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12,000 BTU U-shaped window air conditioner

TCL H12W4KWH

Average efficiency for its size: a CEER of 15.2 ranks #14 of 34 12,000 BTU window air conditioners.

It cools a room of about 450-550 sq ft, draws about 789 watts and costs about $107 a year to run at typical U.S. use and prices.

CEER
15.2 Combined efficiency, higher is better
Average · beats 62%
Cooling
12,000 BTU/hFor about 450-550 sq ft
Energy use
592 kWh/yr39% less than the federal minimum
Unit size
30" wide 20.1" high, 28.8" deep, 95 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.
  • You want to plug it into an ordinary outlet - it runs on 115 V.

Think twice if…

  • You plan to install it alone - at 95 lb it is a two-person job.
  • You also need heat - it cools only.

Calculate my running costCheck the size for my room

Details

Specifications12,000 BTU, 115 V
General
BrandTCL
Model numberH12W4KWH
TypeWindow
DesignU-shaped (window closes through it)
HeatingNo, cooling only
CompressorVariable speed (inverter)
Voltage115 V (standard outlet)
RefrigerantR-32 (GWP 675)
Support bracket includedYes
On the market sinceFebruary 8, 2025
Last certifiedDecember 26, 2024
Performance
Cooling capacity12,000 BTU/h
CEERCombined energy efficiency ratio, includes standby power15.2
Yearly energy useENERGY STAR test: 750 hours592 kWh
Better than federal minimum39% less energy
ENERGY STAR Most EfficientNo
Size
Width × height × depth30" W × 20.1" H × 28.8" D
Weight95 lb
How it compares with 33 other 12,000 BTU window units#14 of 34
  • CEER (class median 15.0)15.2, tied with 1 other
  • Yearly cost vs. class median ($108)$1 less
  • Width 30" (class median 20.3")narrower than 0%
  • Weight 95 lb (class median 59 lb)lighter than 18%
  • Rank among 12 similar designs (U-shaped)#6

Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 12,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

Same unit, other model numbers2

These model numbers have the same capacity, efficiency, energy use, dimensions and weight as the TCL H12W4KWH: the same unit under another brand, or with a colour or retailer code. Everything on this page applies to them.

  • TCL H12W4KWH-CA
  • TCL KCR-35/YXRDBp(E1/6)(080002)
Questions8
How many square feet does the TCL H12W4KWH cool?
At 12,000 BTU/h it suits a room of about 450 to 550 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 495-605 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 405-495 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.
How many watts and amps does the TCL H12W4KWH use?
About 789 watts at full power (12,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 15.2), which is 6.9 amps at 115 V. That is 11 W less than the typical unit in its class (800 W), or $1 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 59% of the 34 units in the class.
Can the TCL H12W4KWH run on a standard outlet?
Yes. It runs on 115 V and draws about 6.9 A, well inside a standard 15 A outlet, but do not share the circuit with a space heater, microwave or other big load. 12% of certified units in this class need 230 V, so a 115 V model is the easy case.
What are the dimensions of the TCL H12W4KWH, and will it fit my window?
30" W × 20.1" H × 28.8" D, 95 lb. It is narrower than 0% of its 33 competitors and lighter than 18% 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 30" width between the frame sides.
Is the TCL H12W4KWH 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 TCL H12W4KWH also heat the room?
No, it only cools. If you also need heat, 5 certified units in this class can do both; see the list of air conditioners with heat.
Is the TCL H12W4KWH worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?
An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $180 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $107, so it saves roughly $74 a year.
Is the TCL H12W4KWH the same as the TCL H12W4KWH-CA?
As far as the certified data goes, yes. ENERGY STAR lists 3 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 TCL H12W4KWH
2. How you use it
Per year
$167
Per month of use
$30
Per day
$1.01
Per hour
12.6¢
Power draw
789 W

Electricity used: 1,042 kWh a yearAn old 9 CEER unit of the same size would cost $282

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 TCL H12W4KWH.

ModelCEERCompared with this one
Friedrich KCVS12B10A15.00.2 CEER lower, 4.1" narrower, 15 lb heavier, standard box
LG LW1224IVSM15.00.2 CEER lower, 6.4" narrower, 10 lb lighter, standard box
Whirlpool WHAW-121IN15.00.2 CEER lower, 5.8" narrower, 30 lb lighter
LG LW1222IVSM15.00.2 CEER lower, 6.4" narrower, 10 lb lighter
Friedrich KCVS12B30A15.00.2 CEER lower, 4.1" narrower, 15 lb heavier, standard box, 230 V

See all 34 12,000 BTU window air conditioners, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), certification of December 26, 2024. How we use the data.