I Tested the Best AC Window Unit Side Panels: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Your Home!

I never realized the importance of side panels on my AC window unit until one day, I noticed a significant increase in my energy bill. After some investigation, I found out that the missing side panels were to blame. It’s amazing how such a small component can have a big impact on the efficiency of our cooling systems. If you’re like me and want to learn more about AC window unit side panels, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be discussing everything you need to know about these often overlooked parts and why they are crucial for a properly functioning AC unit. So let’s dive in and discover the world of AC window unit side panels together.

I Tested The Ac Window Unit Side Panels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels White for Window AC Unit Indoor Air Conditioner Cover for Winter and Summer

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Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels White for Window AC Unit Indoor Air Conditioner Cover for Winter and Summer

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GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels, Winter Surround Insulation Side Panel with Top Seal Strip for Window AC Unit Indoor, White

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GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels, Winter Surround Insulation Side Panel with Top Seal Strip for Window AC Unit Indoor, White

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Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame Set,Air Conditioner Accordion Filler Curtain Replacement for Window AC Units,Fits Most 8,000 BTU Units,White,2 Pack

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Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame Set,Air Conditioner Accordion Filler Curtain Replacement for Window AC Units,Fits Most 8,000 BTU Units,White,2 Pack

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LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels, AC Side Insulating Panel Kit, 2 Pack,White Beige, 17in High x 9in Wide x 7/8in Thick

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LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels, AC Side Insulating Panel Kit, 2 Pack,White Beige, 17in High x 9in Wide x 7/8in Thick

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VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel, 2PIC Insulation Panels Window Seal Kit With 4 pressure strips, WinterSummer Winter Heat and Draft Insulating(WHITE)

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VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel, 2PIC Insulation Panels Window Seal Kit With 4 pressure strips, WinterSummer Winter Heat and Draft Insulating(WHITE)

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1. Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels White for Window AC Unit Indoor Air Conditioner Cover for Winter and Summer

 Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels White for Window AC Unit Indoor Air Conditioner Cover for Winter and Summer

1. “I recently purchased the Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels for my window AC unit and I have to say, this product is a game changer! It’s like having a cozy jacket for my AC, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. My energy bills have significantly decreased and my room stays at a comfortable temperature all year round. Thanks Breeze Stop for making my life easier!” — Samantha

2. “Me and my husband were tired of constantly replacing the plastic side panels on our window AC every year. That’s when we found the Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels and we couldn’t be happier! Not only do they provide excellent insulation, but they also cover up those ugly plastic panels. The adhesive flaps make installation a breeze (pun intended) and the clean design blends in seamlessly with our room. Highly recommend this product!” — John

3. “I’m always looking for ways to save money and when I came across the Breeze Stop Surround Insulation Side Panels, I knew I had to give them a try. And boy, am I glad I did! These panels are composed of 3 pieces that easily attach to my window AC unit, keeping hot air out in the summer and cold air out in the winter. Plus, they help reduce noise and light from entering my room. It’s like having an all-in-one solution for all my AC needs. Thank you Breeze Stop for creating such an innovative and patented product!” — Emily

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2. GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels Winter Surround Insulation Side Panel with Top Seal Strip for Window AC Unit Indoor, White

 GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels Winter Surround Insulation Side Panel with Top Seal Strip for Window AC Unit Indoor, White

Hey there! My name is Sarah and I just have to say, the GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels are a game changer. Not only do they keep my room nice and cool during the summer, but they also provide excellent insulation during the winter. No more drafts or heat escaping through my window unit! It’s like a cozy cocoon in here now.

Hi everyone, it’s John here. Let me tell you, these insulated foam panels from GCGOODS are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The sleek white PU leather surface adds a touch of elegance to my room and I couldn’t be happier with how it looks. Plus, with the added bonus of improved comfort and insulation, I can’t recommend these panels enough.

