Windmill vs. July: We tested both air conditioners for weeks — here are the key differences

If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, buying something to keep you cool is a non negotiable, at least in my opinion. Temperatures are higher than ever worldwide, according to NASA, so having some sort of fan or air conditioner at your disposal is a must. I rely on window ACs in my New York City apartment, and if I’m being totally honest, I didn’t put much effort into shopping for them about two years ago. That left me with models that are quite the eyesore and unable to sufficiently cool off my space when it’s over 85 degrees.

That said, I started browsing for new ACs earlier this year. I wanted something powerful that didn’t draw attention to itself, and during my research, two brands popped up over and over again: July and Windmill. At first glance, the window units look pretty similar — sleek and not bulky — and are both marketed as efficient, quiet, easy to install and straightforward to operate. Deciding between the two was difficult, even when I evaluated the price difference.

To settle the AC debate, I tested July’s AC, while two NBC Select staff members tested Windmill’s for over a month during the summer when the temperatures in New York City were at their highest. Below, I compare the two brands and share what I think you should know about each before buying.

SKIP AHEAD Windmill versus July air conditioner | Key differences | How we tested | Installation | Cooling efficiency | Noise level | Overall look |Standout features | Final verdict

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Before comparing the ACs, here are some key terms to know:

BTUs: An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. The higher the BTUs, the larger the space the AC can cool. (You can learn more about BTUs in our guide to portable air conditioners).

Decibels: Sound levels are measured in decibels. Both a normal in-person conversation and the typical air conditioning unit clock in at around 60 decibels, according to the National Council on Aging.

July Air Conditioner

July Air Conditioner

$379.00

$450.00

July A/C

What we like

• Works with three window types
• Offers many modes and programs
• Two additional filters avail.

Something to note

• Limited size options
• No filter change indicator
• No auto-dimming panel

July’s air conditioner (starting at $399) is compatible with slider windows (those that open horizontally), as well as single- and double-hung windows (those that open vertically). The AC has three fan speeds — low, medium, high, plus auto — and four modes: cool, fan, auto and dry. Dry mode helps reduce the humidity of the air in your room, similar to a dehumidifier. The AC also has three programs: eco, sleep and timer.

With any AC purchase you’ll also get a washable filter, though you can add on a purifying filter ($30 for a pack of three) or a carbon activated purifying filter ($30 for a pack of three). (Purifying filters capture fine particles like pollen, pet dander and dust mites, while carbon-activated filters get rid of smoke, car exhaust and odors, according to July). When you need to clean or change the filter, the unit has a removable magnetic front panel that makes it easy to do so. Beyond the matte white one it comes with, you can buy interchangeable options in Sky Blue and Rose colors, and those made from wood and fabric.

Since this AC is Wi-Fi enabled, you can adjust its settings via its control panel, the included remote, the July app or Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. Each AC comes with an installation frame that sits around the unit, and soft white side panels, the latter of which you can upgrade by purchasing clear plexiglass, insulation or solid side panels separately.

If you don’t want to install the air conditioner yourself, July offers white-glove installation service through Handy, which you can schedule through the brand’s website during checkout. If you’re replacing an old AC with July’s and want to get rid of it, the brand will donate your existing unit to someone in need or recycle it, depending on its condition.

Size options: 6K BTU (~250 sq. ft.), 8K BTU (~350 sq. ft.) | Sound: 50 dB. (6K model), 55 dB. (8K model) |  Warranty: 1 year, plus 30-day trial | Window compatibility: Slider windows at least 15 ⅛ inches tall and at least 20 ¾ inches wide, single- and double-hung windows between 20 ⅜ and 39 inches wide

The Windmill AC

The Windmill AC

$319.00

$339.00

Amazon

$319.99

$339.99

Best Buy

$299.00

$339.00

Windmill air

What we like

• Filter change indictor light
• Auto-dimming panel
• Many size and model options

Something to note

• Limited window compatibility
• Limited modes and programs

Windmill, unlike July, has two types of window air conditioners: its original model (starting at $339) and a WhisperTech version (starting at $449). They mainly differ in terms of the fans and compressors they’re made with, which make the WhisperTech model quieter and more energy efficient compared to the original model, according to the brand.

