Choosing the Best Small Window Air Conditioners to Build Your Dream Home
Power
The first factor to consider before investing in lightweight window air conditioners is the power of the appliance. The power of the air conditioner will determine the cooling capacity. And, as we have seen, this power is measured in BTU (British thermal unit).
As we have seen, compared to other types of air conditioners, the window is capped at up to 30,000 BTUs. But you can also find devices that have low power, 7,000 BTUs, for example.
The power of the air conditioner depends on several factors, such as the area of the room, the number of windows that allow sunlight, and the number of people who frequent the space. To give you an idea, experts point out that in homes, the use of window air conditioners with a power rating ranging from 9,000 to 18,000 BTUs is recommended.
However, a good average is considering between 600-800 BTUs per square meter. So, in a 15-meter square room, for example, a product of at least 9,000 BTUs must be installed. 20,000 BTU window air conditioners are perfect for areas up to 35-meter square.
Dimension
We recommend that you take into consideration the size of the product. This info is important both for hole-in-the-wall measurements and for aesthetic reasons. In general, the height of the device will vary between 30 and 47 cm. The width, on the other hand, can vary between 30 and 66 cm depending on the model. Make sure it is lightweight.
The size of the window air conditioner should be following the fixing space and the size of the room. As for the depth, you can find devices that measure between 40 and 80 cm. Remember that the size of the space where the window air conditioner will be installed will have to be a few more centimeters to accommodate the support grids.
Speed
Another factor to check before purchasing your window air conditioner is the amount of speed available. The speed of the air conditioner will determine the force with which the cooled air will blow out of the unit.
In general, you can choose models that offer two or more speed options. The most common are high and low speeds. But here you can also choose models that still have ventilation mode, which has a different speed.
Airflow
Airflow is another factor that we recommend you consider when choosing the best window air conditioner. Did you know that depending on the model you choose, you can find those that can be directed the air in up to six different directions? Some models also have an air renewal system, which allows the exchange of air to dissipate smoke and odors from the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the smallest window size air conditioner?
There are several small window air conditioners available in the market, such as the FRIGIDAIRE 5,000 BTU Mini-Compact, FRIGIDAIRE Energy Star 6,000 BTU, Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner, Haier Serenity Series 6,000 BTU, Arctic King WWK05CM91N, Whirlpool 5,000 BTU, and LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU. These models are compact and suitable for smaller windows.
2. Do they make air conditioners for very small windows?
Yes, there are air conditioners designed to fit very small windows. For example, the Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is specifically designed to fit windows with vertical openings as small as 13 inches and as wide as 16 inches. Its compact size makes it ideal for small windows.
3. What is the smallest BTU window air conditioner you can buy?
Window air conditioners come in various BTU sizes, but the smallest ones available are typically 5,000 BTU units. These compact units are suitable for smaller spaces and windows where a larger air conditioner may not fit.
4. Is 5000 BTU the smallest window air conditioner?
Yes, the MIDEA MAW05M1BWT is one of the smallest window air conditioners available, with 5000 BTU of cooling capacity. It has a compact design with dimensions of approximately 16 inches in length, 15-1/2 inches wide, and 12-1/4 inches in height.
5. Is there such thing as a small air conditioner?
Yes, there are small air conditioners available, known as portable air conditioners (PACs). These units are designed to cool a single room without the need for complex installation. Portable air conditioners are a cost-effective cooling solution and often come with features like built-in timers for energy efficiency.
6. How do you make a window air conditioner fit a small window?
To make a window air conditioner fit a small window, you can use foam tape to cover the gaps between the AC unit and the window. Most AC units come with foam tape, but you can purchase additional rolls if needed. Another option is to install the AC with one curtain mostly collapsed to reduce the width.
7. Do these small air conditioners work?
Portable air conditioners, while not as effective as window AC units, provide a cooling solution for single rooms. They are better than fans but may not cool as efficiently as window ACs. It is recommended to consider the size of the room and the BTU rating of the portable AC to ensure effective cooling.
8. Is 8000 BTU too much for a small room?
For a small room, a 5,000 to 6,000 BTU air conditioner is generally sufficient. An 8,000 BTU unit is more suitable for medium-size rooms measuring around 340 square feet. It is important to choose an air conditioner with the correct BTU rating to ensure optimal cooling efficiency for the room size.
9. What will a 5000 BTU air conditioner cool?
A 5,000 to 6,000 BTU air conditioner is suitable for cooling an area between 100 and 300 square feet. If the room is larger, you may need a higher BTU rating. For example, 7,000 to 8,200 BTU units are adequate for cooling 250 to 550 square feet, while 9,800 to 12,500 BTU units can cool up to 950 square feet.
Editor's Notes
During our small window air conditioner research, we found 24 small window air conditioner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 117,451 customer reviews through our big data system to write the small window air conditioners list. We found that most customers choose small window air conditioners with an average price of $231.30.
The small window air conditioners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of small window air conditioners, including Midea, GE, LG, Honeywell, BLACK+DECKER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Mark Greer has been an excellent residential carpenter for eight years in Los Angeles and has complete knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and home DIY. He never misses a chance of the lookout for new features and innovations in popular and novel home appliances as an insightful writer.