Small window ACs have the ability to keep your small room cool and comfortable much more efficiently and effectively when compared against larger AC models. In this guide we have listed and reviewed 4 of the smallest window air conditioners that can comfortably cool your small room in the hot summer months.
In the world of air conditioners, large isn’t always better than small and in fact, the US Department of Energy recommends choosing an AC that’s suited to the size or the amount of space you want to cool. If you opt for an AC that’s larger than the room you want to cool, your room will be cooled much faster before it’s properly dehumidified. This will make your room to feel humid and less comfortable than you desired. A small window AC on the other hand can cool and dehumidify your room at an appropriate rate which in turn will make your room cooler with good air circulation.
With this in mind, here are our top 4 window air conditioners that you can buy right now to cool your small room efficiently and effectively during the hot summer season.
Smallest Window Air Conditioners
1.Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 is a simple, yet effective, window air conditioner that is perfect for people with small rooms and tight budgets. Granted, it doesn’t have any fancy tech features or advanced capabilities, which explains the affordability, but even with the lower price tag, buyers are going to get an efficient cooling machine that dependably produces clean, crisp air.
This unit features mechanical rotary controls, two-way air flow, and a washable mesh filter that helps keep the air clean and breathable. With 5,000 BTUs, the FFRA0511R1 is perfect for rooms around 150 square feet in size.
Notable Features
While the unit isn’t loaded with supreme features, it does have all of the essentials, and there are a few other things that are built in for convenience and easier operation. The simplicity also makes for a straightforward experience and keeps the risk for malfunction low. Some of the more notable features include:
- Window mounting kit
- Two fan speeds and two cooling speeds
- Seven temperature levels
- Low power start up
- Two-way fan direction
Keep in mind that the unit does not come with a remote, nor does it come with a digital thermostat, but for many, simply being able to stay cool is enough.
Pros and Cons of the FFRA0511R1
If all you are worried about is getting cool, this Frigidaire model should satisfy your needs, but if you want something a little fancy, you won’t find it with this one. That being said, take a look at the pros and cons of the unit so that you can get a better idea of what you might be buying.
Pros:
- Inexpensive compared to other models
- Compact design, but will fit standard windows
- Usually comes with a one-year warranty
- Maintains preset temperature
- Reverts to previous settings after restart
- Reusable, antibacterial filter
Cons:
- Not EnergyStar certified
- Only for vertically-sliding windows
- No remote or digital thermostat
Difficulty Level for Installation
The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 isn’t too difficult to install and will install like most other window air conditioners. While the unit itself is only 16 inches wide, you can still mount it in windows that are as wide as 36 inches. The adjustable wings that come with the mounting kit give you that extra coverage so that you don’t have gaps on either side of the unit. If the window is wider than 36 inches, you can always use cardboard or another item to fill the gaps.
As a “mini” unit, it won’t be as heavy as some others, but it still weighs 40 pounds, so you may want to have some help. You will need to hold it in place until the window closes down, after which you will be able to secure it.
Energy-Efficiency
This Frigidaire model, while effective, doesn’t have a tremendously high efficiency rating, and at 11.1, it only runs somewhat efficiently. Window air conditioner efficiency levels get as high as 14.7, but they also go lower than 11.1, so it’s certainly not the worst. However, 11.1 means that the unit doesn’t meet the requirements to be EnergyStar certified.
2.hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window Mounted Air Conditioner
The hOmelabs is an affordable window-mounted air conditioner that offers seven different temperature settings, fast cooling times, and a clean, modern design. With 5,000 BTUs, it provides just enough cooling capacity for small bedrooms, apartment units, RVs, and other areas with low square footage (typically around 150 square feet).
This unit is somewhat of a basic model, lacking impressive features and advanced capabilities, but it has everything you need to stay cool in the summer.
Notable Features
With seven temperature settings and adjustable air vents, you will have some room to customize the temperature and adjust the direction of the airflow. The eco filter is washable and reusable, so you can easily remove it and rinse it whenever it gets dirty. The unit utilizes mechanical controls as opposed to digital, and some of the other notable features include:
- Mounting kit with adjustable width
- Included window seal foam
- Reusable eco filter
- Two fan speeds and two cooling speeds
The window-mounting kit includes the support brackets, leaf guards, and the window seal foam, and such as other air conditioners, you will be able to use the side leaves to extend the width. In some cases, this might be enough to seal the space, but if not, that’s what the foam is for.
Pros and Cons of the hOmelabs AC
If you are looking for a simple machine that cools your room, the hOmelabs unit will typically get the job done. Again, the unit uses mechanical controls, which means there is no digital thermostat or timer, but the settings will remain where they are until you change them. The following explores some of the other pros and cons of this unit.
Pros:
- Fast cooling times
- Quiet operation
- Adjustable air vents
- Easy-to-clean filter
- Maintains preset temperature
Cons:
- Uses a single vent, so air only flows in one direction
- Not EnergyStar certified
- No remote or digital thermostat
- Not suitable for large rooms
Difficulty Level of Installation
As far as weight and dimensions, this unit is pretty standard. The unit is only 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, and it weighs around 40 pounds. However, with the mounting kit, it will fit in windows that are between 23 and 36 inches wide.
Installation is relatively easy, and all you will need to do is lift it into the open window and hold it there until the window closes down on it. From there, you will be able to secure it, adjust the side leaves, and apply the sealing foam if necessary. It’s entirely possible to install this unit alone, but having somebody to help you may make things go a bit smoother.
