Sanyo Air Conditioners
Sanyo HVAC Brand Review Sanyo HVAC specializes in air conditioners and heat pumps, and is a well-known tech company that’s been in business since the early 1900’s, offering heating and cooling...
HVAC
Average Cost: $160 - $600
During the sweltering summer heat, having an efficient air conditioner is essential for keeping your home comfortable. But which brand should you choose? This review of Toshiba air conditioners will provide you with all the necessary information, including comparing Toshiba with other top companies, to help you determine if this brand is the right fit for your needs.
Our Verdict: Toshiba is a well-established name in the air conditioning industry, offering consumers efficient and reliable products for over 60 years. However, their products may not be suitable for everyone, as some users have reported issues with noisy units.
Toshiba is known for its innovative electronics, but it also has a strong legacy in the HVAC sector. The company launched the world’s first mini-split air conditioner in 1961, and twenty years later, in 1981, it introduced the first inverter-driven residential air conditioner.
In 1999, Toshiba entered a joint venture with HVAC giant Carrier, resulting in the formation of the Toshiba Carrier Corporation (TCC). However, in 2022, Carrier fully acquired Toshiba’s stake in the venture. This acquisition soon brought an end to the TCC brand, transitioning the joint products to be marketed under the Carrier name.
While Carrier now owns Toshiba’s full-home air conditioning units, a range of portable and window air conditioning units continue to be sold under the Toshiba brand. This review will focus on what makes these remaining products stand out in a competitive market.
| Unit Type | Top Product | Standout Features | Cost | Area Cooled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window A/C | 12,000 BTU 115-Volt Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | Wi-Fi enabled, touch controls, remote control | $419 | Up to 550 sq. ft. |
| Portable A/C | 12,000 BTU / 8,000 SAC Portable Air Conditioner | Wi-Fi enabled, remote control, lightweight & on wheels | $399 | Up to 350 sq. ft. |
We love the easy installation, widespread availability, and range of features of Toshiba air conditioning units. While not all models include Wi-Fi capability or a digital display, many do, and it’s a nice touch. The modern design of most Toshiba units makes them less of an eyesore compared to traditional window or portable air conditioners. We also value the brand’s long-standing history; while newer brands may offer similar performance, there’s something to be said for supporting the brand that helped pioneer modern residential air conditioning.
While Toshiba air conditioners offer excellent benefits and can be a great option, they come with their share of drawbacks.
Toshiba’s range of products is smaller than it once was, as most products were acquired by Carrier. However, they still offer window air conditioners, portable air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers. Many of these products are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing homeowners to control the temperature from their phone or Smart Home device.
Toshiba’s window air conditioning units are their most popular and most highly rated products, with the 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTU models being their best sellers. The portable units are also well regarded, with the 12,000 BTU model being the best option.
The 8,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner is the company’s most popular window air conditioner on Home Depot’s website, offering a solid blend of affordability and smart features:
The 10,000 BTU and 12,000 BTU window air conditioner options keep the same features as the one above, but they expand the coverage area to 450 and 550 square feet, respectively. The 10,000 BTU unit costs $359, and the 12,000 BTU unit costs $419.
Toshiba’s portable air conditioning units aren’t as highly rated as the window units, but they’re still a decent option if you want something to move from room to room. Modernize thinks the 12,000 BTU / 8,000 SACC Portable Air Conditioner is the best portable Toshiba A/C model:
Toshiba generally receives positive reviews for its air conditioning units:
However, not all reviews are as positive:
Most negative reviews are met with a quick response from the Toshiba Team, seeking to help resolve customer concerns.
Toshiba air conditioners vary in price, mostly depending on their capacity and whether they are portable or window units. Portable units range from approximately $350 to $600, and window units range from $160 to $500. Pricing also varies depending on where you purchase the unit. Here’s a quick look at the cost of some of the company’s popular models:
| Model | Cost | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner | $159 | Up to 150 sq. ft. |
| 6,000 BTU Touch Control Window Air Conditioner | $219 | Up to 250 sq. ft. |
| 8,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | $279 | Up to 350 sq. ft. |
| 10,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | $359 | Up to 450 sq. ft. |
| 12,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | $419 | Up to 550 sq. ft. |
| 15,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | $499 | Up to 750 sq. ft. |
| 18,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | $549 | Up to 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Model | Cost | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 BTU / 7,000 SACC Portable Air Conditioner | $269 | Up to 250 sq. ft. |
| 12,000 BTU / 8,000 SACC Portable Air Conditioner | $399 | Up to 350 sq. ft. |
| 13,500 BTU / 10,000 SACC Smart Wi-Fi Portable Air Conditioner | $549 | Up to 450 sq. ft. |
| 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 12,000 BTU SACC Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner | $599 | Up to 550 sq. ft. |
When compared to well-known brands like LG and Midea, Toshiba receives similar praise. Consumer ratings for these companies are generally comparable, as are their prices, features, and availability. Overall, if you choose a Toshiba unit, you’re likely to experience the same level of satisfaction as you would with a comparable product from another reputable brand.
Yes! Toshiba is recognized for producing efficient and reliable products, including their portable air conditioners, which come in various capacities and are easy to set up.
Absolutely! Toshiba window A/C units are some of the best on the market. They’re budget-friendly, reliable, efficient, and widely available at retailers across the country.
Your Toshiba portable air conditioner has drain plugs, typically located on the back of the unit. You can remove these to allow the water to drain out. Some models have a drain hose that you can attach and direct to a bucket or another drain area.
If your Toshiba window air conditioning unit isn’t getting cold, a dirty air filter is often the culprit. Sometimes the issue lies with the compressor or refrigerant. Check your owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips, and contact Toshiba if you can’t figure out or fix the problem.
Deciding whether to choose a Toshiba air conditioner depends on your specific needs and budget. Toshiba products are known for their solid construction and have been developed through decades of innovation. However, they are not the only good option available on the market. If you prioritize reliability in your air conditioning unit, Toshiba can be a great choice.
If you are in the market for a central air conditioner, it’s important to note that Toshiba no longer manufactures these models, so you may want to explore other brands. Check out our recommendations for the best air conditioning brands!
Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.
