8 Smallest Window Air Conditioners 2023: Small AC Units Reviewed

If you are searching for a smaller window air conditioner to cool your room, this buying guide is for you.

All window air conditioners consume less energy than a centralized AC and work more efficiently than portable air conditioners. 

Moreover, smaller window AC units often cost the least. 

In this buying guide we review and recommend the best small window AC units for a variety of needs and situations.  We also provide a brief buying guide to help you find the right model for your room.

What’s in This Guide

Best Small Window Air Conditioners

Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com

1. Best Overall: Midea MAW05M1BWT

Midea produces super-reliable window air conditioners of all sizes. This small air conditioner is a 2-in-1 machine that is perfect for most people’s needs.

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room Size

The Midea MAW05M1BWT air conditioner is rated at 5000 BTUs. It works best in a room up to 150 sq. ft. It can quickly cool a normal sized bedroom or home office. 

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

This Midea window AC is ideal for individuals on a budget. 

In addition, the Midea MAW05M1BWT air conditioner can fit standard windows due to its small size. Measuring 15.98x13.19x12.05 inches, this unit is appropriate for windows with a width of 23-36 wide and 13 inches in height.

Energy-Saver Modes

This window air conditioner automatically initiates the Energy Saver mode under Dry, Cool, Auto-Cooling, and AutoFan modes. 

It offers impressive cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation of your space. 

Limitations and Issues

The main drawback of this window air conditioner is that it is not Energy Star Certified. However, it is still power-efficient with an excellent EER rating. This window air conditioner does not have a remote control either.

2. Smallest Size: Frigidaire FFRS1022R1

If you’re looking for the smallest footprint AC, this is it. 

Frigidaire is a reliable brand known for making high-quality air conditioners of all types and sizes.

This model lives up to the company's reputation for reliability and quality. The Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 air conditioner has the smallest width on our list.

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room size

Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 AC produces 10000 BTUs and is excellent for cooling a large room up to 450 sq. ft.

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

This air conditioner is created for sliding and casement windows. It will not perform in traditional double-hung windows that go upwards and downwards. 

This air conditioner can be inserted in windows 15.5 inches wide and 21.5 inches high. It cannot adjust into windows that are more than 40 inches in height. 

Energy-Saver-Mode

This mode helps you reduce your electricity bills. The unit cools like central air conditioning by turning on and off at various intervals to ensure the room temperature remains at the selected temperature.

Programmability & Timer

This unit comes with a built-in 24-hour on/off timer, ensuring that your home will be relaxing and cool without worrying about high electricity bills. 

Limitations and Issues 

Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 AC is designed only for sliding or casement windows. It will not work in sliding up and down standard double-hung windows. Moreover, this window air conditioner also makes noise.

3. Second-Smallest: Koldfront CAC8000W 

If you need a window AC for casements and slide windows, then the Koldfront CAC8000W AC unit is an excellent option.

It produces 8000 BTUs making it ideal for a room that is 350 square feet. 

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room Size

The Koldfront CAC8000W AC is created to cool down 350 sq. ft sized rooms. It produces 8000 BTUs evenly spread across the room for effective cooling.

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

This AC unit measures 23.5 x 14.5 x 20.89 inches. It fits nicely in windows that are 15.5-16.25 width in inches with a 21.24 inches height while operating with a window board retainer. However, the height will be around 20 inches without a panel retainer.

Dual Operation Modes

This window air conditioner has dual operation modes. It has touch buttons for setting adjustments. Moreover, it comes with a push-button control to operate it from a distance.

Limitations and Issues 

Even though Koldfront CAC8000W AC is the second smallest window air conditioner, it is costly. Moreover, it weighs 75 pounds, making it one of the heavier ACs on the list. 

4. Smallest Window AC w/ Digital Controls: LG LW6017R

LG has been a trustworthy brand for more than 60 years, and its small window AC units are no exception. 

Despite incorporating the latest digital controls, the LG LW6017R AC is a cost-friendly alternative to larger and pricier window air conditioners in the market. 

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room Size

With a reasonable 6000 BTUs of cooling power, this LG LW6017R effectively covers up to 260 sq. ft of area.

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

LG LW6017R window air conditioner measures 14.38 x 17.31 x 11.12 inches and will insert easily in windows that are 21-35 inches wide and have a height of 12 inches. 

