Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: October 24, 2022
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We all love summer when we are at the beach, but what if you are stuck at home or in an office, and it is too hot outside? In those situations, you need that can cool down the room effectively. Finding the best 5000 BTU air conditioner will ensure to keep any compact-sized area as cool as you need.
That is why we reviewed 53 different AC units on the market and picked the top 10 models for this review. We singled out the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E as our favorite. We focused on all the most important features of AC units. That means we considered whether they are portable or window-mounted. We also analyzed the exact BTU because it can slightly vary, available cooling and fan modes, and the size of the area the unit can keep cool.
"An outstanding window-mounted model that doesn’t take much space and provides fast cooling with two cool/fan speeds. It operates very quietly and boasts low power start-up."
"A bit more powerful model, which comes with remote control, 24-hour timer and auto air sweep mode. It has modern design and is also Energy Star certified."
"For those who need better versatility, you can go for this product with three fan speeds. It can also be operated with remote control and has an energy-saving function."
"This portable and compact air conditioner can dehumidify the air in your room. Many people admitted its attractive design and also liked the sleep function and programmable timer."
"With this air conditioner, you can direct the airflow by adjusting the fins to achieve better performance. Additionally, it has 3 cooling and fan speeds, and it’s easy to install."
"A quiet unit that has a washable mesh filter as well as an economy mode, which helps you to reduce your bills. You can adjust its settings with the convenient remote control."
"This highly portable AC unit comes with auto-swing louvers that provide even cool air distribution. It doesn’t take much space and reduces the temperature very quickly."
"An amazing 5000 BTU air conditioner with a user-friendly mechanical interface and eight-way airflow. It acts as a dehumidifier and is pretty compact to fit any room."
"For those who need to keep their small or medium areas cold, you can try this model with classic design and modern features, such as eco and sleep modes."
"If you are looking for an affordable AC unit, this model might be ideal for you. The energy efficiency here is just impressive, as well as its overall performance."
Warranty: 2-year on the unit, 3-5-year on sealed system
More features: low power start-up, quiet operation, up to 1.1 pints per hour dehumidification, window mounting kit included
When you are choosing the best 5000 BTU AC Unit, it is crucial that you can rely on it to cool down a room quickly. The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to lower the temperature in your home or office to the desired level.
The product requires assembly, but the good news is that the instructions are quite clear. You can place the air conditioner on small windows since it doesn’t take a lot of space.
It is a shame that there is no remote, but you will get used to manual controls quickly. The unit is quite efficient and reasonably quiet for an air conditioner. That means you will be able to work or watch TV while it cools down the area around you. The cleaning process is easy, and you can even disassemble the unit quickly if necessary.
Warranty: 1-year on parts, 5-year on sealed systems
More features: remote control, 24-hour timer, Energy Star certified (12.1 CEER), washable antimicrobial air filter, auto-swing function, ultra-quiet operation, eco-friendly R32 refrigerant
If you hate a noisy AC and want the best quiet air conditioner, this might be the unit for you. Friedrich designed an attractive unit with a beautiful design that will fit any décor well. You will receive a 6,000 BTU, but that won’t disrupt the energy efficiency. On the contrary, it will only help you to cool down the room quickly.
The AC unit has a load of additional features, such as automatic swing function and a programmable timer. It comes with a remote control, which is used to adjust the desired settings, such as fan speed or temperature. Additionally, this air conditioner is Energy Star certified, which helps you to save on your electricity bills.
However, some people reported that it was a bit tricky to install. Also, some users received slightly damaged units. Luckily, the manufacturer offered a discount for them, so the customer service is excellent.
The product has durable components, and it should last for a long time. The antimicrobial air filter is washable, which simplifies the cleaning process.
What makes it special?
An attractive design
Loaded with additional features like programmable timer and remote control
More features: up to 1.8 pints per hour dehumidification, auto-cool mode, energy-saving function, anti-corrosion coating, installation kit included
LG designed a unit that offers 6,000BTU, and it is capable of cooling down areas of up to 260 square feet. That is quite powerful, and it is nice to see that the air conditioner is reliable. That means you can count on it to cool down the room quickly. Additionally, it manages to stay energy-efficient, which means you will save on utility bills.
