9 Smallest Window Air Conditioners: Reviews for Summer 2022

9 Best Small Window Air Conditioners Reviewed

Below you can find our reviews for the smallest and most compact window AC units available in stores. We have also created a YouTube video for this who dislike reading 🙂

1. Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

The editor’s choice on our list, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE 5,000 BTU-unit cools quickly and won’t keep you up at night with a lot of noise. The unit has full-width, top, two-way control for air direction. It also comes with mechanical rotary controls.

“If you have a smaller space to cool and a smaller budget to work with, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE is a simple air conditioner for any room up to 150 square feet making it a good pick for home offices,” said The Spruce.

“This 5,000 BTU unit gets experts’ top marks for effectiveness and solid marks for noise, but it costs a lot less than most other window units.” The unit is also recommended by Consumer Reports.

The mesh filter can be removed from the side and washed to reduce room odors, airborne particles, and bacteria. This makes for an environment that is both more comfortable and healthier for you and your family. The unit has a low-power start-up process that will save money by conserving energy. The restart will automatically resume once the power has been restored, operating at the earlier selected setting.

This A/C unit is easy to install in your window and comes with two cooling speeds and two fan speeds in addition to its two-way air direction. It cools down the room very fast and keeps it cool for hours and hours. The machine is very simple and gets the job done but doesn’t come with many extra features. There is no digital thermostat, timer, or remote included, for example. Some users will appreciate its simplicity while others may wish for more.

At just 12 by 15 by 16 inches, this air conditioner is definitely a miniature unit. But side panels can be installed to make it fit into windows as wide as 36 inches. It’s lightweight and makes less noise than larger units, though there is still some white noise present when the machine is on. Some may see this as a pro since it drowns out noise from outside. I, addition, the FFRA051WAE doesn’t require a single-circuit wall socket to function and has great temperature control.

For the best results, use this in an insulated room and try to keep it out of direct sunlight on very hot days. Keep in mind that the unit is intended to cool just a room, not an entire level of your house. It also has a one-year warranty included.

2. LG 5,000 BTU Window AC with Manual Controls

LG has been a trusted brand for American consumers for over 60 years, and their window air conditioners are no exception. This compact LG air conditioner is a fantastic choice for small rooms of up to 150 square feet. And in an age where nearly everything is “smart” and Wi-Fi enabled, we actually really appreciate the no-frills setup achieved with this model.

No frills, you ask? This window air conditioner is a corded electric AC with manual controls. That means an old-school dial that you physically have to turn to reach the settings you want. There are two fan settings (low and high) and 9 different cooling levels to help you reach your desired temperature.

This might all sound too basic, but we think this is ideal for dorm rooms, nurseries, guest bedrooms, and older people who don’t like digital controls. There aren’t any complicated settings and no remote to be lost, so this product truly couldn’t be easier to use. However, if you do want all the frills, LG also has you covered with this model.

One of my favorite features of this air conditioner by LG is how quiet it is. On a low setting, you can expect the sound level to reach about 52 dB, which is roughly comparable to a hushed office space.

This affordable window air conditioner won’t set you back that much, either. Typically priced under $200, you’ll be feeling cool without feeling a huge hit to your wallet. If something does happen to go wrong, LG covers both parts and labor for one year.

We have rated more of our favorite 5000 BTU window ACs.

3. MIDEA MAW05M1BWT

Next up on our list of the smallest window air conditioners is the Midea MAW05M1BWT. This 5000 BTU acts as a 2-in-1 appliance, and can be used as a fan or window air conditioner. The compact is big on these “multi-function” appliances. The models 6000 BTU through 12000 BTU all have the additional feature of being a dehumidifier as well. This window AC is ideal for small bedrooms and offices.

Like the previous model, this small window air conditioner has mechanical controls and does not come with a remote control. What it does offer are 7 temperature settings and two-way airflow. It also includes a removable filter that you can wash to further protect your room from dust and other allergens. Midea recommends that you wash the air filter weekly for premium performance.

Everything that you need to mount your window air conditioner is included with this model. Your window must be at least 13” high, and the sides can be configured to fit a width between 23” and 36”.

The one downside to this Midea model is that it is not Energy Star Certified. We wouldn’t let that deter you from buying it though – it is still energy efficient with an EER of 12.2 and an estimated yearly energy cost of $78.