Digital controls

This window air conditioner comes with digital controls suitable for AC as they allow you to manage the settings more specifically than typical rotary dials. The LG LW6017R AC has a small screen that displays the selected settings.

2- Way Air Direction

You can enjoy the LG LW6017R window air conditioner's 2-way air direction. This function leaves no hot spot and is perfect for hot summer days and nights. 

Limitations and Issues

Though this LG unit is a solid performer, installing it can be confusing if you are new to this. We recommend not installing the LG LW6017R window air conditioner without assistance.

5. Best for Medium Sized Rooms: TCL 8W3ER1-A

TCL 8W3ER1A is among the top smallest window air conditioners for average-sized bedrooms, living areas, and offices that can fit traditional windows. 

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room Size

TCL 8W3ER1A AC has an impressive 8000 BTUs of cooling capability. This small but powerful window air conditioner can cool any room with an area of 350 sq. ft. Additionally, it has a built-in sound-absorbing element developed for consumer convenience.

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

TCL 8W3ER1_A AC has a general size of 15.59 height and 13.31 width in inches. It can ideally fit into a window with a height of 14.5 inches and a width of 23 to 36 inches.

8-Way Cooling

This feature is a tremendous advantage because of the four ducts. With 8-way cooling, you can have more evenly dispersed air in the room. This window air conditioner comes with a remote control that makes changing these settings easier.

Energy Star Certification

TCL 8W3ER1-A window AC is Energy Star approved, meaning that it decreases electricity bills. You can also save energy with the added Eco and Sleep modes.

Limitations and Issues 

The only issue with this window air conditioner is that the customer support is mediocre. They take long to respond, and you might not get a satisfactory solution to your issues. 

6. Best for Large Rooms: MIDEA U Inverter

The Midea U Inverter has a unique and innovative U-shape allowing you to open your window to let the fresh breeze into your room. 

If you have a larger room to cool, this compact unit is an excellent space-efficient solution. It will effectively keep the room cool without taking up much space. 

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room Size

With 12000 BTUs, it does not take long for Midea U Inverter to cool a room of 550 sq feet area. 

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

With a height of 21.97 inches and a width of 13.46 inches, this AC unit can fit in windows that are 13.75 inches tall and 22 to 36 inches in width. 

U-shaped Design

The unique U-shaped window air conditioner not only cools the air of the room; it also allows the fresh breeze in when you open your window.

Moreover, this particular shape dampens noise. It is among the most noiseless small window conditioners with only 42 dB of noise. 

Energy-Saver-Mode

The new technology of the Midea U Inverter achieves 35% energy savings compared to a standard window AC. This unit was granted the "Energy Star's Most Efficient" 2020 certificate.

WiFi Connectivity

The Midea U Inverter is WiFi-enabled and managed through remote control, Alexa, Google Home Assistant, and the MideaAir App. With this advanced model, you can also schedule different settings according to your convenience. 

Limitations and Issues

The most common complaint about this window AC unit is that it is usually on backorder or out of stock. 

7. Best Budget Pick: Frigidaire FFRA051WAE

The most pocket-friendly on our list of the smallest window air conditioners is another AC by Frigidaire, the FFRA051WAE. This model is a bestselling, budget-friendly, small window AC.

Our Review

Best Features

BTUs and Room Size

The cooling power of the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE window-mounted air conditioner is 5000 BTUs that cover an area of 150 sq. ft.

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

With the measurements of 15.25 x 16 x 12-inches, this AC unit can be inserted in windows with 13-inches height and 23-inches width. You can insert it in a 23-inch window because the side panels are adjustable and can be made smaller.

Washable Filter

The Frigidaire FFRA051WAE window air conditioner grabs dust from the air and allows your AC unit to function effectively with its easy-to-wash filter.

Limitations and Issues 

Despite being a reliable product from a respected brand, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE does not have a remote control and is not Energy Star approved. This may cause inconvenience in the long run.

8. Best Wi-Fi-Connected AC: Frigidaire Cool Connect

Frigidaire's Cool and Connect air conditioner is good-looking, and unlike some other window ACs, it is app-enabled.

This allows ease of use and convenient control over the AC. Plus, its sleek look matches well with modern decor.

Best Features

BTUs and Room and Size

The 8000 BTU Frigidaire Cool Connect AC can cool rooms of 450 sq. ft with 3 pints of dehumidification every hour.

