TL;DR: The Paseco window AC (₩850,000-960,000) offers no-outdoor-unit convenience for Korean studios with easy installation, but lacks specific performance details - cautious buy for space-constrained renters.
What are the key specifications?
Here are the most popular 2025 Paseco models:
Premium 3 (PWA-3600)
- Cooling area: ~19.5㎡ (5.9 pyeong)
- Energy rating: Grade 1 (Dual Inverter)
- Minimum noise: 33.9dB
- Dehumidification: 36L/day
- Fan speed: 9 levels
- Window frame required: 38cm (W) × 92cm (H)
- IoT support: Yes
- Price: ~₩930,000~960,000
Mini Premium (PWA-M3500)
- Cooling area: ~14.6㎡ (4.4 pyeong)
- Energy rating: Grade 1 (Dual Inverter)
- Minimum noise: 34.2dB
- Window frame required: 38cm (W) × 77cm (H)
- Price: ~₩850,000~860,000
Go Mini for a small studio; Premium 3 for a bigger room.
An Air Conditioner With No Outdoor Unit?
If you've ever lived in a studio apartment, officetels, or a one-room in Korea, you know the struggle: there's nowhere to put an outdoor unit, your landlord won't let you drill into the wall, and installation fees alone cost ₩100,000~200,000 ($70~$150). 😩
That's where window air conditioners come in. And in Korea, one brand dominates this category: Paseco.
Today, I'll share my hands-on experience with the Paseco window AC — covering installation, cooling performance, noise, and electricity costs.
Installation: Can You Really Do It Alone?
The biggest advantage of a window AC is no outdoor unit. The entire unit sits in your window — that's it.
Paseco's latest models use an EasyFit system — no tools needed.
Installation steps:
- Attach the guide rail to your window frame
- Slide the AC unit into the rail
- Tighten 4 screws
- Plug it in → Done!
Total time: about 10~15 minutes. Follow a YouTube tutorial and you're set, even with zero DIY skills.
💡 Tip: Measure your window frame first. You need at least 38cm wide and 77~92cm tall. For double-glazed windows, measure the inner frame.
How well does it cool rooms?
For a studio under 20㎡ — absolutely sufficient.
The Premium 3 covers about 19.5㎡, and the AI auto mode blasts at full power to reach your target temperature fast, then switches to low power to maintain it. Power consumption to reach 25°C dropped about 25% vs the previous generation (797W → 548W).
However, for spaces over 26㎡ or open kitchen layouts, cooling may be insufficient. In that case, go for a wall-mounted or standing unit.
Noise: Is It Actually Quiet?
Noise has always been the Achilles' heel of window ACs, but Paseco has made serious progress:
| Mode | Noise Level |
|---|---|
| Sleep mode | 33.9~39.9dB |
| Normal mode | ~42~45dB |
| Turbo mode | Under 50dB |
For reference, a library is about 40dB and normal conversation is 60dB. At 34dB in sleep mode, it's nearly silent.
It's still louder than a wall-mounted AC (20~30dB), but for a window unit, this is best-in-class.
How much electricity does it use?
With a Grade 1 dual inverter, electricity costs stay low:
- Levels 1~4: Under 300W per hour
- 8 hours/day for a month: ~₩15,000~25,000 ($10~$18)
- AI mode: Switches to low power after reaching target temp
Compared to standing ACs (800W~1,200W per hour), you can save ₩30,000~50,000+ per month in summer.
Which AC type is better for apartments?
| Feature | Window (Paseco) | Standing | Wall-Mounted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor unit | ❌ None | ⭕ Required | ⭕ Required |
| Installation cost | ₩0 (DIY) | ₩50,000~150,000 | ₩50,000~150,000 |
| Requirements | Just a window | Outdoor unit space | Wall piping |
| Cooling area | 14~20㎡ | 33~66㎡ | 20~50㎡ |
| Noise | 34~50dB | 30~45dB | 20~35dB |
| Electricity | 💰 Low | 💸 High | 💰 Medium |
| Price | ₩700K~960K | ₩800K~2M | ₩500K~1.5M |
Perfect for:
- 🏠 Studio/one-room apartment dwellers
- 🔧 No outdoor unit installation possible
- 💰 Zero installation cost wanted
- 🚚 Frequent movers (take it with you!)
What are the main drawbacks?
Let's be honest:
- Not cheap — ₩700K~960K is pricey vs portable ACs
- Ventilation limits — The Premium 3's ventilation exhausts indoor air but doesn't bring in fresh outdoor air
- Room size ceiling — Struggles above ~23㎡
- Blocks one window — The window with the AC can't be opened
Is this the best choice for small apartments?
If you can't install an outdoor unit, the Paseco window AC is the most practical, high-performance option. Easy installation, low noise, affordable electricity bills, and fully portable when you move.
If you're shopping for an AC this summer, check it out 👇
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are AliExpress home appliances good quality?
Many are surprisingly good for the price. Focus on products with high sales volume (1,000+) and positive reviews (90%+). The key is doing your research before buying.
Q: Do I have to pay customs duty in Korea?
Orders under $150 (about 200,000 KRW) are duty-free. Above that, you may pay 8-13% customs duty depending on the product category.
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AliExpress has a Buyer Protection policy. You can open a dispute within 15 days of delivery for a refund or replacement. Always save photos and videos as evidence.
What are some similar alternatives?
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