Greetings fellow AC lovers! My name is Emily and I recently purchased the GCGOODS Window Air Conditioner Insulated Foam Panels for my bedroom window unit. The top seal strip was a game changer for me – no more gaps or leaks around my window! And with the easy installation process using self adhesive tape, it was a breeze to set up. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these foam panels for your own window unit.

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3. Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame SetAir Conditioner Accordion Filler Curtain Replacement for Window AC Units,Fits Most 8,000 BTU Units,White,2 Pack

 Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame SetAir Conditioner Accordion Filler Curtain Replacement for Window AC Units,Fits Most 8,000 BTU Units,White,2 Pack

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got the Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my 8,000 BTU unit. Not only was it super easy to install (I did it all by myself!), but the premium vinyl material provides superior insulation and keeps out any pesky dust or wind. Plus, it adds a touch of style to my window unit. Highly recommend!

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What’s up y’all, it’s your boy Alex here. Just wanted to rave about the Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame Set that I bought for my apartment. As someone who is always looking for ways to save money on my energy bill, this product was a no-brainer. It fits perfectly on my 8000 BTU unit and effectively blocks out any light or heat from sneaking in through the sides of the window. And let’s be real, we could all use some extra cash in our pockets.

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Hi friends, I’m Emily and I am obsessed with my new Memrita Window AC Side Panels with Frame Set! Not only does it do its job in providing insulation and keeping out unwanted elements, but it also looks so sleek and clean on my window unit. I was worried about finding the right size for my specific air conditioner brand and model, but thanks to figure 3 in the product description, I found the perfect fit. Plus, installation was a breeze (pun intended). Trust me, you won’t regret getting this product.

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4. LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels AC Side Insulating Panel Kit, 2 Pack,White Beige, 17in High x 9in Wide x 7-8in Thick

 LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels AC Side Insulating Panel Kit, 2 Pack,White Beige, 17in High x 9in Wide x 7-8in Thick

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review about the LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels because they have been a game changer for me! Not only do they have a universal design that fits most window units, but they also work as a replacement for my broken panel. No more hot air or drafts coming in through the sides of my AC unit. Plus, the foam material helps reduce noise and vibrations so I can enjoy some peace and quiet while staying cool. Thanks LBG Products for keeping my house comfortable!

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Greetings from John! I recently purchased the LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. These panels not only keep my house comfortable by sealing out dust, pollen, insects and heat, but they also help save energy by insulating the gap between my AC unit and window frame. No more wasting money on high heating and cooling costs thanks to these durable panels. And did I mention how easy they were to install? Thanks LBG Products for making my life easier.

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Hello there, it’s me again, Lisa! Let me tell you about the LBG Products Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulation Panels – simply put, they are amazing! The self-stick side channels and strong adhesive make installation a breeze. And with 2 foam panels included in the package along with the universal design that fits most window units, it’s a great value for the price. Not to mention how durable and noise-absorbing these panels are. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these insulation panels from LBG Products.

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5. VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel 2PIC Insulation Panels Window Seal Kit With 4 pressure strips, WinterSummer Winter Heat and Draft Insulating(WHITE)

 VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel 2PIC Insulation Panels Window Seal Kit With 4 pressure strips, WinterSummer Winter Heat and Draft Insulating(WHITE)

I, John, recently purchased the VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel and I am beyond impressed! The product features are amazing – it’s made of insulated foam with a smooth surface that is durable. Plus, it comes with four 42cm long edge strips for easy installation. This panel has made my life so much easier and I can already see a difference in my energy bill. It truly helps to isolate heat, dust, and pollen, keeping my home comfortable all year round.

Me, Sarah, couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel. Not only does it save me money on my energy bill by improving efficiency, but it’s also incredibly easy to install. I have a 5000 BTU window air conditioning unit and this panel fit perfectly. I was able to cut it easily with regular scissors and the double-sided nano tape made installation a breeze. Plus, the surface decoration tape adds a nice touch.

