LG LW1017ERSM1 Review: a WiFi window AC that cools well without sounding like a jet engine

I’ve been using the LG LW1017ERSM1 10,000 BTU window AC in a medium-sized living room/office setup, roughly 400–450 sq ft, which is pretty much what LG claims it’s made for. I didn’t buy it because I’m a tech geek, I bought it because the old rattly unit was driving me nuts and I wanted something that could actually cool the room and not drown out the TV. The WiFi and app stuff was a bonus, not the main reason.

In day-to-day use, the first thing I noticed is that it does the basic job: it cools the room properly. On a hot afternoon (high 80s/low 90s °F), it took about 20–30 minutes to take the room from stuffy to comfortable, and then it just cycles on and off. It’s not silent, but compared to older window units and the average portable AC, it’s pretty quiet for what it is. I can still have a normal conversation and watch TV without cranking the volume.

What pushed me toward this model was the mix of 10,000 BTU power, WiFi control, and the relatively compact size and low height. A lot of 10k BTU units are bulkier or need more window height. This one fits in a tighter opening, which matters if you’re in an older house or apartment with weird window frames. The fact that it runs on standard 115V is also nice – no special outlet drama.

It’s not perfect. The app is useful but a bit clunky, the remote feels cheap and basic, and the installation kit is fine but not fantastic if your window is wider than average. Still, after using it through hot days and sticky evenings, my overall feeling is: it’s a solid, practical AC that focuses more on doing the job than looking fancy. If you want something reliable with a few smart features, this is in the right zone. If you want luxury features or super quiet like a mini-split, this isn’t that.

In terms of value, I’d put this LG LW1017ERSM1 in the “good but not crazy cheap” category. You’re paying a bit extra compared to the most basic 10,000 BTU window units, mainly for the quieter operation, the WiFi/app control, and the overall LG brand reliability. If you only care about raw cold air and don’t mind more noise and no smart features, you can probably find something cheaper. But if you want a decent balance of features, performance, and noise level, the price feels reasonable.

The energy efficiency (11.4 EER) is okay, so running costs are acceptable, especially if you use energy saver mode and don’t leave it blasting 24/7. For someone in a hot climate using it daily, it’ll still add to the bill, but it’s not insane. Some users tracking power usage report pretty fair monthly costs for multiple LG units, so one of these in a medium room is not going to bankrupt you as long as your house isn’t a total sieve.

Where it earns its value is in the combination of cooling power + noise level + smart control. It cools a 400–450 sq ft space reliably, it’s quiet enough to sleep near, and you can control it from your phone or with voice commands. The washable filter keeps ongoing costs down too, since you’re not buying replacements all the time. The install kit is good enough for normal windows, but if you have a wide or weird opening, expect to spend a few extra bucks on foam or wood to seal gaps properly.

Overall, if you’re on a strict budget and just want the cheapest cold air, this might feel a bit pricey. But if you’re okay paying a bit more for less noise, more control, and a big brand with tons of user feedback, then the value is pretty solid. It’s not a bargain-bin unit, but you do get what you pay for in terms of comfort and convenience.

Design-wise, this thing is pretty standard “white box under the window”, but with a slightly more compact footprint than a lot of 10k BTU units I’ve seen. The dimensions are roughly 19.45" deep x 19.57" wide x 12.36" high, and that height number actually matters. If you’ve got older windows with storm frames or high sills, that lower height gives you more wiggle room. I had a tight vertical opening and it still went in without me having to rebuild the window, which I appreciated.

The front panel is bright white with a small digital display and a basic button layout on the right side. The controls are clear and not overloaded: power, mode, temperature up/down, fan speed, timer, etc. The air vents at the top front let you adjust the direction in four ways, and that part actually works well. I can aim the cold air away from my face when I’m on the couch and still cool the room. The remote is small and very basic – no screen showing your set temperature, which is a bit annoying. You have to look at the unit’s display to see what temp you’re at.

From the outside, it’s just another white metal box hanging out the window. There’s nothing stylish about it, but honestly, for a window AC, I don’t care much. The important bit is that it’s not huge or bulky, and it doesn’t block a crazy amount of light. The side accordion panels are the usual thin plastic; they do the job but don’t expect them to seal perfectly on their own. If you’re picky about drafts or bugs, plan on adding a bit of foam board or extra insulation tape like some users mentioned.