The installation process is simple, and the unit is lightweight. However, once you place it on the desired window, you will notice that it sticks out into the room a bit. That is only a problem if you don’t like that design, but maybe it fits your décor perfectly.
You can use the remote control to pick between three different fan speeds. The vents are facing upwards, which is very convenient because the cold air won’t blow into you, even if you are below the unit. Unfortunately, the control panel is on top of the unit. That can make it less convenient to see the current settings, but it still reacts well to the remote control.
What do we love it for?
Three different fan speeds available
Reliable and powerful
Lightweight and energy-efficient
The vents are facing upwards
What were we disappointed with?
It sticks out into the room a bit
The control panel is on the top of the unit, which can be inconvenient
More features: remote control, sleep function, washable pre-filter, auto-swing louvers
The Koldfront PAC802W is an all-around unit. Not only it acts as an air conditioner, but it can also dehumidify the area. The manufacturer mentions that it can pull more than 60 pints of moisture daily.
Our question is whether this is the best 5000 BTU portable air conditioner out there, and the answer is that it gets close. The unit has a small footprint, and it is lightweight, which means you can easily move it from one room to another.
The design is also attractive, and it will fit any décor. Once you run the air conditioner, you will realize that it is a bit noisier than expected, and you might need to turn the volume up on your TV. The AC has a sleep function and a programmable timer. It can do a good job of cooling down the room, although its energy efficiency could be better. However, this shouldn’t affect your bills much.
Still, we love that it has auto-swing louvers and washable pre-filter.
More features: adjustable air fins, comes with a window mounting kit
Before you consider Arctic Wind AW5005M, you should be clear about your requirements. You can’t expect wonders from this air conditioner, but it does the job in its class. It is only suitable for small rooms, but it can cool them down even of hot summer days.
You can choose between three different cooling and fan speeds. The adjustable air fins are a nice move since you can direct air away from you, or to the area of the room that you want to be the coolest.
The installation process is simple, and the product comes with a window mounting kit. The durability is decent, especially if you consider the price tag. When it comes to the noise, it is not the loudest unit out there, but you might have problems falling asleep while the unit is working on higher settings.
The Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 is another candidate for the best 5000 BTU window air conditioner. The installation process shouldn’t take a lot of time or effort, but be careful about the grate on the back because it is very sharp.
The durability of the unit is decent, and it should be long-lasting. The vents on the top are open for improving energy efficiency, but if you live in a rainy region, that might affect the product’s durability.
The product is efficient, and it can cool down an entire small room quickly. The airflow goes in different directions to ensure that the cold air doesn’t blow directly into you. You can use the remote control to choose from multiple fan speeds and pick between the energy-saving economy and the standard mode. The mesh filter is washable, and that simplifies the cleaning process.
What are our favorite features?
The airflow goes in four different directions
The economy mode saves energy
It is fairly quiet
The mesh filter is washable
What could be better?
The vents on the top are open, and that could affect the durability
More features: remote control, oscillating air vent, 1.8 pints per hour dehumidification, auto evaporating system, auto restart, 24-hour timer
Here is another portable air conditioner designed by LG. It boasts 5,500 BTUs and can cool down spaces up to 200 square feet in size. The product is reliable and efficient, which means it will cool your room quickly, and keep it cold for as long as needed. The energy efficiency could be better, especially since there is no automatic turn off after reaching the desired temperature.
You can choose between multiple cooling and fan speeds, and the auto-swing louvers and inclined air discharge make sure to eliminate hot spots in the room. The unit has a small footprint, and it is very easy to move. However, the installation process is tricky if you have odd-shaped windows, so this might take a bit more time than expected.
Finally, the unit also acts as a dehumidifier, and it can take around 1.8 pints of moisture from the air every hour.
What do we love it for?
Very easy to move
It keeps the room cool even on hot days
It has a small footprint
The auto-swing louvers help to eliminate hot spots
What were we disappointed with?
Energy efficiency could be better
The installation process can be tricky with odd-shaped windows
More features: auto restart, 8-way directional air louvers, washable filter, up to 1.06 pints per hour dehumidification, comes with window mounting kit
The Whirlpool WHAW050BW features air louvers that ensure an eight-way airflow, and that ensures proper cooling of the entire room. You can also choose between multiple cooling and fan speeds, but please note that the lower setting only has limited capabilities.