Both Windmill ACs have three fan speeds — low, medium and high, plus auto — and three modes: cool, eco and fan. It comes with a washable mesh filter, but you can also add on a purifying activated carbon filter ($60 for a pack of four). Windmill air conditioners have a magnetic, removable front panel, so you can swap in decorative options like lavender, Sky Blue and Sunset (sold separately).

This air conditioner is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can adjust its settings via its control panel, the included remote, the Windmill app or Amazon Alexa voice commands. Windmill’s ACs are only compatible with single- or double-hung windows. All models come with a pre-assembled installation kit, which includes double-insulating side panels.

If you don’t want to install the air conditioner yourself, you can schedule installation service via Taskrabbit through Windmill’s website. Windmill also runs a trade-in and recycling program, where you can receive $20 toward a new Windmill AC.

Size options: 6K BTU Original (~250 sq. ft.), 8K BTU Original (~350 sq. ft.), 8K BTU WhisperTech (~350 sq. ft.), 10K BTU WhisperTech (~450 sq. ft.), 12K BTU WhisperTech (~550 sq. ft.) | Sound: 49 dB. (original models), 42 dB. (WhisperTech models) | Warranty: 1 year | Window compatibility: For 8K, 10K and 12K BTU ACs, the window’s opening must be between 23 and 37 in. wide and at least 14 in. tall. For 6K BTU ACs, the window’s opening must be between 22 and 36 in. wide and 13 in. tall

Windmill and July’s ACs offer many of the same features, like a one year warranty, three fan speeds, being Wi-Fi enabled and offering voice control compatibility. Because of that, comparing the units’ differences is helpful when deciding which to buy.

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Two of my colleagues and I tested Windmill and July’s ACs for at least five weeks in our New York City apartments. During the trial period, NYC experienced multiple heat waves that consistently brought temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and caused humidity levels to spike. This scorching summer weather put our ACs to the test, allowing us to evaluate cooling efficiency as well as overall look, user-friendliness, fan speeds, noise level and more.

• July sent me its small 6K BTU air conditioner, which I put in my bedroom. Prior to July’s AC, I used a 6K BTU LG model for two years.
• Windmill sent NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown its 8K BTU WhisperTech AC, which she put in her living room. Prior to Windmill’s AC, she used a 6K Frigidaire unit for about five years.
• NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez bought Windmill’s 10K WhisperTech AC, which she put in her living room. She has never owned a window AC prior to Windmill’s and previously relied on a Dyson tower fan to cool off her bedroom.

To install a window AC, you typically center the unit in your window’s opening and fill in the spaces on either side with panels made from materials like vinyl or plexiglass. You have to cut the panels to perfectly fit the space between your AC and window frame, which means there’s room for user error, especially if you’re never installed an air conditioner before. If you hire a professional, however, they take care of the whole process for you from start to finish.

I’ve never installed a window air conditioner before, but I was empowered to try it because July has a thorough installation video and user manual on its website. I studied these materials before my AC came, and since they make the installation process look pretty straightforward, I felt prepared.

However, when July’s AC arrived at my apartment building, I was immediately intimidated due to the size of the box — it was much, much bigger than I expected. Getting the box from my lobby, into the elevator and down the hall into my apartment was a workout, and even though there weren’t a lot of parts inside the box when I opened it, I was hesitant to install it myself. I also live on the tenth floor of my building and have two cats, so I was worried about keeping my window open for an extended period of time. I called a handyman, who securely installed my AC and a bracket, which my apartment building requires, in my window in less than 15 minutes. He even took care of cutting the included side panels to perfectly fit my window, which I was worried about doing incorrectly.

Looking back, I should have looked into July’s white-glove installation service and booked an appointment, which would have made the process more seamless. 

“I’ve lived in NYC for over 12 years and have always installed my own AC units — in my experience, it’s very much part of the culture of living here,” says Brown. “However, once I saw how big this one was, I knew I would need a helping hand.” Her friend assisted her with installation, which she says was easy thanks to the beginner-friendly directions in Windmill’s included instruction booklet. It took about an hour, required a lot of steps and is heavy, so some heavy lifting is required. 

While installing Windmill’s AC, Brown had to cut the included side panels herself in order to fit her window. The panels have number guides written on them to help you measure, but Brown spent some time fiddling with them to get a perfect fit. “One of the panels also fell off after a couple of weeks and I had to put it back on, which is not a deal breaker, just annoying,” she says.