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

This window air conditioner measures 19.75 x 19 x 14.5 inches. The window height should be 15.5 inches, and the width should be 23 inches. 

WiFi Connectivity

Frigidaire Cool Connect also has WiFi connectivity, just like the Midea U Inverter on our list. Connecting your window air conditioner to your WiFi can make your life much easier.

You can change the temperature, fan speeds, control modes and get notifications even when you are not home. Your smartphone will act as your fully-functional remote control. You can control it from anywhere. 

Air Ionizer

One stand-out quality of this window air conditioner is a clean air ionizer. This feature removes specific pollutants like pollen, dust, and allergens from the air, making it cleaner. 

Mesh Filter

The unit features a mesh filter. This detachable antibacterial mesh filter is convenient for cleaning and easy to maintain.

Limitations and Issues

The Frigidaire Cool Connect is a little expensive as it is a smart device. Another issue with this AC unit is that the display is hard to read from a distance, and it is only compatible with the Frigidaire app. The app itself is somewhat troublesome.

Buying Guide: Small Window ACs

Sizing a Small Window AC

It is essential to know how much space needs air conditioning in your house before you decide to buy a window air conditioner. If the AC is not sized to space, you will surely be disappointed in its performance in the future.

An air conditioner unit that is smaller than required will not provide enough cooling and leave you unnecessarily warm inside your room. Also, AC units remove humidity from the room.

A small unit will not do that properly and leave the room muggy from the inside. 

It is highly recommended that you research the requirements of your house and consult a local seller for the best air conditioner unit recommendation according to your needs.

Features That Matter

Several essential features should be considered before you decide to buy the smallest air conditioner. Features that matter are:

BTUs and Room Size

Measure the size of your room with a measuring tape to check which air conditioner unit to buy accordingly. AC cooling power is measured in BTUs. Higher the BTU, the more area it cools. Manufacturers list the BTUs and suggested coverage areas on their product lists. You can choose an air conditioner accordingly.

Type of Window AC

Window ACs come in different shapes and sizes. You need to see which one will suit your requirements.

1. Horizontal 

Horizontal AC units are the traditional models that fit vertical sliding windows, also known as double hung windows. These are not as tall and have greater width. 

2. Casement/Sliding/Vertical

A sliding or casement window air conditioner is one you will need if you are looking to fit an AC into a sliding window. These ACs have a vertical orientation and are taller than their traditional counterparts. 

Size of Unit vs. Size of Window

Make sure you measure the dimensions of your window accurately before buying even the smallest window air conditioner on the market.

Otherwise, fitting issues will result in extra work and possibly additional installation costs for you.

Installation Kit

You do not need a fully qualified AC installation expert for your cooling unit.

You can simply purchase an installation kit from a hardware store or online and follow the instructions as you go about it. You may need a helping hand to lift the AC unit for installation.

Dual function (Heat + Cool)

A dual-function AC unit can prove a good investment if you decide to go for it. The heating features in window AC units work just like the cooling feature.

This function will save you from buying an additional appliance for winters and save you a considerable amount of money since you'll only be heating and cooling rooms that you need. 

Noise Level

Most modern air conditioner units do not emit similar noise levels anymore.

However, if minimum sound levels still annoy you, you can use insulator rubber or similar noise absorbing materials to reduce noise. 

Fan Speeds

Almost all modern air conditioners come with adjustable fan speeds. This feature gives you better control over the unit's operations and makes it more convenient for everyday use.

Energy-Saving Mode

As the name suggests, the energy saver mode is incorporated in modern AC units to maximize the unit's efficiency.

This mode ensures an optimum cooling experience with minimal electricity usage when turned one.

Exhaust Switch

An exhaust switch is an additional feature in many ACs which replaces the air inside your room with fresh air from outside.

Dehumidifier mode

This mode is a fundamental feature in even the smallest window air conditioners. It allows an AC to remove excess moisture from the air inside the room without cooling it. 

Remote Control 

Unlike the traditional air conditioners, most modern AC units come with remote control. A remote control allows you to access the AC settings from a distance and enhances your overall experience. 

WiFi Connectivity 

WiFi-enabled AC units are something to look out for. This cool and futuristic feature helps you control your air conditioner remotely and makes it compatible with a smartphone app which increases convenience.

Programmability & Timers

This feature lets you switch modes on your AC unit at your convenience and lets you auto-switch your AC on and off according to your daily routine.