Midea offers a one year limited warranty on this unit but doesn’t specify whether or not that includes labor. However, when you purchase through Amazon, you have the option to purchase a 3 or 4 year protection plan for under $25.

4. Frigidaire Mini-Compact Window AC

From the #1 product on this list, you already know that Frigidaire is a well-respected brand for AC units, so there are quite a few compact models from this manufacturer available. The FFRE0533S1 is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized rooms up to 150 square feet. Even with its small size, it quickly cools a 150-square-foot room in a matter of minutes.

This model was certified by Energy Star in 2016 and has an impressive EER of 12.2. It fits well in compact window spaces with dimensions of 15.2 x 16 x 12 inches. On top of that, it weighs just over 40 pounds, so installation won’t be back-breaking. If you’re trying to cool a slightly larger room, you’ve also got options for this model with 6,000 or 8,000 BTU ratings.

While this mini-compact AC cools the room, it also dehumidifies, removing up to 1.1 pints of water from the air per hour. The estimated yearly cost of running the Frigidaire is about $40, but this depends on your cooling needs and habits. No matter how often you run the AC, the low-power start-up and operation work to conserve energy, saving you money in the long run.

Recommended by Consumer Reports, this unit has a multi-speed fan and three speeds to choose from. Because this small unit was built with energy savings in mind, it frequently switches to Econ mode.

Frigidaire says that “all-new ENERGY STAR products the EPA has regulated that all ENERGY STAR air conditioners must be factory set to Energy Saver (Econ) mode. If you turn the room air conditioner off in cool mode and restart the unit it will default back into Energy Saver mode.”

Some users don’t like that it automatically switches, but this function helps to save money and conserve energy.

Another cool feature is the Clean Air button. When this button is activated, the unit’s electronic air purifier is energized to remove pollen and other impurities from the air. Everything from unboxing to installing the unit can be done in as little as 10 minutes, but just keep in mind that the bottom plate is slightly unconventional.  Depending on the design of the window, sliding the unit in place can be tricky since the rear piece extends more than an inch down.

5. TCL TWAC-05CM/K0R1 Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

The TCL 5,000 BTU window AC unit features an easy-to-install window mount design that can cool a space up to 150 square feet. Similar to other mini ACs on this list, the TCL dehumidifies the air while cooling and is capable of removing up to 1.37 pints of water from the air within an hour.

This cooling machine utilizes mechanical rotary controls with 2 cooling speeds and 2 fan settings. It doesn’t have the most variety in terms of cooling settings and fan modes, but some homeowners prefer a more basic design like this one. The temperature and fan modes are controlled by easy-to-turn dials with clear, easy-to-read labels.

The design also includes 4-way directional louvers, allowing you to direct the air in whatever direction you wish and reach as much of the room as possible. The filter is completely removable and washable for easy maintenance, and the unit itself weighs less than 40 pounds. This lightweight design means installation can be done as a one-man job, and there’s no need to call an HVAC professional.

The thermostat on the TCL ranges from 61° – 88° F, and the unit operates on a 110/120V outlet. There are a few drawbacks, like the overly basic design and the fact that this isn’t Energy Star certified. But the good news is that it still has a pretty decent energy efficiency rating of 11.0.

All in all, if you’re looking for something small and compact that fits within budget (and within a limited amount of window space), the TCL window unit is a great choice.

6. Amana AMAP050BW 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted AC

The AMANA 115V window unit is another 5,000 BTU AC that is built with small window spaces in mind. It weighs less than 40 pounds and can fit within a window width as small as 22 inches (and as large as 35 inches). The minimum window height for installation is 14.5 inches, making this yet another top pick for small windows.

Like the majority of 5,000 BTU units, this one can handle spaces of 150 square feet. It’s not the most energy-efficient model on the market, but it can still conserve a good amount of electricity with its 11.1 EER. It has quick-cooling capabilities and can drop the temperature of the room in just a few minutes with minimal effort.

Unlike the higher-BTU AMANA units, this one doesn’t come with an electronic control panel. Temperature settings and fan speeds are controlled by turning dials, and unfortunately, there’s not Eco or Sleep mode with the 5,000 BTU version. If you want more modes and a more high-tech display, you’ll have to go with the AMANA 6000 BTU version.

