If you’re looking for the best 5000 BTU air conditioner on the market, then you’ve come to the right place.
Below, you’ll find the most popular and best-performing AC units in this cooling capacity range.
As experts in air conditioning, we know that each person has particular needs when it comes to cooling their home. Therefore, we’ve hand picked and reviewed the best 5000 BTU window air conditioner units and best 5000 BTU portable air conditioner models for you to find the right one for your cooling comfort.
The goal here is to help you save time and money on your new air conditioner purchase.
Table of Contents
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5000 BTU Air Conditioners Reviewed in this Guide
Here’s a quick comparison chart showing the top 5000 BTU air conditioners. We’ll cover each aspect of these units in the reviews section below, but this gives you an idea of what’s available and an easy way to compare them.
| Image | Air Conditioner Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | MIDEA MAW05M1BWT Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Frigidaire FFRA051ZA1 Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | LG LW5016 Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Friedrich CCF05A10A Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Keystone KSTAW05CE Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Emerson Quiet Kool EARC5RD1 Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | MIDEA MAP08R1CWT Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Black + Decker BPACT08WT Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | JHS A019-8KR/A Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Haier HPP08XCR Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
Best 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Reviews (Top 10 List)
1. Best Overall 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: MIDEA MAW05M1BWT
With so many features to offer and over 6,000 customer reviews, it’s clear to see why the MIDEA MAW05M1BWT is our overall best 5000 BTU air conditioner choice.
To begin with, the 5000 BTUs of cooling capacity can cover a space up to 150 square feet, so it’s ideal for any small room in your home, office, or apartment.
It features 7 temperature settings, giving you ultimate control over creating the perfect ambient temperature.
It also has 2 fan speeds, which to be honest, is all you really need in a good air conditioner of this size.
You can also use the fan function by itself to create a gentle breeze when the cooling feature is not needed. Because sometimes you just want a fan blowing without the chill of air conditioning.
Switching between settings is as easy as turning the dial located directly on the front of the air conditioner.
The mesh filter is designed to trap airborne particles and room odors while reducing bacteria buildup inside the air conditioner. This helps to improve air quality. The filter can also be removed and washed, which saves you money over buying expensive replacements.
The MIDEA MAW05M1BWT is also a great choice if you’re concerned about your carbon footprint. That’s because it has a CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Rate) of 11.0. This rating not only helps to keep your energy bills but also is better for the environment.
Installing this window air conditioner is easy, too. It comes with all the mounting accessories needed to fit it into a window measuring 23-26” wide and a minimum of 13” high, which is standard in most homes and apartments.
2. Best Window Air Conditioner Brand: Frigidaire FFRA051ZA1
Frigidaire is a brand that has become renowned for creating high quality window air conditioners, and the FFRA051ZA1 is one of their most popular models. The brand itself has been around since 1918.
LIke our #1 review, the 5000 BTUs of power in this unit can cover a room measuring up to 150 square feet.
It’s also similar in the fact that it includes easy-to-use dials located on the front of the air conditioner to give you fast control over the two fan speeds and the temperature setting.
Once you’ve selected the desired temperature, this 5000 BTU window air conditioner will monitor and maintain the temperature of the room for you.
When air conditioning is needed, the compressor turns on. When the room temperature is reached, the compressor turns off while the fan continues to blow to keep the cool air circulating throughout the room. This means that you’re kept comfortable at all times.
You don’t need to worry about resetting the temperature if there is a power outage, either. The auto-restart function will start the air conditioner working again to your exact requirements as soon as power is restored.
It features an air filter that captures dust particles floating through the air, making it a great choice for anybody that suffers from dust allergies. The filter can also be removed and washed for easy maintenance.
Another reason why this is our pick as the best 5000 BTU window air conditioner brand is the innovative design. It features a SpaceWise adjustable design with optional side panels. These allow you to extend the sides of the air conditioner to best fit your window and takes all the guesswork out of measuring.
It also comes with an extra-long, three-prong cord, which is great for older homes or apartments that don’t necessarily have a power outlet close to the window you’re going to use it in.