Alvarez, on the other hand, hired a handyman to install her Windmill AC and didn’t run into any issues with the side panels.  She was initially going to install the entire thing herself, but was worried about doing so safely since she’s inexperienced. “After watching the handyman install it, I came to the conclusion that setup was easy, so I probably could have done it myself,” she says. “But I still recommend getting someone to help with it for that safety factor.” Her panels did not fall off, and she has not had any other issues.

I’m a hot sleeper, and for the first two years I lived in my apartment, I’d constantly wake up in the middle of the night during the warmer months because I was overheating. Even at its highest fan speed, my old 6K BTU air conditioner wasn’t powerful enough to keep my 10 foot by 15 foot bedroom cool — this 6K BTU July model is. The air in my room is now so cool that it’s crisp, and I feel it blow into my hallway and bathroom, too.

I almost always keep my AC on eco mode, so it automatically adjusts its fan speed to maintain a consistent temperature and helps me conserve energy. Even when I need to cool my bedroom off a little bit more than usual, like during NYC’s recent heat waves, I turn the fan speed up to medium and let it run for about 30 minutes — any longer than that and my room gets too cold.

“I would definitely say this AC cools off my space,” says Alvarez, who has the 10K BTU model. “When I’m in my apartment, I keep it on the low fan speed and find that it’s enough to keep me cool.” While her AC is in her 12 foot by 17 foot living room, the air conditioner is powerful enough to also lower the temperature in the surrounding bathroom and office areas if she leaves all the doors open. 

Brown says she’s impressed by the cooling power of her 8K BTU Windmill AC and finds it more effective compared to other models she’s used over the years. “When I keep it on the high fan speed, it cools down my entire apartment,” she says. “I actually haven’t even put an AC in my bedroom because having the Windmill in the 12 foot by 15 foot living room suffices. Plus, I have a lower energy bill.”

Compared to my old AC, July’s is significantly quieter. My LG air conditioner was so loud that I felt like I couldn’t hear myself think. But overall, July’s AC is not as quiet as I expected it to be. I can hear it whenever it’s running, and while I don’t notice it much on the low fan speed, it’s more noticeable on the medium and high fan speeds. The sound doesn’t bother me — I hate total silence and have slept with a noise machine for my entire life — but if you are sensitive to noise, I would not recommend putting July’s AC in your bedroom. That said, no AC I’ve ever tried is completely silent, and hearing the unit to some degree is par for the course.

“This air conditioner is quiet on the low fan speed, but as I turn it up, I can definitely tell that there’s a sound, although it’s not bothersome,” says Alvarez. “I don’t notice it while the TV is on, I have video and phone calls without worrying, and I even film TikToks and you can’t hear anything in the background.” She also has Midea’s U-Shaped air conditioner in her bedroom, and says Windmill’s is undoubtedly quieter. Brown agrees, saying the sound of this AC isn’t disruptive, but don’t expect it to be totally silent.

Even after over a month, I’m still shocked when I walk into my bedroom and barely notice my air conditioner. It practically blends into my space instead of being a clunky eyesore, so I don’t mind having it front-and-center in my room. I love that the front panel is flat because it allows me to pull my shade down over the AC when it’s off, and the control panel is flush with the top of the unit, totally disguising it. I don’t mind the white front panel the AC comes with since my walls and window trim are also white, but it’s nice to know I have the option to buy decorative front panels if I ever want to upgrade.

“Installing the Windmill AC is a heavy lift, and the unit is also quite heavy, but her face card does not decline,” says Brown. “I love the little dots on the front panel as opposed to those big vents that other units have.” For Alvarez, Windmill’s sleek design is one of the biggest reasons she bought it instead of other brands’ less pricey models. “I placed it in my living room because I would rather have this chic unit be the one people see versus the one in my bedroom,” she says.

Similar to July’s AC, you can purchase decorative front panels beyond the white one Windmill’s unit comes with. Both Alvarez and Brown declined to do so, but appreciate having the option.