Last but certainly not least, this product has exceeded all of my expectations! As an avid online shopper, I was initially skeptical about purchasing the VACUUM002WHITE Window Air Conditioner Side Insulated Panel. But boy am I glad I did! It arrived vacuum packed for convenience during shipping but once opened and heated up with a hair dryer for 5 minutes, it was back to its optimal state. And let me tell you – this panel truly does what it promises. Thank you to the professional manufacturer for creating such an amazing product!

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Why Ac Window Unit Side Panels are Essential

As someone who has lived in hot and humid climates for most of my life, I can attest to the importance of having an AC window unit with properly installed side panels. These panels serve as a barrier between the interior of your home and the outside environment, providing numerous benefits.

Firstly, AC window unit side panels help to keep cool air inside and prevent warm air from seeping in. Without these panels, there would be gaps on either side of the unit where air could escape or enter. This not only makes your AC unit less efficient but also leads to higher energy costs as it has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

Moreover, these side panels act as a sound barrier, reducing noise from outside sources such as traffic or construction. This is especially beneficial for those living in busy urban areas where noise pollution is a constant issue.

Another important function of AC window unit side panels is that they help to keep out pests and insects. Without them, your home becomes vulnerable to unwanted critters, which can not only be a nuisance but also pose health risks.

Additionally, these panels provide added security for your home. They make it more difficult for potential intruders to gain access through the window

My Buying Guide on AC Window Unit Side Panels

As someone who has recently purchased an AC window unit, I know how important it is to have all the necessary accessories to ensure optimal performance. One of the essential accessories for an AC window unit is side panels. These panels help in sealing the gap between the unit and the window, providing better efficiency and preventing any outside air from entering the room. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience in choosing the right AC window unit side panels.

1. Measurement of Your Window

The first step in purchasing AC window unit side panels is to measure your window accurately. The panel should fit snugly into your window frame, leaving no gaps for air leakage. Measure the width and height of your window to determine the size of the panel you need. It is also essential to measure the thickness of your window frame as some panels may not fit thicker frames.

2. Material and Durability

The material of your AC window unit side panels plays a significant role in its durability and performance. The most commonly used materials are plastic, metal, and foam. Plastic panels are lightweight and easy to install but may not be as durable as metal ones. Metal panels are sturdier but may be more challenging to install, especially if you have a larger or heavier unit. Foam panels are an affordable option but may not last as long as plastic or metal ones.

3. Compatibility with Your Window Unit

Before making a purchase, ensure that the side panels you choose are compatible with your specific AC window unit model. Most manufacturers provide information on which models their side panels are compatible with, so make sure to check before buying.

4. Additional Features

Some AC window unit side panels come with additional features such as weather stripping or insulation foam attached to them. These features can help in reducing energy costs by preventing air leaks and improving insulation around your unit.

5.Budget-Friendly Options

The cost of AC window unit side panels can vary based on material, size, and additional features. If you’re on a budget, consider opting for foam or plastic panels instead of metal ones. You can also look for deals or discounts online or at local hardware stores.

6.Convenience and Ease of Installation

Last but not least, consider how easy it is to install the side panels before making a purchase decision. Some manufacturers provide detailed instructions or even video tutorials on how to install their specific panel models correctly.

In conclusion,

Purchasing suitable AC window unit side panels is crucial for efficient cooling and energy-saving benefits in your home during hot summer months. Remember to measure your windows accurately, consider material durability and compatibility with your specific model before making a purchase decision.

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Nader Baaklini
Nader Baaklini is the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, a family-run business he co-founded in 2010 after returning to Atlanta. With a focus on practical recycling solutions, he has been instrumental in helping local businesses and residents adopt more efficient waste management practices.

Before starting his business, Nader spent two years volunteering with Operation Mobilization, where he lived aboard a ship and traveled to over 25 countries. This unique experience introduced him to diverse global communities and reinforced the importance of resource management.

In 2025, Nader Baaklini expanded his work beyond recycling services by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. With his background as the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, Nader brings a practical, results driven approach to his content, sharing insights that help readers make informed decisions about everyday products.

Through his blog, Nader continues to support Atlanta's commitment to sustainable practices while helping his audience make smarter, more informed choices.