3. Most Popular 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: LG LW5016
There are many reasons why the LG LW5016 is one of the most popular 5000 BTU window air conditioners available.
First, it has a super low noise performance of just 50 dBA. Other units tend to hover at 54 to 56 dbA. This means that this air conditioner can be installed in bedrooms or living spaces without creating a disturbance. It’s especially good if you’re looking for a way to provide cool air in a child’s bedroom.
Second, this unit is Wi-Fi enabled and, with the LG ThinQ app, you can switch through the modes and settings using your smartphone. You can even pair it with a voice-activated assistant, such as Alexa or Google Home, and command it into action using just your voice.
Next, there are two fan speeds and 9 cooling temperatures to choose from, giving you more control over the amount of cool air that is released into a room measuring up to 150 square feet.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, the 2-way air direction gives you the ability to direct the cool air where you need it most.
It also features a programmable 24-hour timer.
What’s also nice about this air conditioner is that you don’t need to worry about your energy consumption rising too high with the LG LW5016 as it is Energy Star Certified. This keeps both your energy bills and your carbon footprint low.
Maintenance is easy thanks to the removable, washable filter. There is also a filter check reminder feature that sends a notification to your smartphone when it’s time to clean the filters.
Finally, it’s really simple to install and comes with a window mounting kit that makes it easy to fit the air conditioner into a window measuring 21-35” wide
4. Best Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner: Friedrich CCF05A10A
If you like the idea of being able to control your air conditioner through your smartphone or voice-activated assistant, the Freidrich CCF05A10A is a top option.
It’s easy to connect to your home router and smartphone in just a few minutes, making it one of the best 5000 BTU window air conditioner units with Wi-Fi and hassle-free setup.
You can even use your mobile device to set up a cooling schedule. This powers the air conditioner on and off at set intervals throughout the day, allowing you to maintain the most comfortable temperature while keeping your energy consumption in check.
Its Wi-Fi connectivity also allows you to power the air conditioner on and off, switch through modes, and adjust temperature settings and fan speeds when you’re away from home. This is one of the top selling points for this appliance because you can make sure your home is already being chilled before you even step foot into the house.
You have a choice of three fan speeds, as well as cooling and fan-only modes. This gives you more control over the flow of cool air being pumped into the room.
Another great feature the Freidrich CCF05A10A has to offer is a low noise level. It’s built with QuietMaster Technology that operates that makes it, on average, 25% quieter than most other air conditioners at 50 decibels.
5. Best Remote Feature: Keystone KSTAW05CE Air Conditioner
If you’d like to be able to operate your air conditioner remotely, but Wi-Fi functionality is a little bit outside of your technology-comfort zone, the Keystone KSTAW05CE could be the best 5000BTU window air conditioner for you.
It comes complete with a remote control that allows you to select the different modes and adjust your settings from the comfort of your favorite armchair.
You can also use this remote control to set the timer, put the air conditioner into energy saving mode, and activate the sleep function.
One of the most standout features; however, is that the Keystone KSTAW05CE remote includes a “Follow Me’”function. When the Follow Me feature is activated, the remote control acts as the thermostat instead of the unit, helping to further extend the unit’s cooling range.
That unique function means that the air conditioner will keep cooling the room until the area around the remote reaches the set temperature. This advanced technology reduces hot spots which can occur with some other types of air conditioners.
Regardless if you use that Follow Me feature or not, this air conditioner can quickly cool a space measuring up to 150 square feet.
It also has a dehumidification feature that can remove up to 1.3-pints of water from the air every hour. This makes it a great choice if you live in a particularly humid location.
This 5000BTU window air conditioner is Energy Star certified too, so you’ll be able to use it without your energy bill skyrocketing.
It’s also easy to install and features a 6.5 feet LCDI power cord that plugs directly into a standard 115V electrical outlet. (That’s longer than most other units at this size.)