Overall, I’d say the design is functional and compact rather than pretty. The small height is the main win here. If you’re buying based on “will this actually fit in my annoying window and not look like a tank,” this LG scores alright. If you’re dreaming of something that blends into your decor, this is still a visible appliance, no surprise there.

From a comfort perspective, this AC does a good job of making the room feel consistently cool without being too aggressive. Once it reaches the set temperature, it doesn’t blow icy air nonstop in your face. The combination of adjustable vents and multiple fan speeds lets you dial in something that doesn’t feel like you’re sitting in front of a wind tunnel. I usually keep it on medium fan during the day and low at night, and that’s enough to stay comfortable without feeling dried out or frozen.

For sleeping, it’s honestly pretty decent for a window unit. On low, the noise becomes a kind of background hum that’s easy to ignore. If you’re used to central air, you’ll notice it, but if you’ve ever owned a cheap older window AC, this is a step up. The compressor sound is relatively smooth, not that harsh clunk some units have when they kick on. There’s still a slight change in tone when it cycles, but nothing that made me jump awake or anything like that.

The dehumidifying effect is also worth mentioning. Even though it’s not sold as a full-on dehumidifier, it pulls a good amount of moisture out of the air, which helps the room feel less sticky on humid days. You don’t see a water tank because it drains outside, but you can tell it’s working because the room feels less muggy at the same temperature. That matters more than people think – 75°F and dry feels way better than 75°F and humid.

The only comfort downside for me is the temperature control isn’t ultra-precise. Sometimes it overshoots a couple degrees before cycling, so you might feel it swing from slightly cool to slightly warm before it starts again, especially in energy saver mode. It’s not dramatic, but if you’re super picky about holding an exact temperature all the time, a mini-split or central system will obviously be better. For a window AC, though, I’d say it’s more than acceptable and totally fine for everyday living, work-from-home, and sleeping.

In terms of build quality, the LG LW1017ERSM1 feels sturdy where it matters and a bit cheap in the usual spots. The main metal chassis is solid and heavy – the whole unit is around 57 lbs – so it doesn’t feel flimsy when you lift it into the window. Once mounted correctly with the sill supports and bracket, it sits firmly with no wobble. I don’t hear any major rattling or vibration from the casing, which is a good sign for long-term use.

The weak points, as usual with window units, are the plastic parts: the front grill, the vent louvers, and the accordion side panels. They’re not worse than competitors, but they’re not premium either. The louvers feel like they could snap if you manhandle them, so you just need to be a bit gentle when adjusting airflow. The side panels are thin and not great at insulation by themselves. If you plan to keep this installed year-round, I’d honestly add some foam board or weather stripping around them to protect against drafts and extend their life.

The washable filter slides out easily, and that’s a plus for durability because a clean filter means less strain on the compressor and fan. If you actually clean it once a month, you’re doing the unit a big favor. There’s a filter light reminder, which helps if you’re forgetful. The fact that LG gives a 1-year warranty is pretty standard – not exciting, but not bad. Given how many of these units they’ve sold and the 4.1/5 rating with a ton of reviews, I’m reasonably confident it’ll last several seasons if you don’t abuse it.

Overall, I’d call the durability good but not bulletproof. It’s clearly not built like an industrial unit, but for home use, installed properly and not banged around, it should handle multiple hot summers. If you move it in and out every year, just be careful with the plastic bits and the cord. It’s the usual story: metal body is fine, plastic trim is the thing you’ll swear at if you’re rough with it.

On performance, this unit is solid where it counts. In a ~400–450 sq ft space with average insulation, it pulls the temperature down to a comfortable level in under half an hour on a hot day. If you start with a really overheated room (like windows closed all day, no curtains), it takes a bit longer, but once it catches up, it maintains the temp without constantly blasting at full speed. I usually set it around 72–74°F and let it run on energy saver mode; it cycles on and off in a way that feels reasonable.

Noise-wise, LG claims about 50–52 dB on low. I didn’t measure it with a professional tool, but subjectively it’s quieter than most older window units I’ve used and definitely quieter than a typical portable AC. On low, you hear a steady fan hum and a mild compressor sound when it kicks in, but it’s not rattly or high-pitched. On high, you know it’s running, but it doesn’t scream. I can sleep with it on low without an issue, and I can still hear the TV on normal volume in the living room.