Installing a Small Window AC Unit

Installing a small window air conditioner is an easy and fun task. It's more of a simple DIY project.

You will be required to do minimal lifting and will need to tighten a few screws if you do not wish to seek professional help. YouTube tutorials might come in handy and save you unnecessary time spent on the task.

Small Window AC Maintenance 

For optimum performance, you need to ensure the AC unit is well maintained throughout the year. Maintenance can be done by:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a window air conditioner fit a small window?

Make sure that the air conditioner you will purchase is specifically designed for the window that will house it. There are different windows, casements, double-hung and sliders, etc.

Also, you will need to measure the width and height of the window accurately to make sure the air conditioner unit fits perfectly into the window frame.

How many BTU do I need for a 12x12 room?

Ensure you have the accurate measurements of the room where you want your air conditioner unit installed.

You may seek the help of your local home store or an AC retailer to help you calculate the required BTUs for your 12x12 room. Usually, 5000-8000 BTUs should be enough for a 12x12 room. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Small Window Air Conditioner?

Several factors come into play when buying the best small window air conditioner. The most prominent ones are mentioned below:

• Capacity
• Energy efficiency 
• Price
• Installation
• Maintenance 
• Air quality 

Is a window AC the same as a room AC?

Both the air conditioner unit types serve the same purpose; however, they do not have the same features. Window ACs are single units designed for air circulation in small rooms.

However, room ACs or splits are divided into two units. These are mounted high on the wall and designed to cool large spaces. 

Is a small air conditioner energy efficient?

Yes. Small window conditioners have proven to be quite good at conserving energy.

They usually have high BTU ratings and can give maximum cooling power while using minimum electricity.

How do I make my window air conditioner airtight?

Tiny spaces in between your AC unit and window frame can cause the hot air to come inside the room and the cold air to flow out, thus reducing the optimum efficiency of your air conditioner unit. 

The most straightforward method of dealing with this is by using adhesive-backed foam weather stripping to block the tiny gaps and prevent air leakage. You may also use clay-like material known as rope caulk to fill small gaps.

How do you clean window air conditioners?

The best way to ensure cleanliness is to remove and rinse its filters every month during the cooling season. If the AC is not in use, cover the unit with a plastic sheet or tarp.

Before the start of the summer, you might want to disassemble the unit and give it a thorough cleaning.

The aluminum fins need to be combed with a soft bristle brush, and the interior tray can be vacuumed and wiped down. 

What is Considered a Small Window Air Conditioner?

The size of a small window air conditioner depends on three factors:

• Window size
• Power (BTUs)
• Energy efficiency ratio (EER)

Generally, a 25 x 15 window is considered a small window. Air conditioning units that can fit inside this window are considered small window ACs.

These air conditioner units use less energy than their larger counterparts, proving to be more efficient.

The air conditioner power is usually measured in BTUs, which signifies how much heat energy is moving around. The majority of small window air conditioners fall under the 8000 BTU rating.

EER is the rating given to air conditioners depending upon the energy they consume. Small air conditioners usually have a higher EER due to the energy utilized against their cooling capacity.

What are the Sizes of Small Window Air Conditioners?

There are multiple sizes of small window air conditioners. Ideally, the smallest window air conditioners start from 2000 BTUs and go from 6000, 8000, and 10,000 BTUs up to 12,000 BTUs.

What happens if a window air conditioner is too small?

A window air conditioner that is smaller than your requirements will cause multiple problems, such as:

• Not having enough cooling power to remove the required heat.
• Not removing enough humidity.
• Running the window air conditioner more than usual will result in unnecessary noise and early mechanical failures.

Can you put an AC sideways in a window?

There are a couple of good reasons why this is not a good idea. 

First, you might burn out the compressor very quickly if you install your AC vertically. The oil and freon used by the compressor will quickly flow out and damage the ac unit.

Additionally, the AC unit is designed to drain condensation in a particular way.

If you turn the unit on its side, it will affect the drainage and potentially result in the condensation draining onto your wooden walls, furniture, and carpet. This will not only damage your appliance but other household items too.

Final Verdict: What Is The Best Small Window Air Conditioner?

Hopefully, our guide on the 9 smallest air conditioners will help you make the right choice. 

All of the small window ACs reviewed above are solid bets, but the best small window AC for most people and most rooms is the Midea MAW05M1BWT because of its excellent brand reputation, ease of use, and modern features.