6. Good Value Window Air Conditioner: Emerson Quiet Kool EARC5RD1
The Emerson Quiet Kool EARC5RD1 is one the best 5000 BTU air conditioners if you’re looking for the most value for your money.
It features four different modes (Cool, Dry, Fan, and Auto) that give you precise control over getting the perfect temperature in your home.
The 2 independent louvers with 8-way adjustability offer you a wider range of comfort, too. You can literally direct the cool airflow wherever you need it.
This air conditioner is also capable of removing up to 1.1-pints of water from the air every hour, reducing the humidity and making your surroundings even more comfortable.
It features a 24-hour timer as well as a sleep mode, which allows you to keep the air conditioner running at a quieter noise level of just 50 dBA. This means you can stay cool while you sleep without a loud air conditioner waking you up.
All of the modes and settings can be accessed through the clearly labeled buttons on the front of the unit. You can also use the included remote control for modern convenience.
Additional value comes in the form of reusable, washable filters. This makes it easy to maintain the air conditioner and, most importantly, means you won’t have to worry about buying expensive filter replacements.
It also comes with a quick-mount kit that makes installation quick and easy for even a single person to do.
7. Best Overall 5000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: MIDEA MAP08R1CWT
If you need something that you can easily move between rooms, the MIDEA MAP08R1CWT is one of the best 5000 BTU portable air conditioner units you’ll find.
And like the other units reviewed on this page, it’s powerful enough to quickly cool a room measuring up to 150 square feet.
As well as a cooling function, this portable air conditioner has a fan-only and a dehumidification mode. You also have full temperature control between 62-90º F.
A 24-hour programmable timer allows you to automatically turn the unit off after a set number of hours for energy savings.
If you’d like to keep your bedroom cool at night without your sleep being interrupted, you can select the Sleep mode. This automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the night to keep you cool and comfortable without the unit getting loud.
This air conditioner also features a remote control with a built-in sensor that, when you keep beside you, detects the temperature immediately surrounding you. This function is similar to our #5 review with the Follow Me remote. And it allows the air conditioner to automatically adjust the temperature to provide the best cooling performance for your needs.
The filters are designed to trap dust, pet hair, and other particles floating through the air. They can also be easily removed from the air conditioner and washed under a running faucet. This makes them incredibly easy to maintain.
Moving the MIDEA MAP08R1CWT around your home is easy too, thanks to the built-in wheels. This means there’s no need to worry about heavy lifting.
If you’ve never used a portable air conditioner like this before, just know that you have to attach it to a window through an exhaust hose on the back of the unit. This hose then connects to a window kit that slides into an open window (about 6 inches).
That design is what makes these types of 5000 BTU air conditioners so attractive and convenient. You can set up and move the unit to another room in a matter of seconds because it’s not permanently installed in the window.
It’s worth noting here that this portable air conditioner does have an 8000 BTU ASHRAE rating, which is the equivalent of 5,300 BTUs by the newer DOE SACC standard. We explain this concept in more detail down in the buyer’s guide below but, ultimately, if a portable air conditioner has 8000 BTUs of power, you’ll actually experience 5,300 BTUs instead. And all that means is it’s good for small rooms up to 150 square feet.
8. Best Portable Air Conditioner Brand: Black + Decker BPACT08WT
Black + Decker makes some of the best portable air conditioners in the world, and the BPACT08WT is packed with features that prove this fact.
It operates with 5000 BTUs of cooling power and has an adjustable fan that speed-cools the air to 65ºF at its coolest setting.
Perfect for smaller rooms up to 150 square feet, this portable air conditioner is good for bedrooms, living rooms, apartments, and personal office spaces.
There are four fan speeds to choose from, along with cool, fan-only, and dehumidification modes. Selecting your desired settings is a simple case of pressing the buttons on the top of the machine. Or, for even easier use, you can use the included remote control.
This is also an easy-to-maintain portable air conditioner. The filters can be simply slid out of the main unit and washed under running water.