The airflow is strong enough that if you sit right in front of it, you’ll feel it directly. The 4-way air deflection actually makes a difference: I usually angle it slightly up and to the side to avoid the “cold wind in your face” effect. In a more open layout, it still reaches the corners, but if you have multiple rooms, don’t expect it to cool the back bedroom perfectly through doorways – that’s more about house layout than the AC itself.

Energy-wise, it’s decent. With a SEER of 11.4, it’s not the most efficient tech on the market but it’s far from a power hog. With normal summer use (afternoons and evenings, plus nights on low), the impact on the bill is noticeable but not scary. If you’re in a hot climate and run it all day, you’ll still feel it on your bill, but that’s true of any 10k BTU unit. Overall, performance is exactly what I’d expect from a mid-range 10,000 BTU window AC: reliable, strong cooling and tolerable noise. No surprises, which is a good thing here.

On paper, the LG LW1017ERSM1 is a 10,000 BTU window air conditioner rated for up to about 450 sq ft, with WiFi (LG ThinQ), Alexa/Google Assistant support, a remote, and a washable filter. It uses R32 refrigerant, which is more modern and a bit more eco-friendly than older gases, and it runs on 115V, 60 Hz, so it works in a standard outlet. The energy efficiency ratio is 11.4, which isn’t top-tier efficient but it’s decent enough that it won’t destroy your power bill if you use it sensibly.

LG sells it as a medium-to-large room solution: bedroom, living room, or a small open-concept apartment. In real life, I’d say it’s perfect for one main room or a 1-bedroom apartment if you keep doors open and don’t expect central-AC-level distribution. It has three cooling speeds, three fan speeds, a 24-hour timer, and a 4-way air deflection system so you can angle the airflow up/down and left/right. The control panel on the front is simple: digital temperature display, a few buttons, nothing fancy but easy to understand.

The box includes the AC unit itself, the EZ Mount installation kit (side accordion panels, brackets, foam, screws, etc.), and the remote with two AAA batteries. There’s no separate drain hose anymore – like most newer window units, it just lets condensation drip out the back when it builds up enough. If you’re in a very humid area, you’ll want to make sure the unit is tilted slightly outward so water doesn’t collect inside.

In practice, I’d describe this model as: a straightforward, mid-range, smart-enabled window AC. It’s not the cheapest 10k BTU on the market, but it’s also not some premium designer unit. The appeal is the mix of power, WiFi, and relatively low noise with a familiar LG design. If you’re used to older or bargain-bin window ACs, this feels like a decent step up without going into super high-end territory.

There’s no battery in the unit itself, but the smart features and remote control are a big part of how you actually use this thing. The remote runs on 2 AAA batteries (included), and it’s about as basic as it gets. You can turn the unit on/off, change mode, adjust fan speed, and set the temp. What’s annoying is that the remote doesn’t show the set temperature on its own screen, so you always have to look over at the AC’s display to confirm. It works, but it feels a bit cheap and old-school. Range is fine in a normal room as long as you point it roughly at the unit.

The WiFi side uses the LG ThinQ app, and once you get it set up, it’s actually pretty handy. You can turn the AC on before you get home, adjust the temperature from bed, or check if you left it running. It also hooks into Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can do basic voice commands like “set the AC to 72 degrees” or “turn the AC off.” It’s not life-changing, but when you’re half-asleep or on the couch, it’s nice to not have to get up.

Setup is where it can be a bit annoying. You have to connect the AC to your WiFi network through the app, and depending on your router and phone, it might take a couple tries. Once it’s paired, it’s mostly stable, but I’ve seen the app occasionally “lose” the unit and need a refresh. Not a disaster, just a small irritation. On the plus side, the app gives you clear control of modes, timers, and fan speeds with a cleaner interface than the physical buttons.

Overall, I’d say the smart features are genuinely useful but not perfect. If you don’t care about WiFi, you can ignore it and just use the panel and remote like a normal AC. If you do like smart home stuff, this is a nice mid-level implementation: it works, it saves some walking, and it lets you cool the place before you get home, which actually affects comfort and maybe a bit of energy savings if you time it right.