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What are the best air conditioning units for expats in Thailand, particularly between Samsung, LG, and Hisense?

Air ConditioningExpat LifeHome AppliancesSamsungLGHisenseEnergy Efficiency
Mar 7, 2025
a month ago
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
-I’m not sure if I can post this type of topic here, but it’s also related to expatriate life.

Aircon recommendation.

Hello! I am looking for recommendations for an 18,000 BTU air conditioner and would like to know if you can recommend any of these models:

1. Samsung AR18BVHCMWKNXL

2. LG VX182C1

3. Hisense AT182DK

Any suggestions on which would be the best option in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and low noise levels? Thanks in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post seeks recommendations for an 18,000 BTU air conditioner and lists three models: Samsung AR18BVHCMWKNXL, LG VX182C1, and Hisense AT182DK. Respondents suggest various models and brands based on performance, energy efficiency, and noise levels. Popular recommendations include the Samsung Windfree and TCL units for value and quiet operation. Other suggestions include Daikin for durability, Panasonic for mid-range pricing, and comments against Haier due to reliability issues. The discussion also highlights the importance of cost and running efficiency for AC units in the Thai climate.
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Jeff *******
Samsung windfree is the best AC I've ever bought
a month ago
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Douglas *******
Daikin has a gecko free unit 24k btu that I am thinking of buying next time as they have been shorting out my mother boards on my 14 year old Mitsubishi units and parts are hard to come by now.
a month ago
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Braulio *********
a month ago
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Daren *********
For a mid range unit I would recommend a Panasonic. They are not so expensive. Your choices are bottom end.
a month ago
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Michael ********
We just got the Samsung windfree which is really good. The price difference buying directly from Samsung thailand website was massive compared to shops.

We got 2
*****
btu units for
*****
baht including instalation
a month ago
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Nick ************
I am investigating exactly the same thing. I like the look of the Samsung as it is claimed to be quiet and wind free. I hate fans blowing on me constantly! I am trying to discover the power requirement so that a rough estimate of monthly running costs can be calculated. After the last week of my room being above 35 degrees the initial Cost and running costs have taken a dive in importance. Can you let us know what you go for please?
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
 The Samsung AR18BVHCMWKNXL consumes approximately 208.73 kWh/month, which would cost around 835 baht (~$24 USD/month) in Bangkok, based on average rates.

Minimum average
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nick ***********
 The Samsung AR18MVFHDWKNXL has a cooling capacity of 18,000 BTU/h (5.28 kW) and a power consumption of 1,700 W in cooling mode. (samsung.com)

To estimate monthly consumption, assuming 8 hours of daily use:

Daily consumption: 1,700 W × 8 hours = 13.6 kWh

Monthly consumption: 13.6 kWh × 30 days = 408 kWh

In Bangkok, with an average electricity rate of 4 baht per kWh, the estimated monthly cost would be:

408 kWh × 4 baht/kWh = 1,632 baht

Approximately $47 USD (assuming an exchange rate of 1 USD = 34.8 baht)

These calculations are estimates; actual consumption may vary depending on usage and specific conditions.
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Nick ***********
 Samsung is good, we just bought the windfree for same reasons and lot cheaper buying direct from Samsung. Check on you tube there is a guy on there does reviews of electrical reviews in pattaya. HIs videos are interesting. Search for samsung windfree AC reviews thailand and should find it. And electrical usage easy to monitor on app with eco mode as well
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 Yes, the Samsung AR18BVHCMWKNXL has a design with the air flow directed downwards, which is part of the Wind-Free™ technology. This model distributes the air evenly without creating a direct cold air stream, making the airflow smoother and quieter.
a month ago
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Robert ********
@Jordee *****
Ah. Good explanation.

I do that with my air cons too. Specially beside the bed where my wife then sits after shower to “cool down”. 😂
a month ago
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Robert ********
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Robert ********
@Michael *******
What is “Wind free”?

I mean an aircon needs to blow out the cooled air. Thus it moves the air and we feel that as wind.

It’s way less than a fan, but that’s true for all of our 4 aircon.
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Robert *******
 look on you tube, its actually very comfortable. Got these for our place in Bangkok and thats not particularly big and dont like the cold air blowing directly on us
a month ago
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Robert ********
@Michael *******
Will look. Although I also don’t sit in the wind
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Robert *******
 Our place in Bangkok and location of everything meant was sitting in the wind. Do like these units can start 20 minutes (or whatever you like) before getting home so nice and cool
a month ago
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Robert ********
@Michael *******
???