Installation is easier than ever, too. The built-in wheels allow you to move the air conditioner to its intended position, then all you have to do is attach the included exhaust hose to the window adapter. Plug the air conditioner into a standard electrical outlet and you’re all set.
9. Best Budget 5000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: JHS A019-8KR/A
If you’re looking for a great portable air conditioner on a limited budget, the JHS A019-8KR/A could be exactly what you need.
And, unlike many other budget options on the market, nothing is sacrificed in the way of quality.
Its 5000 BTU (8000 BTU ASHRAE) cooling performance works a bit larger than the other air conditioners reviewed on this page. It can handle a room measuring up to 170 square feet. This makes it perfect for living rooms, garages, basements, kitchens, bedrooms, and more.
There are three functions to choose from; air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier. The fan has two speeds and the dehumidifier is capable of extracting 31.7-pints of water from the air each day. It also features an auto-evaporation system, so there’s no need to monitor the air conditioner too closely when it’s on dehumidifier mode because the extract moisture is blown through the hose and out the window.
It also comes with a remote control that can be used to flick through settings, set the timer, and activate the Sleep mode. The digital LED display panel gives you a clear indication of the settings you’ve chosen as well.
Installation can be done in a matter of minutes, and the built-in stainless steel castors make it easy to maneuver this air conditioner from room to room whenever required.
Maintenance is easy too, as the dust filters can be removed from the unit and washed under running water.
10. Good Value Portable Air Conditioner: Haier HPP08XCR
The last choice on our list of the best 5000 BTU air conditioners, but certainly not the least, is the Haier HPP08XCR.
This air conditioner is a great option if you’re looking for ultimate value in a portable AC unit.
It’s the thinnest portable air conditioner we’ve seen on the market at around 12 inches wide. That allows you to position the unit anywhere without it taking up much floor space.
It features 3 cooling modes and 3 fan speeds to give you complete control over its cooling power.
It also features a 24-hour timer which, along with the rest of the settings, can be programmed through the electronic onboard controls. Or, for ultimate convenience, you can use the included remote control.
Now, the manufacturer claims that this unit can work in a room measuring up to 200 square feet, but we think that’s a stretch. You’ll feel more comfortable using it in a room that’s closer to 150 square feet.
The mesh filters trap dust, pet hair, and large allergens to clean the air as it cools, so it’s a great option for anybody with allergies. Cleaning the filters is easy too, and they can be removed and washed under running water.
All-in-all, this is a great air conditioner with a lot of value. Haier is a trusted brand in the air conditioner industry and this unit is may just be the best 5000 BTU portable air conditioner for your needs.
5000 BTU Air Conditioners Buying Guide
As you can see from our choices listed above, there are many great 5000 BTU air conditioners to choose from. But how do you know which is the best option for your individual needs?
Below, we’ll take a look at the different types of air conditioners, along with some of the features you should look out for. Paying attention to these will help you find the best 5000 BTU air conditioner and, ultimately, will save you time and money.
Types of 5000 BTU Air Conditioners
Let’s begin by taking a look at the two different types of 5000 BTU air conditioners.
As there are only two, you might think that choosing between them will be an easy task. However, as with any appliance you bring into your home, there are some things to consider.
Window Air Conditioners
A window air conditioner is probably the most famous type of air conditioner. As its name suggests, it is mounted to a window and, once in place, will become a permanent fixture.
Some window air conditioners can also be mounted to a wall, but they’re specifically called through the wall air conditioners, which are not reviewed on this page. Finding a 5000 BTU wall air conditioner is quite rare.
A window air conditioner works by drawing air into the unit and passing it across a cooling coil. This removes the heat from the air and, in the process, lowers the temperature of the air. The cool air is then pumped back into the room and, over a period of time, this cools the overall temperature of the room.
One thing to keep in mind when you’re thinking about purchasing a 5000 BTU window air conditioner is that it will only cool a space measuring around 150 square feet. This makes it ideal for bedrooms or smaller living rooms, but it won’t be as effective as an air conditioner with a higher number of BTUs in a larger room.
