Best 5000 BTU Air Conditioners – 2021 Report

Buying a big-capacity air conditioner for a small room is money, not a well-spent, inefficient use of cooling power, and can lead to increased energy bills, plus quick wear and tear.

If you have a space to cool, you’ll find this report helpful for choosing the best small-capacity ACs currently available.

Comparison of the Best 5000 BTU Air Conditioners

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes with up to 5000 Btu cooling capacity
  • Quickly cool down or heat up with easy adjustments
  • Filters washable to keep it clean
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  • Cools a room of up to 150 square feet quickly and easily
  • Directs the cool air in 2 directions
  • Very easy to install with clear instructions
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  • Best for the Money
  • Filters washable to keep it clean
  • Cools a room of up to 150 square feet quickly and easily
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  • Quickly cools down in only a few minutes
  • Air filters can easily be cleaned for better airflow
  • Made with a lightweight and compact design
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  • Cools down a room of up to 150 square feet
  • Up to 5000 Btu cooling capacity
  • Strong construction for improved durability
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How Many Square Feet Does a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Cool?

Some of the smallest air conditioners in the market are in the 5000 BTU range. Like every other AC, the efficiency of these units depends on how well you use them. Even the most powerful AC will fall short if you install it in the wrong-sized space.

5K BTU air-cons are most appropriate for rooms with approximately 100 and 150 square feet. You will likely be disappointed by your 5000 BTU air conditioner's performance if you install it in a space larger than this recommendation.

It is best to install the AC in a shaded area for best performance.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying 

Take a moment to consider some of these factors before you buy a new AC.

Electrical Requirements

First, consider your existing electrical system and be sure that it meets the minimum requirement for a 5000 BTU air conditioner (or whichever size you think will suit your space).

Keep in mind that air-cons are usually more powerful and draw more energy than most other appliances in a typical home. You need a standard household 110v or 115v circuit to operate a 5K BTU air conditioner.

Type of AC

The most common type of air conditioners is the window unit. However, you should choose this option only if you have a standard window to mount the AC.

Be aware that some homeowners do not permit the use of window units, so make sure to run it by your landlord before installing a window unit if you live in a rented apartment.

Another popular option is the portable air conditioner. This type can easily be moved between rooms but don’t have the cooling capacity of window ACs.

Maintenance

Air-cons require periodic maintenance to perform smoothly. Keep an eye out for options with washable filters, “clean filter” light, slide-out chassis, and even mosquito traps.

Review of the Best 5000 BTU Air Conditioners 

There are probably hundreds of 5K BTU air conditioners on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Here is a small list of the best options currently available.

Best Overall:
Frigidaire FFRA051ZA1

FRIGIDAIRE White FFRA051ZA1 17' Window Air Conditioner with 5000 BTU Cooling Capacity-115V

PROS

  • Easy-to-clean washable mesh filter
  • Auto-restart with previous settings when unit powers on
  • Window unit with adjustable slide panels for better window fitting
  • Dual-function window air conditioner can cool and heat your room
  • Power cord plus extra-long three-prong cord eliminates the need for extension cords

CONS

  • Manual temperature control
  • No remote control or digital panel

What Recent Buyers Report  

Many happy customers agree that this is an excellent window air conditioner in terms of cooling power. It might be slightly more expensive than similar-size options, but it works great, according to tons of users.

However, a handful of buyers report that some units arrive dented or with manufacturing defects.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Frigidaire makes awesome air conditioners, and the FFRA051ZA1 is not an exception, even though it is a small-capacity option.

Its size notwithstanding, it can cool quickly and warm up your room quickly and use the quick cool/warm modes. It has two fan speeds and two cooling levels to make your space comfortable all day.

With the effortless restart feature, the AC will automatically resume all previous settings when power returns to the unit.

The lightweight product makes installation painless, and the power cord comes with a three-prong cord, so you don’t have to worry about an extension cord.

Bottom Line

With less that can go wrong, you might want to consider this option if you prefer simple but effective and low-noise air conditioners. Although it has a pretty basic function, it has a gorgeous design that will suit most interior décor.

Runner-up:
LG LW5016

LG 5,000 Conditioner, 115V, Window Unit 150 Sq.Ft. (10' x 15' Room Size), Perfect for Bedrooms, Quiet AC with 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, and Washable Filter, 5000 BTU, White

PROS

  • Very easy to set up and install the unit
  • Two-way airflow to direct cool air where you want it
  • Simplistic design with a control knob for easy operation
  • Remarkable combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) of 11.0
  • Two cooling speeds and two fan speeds allow for flexible temperature setting

CONS

  • Cannot set precise temperatures
  • Inadequate airflow direction only left/right

What Recent Buyers Report  

This is a fairly popular option among buyers, not just because of its affordability but also because it works pretty well for small spaces. There are hardly any major complaints about this model since it doesn’t have too many complex functions and settings. Customers are generally satisfied with its performance.