The main perk of choosing the 5000 BTU unit over the 6000 BTU model is the more compact design. While the 6000 BTU unit weighs about 45 pounds, this one weighs just under 40.  Another great feature is the easy maintenance; just remove and wash the filter when it’s time for a cleaning.

Aside from the lack of Eco and Sleep mode, the main drawback is the not-so-whisper-quiet operation. On low and medium settings, this doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem, but on full blast, this unit is far from whisper-quiet. Some users describe the sound level simply as white noise, but others aren’t so polite in their description of the AMANA’s noisiness on high settings.

7. Emerson Quiet Kool

The Emerson Quiet Kool is described by the company as a mini-compact unit. At just 12.5” tall and under 37lbs, this “little guy” is the best window air conditioner for small windows. It would also be a great companion to take on the road, maybe to your cottage or even for tent camping. Your space of up to 150 square feet will stay cool with this affordable and sleek-looking model.

The Quiet Kool comes with what Emerson calls their 1-2-5 warranty, meaning they will cover 1 year of labor, 2 years for parts, and 5 years for the compressor. We have found this to be more generous than most brands are offering right now, and considering that the average lifespan of a window air conditioner is only around 8 years, it’s a hard offer to pass up.

This small air conditioner can work on two speeds with either cooling or fan-only modes, and has seven different comfort levels. In addition to that, we love that it also works to dehumidify your space (hello, North Carolina summer!) It can remove up to 1.3 pints of water per hour with no problem at all. You won’t mind running it around the clock, either, because with an EER of 11, the Emerson Quiet Kool is only estimated to cost $41 to run annually (when used seasonally).

If you’re not into the mechanical controls and want something a little more up to date, Emerson offers the same model with digital controls and a remote control. It is worth noting, though, that this upgraded version, although the same dimensions, is nearly 10 lbs heavier overall.

8. Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner

The Midea U Inverter might not be the smallest window air conditioner physically, but due to its excellent design that allows you to still have full use of the window (seriously!), we just had to add it to our list.

In terms of size, though, its dimensions are 21.97 x 19.17 x 13.46 inches, and it weighs 68 lbs – nearly double that of some of the other products on this list. While that might be a deal-breaker for some, we think that the Midea U Inverter has enough features that will make you take a second look.

The innovative U-shape design allows you to essentially close your window on the unit, with the compressor completely on the outside and the window acting as a sound barrier. For this reason, the 8000 BTU model can run at just 42 decibels (or about as quiet as your refrigerator ice maker). That makes it by far one of the quietest window ACs available.

It’s not just quiet, either. The new technology that this design implements can achieve more than 35% energy savings over your typical window air conditioners. In fact, it was awarded Energy Star’s Most Efficient 2020 certification.

And if that weren’t enough to convince you, Midea has pulled out all the bells and whistles in smart technology, too. This model is completely Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled via remote, the MideaAir App, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home Assistant.

We reviewed the 8000 BTU unit, which is the smallest that the Midea U-Inverter is available in. While ideal for rooms up to 400 square feet, if you have a particularly small room, then this one might be a bit too powerful.

Our only complaint about this air conditioner from Midea is that everyone seems to want one, and customers often find it out of stock or on backorder.

9. Soleus Air Exclusive 6,000 BTU

This 6000 BTU window air conditioner is by no means small at a whopping 80lbs.  But if we’re talking about how much window space is taken up by the actual window unit, then the Soleus Air Exclusive takes up the least amount of space.

Known as the first-ever saddle window air conditioner, this model is built to straddle your windowsill. That’s right – you can have a window air conditioner and still be able to see out of your window. Honestly, I’m a little mad this window AC didn’t exist when I was living in an apartment with one tiny window.

The Soleus Air Exclusive is arguably one of the easiest and safest window air conditioners to install. You may need help lifting it into place, but installation is as simple as resting the unit on your windowsill and doesn’t require any additional tools.

Soleus describes this windowsill technology as combining the benefits of traditional window air conditioners with a portable AC and mini-split AC all in one. On top of that, it also has dehumidifying functions, and when set to “Dry Mode,” it can remove up to 30 pints of moisture from the air per day.