The manual controls offer simple operations with only two knobs required for all the necessary settings. The AC packs convenient features, such as automatic restart in case of a power outage. Moreover, the unit acts as a dehumidifier, and it can remove more than a single pint of moisture from the air every hour.
The product features a compact-sized design, and the white color will fit any décor easily. Unfortunately, the unit is a bit noisy at the highest settings. Still, the cleaning process doesn’t require plenty of time and effort, and the filter is washable.
What are our favorite features?
Compact design suitable for any décor
The manual controls are easy to operate
It also acts as a dehumidifier
Eight-way airflow ensures proper cooling
What could be better?
The lower setting has limited cooling capabilities
More features: remote control, up to 1.58 pints per hour dehumidification. 24-hour timer, sleep and eco modes, auto restart, washable filter
The installation process for the Amana AMAP061BW is simple, and the instructions are clear. However, this is not the lightest AC out there, which is why you should be careful with the components.
Once you turn it on, you will witness the power of this 6,00BTU air conditioner capable of cooling down rooms up to 250 square feet. The unit features three fan speeds so that you can easily adjust it to the desired settings using a remote control. You can also pick sleep and eco modes when you want to save some energy on utility bills. In case of a power outage, the unit will restart with the previous settings once the power comes back.
The air conditioner fulfills the cooling expectations, and it is also great when it comes to dehumidifying. However, you might hear the blower fan occasionally vibrating, which might be annoying. On the other hand, the filter is washable, which makes the cleaning process convenient.
What makes it stand out?
Capable of keeping small and medium areas cold quite well
A classic and simple design
Eco and sleep modes available
The filter is washable
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
You might hear the blower fan vibrating occasionally
More features: mounting accessories included, energy-efficient (11.0 CEER)
Midea designed this compact Arctic King AC unit for window-mounting, but you shouldn’t be afraid of the installation process. The setup is simple, and even a DIY enthusiast can complete it quickly.
The air conditioner doesn’t come with a remote, but you have all the necessary adjustments on the front of the unit. You can pick between seven temperature settings, which gives you plenty of freedom to choose. The higher settings might not be that useful on hot days because of the limited capability of the unit. However, the AC works well on low settings, and it can maintain the desired temperature without any deviations.
The energy efficiency of the unit is impressive, and it can cool down a small room quickly. If you consider the decent durability of the product, the unit comes with a very affordable price tag.
What are our favorite features?
The installation is simple
The unit is energy-efficient
It does great work in maintaining the desired temperature
An affordable price tag
What could be better?
You won’t get a remote with the product
The higher temperature settings aren’t that useful on hot days
Now that you are familiar with the best AC units that the market offers, it is time to learn how to pick an air conditioner that best suits your needs. That is why we compiled a detailed buying guide, and we are starting with the advantages of using a 5000 BTU AC. Our guide also offers details about the factors you should consider during the selection process, and we will also consider the pricing of these products. Finally, our FAQ section answers some of the most important questions you might have about air conditioners.
Main advantages of 5000 BTU air conditioners
When it comes to installing an AC unit, you want to make sure that is process is fast and simple. With the best 5000 BTU air conditioners, you can be sure that this task will be a breeze. Moreover, if you are planning to install it in a temporary location, these portable devices are ideal for that. Next, because the main part of the window-mounted units is exposed outside, they shouldn’t take much space. As for the portable models, they have a small footprint as well.
These air conditioners won’t increase your electricity bills much because they don’t consume as much energy as more powerful models. But they are still capable of cooling down your area quite fast and effectively without making too much noise.
As you already know, some of the models allow you to lower the humidity level in your room. This helps to reduce the number of harmful bacteria inside. Since modern air conditioners come with filters, they will improve the air quality significantly.
How to pick the best 5000 BTU air conditioner?
When choosing the best 5000 BTU AC unit, you will need to consider various features of these products. Everything starts with where you want to install your unit, but you also need to consider whether its power is enough to cool down the desired room or area. The dimensions of the product must be suitable, too, and the noise level shouldn’t disrupt your activity. The controls also need to be easy to adjust, and since you don’t want your bills to be too high, you should also consider energy efficiency. If this sounds like too much, don’t worry because our guide is there to help!
