Those who live in outdated homes without the comfort and convenience of central air know how punishing it can be to sleep in a hot bedroom during a heatwave.
While a fan can help, a small window air conditioner is better.
These small yet powerful appliances emit approximately 5,000 BTUs of energy to chill most bedrooms.
In addition, they are smaller than larger units and can fit in window openings as tiny as 21 (twenty-one) inches wide and 14 inches high while being significantly less expensive.
The smallest window air conditioner is MIDEA MAW05M1BWT measuring 13.19″ (W) x 12.05″ (H) x 15.98″ (D).
Despite its small size, this air conditioner is ideal for most conventional windows, with a width ranging from 23 to 36 inches and an open window height of 13 inches.
What is Considered a Small Window Air Conditioner?
A small window air conditioner has a width of 14 to 23 inches and a height of 11 to 15 inches. The smallest window air conditioners are designed to fit casement, sliding, and double-hung windows.
When shopping for a tiny window AC unit, consider the BTU output. The smaller the window air conditioner, the lower the BTU output. The BTU capacity of small window units ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 BTU.
Any window air conditioner that produces more than 12,000 BTUs is likely to be 24 inches or more comprehensive and hence cannot be classified as a small window air conditioner.
What is the Smallest Window Air Conditioner?
Pros
- It has a sophisticated appearance
- It performs admirably
- It’s peaceful
Cons
- It is inconvenient to use
- It is not the best value for money
- It lacks well-functioning cold temperature controls
The MIDEA MAW05M1BWT is the smallest air conditioner, measuring 13.19″ (W) x 12.05″ (H) x 15.98″ (D). Despite its small size, this air conditioner is ideal for most conventional windows, with widths ranging from 23 to 36 inches and an open window height of 13 inches.
The MIDEA MAW05M1BWT is also one of the smallest air conditioners in BTU output, with a cooling capability of 5,000 BTUs, enough to cool a 15-square-foot space.
It is trendy among homeowners and renters who desire a low-cost choice for successfully cooling tiny areas.
Ideal For Smaller Rooms
Midea’s Affordable Window AC unit is ideal for making your space as pleasant as possible. It has a cooling capability of 150 square feet. Ft. with seven temperature settings, two cooling/2 fan-only speeds, and 2-way air direction for consistent cooling.
Energy Effective
Midea’s 5,000 BTU window air conditioner has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate (CEER) of 11.0, which helps cut energy expenditures and save you money all year.
Quiet And Easy To Use
This window air conditioner is more modest than a standard refrigerator. It also contains a detachable, reusable air filter and simple mechanical controls for quickly setting the time, temperature, and mode.
Easy Installation
Installs easily in your existing window frame in your home or apartment.
What Are the Sizes Of Small Window Air Conditioners?
Window air conditioners are available in a range of sizes. However, to be classified as a small window air conditioner, the unit must fulfill one of the following dimensions:
- 14″ (W) x 20″ (H)
- 15″ (W) x 23″ (H)
- 15″ (W) x 12″ (H)
- 16″ (W) x 12″ (H)
- 16″ (W) x 11″ (H)
- 17″ (W) x 11″ (H)
- 19″ (W) x 12″ (H)
- 19″ (W) x 13″ (H)
- 19″ (W) x 14″ (H)
- 21″ (W) x 15″ (H)
- 23″ (W) x 15″ (H)
How to Choose the Right Size Window Air Conditioner?
When determining the optimal size of the window air conditioner for your needs, two factors must be considered: the size of the window installed and the BTU capacity for total square footage coverage.
Calculate the Size of the Window
To ensure a proper fit with your air conditioning unit, acquire accurate measurements of the window you intend to install the AC unit.
To acquire the most incredible fit, the window’s height and breadth are the most critical dimensions to take.
To get the width of a double-hung or casement window, measure between the two inner sides of the casing near the sill plate.
Because not all windows are square, taking measurements around the window sill will be the most accurate for your needs.
If the window is tiny, the height must also be measured. Again, this measurement should be taken with the window completely open.
To measure a sliding window, open the window and measure between the sash edge and the casing.
Select the Appropriate BTU Capacity
The BTU production and the size of the AC unit are inextricably linked. Therefore, the BTU output also determines the number of square feet the air conditioner can successfully cover.
Choosing the wrong BTU output can result in the wrong size unit, causing you to run an over or undersized air conditioner.
An oversized window air conditioner will cost more to buy and consume more energy than is required.
It will also perform poorly in terms of dehumidification because the unit will not be able to function for long enough to remove moisture adequately.
How to Install a Small Window Air Conditioner
It’s time to chill down—in your room after you’ve decided to purchase a small window air conditioning unit for your space.
But first, gather the equipment and materials specified above and keep them close at hand—you don’t want to pick up a large piece of machinery only to discover that your screwdriver is in another room.
Step 1: Take A Measurement Of Your Window
Measure the height and width of the window opening before shopping for a window air conditioner.