One of our favorite features of this model is the MyTemp Remote. This remote is exclusive to the Soleus brand and enables the window AC to direct cooling temperature in the direction of the remote control. So yes, if you keep the remote in your pocket and move around the room, the AC will adjust to control airflow directly where you need it!

We reviewed the standard 6000 BTU model, but for just a few more dollars, you have the option of purchasing the same model with Wifi-enabled capabilities such as connecting to your Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Defining a ‘Small’ Window Air Conditioner

Window Size (Width & Height)

The type of air conditioner that is feasible for your household is dependent on various factors, but none more important than the size of your window. Previously constructed houses usually feature smaller windows where standard air conditioners just won’t fit.

The size of your window is also dependent upon the size of your room. If your room has a tiny window that cannot contain a standard air conditioner, you should look towards an air conditioner for a small window opening as they emerge as the only option in such situations.

Windows that measure less than 25 inches in width and are unable to open higher than 15 inches high are perfect for thin window air conditioners, eliminating the need to undertake any modification or renovation.

Power (BTUs)

Small air conditioners consume lesser power units than their larger counterparts, and this has profound implications. Air conditioner power is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which is a measurement of how much heat energy is being moved around.

Just to give you an idea, a match when lighted has a 1 BTU rating. Majority of the air conditioners that fit narrow windows fall between the 4000-6000 BTU ratings – enough to cool spaces as big as 400 square-feet.

The efficiency at which larger units cool considerable spaces is unprecedented, and it comes with the added advantage of paying a relatively smaller sum upfront.

Energy Efficiency (EER)

While installing air conditioners, one of the frequently asked questions is: “how will it affect my electricity bills?”

This is where EER, short for Energy Efficiency Ratio, provides a satisfactory answer. EER is the rating given to air conditioners pertaining to the amount of power they consume. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity (BTUs) by the power input (Watts) – the higher, the better.

The EER has a significant impact on the power bill that you receive. The higher the efficiency, the more it saves in electricity costs by using fewer watts – without hindering the cooling performance of your small air conditioner.

Useful Tips for Yearly A/C Maintenance

Before turning down the temperature on your window unit, you should ensure that it’s gotten its annual check-up. Air conditioning units need to be maintained on a regular basis to stay functioning at optimal capacity. By following these easy guidelines every year, you can save money on repair costs and energy bills and stay cool in your home or office.

• Clean Out the A/C Vents: Regularly dusting is very important. If you’ve been putting this task off, now is the time to do it. You might also hire a professional to give your vents and air ducts a more thorough cleaning.
• Change your Unit’s Filter: Make sure you stay on top of basic maintenance for your window unit, like changing the filter when it’s needed. While central air systems need a filter change every few months or so, a window unit will only require a yearly replacement. Mark this on your calendar so you remember to do it.
• Check the Freon: Freon is a refrigerant used by most A/C systems as a cooling agent. Ideally, you won’t ever have to change or fill the Freon in your window unit. But when you’re doing your yearly maintenance check, it’s good to have a professional HVAC technician search for leaks.
• Look for Blockages: The area of your unit that sucks air into its system must remain uncovered. This should be checked more than once a year.
• Coil Fin Care: Your A/C unit’s coil fins can get bent easily and lead to problems for the machine. These fins can, thankfully, be restored easily with a fin comb. Check that the amount of fins per inch match up to the teeth count of the comb you’re using so it can be used how it’s intended. Combing can restore the fins efficiently and bring your unit back to its original form.
• Storing and Preparation: If your window unit is just used seasonally, it should be inspected thoroughly both before and after every season it’s in use. These routine maintenance steps must be followed before storage and once again before the season begins. Inspect the seals to check for gaps that could lead to cool air leakages.

If your unit is used more than just seasonally, get a protective cover to place over it in the winter. This will prevent damages that could harm its efficiency. Choose a covering that doesn’t obstruct airflow and will securely attach to the machine.

If you do hire an HVAC tech to check your Freon levels, have them look at the coils and electrical controls while they’re at it. They can calibrate the thermostat while they’re there, too. All of these rules will ensure that your unit stays functioning at its best and keeps you nice and comfortable even on the hottest of summer days.