Energy Efficiency
The hOmelabs unit has a combined energy-efficiency ratio of 11.1, which is higher than many window air conditioners, but it’s far from the highest, which is around 14.5. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t meet the minimum CEER rating to be EnergyStar certified. Still, 11.1 is definitely decent, and it shouldn’t drive your energy bills up too high. However, you might have to remember to turn it off and on so that it doesn’t run constantly.
3.Frigidaire FFRE0533Q1 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire FFRE0533Q1 has many of the usual features of a Frigidaire, including lower power start up, quiet operation, and two separate vents. However, this model is a step up from some of the more basic models, which means digital technology and perhaps a slightly higher price. At 16 inches wide and 12 inches high, the unit is a pretty standard size, but at 5,000 BTUs, it still has a limited cooling capacity.
That being said, the unit is perfect for small rooms or offices, and it uses a standard 115V outlet with a long power cord, so you should have no problem installing it without an extension cord.
Notable Features
Unlike some of the more basic models that use mechanical controls, this Frigidaire model uses digital technology, which also means it can include some more features. It still has all of the essential features such as the washable, mesh filter and the adjustable vents, but with this model, you are also getting all of the following:
- Electronic controls
- Digital thermostat
- Energy-saver mode
- Remote control
- Adjustable fan speed
- Timer
Compared to other air conditioners, this model is definitely on the more affordable end. This unit typically comes with a one-year warranty, and it dehumidifies rooms at a rate of 1.1 pints of water per hour.
Pros and Cons of the Frigidaire FFRE0533Q1
There are some window air conditioners that function with mechanical controls and don’t come with remotes, so if this is a turn off for you, the Frigidaire FFRE0533Q1 will be a more attractive unit. The remote will allow you to control the temperature and fan speed from across the room, but the following looks at some of the other pros and cons of this particular unit.
Pros:
- Digital thermostat and control
- Fully-functional remote
- EnergyStar certified
- Holds settings after restart
- Energy-saver mode
Cons:
- Slightly louder than other models
- Only suitable for small rooms
- Some people have reported rattling noises
Difficulty Level of Installation
This Frigidaire model is compact and relatively easy for one person to handle. The installation difficulty isn’t any greater than most other models, but at 41 pounds, it may be good to have somebody help with the installation. This unit comes with a mounting kit that includes brackets and side leaves, so it will fit into windows as wide as 36 inches.
Energy Efficiency
This Frigidaire model has an energy-efficiency rating of 12.1, which means that it meets the minimum requirements to be EnergyStar certified. This means that it runs a little bit more efficiently than other models that don’t have this certification. When you purchase the unit, it should come with a guide that explains this in depth. The energy-saver mode also contributes to the efficiency levels.
Also, with digital and remote controls, you will have more control over the temperature and how often the unit runs, which means you will have a little bit more control over how much energy it consumes.
4.GE AHM06LW 19″ Energy Star Qualified Window Air Conditioner
The GE AHM06LW is a 6,150 BTU air conditioner that is perfect for cooling smaller rooms, and it has an EnergyStar certification, so you know that it will run efficiently.
At 19 inches, it’s a bit larger than other air conditioner models, but with the side leaves, you can still mount it on windows that are as wide as 36 inches. This unit uses the eco-friendly R410A refrigerant type and has an energy-saver mode for even greater efficiency. As far as price goes, the AHM06LW is relatively affordable, especially when you consider the extra size and CEER rating. This model can also dehumidify at a rate of 1.6 pints of water per hour.
Notable Features
With 6,150 BTUs, you’ll be able to comfortably cool about 200 square feet of space, but this unit also has some nice features, including a digital thermostat and remote control. The included mounting kit and fixed chassis make it easy to install, and some of the other important features include the following:
- One-year warranty
- Three cooling speeds
- Three fan speeds
- Energy saver mode
- Filter reminder light
- Timer
- Two adjustable vents
The filter light lets you know when it’s time to change your filter, and between the timer and the energy-saver mode, you’ll be able to limit energy consumption as much as possible. With two vents, you can point the air in two different directions.
Pros and Cons of the GE AHM06LW
It’s a nice-looking machine with a simple design, and it comes with a remote control so you can operate it from across the room. Other pros and cons of this unit include the following:
Pros:
- One-year warranty
- Digital controls and fully-functional remote
- Reminds you when it’s time to change the filter
- EnergyStar certification
- UL safety certification
Cons:
- Some report it to be loud
Difficulty Level of Installation
The unit installs similar to every other window air conditioner, and its easy mounting system makes it simple to install. There is a frame around the case of the unit that supports the entire machine, making support brackets unnecessary. This also makes it a bit quicker to install the machine, but the unit does weigh around 50 pounds, so you just need to make sure that you are able to lift it into place while still keeping the window open.
Energy-Efficiency
At 12.1 CEER, this unit meets the requirements for the EnergyStar certification, which means it is an energy-efficient unit. At peak performance, it can also dehumidify 1.6 pints of water per hour.
In addition to the EnergyStar rating, there are several features that can impact usage and energy consumption. The remote, for example, allows you to control the temperature, the fan speed, and the timer, and with greater control, you can limit usage as much as possible. The energy-saver mode helps you save energy, and with the filter light, you can avoid running your air conditioner when it has a dirty filter, as doing so would decrease its efficiency.
Conclusion
As far as cooling a small room or office space is concerned, then you can’t go wrong with any of the smallest window air conditioners reviewed above. We did our selection carefully to ensure we only recommend the models that will meet most of your needs in terms of price, energy efficiency, reliability and ease of installation. But you also need to do your due diligence before choosing any particular model as this will increase your chances of picking the right window AC with the features you really need.
If there’s anything that’s not clear to you as far as window ACs are concerned, don’t hesitate to leave a question or comment below and we’ll get back to you with our thoughts as soon as possible.
