

How does the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 heat?

It reverses its refrigerant cycle to work as a heat pump, which makes it one of only 4 certified units in its class that heat. Heating output is not part of the ENERGY STAR data, so ask the maker for its heating capacity and lowest outdoor temperature before relying on it in winter.

Is the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?

An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $120 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $75, so it saves roughly $46 a year.

Is the Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0 the same as the Keystone KSTAW08INV-HC?

As far as the certified data goes, yes. ENERGY STAR lists both 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.