Type of the AC unit
Here are the two main types of air conditioners available on the market:
Window-mounted
Portable
Both categories are quite self-explanatory, but let’s get into details a bit. A window-mounted unit is placed on any exterior window in your home. You usually receive installation kits, and it is vital to make sure that the size is suitable. Since the AC will take some window space, it is important that it complements the décor. You can also look for units with a modern and sophisticated design, such as the Friedrich Chill CP06G10B. The crucial characteristic of window-mounted units is that they are usually placed in a single spot, and used to cool down a single room.
On the other hand, portable units offer you the option to take them to any room of your choice. You might be spending several hours a day in your home office, and that is when you need it cool. Maybe you prefer keeping the room you sleep in cool, which is why you can take a portable AC there in the evening. These products have a small footprint, and they are lightweight, which makes them simple to transport.
Performance
We are focused on air conditioners that have approximately 5,000BTUs of power, but their exact potential might vary slightly. For example, a unit might deliver 4,500BTUs, but be suitable to cool down small rooms. On the other hand, 6,000BTU might give that additional cooling boost you need during hot summer days.
The usual cooling area that these compact-sized AC units can handle is 150 square feet. By getting just a bit more BTU, you can increase it to 200 or 250 square feet, which can be the case if you use Amana AMAP061BW.
It is important to note that 5000 BTU air conditioners are focused on cooling single rooms. You can improve their performance by keeping the doors and windows closed.
Dimensions
The next thing you want to consider is the dimensions of your AC model. The good news is that units that are not that powerful also come in a compact size. At least that is the usual case with 5000 BTU air conditioners. Your main consideration should be that the unit fits into your window well. That will ensure the necessary stability, and prevent any risk of dropping. Check out how much the unit is sticking out from the window. You might not like the air conditioner to stick out too much, but that is a matter of personal preference.
The good thing about portable air conditioners is that they have a small footprint, which is the case with the Koldfront PAC802W. The chances are you can fit them anywhere, but make sure they are close enough to a window used for drainage and venting, and that there is an electrical outlet nearby.
Controls
It is always nice to have multiple adjustments at your disposal for an air conditioner. That is why 5000 BTU AC units offer several cooling and fan speeds. In most cases, you will get two or three fan speeds, such as with the LG LW6017R. That should be more than enough to cover all your cooling requirements.
These small and powerful units might have manual controls available, and they also might come with remote control. In some cases, you will only have a control panel on the unit, such as with the Whirlpool WHAW050BW. Many units will come with a remote control that will help you adjust the air conditioner from anywhere in the room.
All in all, adjusting the AC is simple, and it shouldn’t take more than a couple of clicks to find the desired settings. Just make sure that you find a unit with comfortable and accessible controls for you.
Noise level
We won’t beat around the bush because it is important to clarify – air conditioners will make some noise. That is normal because they use fans to cool down the air in the room, and these fans are behind the noise.
Your crucial consideration is that the noise level acceptable to you. If you need an AC for an office, you don’t want it to disrupt your activities. That is why a unit like the Friedrich Chill CP06G10B can be a great fit if you are looking for the ultimate quietness.
That is up to your preference, but make sure to check the noise levels to ensure that they will meet your expectations.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of your air conditioner is important because it directly affects your utility bills. Additionally, an energy-efficient unit is usually eco-friendly, which is important to show that you care about the planet.
You will find EER and CEER ratings that describe the energy efficiency of an AC unit. EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio and shows the efficiency of your product at a particular outdoor temperature.
CEER stands for Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio, and the Department of Energy imposed this as a new standard in 2014. It combines the energy when the AC is working, but also when it is powered on, even if it is standby mode.
If your air conditioner has an Energy Star rating, that means it complies with the latest energy efficiency standards.
Some of the units will offer the standard mode when you need maximum performance, and ECO mode to use when you want to save on energy spending.
Installation kit
The first thing you want to ensure is that an installation kit is included with your air conditioner unit. Most manufacturers make sure to include everything required for that. That is a way to save money because you don’t want to pay extra for a setup kit.
When it comes to the contents of your installation box, you should have a detailed product manual with steps on how to install the unit. A window-mounted AC will probably come with mounting brackets, sliding panels, and other accessories required to mount it on the window.
On the other hand, a portable air conditioner comes with a drainage hose, a window kit, and any other accessories that the particular unit needs.
