The GE AEM06LM is a solid window air conditioner with many attractive additions including a programmable, electronic thermostat with a digital readout and remote.

It is a capable system that performs well, and while it has the Energy Star rating, its lofty price tag makes the GE AEM06LM one of the more expensive among its same-capacity peers and is frankly difficult to recommend over is significantly cheaper sister system, the GE AEQ06LM.

BRAND	GE
MODEL #	AEM06LM
Capacity and Efficiency		Control and Usability
BTU	6,300	Fan	3 Cooling, 3 Fan Only
Type	Cooling	Controls	Digital, with Remote
EER	10.7	Filter Type	Slide-Out, Washable
Energy Star	Yes	Timer	24 Hour Delay
Chassis Type	Fixed	Automatic Thermostat	Yes, Electronic
Power Usage and Warranty		Dimensions
Volts	115	Height	13.1"
Cool Amps	5.6	Width	18.5"
Cool Watts	590	Depth	15.7"
Heat Amps	Not Applicable	Min Opening Height	13.6"
Heat Watts	Not Applicable	Min/Max Opening Width	24.5"/38"
Warranty	Limited 1-year, Parts and Labor	Weight	49 lbs.

While the GE AEM06LM is slightly larger (dimensionally) than the non-energy efficient AEQ06LM, it has a greater BTU output while utilizing less energy. And yet, despite the major differences in BTU and EER, the Energy Guide for each unit only shows a difference of three dollars in the projected operating costs. Considering the small spaces for which these systems are intended (only about 200 sqaure feet), this does makes sense but when considering this unit has a greater capacity, that difference is closer to five dollars.

Clearly this depends on your local utility rates and usage of the system, but given that this system costs at least $55 more than the AEQ06LM (at the time of this posting), it would take roughly 11 years to recoup that price difference. Considering that at this any number of malfunctions are likely at point in the unit's life and the cash savings are negligible over this long a timeframe, we'd recommend the GE AEQ06LM.