Why it Stands Out to Us

LG designed this unit for one reason: to bring down the temperature of small rooms of up to 150 square feet. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it does its job pretty well.

It dons a minimalist design with two control knobs for setting and adjusting temperatures. Although the model doesn’t have a digital control panel or remote, it cools efficiently with an impressive combined energy efficiency ratio of 11.0.

Besides efficient cooling, it can remove up to 1.3 pints of water from your indoor air every hour, which is great on humid days.

Bottom Line

If you are not up for dealing with the hassles of setting up smart features on air conditioners, this model might be the right one for you. It will bring down your room temperature without denting your wallet every month.

Best for the Money:
Amana AMAP050BW

Amana 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Air Conditioner with Mechanical Controls, White

PROS

  • Significantly low-cost cooling with an effective dehumidifier
  • Easy to install and comes with complete window mounting kit
  • Relatively small and incredibly lightweight unit (weighs 39.70 lbs)
  • Simple and cute design makes for stress-free routine maintenance
  • Highly affordable option, suitable for rooms up to 150 square feet

CONS

  • Louder than similar-size models
  • Doesn’t come with remote control

What Recent Buyers Report

Many buyers enjoy this compact cooling machine from Amana because of its cooling capability, relatively small size, and incredibly affordable price. Setup and installation is a breeze; even those who don’t consider themselves handy can handle the task in no time. However, some light sleepers say it produces high noise.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This window AC has a few features that make it outstanding. First, it uses less energy, which translates to lower energy bills. On top of all that, it is a highly affordable product.

But it is not a cheap option, regardless of its low cost. The window-mount AC performs exceptionally well for a unit its size. It comes with two cooling modes, 1.06-pint dehumidification per hour, and eight-way directional louvers that allow you to direct cool air where you want.

It is easy to maintain the filter due to the clean filter function that reminds users to do so.

Bottom Line

This option is among the best when it comes to affordability. You may want to check it out if you are tight on budget. It produces a decent cool but doesn’t have all the features of some more expensive models.

Haier 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Review:
Haier QHV05LZ

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PROS

  • High energy efficient ratio (EER) of 11.1
  • Quick cooling with two cooling speeds and two fan speeds
  • 1-year warranty for replacement, repair, or complete refund
  • Removes moisture from room’s air up to 1.2 pints every hour
  • Incredibly lightweight window air conditioner makes for easy installation

CONS

  • Mechanical controls
  • Does not come with a remote control

What Recent Buyers Report

The general feel from recent buyers indicates that many customers are satisfied with the cooling performance of this 5K BTU model from Haier, with lots of users saying it works more than they expected.

Installing the unit is a cinch for many people due to its lightweight and mounting kit.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is among the lightest 5000 BTU window units available, weighing only 36 pounds. But most people don’t buy an AC because of its lightweight. Instead, the cooling power is the major focus, and the QHV05LZ delivers on that.

You can select from two fan speeds, two cooling speeds, and two-way air direction to match your preferences. The built-in humidity meter removes up to 1.2 pints of moisture from indoor air every hour for more comfort.

We like the fact that Haier backs this up with a solid warranty policy to allow buyers to shop with more confidence and minimal risk.

Bottom Line

Haier’s 5K BTU window AC is worth considering if you are in the market for small, reliable air conditioners from a trusted brand. Here’s the deal, test this one out risk-free for 90 and return it if you’re not satisfied.

Frigidaire 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Review:
Frigidaire FFRA051WAE

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner, 5,000 BTU with Temperature Control and Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter, in White

PROS

  • Quick cooling for rooms up to 150 square feet
  • Washable filter with slide-out access for easy cleaning
  • Low power start-up minimizes energy usage and saves money
  • Compact unit, excellent build quality with mechanical rotary controls
  • Automatically resumes operation with last settings when power is restored

CONS

  • Only left and right airflow
  • Cannot set exact temperatures

What Recent Buyers Report 

Recent buyers say that this little air conditioner cools small rooms pretty quickly. Many customers are happy with their purchase, especially as it is easy to install, and it has a reasonable price tag.

However, some customers complain of defective components or damaged units due to poor handling and packaging.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Like many of the other air conditioners on this list, the FFRA051WAE is a no-frills model. But it stands out to us because of its outstanding cooling power, especially for small spaces.