Portable Air Conditioners
Unlike window air conditioners, portable air conditioners are designed to allow you to move them around your home whenever you want.
This means that they aren’t a permanent installation and, to make moving them easier, they’ll often have wheels and handles.
Portable air conditioners are a great choice if you’d like to cool down different rooms but don’t necessarily want to place an air conditioner in each room.
They are also really easy to install and come with window kits that can be uninstalled and reinstalled in a matter of seconds.
ASHRAE vs DOE SACC
One thing to keep in mind when you’re looking at portable air conditioners; however, is that the BTU cooling capacity works slightly differently. For example, a portable air conditioner may state that it has 8000 BTUs of power, but it’ll actually only have around 5300 BTUs of output.
Why is that?
To put it simply, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) uses a different BTU rating system from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The DOE BTU ratings as the new standard and ASHRAE as the old standard when it comes to testing portable AC units. ASHRAE ratings reflect the time when the same rating system was used for both window and portable air conditioners.
The rating given to portable air conditioners referred to the amount of energy it took the AC unit to remove the heat from the room, rather than the efficiency of the air conditioner as felt by the user.
DOE ratings are much more up to date, so this is the rating you need to pay attention to when you’re looking at a portable air conditioner. This will be abbreviated as SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity), and it’s simply more accurate than the ASHRAE rating when looking at the efficiency of the air conditioner in terms of what the user experiences.
It is worth noting that not every portable AC manufacturer will state the SACC rating of their portable air conditioner. This will change in the future as new laws get passed. But remember, the SACC rating is the more accurate number and this is why it’s the one you should really pay attention to.
This isn’t something that you need to worry about with window air conditioners though, as the ratings are much more accurate.
Features to Look for in a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of your air conditioner will ultimately determine the ratio of cooling output against how much power it needs to run the system on an hourly basis.
This measurement system is used in all heating and cooling systems.
You might think that the lower the EER number is, the more energy-efficient the system will be. However, it’s actually the opposite. You’re looking for a high EER number here to get the most efficient out of your air conditioner.
There are two reasons why you want to pay attention to the EER number. The first is that an air conditioner with a high EER number will use less energy and, in turn, your energy bills will be kept in check.
Secondly, as the AC unit uses less energy, it’s a much more environmentally-friendly option.
ECO Mode
On the subject of environmentally-friendliness, an air conditioner with an ECO mode will help to save even more energy by improving the EER rating and allowing the air conditioner to run at a slower rate.
By selecting ECO mode, the air conditioner will simply use less wattage per hour. This isn’t only better for the environment but helps reduce running costs as well.
Switching to ECO mode also lowers the noise level of an air conditioner, so it’s a good choice if you’re planning to keep it running while you sleep.
Digital Controls
If you want to be able to switch through modes and adjust your settings as quickly and easily as possible, you’ll need an air conditioner with digital controls.
Unlike the traditional rotary dials that you’ll find on some machines, they are easier to operate and give you a greater level of accuracy over your desired temperature.
Most air conditioners that have digital controls will also have an LCD display that will let you easily see the settings you’ve chosen. Again, this gives you greater control over accuracy and takes the guesswork out creating the perfect level of coolness.
Generally speaking, if an air conditioner features digital controls there is a good chance that it will have more user features too.
Wi-Fi Enabled
In a world of modern technology, we all want to be able to control our appliances using our smartphones. A Wi-Fi enabled air conditioner will allow you to do this.
Some models can even be paired with a voice-activated assistant such as Alexa or Google Home for even easier operation.
With a Wi-Fi enabled air conditioner, you’ll be able to set schedules, turn your air conditioner on and off when you’re away from home, and adjust the settings and temperature without having to be in the same room as your AC. To put it simply, it just makes life more convenient.
There is a slight catch, though. Air conditioners that are Wi-Fi enabled do tend to come at an increased cost. However, for the convenience and the extra features they bring to the table, it’s definitely something that you should consider.