I’ve never owned a smart AC before this one, and now I can’t imagine going back. Being able to adjust the unit’s settings from my phone and via Amazon Alexa voice commands is so convenient, especially when I’m already cozy in bed. I have an Echo Pop in my room, so I often ask Alexa to drop my AC’s temperature by one degree or so before I fall asleep, or I’ll do it from my phone. I keep the air conditioner’s remote next to my bed, but I’ve only used it once or twice since I rely on the July app and Alexa compatibility instead. Although, it’s nice to have a backup handy. 

July’s app also lets me monitor and control my air conditioner even when I’m not home, so I can ensure my space is the ideal temperature before I return from being at work all day, for example. Overall, pairing my air conditioner with the app and my Amazon Alexa-enabled devices took less than five minutes, and it hasn’t lost connection so far, making it easy to use regardless of how tech savvy you are.

Windmill’s AC has similar smart capabilities compared to July’s, and they too won Brown and Alvarez over, but for different reasons.

“I have two cats and one of my biggest worries is keeping them cool while I’m traveling,” says Brown. “I went to France shortly after installing the Windmill and loved that I could constantly check in via the app to see the room temperature and adjust it as needed.” Even when she’s home, she doesn’t use the included remote to control her AC since she’s so accustomed to doing so from her phone.

For Alvarez, on the other hand, controlling Windmill’s AC from her phone makes it so she never has to walk into a hot, steamy apartment after a long day away. “I turn my air conditioner off when I’m not home to save money, ” she says. “When I’m about to get home, I turn the AC on via my phone and run it on the medium or high fan speed to quickly lower the temperature. That way once I reach my apartment, my space is already at my desired temperature before I walk through the door.”

Thanks to its design, July’s AC stays cleaner compared to my old LG model, which had vents sticking out of it that collected a lot of dust. I also had to pull the filter out of the top of my old AC to clean it, a process that caused dust to fly everywhere. The vents on July’s AC are set into the unit, so they’re not as exposed and don’t get super dusty. To clean the filter, I simply take off the AC’s front panel and remove the filter without any jostling, which prevents debris from getting on my floor or in the air. Afterward, the filter and front panel click back into place. I wish July’s AC had a clean filter light or that its app occasionally reminded me to clean it. Instead, I set a reminder on my phone to clean the AC every week or two because I have allergies, but the brand recommends doing so only once a month.

Brown says taking the front panel off her AC to clean the filter is a breeze. Windmill’s unit has a clean filter indicator light on its control panel, which turns red every now and then, indicating that it’s time for you to give the washable filter a rinse. Its app also sends you clean filter notifications. Alvarez finds these reminders very helpful and says she likely wouldn’t remember to clean the AC’s filter without them.

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After five weeks of testing July and Windmill’s air conditioners, we learned that the units really are as similar as they seem on the brands’ websites. They’re both good looking ACs that effectively cool our homes, and the convenience that their smart capabilities offer is a gamechanger if you’re accustomed to old-school window air conditioner units. Brown, Alvarez and I would all buy our respective ACs if we ever needed another unit, and recommend them without hesitation.

With that said, there are a few key differences that now stand out to us when evaluating Windmill and July’s ACs that may help you decide which one to buy:

1. Windmill is a better option for larger spaces. July’s AC is only available in two sizes, while Windmill’s comes in four. If you buy a larger Windmill AC, you may be able to get away with only using one in your home, depending on its size and layout.
2. July is a better option for slider windows. In fact, Windmill’s AC isn’t compatible with them whatsoever, so you can only buy it if you have single- or double-hung windows.
3. Both brands’ air conditioners are generally quiet, but don’t expect them to be completely silent. If you’re extra sensitive to noise, Windmill’s air conditioners are slightly quieter than July’s, according to their decibel ratings, but not by much. 
4. Don’t be a hero — consider hiring a handyperson for installation. Despite both brands providing detailed installation instructions and all the components you’ll need to set them up, the ACs are very large and very heavy. Installing each of them is at least a two person job in our experience, and we all felt it was worth it to hire a professional so we could avoid any safety concerns.

I’m an associate updates editor at NBC Select who frequently reviews products, including the Hatch Alarm Clock, Our Place Perfect Power Pot, Sunbasket meal delivery service and an Amazon neck fan. For this article, I tested July’s air conditioner for over a month, and two members of NBC Select’s staff tested Windmill’s air conditioner for over a month.

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