Warranty
If you are buying an air conditioner, it is only natural that you want it to serve you as long as possible. The warranty can be a fine indicator of how much you can have faith in the unit’s durability.
The standard warranty for 5000BTU air conditioners is 12 months. However, many manufacturers are ready to offer a two-year or longer warranty, which confirms their trust in the product they made.
It is crucial to read the details of the warranty. Some deals are limited, and you might receive a different warranty for various parts. For example, the Frigidaire FFRE0533S1 offers 2-3 year warranty on the unit, but a five-year guarantee on sealed systems.
Additional features
Additional features are all those bells and whistles whose goal is to improve your convenience. Here is an overview of the potential features to look in air conditioners:
Automatic restart – if the power goes out, the unit will remember the settings. Once the power comes back, it will start working with the memorized adjustments.
Auto-cool mode – this mode monitors the temperature in the room, and makes sure that it is in line with your desired settings. It is perfect for those who don’t want their room to get too cold or too hot.
Directional air-louvers – these ensure that the air goes in multiple directions. That secures even airflow and cooling and makes sure that the area below the air conditioner is not too cool.
Other additional features worth mentioning include a programmable timer, sleep mode, etc.
Prices
Although all these models offer relatively similar power, 5000 BTU air conditioners can significantly vary in price. That is why we divided their cost into three categories:
Entry-level products – if you are looking for a bargain deal, you can find an AC unit under $150. A great example in this category is the Arctic King WWK05CM91N. This product delivers the expected performance and decent durability, which makes it a good value for the price.
Average AC units – the average cost of a 5000BTU air conditioner is between $150 and $250. For this price, you can expect even cooling and efficient performance even during hot summer days.
Premium air conditioners – the price of these products go over $250. You should expect impressive performance, as well as attractive design, and additional features like programmable timers, automatic restart, etc. The LG LP0817WSR is a premium portable unit with excellent durability and admirable performance.
Ultimately, the crucial thing to ensure is that the AC unit you buy provides plenty of bang for the buck.
Some units have an indicator that will show you that the filters need cleaning. In other cases, you should make sure to have the unit cleaned at least once every 12 months. It would be best if you clean it before the hot weather season since that is when you will be using it the most.
The chances are your air conditioner is washable, so use a vacuum cleaner, sponge, dish soap, and warm water to clean it thoroughly. You will also want to clean AC coils and coil fins with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner and a toothbrush. If necessary, you can consider calling a professional.
The majority of air conditioners are easy to install, and any DIY enthusiast can do this as long as they follow the instructions. When it comes to window-mounted units, they will come with an installation kit. You will use either mounting brackets or another way to mount them to your window. The crucial thing to ensure is that they are stable and that they fit the window well so that there is no risk of dropping. When it comes to portable air conditioners, you should consider their ventilation and drainage system. Most of them will use an exhaust hose and get rid of the excess water through the window. Follow the instructions for your specific unit to install everything correctly.
You will need a bit of math knowledge to calculate this. First, check out the amperage of your unit, and multiply that with voltage to get the wattage of your unit. For an average 5000BTU, it will be 5Amp X 110V = 550W.
Now, you also want to discover how much your electricity provider charges per kilowatt-hour. Let’s say that the price is ten cents ($0.1) for this example. Use this equation: Watts X hours of operation / 1,000 X price per kW/h.
If we assume you use the unit for 12 hours a day, the formula is 550 X 12 / 1,000 X 0.1. In this example, it costs you $0.66 to run your 5000 BTU AC unit for 12 hours every day.
Our Verdict
Now that we’ve come to the end of our article, we can confirm that the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E remains our favorite. The unit combines performance and durability in the best possible way. It cools down a small room quickly while ensuring that it stays quiet. Additionally, it is simple to clean and suitable for small windows.
Our second suggestion for the best 5000BTU air conditioner is the Friedrich Chill CP06G10B. This premium unit comes with an eco-friendly refrigerant, quiet operation, and an attractive design that fits modern decors. You can also enjoy various additional features like Wi-Fi connection, automatic restart, etc.
The LG LW6017R can be a great choice if you are looking for better versatility. This product offers three fan speeds, can be operated with remote control, and has an energy-saving function.
We advise you to consider your particular requirements from the best 5000 BTU air conditioners. That way, you will know what to look for, and selecting the right unit will be a piece of cake!