It measures 15.25 x 16 x 12 inches and sits nicely in most standard windows. Installing the unit is pretty straightforward, even if you’re doing so for the first time.

The window unit is designed to offer you a little more control of the airflow with two-way air direction, two fan speeds, and two cool speeds. There’s slide-out access for quick cleaning of the washable filter.

Bottom Line  

The Frigidaire FFRA051WAE is a popular air conditioner among buyers, which says a lot about its performance. The model doesn’t come with many extra features, making it a great choice for people who don’t care for fanciful digital controls.

Best 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner:
Keystone KSTAW05B

PROS

  • Compact and lightweight model (weighs 40 lbs)
  • 5000 BTU adequately cools rooms up to 150 square feet
  • Energy-efficient unit with very low estimated energy cost
  • Operates quietly at 49 dBA, ideal for bedrooms and small offices
  • Temperature sensing remote control with LCD for better monitoring

CONS

  • Only left and right airflow
  • Drainage might develop issues

What Recent Buyers Report

Many buyers report that this 5K BTU window air conditioner cools down their small rooms to a chill. They like that it works great and doesn’t consume a lot of electricity, as reflected on their utility bills. But, some users have reported issues with the drainage system of some units.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Keystone engineered KSTAW05B to be a very quiet AC. It operates with a gentle hum of 49 dBA on its lowest setting and a maximum noise level of 55 dBA.

It packs a lot of cooling power for rooms between 100 and 150 square feet, regardless of its small size. You can select from high, medium, and low fan speeds or chose to run it in energy saver, sleep, or dehumidification modes.

The “check filter” function alerts you to clean the washable and reusable filter, and the temperature sensing remote control makes for convenient adjustments from across the room.

Bottom Line

Consider this option if you want to cool small office space or your kid’s bedroom. You’ll likely spend far less on utility bills because it is an Energy Star compliant product, with plenty of features for more cooling comfort.

Why Did These Models Make Our List? 

Here are some of the things that make these options outstanding, and it will be helpful if you keep them in mind when shopping for air conditioners.

Energy Efficiency

The upfront price of an AC is not the only cost you will incur when you buy one. You have to prepare for recurrent energy bills, and air conditioners are among the appliances with the highest electricity usage in most homes.

Thankfully, you can cut down this cost by choosing a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) model.  You want to choose an air conditioner with a minimum of 8 EER. The models that make our list have EERs between 9 and 12.

Noise Level (dBA)

Cooling comfort should come with minimal humming. Unfortunately, many air conditioners are loud, and some can keep you awake all night. We have carefully selected options with noise levels between 45 and 60 dBA.

Extra Features

Apart from cooling power, extra features such as multiple fans and cooling speeds, different modes of operation, programmable timer, and multiple airflow directions are some of the extra features that make for a great air conditioner. You’ll find a few of these in the models on this list.

Conclusion 

Most modern air conditioners have similar features, especially models in the same BTU range. But simply picking the next available option is not what you want to do. We hope this guide has put you in a better position to choose a 5000 BTU AC that meets your need.

People Also Ask

People with small apartments or rooms to cool down will find air conditioners in the 5K BTU range most appropriate for their cooling needs. Questions relating to the cost of running these units and the energy requirements are common among new buyers. This section will answer some of these questions.

What Does 5000 BTU Mean?

BTU stands for British Thermal Units. In simple terms, BTU is a way of measuring energy. The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is listed in BTU, which tells you the size of the AC and what area it can cool. These air-cons can cool 100 to 150-square-foot rooms or spaces.

How Many Watts Does a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Use?

A 5000 BTU air conditioner needs approximately 500 to 550 watts to run optimally. It is best to check your specific AC model's specs sheet for the wattage recommendation to eliminate guesswork or strenuous calculations. Usually, this information is listed in the same section as voltage and amperage.

Amana AMAP050BW

How Many Amps Does a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Use?

These air conditioning units are typically small and require less energy to run. Most air-cons in the 5000 BTU range use five amperes, which shouldn’t cost much per month. You don’t need to provide a dedicated electrical outlet as they can work with 110v or 115v, depending on their rating.

How Big of a Generator Do I Need to Run a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner?

Generators are necessary to power your AC when you don’t have electricity supply from public sources. Most 5000 BTU air-cons will require a generator with at least 500 watts to run. The power usage might drop after the machine starts working, but it usually draws higher power to start working.

How Much Does it Cost to Run a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner?

Typically, a 5K BTU air conditioner draws approximately five amps. The cost of that number of amps for a whole day is roughly $1.6 or thereabouts. Divide that amount by 24 hours, and then multiply the answer by the number of hours you run the machine to get a rough estimate.