I can start whatever unit from outside with a small remote switch in home automation
a month ago
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Robert ********
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Nick ************
@Michael *******
 is there a Samsung website in English you could point me to. Can't make head or tail of what I have found. Thanks. Certainly look cheaper.
a month ago
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Michael ********
@Nick ***********
 Just use google chrome and auto translate
a month ago
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Nick ************
@Michael *******
 yes done that. Found a cracking deal but the order form is in Thai and requires filling in in Thai and does not translate so I am unable to go any further until I find someone who can read it and fill it in.
a month ago
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Nick ************
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Peter *******
As above, I have a TCL, whisper quiet and cheap, 18k BTU bought on Lazada, think it was 11k baht
a month ago
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Rod *********
Dont get a Haier about to get my 3rd PCB ie. Motherboard sort of.
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rod ********
 Okay, I'm just focusing on those three models. Thanks for info
a month ago
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Jordee ******
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Martyn ***********
I recommend the TCL elite series for value and efficiency.. Also really quiet.

These are available from TCL shop on Lazada at great prices, you can include installation for 1900 extra... I've got these and several friends, nobody has any issues...

******************************
a month ago
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Peter *******
@Martyn **********
 Was the final installation cost 1900 baht? and any charge for removal? did they use an unknown installer? you know not a well known name
a month ago
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Martyn ***********
@Peter ******
 its a big company for the installation... If it's one out, one in the cost is 1900. The installers bought the old unit from my friend as it was still good.
a month ago
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Martyn ***********
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martyn **********
 18,500BTU That's enough for me, thanks, I'll take a look at it.
a month ago
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Jordee ******
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Leon ****
Depends on your budget, 1st Samsung, 2nd LG, 3rd Hisense. If budget is not your priority then go for Daikin or even Mitsubishi for best durability.
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leon ***
 Yes. The budget I have is for those three models. The price of each one is similar
a month ago
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Leon ****
@Jordee *****
 you might pay a bit more at first. But you will save money in the long run. I have 24k btu Mitsubishi paid 35k baht 4 yrs ago estimated power bill at 12k baht per year. Another one is Haier 24k btu paid 25k baht 2 yrs ago estimated power bill at 20k baht per year.
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leon ***
 Yes, of course, I understand, although I will use the air conditioning 4 hours a day 4 days a week. Do you think I need 25KBTU for a 30 square meter garage?
a month ago
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Leon ****
@Jordee *****
 well insulated garage 24k btu is enough. Otherwise 30k btu is all you need.
a month ago
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Leon ****
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David *******
There are better groups to ask this question and you will get decent responses. This is not a DTV question
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have already posted on Residential Construction for expats in Thailand. Thanks
a month ago
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David *******
@Jordee *****
 great
a month ago
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David *******
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Garrett ***********
@David ******
 What made you think this group is only for questions about DTVs?
a month ago
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David *******
@Garrett **********
 I should have said this is a ‘visa’ group. This group is about visa advice. You can get far better ‘living in Thailand’ advice from many other groups.
a month ago
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 It's mainly visa advice, but not exclusively. It is also about the life of expatriates.
a month ago
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Garrett ***********
@David ******
 This is a group about visas and everything else related to living in Thailand. If you dont want to help someone answer a question then don't, but don't tell people what they should and shouldn't be asking in here. They can ask whatever they want help with.
a month ago
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David *******
@Garrett **********
 I did not say they should not ask here - I simply told them there are other groups that will, in my opinion, give better answers. Don’t be so precious - suggesting other sources of getting help is being helpful.

The key is in the name of the group - Thailand VISA Advice …
a month ago
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David *******
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 That's why my post has been approved. It's clearly visible in the main information of this group. But I don't want to enter into a debate. Thnx Garret
a month ago
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Jordee ******
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Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
Excuse me, sir, an administrator has approved my post.

Why could it be?
a month ago
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Robert ********
@Jordee *****
All he said is that you would get better answers elsewhere. And that 100% true.

Not many ppl who live here look at visa info. There’s better groups with way more expats for this question
a month ago
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Robert ********
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