AC Product Database

BLACK+DECKER BD05MWT6

I live with roommates in a tiny West Village apartment, and my 10 foot x 12 foot bedroom only has one standard window, so everything in my life has to be quite compact.

I chose this Black+Decker model primarily because it was a household name growing up and one I knew my dad considered reliable. (Don’t worry, the AC isn’t their famous orange color!) 

What really sold me though was its slim design, which vertically would only block just over 12 inches of the window. This means that I’d still have my view of Washington Square Park, and be able to sleep through the night without sweating. 

As far as small air conditioners go, this is about as small as they come.

The only unit shorter on my list here is the LG model, but there you sacrifice width (over 17 inches compared to the B+D’s 16). 

I particularly like the Black+Decker model because it was in my price range, doesn’t have fussy controls, and just does what it says it will – keeps me cool in my small bedroom. 

A lot of the basic mechanical models I’ve tried over the years only have two or three cooling options, so I was pleasantly surprised that this one has seven options to choose from, in addition to a “fan only” option, which I definitely appreciate in the springtime. 

On a "level four" I registered the fan noise as about 56 dB. Sure, it’s not the quietest window AC appliance on the market, but it is significantly more quiet than the box fan I had sitting in the window beforehand.

Amazon Basics

Store-brand items are a great way for companies to sell more premium items at a fraction of the cost, so it should have come as no surprise to me that Amazon would have its own line of Amazon Basics Window ACs. 

In fact, this model is nearly identical to the B+D one mentioned earlier. Its dimensions, weight, 5000 BTUs, controls, and room coverage are all exactly the same.

The Amazon Basics model even uses the same, newer R32 refrigerant, which is more efficient than the traditional R-410A and has no impact on the ozone later. 

I was just too curious, so I decided to try out both products side by side.

I’ll be honest, besides the obvious product branding - my top two smallest window ACs are twins in every which way. 

So, does Black+Decker make the Amazon Basics product? I’m sure that Amazon doesn’t kiss and tell, but I’d recommend these products equally. 

When it comes down to it, I’d likely recommend whichever you can get your hands on first.

In my area, Amazon Basics products typically offer same-day delivery, so that’s always a consideration for me.

Related article: My top picks for 5000 BTU window air conditioners 

LG LW6017R

Most of the window ACs on my list are 5000 BTUs, including the B+D, Amazon Basics, and GE models). 

It makes sense that the smallest window units would also have the smallest amount of power, but for those requiring a bit more oomph in cooling power, I recommend this 6000 BTU AC by LG. 

This window AC model is marginally wider than the first two models on my list, at just over 17 inches, and will still fit seamlessly in most windows. 

In terms of cooling power, though, LG squarely beats most other ACs here and can cool a room up to 250 square feet. So, if your room is on the line of 150 square feet or more, I recommend sizing up to this model. 

This unit does cost more than its smaller 5K BTU competition, but you also get more bling for your buck.

To begin with, while this is far from being the most efficient window AC, the 11.5 EER rating makes this window air conditioner more energy efficient than most others of this size.

You also get electronic controls and a remote.

The display allowed me to more accurately control the temperature than the mechanical air conditioners, but I found the remote control to be super picky about angle use, so I ended up only using the front panel for the most part.

My primary complaint with this unit is the instructions, which are really poorly translated.

Still, if you’ve ever successfully assembled IKEA furniture, I’m sure you can install this window AC as well. 

The LG is a strangely quirky unit, but I’ll still recommend it if you need a compact air conditioner for a bigger room. It will keep you cool, no doubt about that.

If the LG model I shared is sold out, this is a very similar LG model that I recommend.

Related article: My recommendations for 6000 BTU window ACs

Related article: Top-rated low profile window air conditioners

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE

This Frigidaire window AC unit sets the industry standard in many ways.

It’s nearly identical to the other mechanical 5000 BTU models on my list requiring a 16-inch width, including the Black+Decker and Amazon Basics models.

So when it came time to review this product, I was really forced to focus on performance and any small differences between the models. Size-wise, any of these units would be ideal for my small space. 

The benefit of choosing this Frigidaire model is that it’s slightly more energy efficient than most 5000 BTU options and can move air incredibly fast. I could tell the temperature difference in my small bedroom in just 10 minutes. 

The downside is that, unlike the other 5000 BTU models on my list, the Frigidaire doesn’t come with a mounting bracket for installation or side panels. 

I actually think that the company is a bit misleading here because it took me a bit of digging to see what I was actually getting.

My assumption of paying a similar price for similar parts was wrong, and these necessary installation pieces are sold separately.

As with most small window ACs, this unit doesn’t have a digital display, thermostat, or remote control.

You set the power with a 7-step turn dial and can choose between high or low cooling or fan functions.

That said, this year Frigidaire did release this same model with an electronic panel. I’m not sure it’s worth paying an additional $50, but I appreciate the option and knowing that the company is continuously working to improve their products. 