Remote
Of course, a good old-fashioned remote control can sometimes be just as useful as Wi-Fi functionality when you’re at home. If you’d like to be able to turn the air conditioner on and off, select different modes, and adjust the settings, look for an air conditioner that comes with a remote control.
Noise Level (dBA)
Finally, it’s always worth looking at the noise level that your potential new air conditioner is going to make. A 5000 BTU air conditioner will generally be pretty quiet when it’s running but, of course, this can differ between brands.
If you’d like the quietest air conditioner possible, look for one that operates with a noise level between 40-60dB. This will allow you to continue with life as normal around your home, without the air conditioner making a loud, annoying noise.
It’s also incredibly important to look at the noise level if you’re planning on using your air conditioner to cool your bedroom down at night. The heat keeping you awake is frustrating enough. Add a noisy machine into the mix and you’re guaranteed to get a bad night’s sleep.
Common Questions About 5000 BTU Air Conditioners
How many square feet will a 5000 BTU air conditioner cool?
On average, a 5000 BTU air conditioner will cool 150 square feet of space. Some AC units can cool up to 200 square feet, but there is a chance it will take longer for the overall space to cool down. Every brand and model will be different.
Does a 5000 BTU air conditioner use a lot of electricity?
A 5000 BTU air conditioner uses between 446-580 watts of electricity per hour. However, some AC units feature an ECO mode that allows the air conditioner to run with an even lower amount of energy use.
This is something that is worth looking into if you’d like to produce cool air but you’re concerned about energy consumption.
How much does it cost to run a 5000 BTU air conditioner?
This ultimately depends on the wattage that a 5000 BTU air conditioner uses. To figure out how much it would cost to run a 5000 BTU air conditioner, there is a simple calculation. Multiply the number of watts that the air conditioner uses by the number of hours it will be running. Then divide that number by 1000 and multiply the total by the cost per kilowatt hour charged by your electric company.
The average cost per kilowatt hour is $0.13. So, for example, a 550 watt air conditioner that’s running for 24 hours would be 550 x 24 / 1000 x $0.13. The running cost in this instance would be $1.71 per day.
What is the difference between a 5000 BTU vs 8000 BTU air conditioner?
The main difference between a 5000 BTU air conditioner and an 8000 BTU air conditioner is the amount of space they can cover. A 5000 BTU air conditioner will cool a space measuring up to 150 square feet and an 8000 BTU air conditioner can cool a space measuring up to 350 square feet.
There is also a difference in energy consumption, with an 8000 BTU air conditioner requiring more wattage per hour to work efficiently. With this in mind, a 5000 BTU air conditioner would be a better choice for smaller living space, office, or bedroom.
Conversely, the best 8000 BTU air conditioner would be better for larger, open-plan living spaces or rooms with high ceilings.
Is 5000 BTU enough for a living room?
Generally speaking, a 5000 BTU air conditioner is enough for a living room measuring up to 150 square feet.
However, there are a couple of other things to consider here.
If your living room has a lot of sun exposure throughout the day, or you have really high ceilings, you may want to consider an air conditioner with a higher number of BTUs, as a 5000 BTU air conditioner will need to work harder.
A good option in that case is to go with one of the best 6000 BTU air conditioners, which has a bit more cooling capacity.
How many square feet is a 10×12 room?
A 10×12 room measures 120 square feet. Multiply the length by the width (10 feet x 12 feet = 120 square feet of area).
How many square feet is a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 room measures 144 square feet. Multiply the length by the width (12 feet x 12 feet = 144 square feet of area).
Enjoy Your New 5000 BTU Air Conditioner
We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to choose the best 5000 BTU air conditioner for your home.
As you discovered, good 5000 BTU AC units come in two types: window ACs and portable ACs. And the best 5000 BTU window air conditioner and best 5000 BTU portable air conditioner units come with a variety of different features.
You can choose AC units with manual or digital controls as well as Wi-Fi capabilities and more.
So just pick the right air conditioner for your needs and budget.