The air conditioner you buy should have at least 2 inches of wriggle area on both sides of the housing to extend the unit’s baffles.
Step 2: Put The Device Together
You’re ready to install an air conditioner after purchasing and unpacking it. Attach rails, flanges, or accordion-style panels to the unit’s housing first. Then, use the screws the manufacturer gave and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You’ll need a helper from now on. Two pairs of hands are preferable for all but the tiniest air conditioners.
Step 3: Get Your Window Ready
Open the window broad enough to allow for the air conditioner’s height. Next, lift the unit and place it on the bottom of the window frame.
Finally, let your assistant hold the device in position while completing the remaining chores.
Step 4: Insert The Device Into The Window
Most window air conditioners have two flanges: one at the top and one along the bottom. These flanges facilitate installation and increase the stability of the air conditioner.
Place the bottom flange so that it touches the windowsill. Next, lower the window sash (which you lifted in Step 2) until its bottom rail hits the unit’s top flange. The top window sash should now hold the air conditioner in place. Still, ask your assistant to stabilize the unit until you finish the next step.
You may also need to install a window AC unit mount support bracket depending on the window’s design and the AC unit’s size.
Again, consult the air conditioner manufacturer’s instructions—and, if appropriate, your building’s air conditioner installation regulations—to determine whether this device is necessary for your installation.
Step 5: Install The Angle Brackets
Your air conditioner most likely arrived with one or two little angle brackets that connect the two window sashes.
These brackets are critical because they keep the sashes from separating and the window from being mistakenly opened. Both conditions are hazardous and could result in the air conditioner falling out of the window.
Place the angle bracket where the top sash meets the top of the lower strap. Mark the location of the screws with a pencil, drill pilot holes, then tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
Next, extend the accordion-style panels (which you attached to the device in Step 2) and fix them to the window with the screws provided by the manufacturer. At this point, double-check that everything is in order.
Step 6: Put The Panels Together
Extend the panels on either side to cover the gap once the air conditioning unit is securely mounted to the window.
Use foam weather stripping to make an airtight fit if there are still small cracks and gaps around the panel.
Locate the tiny mounting holes on the panel once you’re pleased with its positioning—Drill small pilot holes in the sash that line up with the mounting holes.
Then, using two screws and a screwdriver, secure the panel to the strap.
If your air conditioner does not come with an air conditioner screen, you may need to buy a window AC installation kit. Alternatively, you can build a window AC.
Step 7: Use A Window AC Seal To Insulate The Aperture
Window Air Conditioner Foam Insulating Strip
The next stage is to close the gap between the upper and lower sashes, which have been raised to accommodate the unit.
At least one foam insulating strip should have come with your air conditioner. First, cut it to length, then fit it tightly between the bottom sash and the top sash’s glass panes.
If your air conditioner did not arrive with an insulating strip, consider purchasing and installing one.
What Is the Slimmest Air Conditioner?
LG LW5016 5000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Pros
- LG is the most dependable HVAC brand.
- Maximum energy efficiency (EER rating is 11.4)
- This is the thinnest window air conditioner, with a height of about 11.13 inches.
- LG has reasonable prices, which are usually less than $200.
Cons
- More comprehensive than other tiny units (17″ or more)
- Although it is pretty popular, it only gets an average rating on Amazon
The LG LW5016 is the slimmest window AC unit in height, 11.13 inches.
Cooling capacity: 5,000 BTU
Recommended room size: 100 to 250 sq ft.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 17.31 x 14.38 x 11.13
Power: 440 W (4.1 A, 115 V)
EER rating: 11.4 (High)
Weight: 40.0 lbs
LG is a well-known manufacturer of HVAC equipment. They are also known for producing extremely compact window air conditioners.
LG LW5016 is the company’s smallest window air conditioner. It has a cooling capacity of up to 5,000 BTUs, is incredibly thin, and has a record-high energy efficiency rating for such a small gadget.
Regarding the measurements of small window units, the height is usually the most crucial. LG’s air conditioner does not have the shortest width (17.31″) or depth (14.38″).
These two dimensions are never a problem in most cases.
The LG LW5016’s most important metric is its energy efficiency. It only has 440 W of electricity. The EER rating has a record-high 11.4 EER rating when it is calculated.
This is critical regarding the long-term cost-efficiency of a small window AC unit.
Do Those Tiny Air Conditioners Work?
Yes, these tiny air conditioners work flawlessly. They can keep you cool while saving you money on your energy bills.
They evaporate air and convert warm air to cold air to lower the temperature in the area.
A modest window air conditioner consumes approximately 500 watts of power. Small window air conditioners utilize the fewest watts to operate.
Medium window AC units consume about 900 watts, while big units use approximately 1440 watts.
These small AC units have also proven dependable and economical, with some offering superior features at a low cost.
Many of them also have low noise levels, making them even more appealing to many individuals.