Danby DAC050MB1WDB

Danby is a Canadian company that many people aren’t familiar with, but having grown up in Michigan, I have used many of their products over the years. 

Their 5000 BTU model looks nearly identical to the Frigidaire model.

Unlike the Frigidaire unit, though, the Danby unit comes with everything you need to install it in a window, and for less money, too. 

Compared side-by-side, I think the plastic casing on the Danby model looks and feels a bit cheaper than the Frigidaire or Amazon Basics models. It’s still sturdy enough, though, and I wouldn’t hesitate to choose this option to save a little money. 

Like all the 5000 BTU models on my list, the Danby model is rated to cool 150 square feet. This is where I feel it falls a bit short.

I originally set it up in my 150-square-foot bedroom, but my window is on the wall opposite my bed, and I didn’t feel like it was keeping up, even when set at the highest speed. 

I ended up moving it into my home office (a 10 x 8 square foot room), and I feel like it’s much better suited there than my larger bedroom. I even find myself reaching for my cardigan most afternoons when it’s running, which is why I recommend this model for extra small spaces.

GE AHEC05AC

Having been in the appliance and electricity industry since 1892, every American today probably has had a GE product in their home. 

They are definitely considered a top brand, so I assumed I would also be looking at a top price tag when it came to their small window ACs, but I was wrong!

Their 5000 BTU units are priced comparably to all of those on my list, including my top choice from Black+Decker. 

What really drew my attention to this GE model (besides its petite size requiring only a 17” window width) is that the controls are on the right-hand side, whereas every other model on my list has controls on the left side. 

To me, this is GE saying, “Hey, we just want you to know that we make all our own products. We don’t just slap our brand name on the same thing everyone else is using.”

That said, the controls themselves are pretty much the same. I ended up using the version with mechanical controls, but GE also offers this model with an LED panel for about $50 more.

As with the Frigidaire model, this price difference really depends on how important a touch panel is to you. 

This GE window unit is also the only model on my list with color options! All the models I reviewed come in the standard white, but GE has added a black option. It’s slightly more expensive, but I went with the black because it stands out less in my brick loft apartment.

Soleus Air WS3-06E-201

It’s a fact of nature that even small window air conditioners are loud — unless you go for Soleus Air WS3-06E-201. This is quite possibly the quietest window air conditioner I’ve seen.

In the low setting, this unit makes only 38 dB of noise — even quieter than a hushed library. The 49 dB produced in the highest setting is still quieter than most other window AC units on my list in their lowest setting.

It’s all thanks to the saddle design. This unit fits over your windowsill. 

That places the compressor behind your home’s wall, which blocks most of the noise.

This design doesn't block your window, so you can still enjoy the view. You can also open the window if you can be bothered to remove the insulation strips.

So is Soleus a small window air conditioner? Depends on how you look at it. It's only an inch wider than the extra-narrow Frigidaire unit. 

It also doesn't take up much vertical space on the window sill.

That said, you need 19” of vertical clearance to fit the compressor through the window opening. 

You may also not be able to install this unit if you have a radiator or something else directly below your window since the AC and compressor hang downwards.

I’d say this unit is small, with an asterisk.

It’s quite powerful, though, matching the LG machine with 6,000 BTU. It can cool rooms up to 250 square feet very fast.

The Soleus has a portable thermostat built into the full-function remote control.

The unit itself is very expensive. It’s around the same price as the Frigidaire  unit. 

You’ll have to decide for yourself if the unique form factor is worth the price.

One thing I do want to warn you about the dreaded FL error code, which means the front part has filled with water and you have to drain it — from the indoor side. Make sure to tilt the AC backward to avoid running into this issue too often.

You’ll have to dig deep to purchase this unit, but if you want a super quiet AC, it just might be worth it.

Related article: The quietest window ACs available

What happens if the window AC is too small?

If your AC is too small, it will struggle to properly cool your room. Whether it’s too small size-wise or too low-power, an undersized air conditioner can’t eliminate hot air to keep you cool.

Are small window air conditioners more energy efficient?

Small air conditioners are generally more energy efficient than larger ones, not to mention central AC units. They’re designed for smaller spaces with less powerful and power-hungry compressors, which can help keep your bills low.

How long do small window air conditioners last?

On average, small window air conditioners can last around 8-10 years. Their ultimate lifespan depends on how well you care for the unit — a well-maintained and cleaned AC can last for many years more.

How many watts does a window AC use?

Small window ACs typically use about 450-800 watts of power. You can compare that to medium and large air conditioners, which typically require around 1,000 and 1,400 watts, respectively.

How many amps does a window AC use?

Smallest window ACs typically use 5-10 amps. Larger units require more power and may go all the way up to 20 amps. Pay attention to the amperage, as plugging a small unit into a 20-amp or higher breaker could overload it.

How do you clean a window AC unit?

To clean a window AC unit, you have to open it, remove and replace or wash the filter, vacuum up any debris, and wipe the interior with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Consider also carefully straightening any crooked fins.