Frigidaire FRA186MT2 18,500 BTU Window-Mounted Median Air Conditioner with Temperature Sensing Remote (230 volts)

This unit's heavy enough for two adults, but without the Freon, it's not nearly as cold as the one it's replacing.Thus far, I'm happy with the performance. This 220V Frigidaire is bit larger in all dimensions than the previous beast, yet cools the room over 20 degrees cooler than outside without running continuously. It does make a noticeable difference immediately, as it begins dehumidifying the air as soon as the AC kicks in.What I love:(a) It cools the room 5 degrees in the first 10 minutes.(b) It's 220V -- more-efficient than 110V units(c) the remoteIt can be used as a thermostat for the main unit (if in line-of-sight). This means that you can set the temperature where you are, rather than the temperature at the wall where the unit is.It is also reasonably easy to control in the dark (there are some issues, such as the timer, but for cool/fan only and fan speed and temp up/down it works great)(d) It's reasonably quiet. A little annoying if you're trying to listen to radio/TV (even on FAN only, low speed), but not too loud to hear.I've provided some measurements using the Android Sound Meter app, so those who have access to this free app can compare with their current units (or what is considered "quiet enough" for you):.......(HIGH, MED, LOW)@ 6ft: 70dB 68dB 67dB@20ft: 66dB 64dB 62dB(e) Consistent noise levelI like the way the fan runs all the time, even as the AC motor cuts in and out for cooling.But if it's too loud, there is a button on the remote called "Energy Saver" that will cause the fan to turn off every few minutes (when then AC motor is not running).(f) the window/wall sleeve that it fits into makes replacement a breezeInstallation is also much easier, since the sleeve is light in comparison and can be installed securely before sliding in the AC unit.What concerns me (I'll update the review after getting more experience):(a) the "cool" (rather than cold) air(b) the time it takes to cool a 400 sq ft room(c) the vent lever *barely* moves when used -- how much fresh air is it allowing in? And there is no way to control the amount of fresh air (the fresh/recycle settings are just 1 mm apart)What I didn't like:(a) the installation instructions were poor(b) huge chunks of plumbing goop fell out of the unit when opening it to check for the "shipping strap" as the instructions requested. It was not there (and apparently is not in the 18,000 BTU version)(c) snapping the side-panel into place was not described (although not too difficult to figure out)(d) the length of time to install was far greater than anticipated/expected (4 hours)(e) the remote temp. sensor is great, but stops working if there is no direct line of sight(f) there are NO DIALS on this unit -- everything is controlled by buttons on the front(the old unit was far easier/quicker to operate)So far, it's handled the hottest days without running the compressor all the time. The air it blows is definitely not as cold as the unit it's replacing. But this is possibly as cold as it gets without Freon. It does bring the room down to whatever temperature I've set, including 74 when it's over 100 outside, even if it takes a couple of hours. For the price and features, the performance seems reasonable - it does the job and is energy efficient.

This Fridge is a beast though not the largest Frigidaire offers in a window or through-the-wall unit. It was delivered next day when I expected a week's time and was extremely welcome as my 50 year Amana 15000 BTU died during the July heat wave. Heavy and requiring me and the UPS driver to wrestle it of the truck and into the house, I suggest putting it on a stout stand or temporary table to disrobe it. Read all the installation instructions carefully before doing anything, measure the opening width carefully too although that should have been done prior to ordering. The accompanying shallow external mounting backets are totally inadequate for the weight, so either use your current bracketry or purchase one with the appropriate depth. You will have to wrestle the case off the unit on the stand/table and install it in the opening, making sure there is the recommended pitch away from the opening. Again, read the installation instructions carefully...there are no tricks to disassembling the front or removing the case from the unit but doing it right will prevent any plastic parts breakage.This is my second recent Fridge and both accumulate significant amounts of water drawn from dehumidifying. There is no drain on the case pan bottom so it collects rapidly and then is blown back into the house by the squirrel cage fan, effectively decreasing the cooling capacity and rehumidifying the rooms. To prevent this, drill a 1/4" hole through the pan bottom (away from the coils), file, and paint to prevent rust. The unit started up fine and will cool a very large area. We have 10 foot ceilings and it will cool the DR, LR, Kitchen, and den quite well. The fan is not as powerful as the old Amana (15000 BTU), but the Fridge is far more efficient, especially on Econ Mode. I don't expect to get 50 years out of it, but I'll be long dead by then anyway.

This review is strictly in regards to Amazon Warehouse's rating of "Like New". The air conditioner itself is not being reviewed.I purchased (4) of these from Amazon Warehouse as "Like New" items, one at a time. Each consecutive item was intended to replace the original that came damaged. Each one was in fair condition; the exterior case either had dents or the plastic front was cracked or broken in some way. Some had one of the front louvers broken or pushed in. One was missing the remote. All were shipped in their original boxes, and the boxes were poor condition; there were exposed portions of the unit, with lots of tape that wasn't applied by the manufacturer. I returned all of them. I spoke with Amazon's customer service. They are based in another country, and didn't understand that they have a problem with the department that rates used products as "Like New", "Very Good", etc.I have ordered many things as "Like New" items from Warhouse Deals, and have never had this problem.

IT was an ok machine but after 3 years it lost its coolant. They do not want to service it without paying a fee, even though it is covered under the 5 year warranty. They tried to blow me off saying the coolant was not part of the sealed unit .

The information didn't clearly say the size of the AC unit so when I got it it was obvious it was way too big for the hole. Glad I ordered directly from amazon. Becuase the info wasn't clear they refunded shipping and everything and set up a shipper to come get it. GREAT REFUND!