REVIEW – So far it has been one extremely hot and humid summer in NY. No, I am not complaining but the previous window AC that I reviewed crapped out and I need a new one quickly. But, it can just be new and look good. It needs to be powerful enough to cool my home office/studio with all of the equipment that radiates lots of warm air, and it has to be quiet so I can record my podcast episodes without sweating!!. The rumor I heard, is that the TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the answer to my prayers. Let’s see!
What is it?
The TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner model H8W4MW features easy and quick installation along with ultra-quiet cooling. It can be controlled via the included remote control, the TCL App, Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.
What’s included?
- 1 x TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner (model H8W4MW)
- I x Weather Strip
- 1 x Plasticene
- 1 x Remote Control with batteries
- 1 x User manual
Tech specs
Design and features
- Powerful 8,000 BTU cools rooms up to 350 sq. ft.*
- Performance beyond quiet (as low as 40dB on Quiet mode).
- Up to 38% Energy Savings and Energy Star certified to keep your bill low.
- Smart AI Inverter reaches colder temperatures faster and keeps the temperature more consistent (within +/- 1 degree F).
- Pre-assembled frame for easier and faster installation (Window Size Requirement: 26-36 inch width, 14.5-inch height).
- The rigid frame design supports the unit fully, allowing you to open and close the window when you want fresh air.
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri-enabled devices (now Matter Certified!).
- App & TV control with TCL Home App (control your device via your TV available now on TCL Google TV).
- Set the unit to turn on or off whenever you want with the 24-hour Timer.
- Energy-efficient Sleep and Eco modes.
- It is designed to restart automatically after a power outage with Auto Restart.
- Pick the perfect level of comfort with the LED display and included remote.
- Protect your AC with a washable and reusable filter.
- Window Size Requirements: 26-36 inch width, 14.5-inch opening height.
The TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is designed with the same shape and format as a typical window AC. It features a front panel that opens to access the filter and a fully functional button control touchpad on the top left corner. The back of the AC is vented and the power cord includes a breaker. A full-function remote control is included.
Installation
Installation of the TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner depends on the style and size of your window. My windows as custom sizes and I used the expanding sides of the AC to get as close to the sides of my window as I could and then attached/secured them with screws to the window sill. I then used AC insulation to ensure as good a seal as possible.
Performance
The TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner performs well in every category that I need, starting with the easy installation. You just slide it into the window, extend the rigid panels on the sides to close the gaps, and then secure it. I chose to secure mine according to my DIY knowledge and the custom size of my window.
Once you plug it in, it is ready to go. The process to add it to IOS and Android is easy and works well with my Google Nest Hub. It keeps my home office/studio nice and cool even with the tons of equipment that gives off lots of heat. Being able to use my regular devices like my iPhone, OnePus 10 Pro Android phone, or Google Nest hub to control the AC adds great convenience. The biggest deal for me is the “mute” mode that still provides good cooling while being whisper quiet. I record Podcast episodes in that space, and whether I am using my overhead shotgun mic or a lapel microphone, I am no more than 4 to 5 feet away from this AC. yet, I get no noise in the mics from it. I have never been able to do this before with any of the AC units I have used. I did test voice control with Alexa, and it works. I do not use voice as one of the ways to control it. Overall, this is a fantastic AC for my needs.
App: The TCL APP works well, especially with Android including my Google Nest Hub. it also works well with my iPhone 13 Pro Max 13 as well as working flawlessly when accessing remotely. Here are some screenshots from the app:
The following is a quick video showing the decibel readings in regular and mute modes:
What I like about the TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
- It is well-built
- It cools well
- It can be used in mute mode and is then whisper-quiet
- Its smart functions integrate well
- It is easy to install
- The remote works well
- The app works well
What needs to be improved?
- There needs to be better stability with the Apple app
Final thoughts
The TCL 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner (model H8W4MW) is exactly what I needed for my studio. It is efficient, cools my home office/studio well despite all of the equipment, and is quiet enough for me to record and stay cool. Well done!!
Price: $399.99
Where to buy: TCL website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by TCL. TCL did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
