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      5,000 BTU U-shaped window air conditioner

      Whirlpool WHAW050EX

      Below average efficiency for its size: a CEER of 13.1 ranks #12 of 12 5,000-6,000 BTU window air conditioners.

      It cools a room of about 100-150 sq ft, draws about 382 watts and costs about $52 a year to run at typical U.S. use and prices.

      CEER
      13.1 Combined efficiency, higher is better
      Below average · beats 4%
      Cooling
      5,000 BTU/hFor about 100-150 sq ft
      Energy use
      286 kWh/yr19% less than the federal minimum
      Unit size
      16" wide 12.5" high, 15.2" deep, 42 lb

      A good fit if…

      • You want a quieter room and a usable window - the window closes into the U, so the compressor sits outside the glass.
      • You want to plug it into an ordinary outlet - it runs on 115 V.

      Think twice if…

      • Running cost matters most - its CEER is below average for 5,000-6,000 BTU window air conditioners.
      • You also need heat - it cools only.

      Calculate my running costCheck the size for my room

      Details

      Specifications5,000 BTU, 115 V
      General
      BrandWhirlpool
      Model numberWHAW050EX
      TypeWindow
      DesignU-shaped (window closes through it)
      HeatingNo, cooling only
      CompressorVariable speed (inverter)
      Voltage115 V (standard outlet)
      RefrigerantR-32 (GWP 675)
      Support bracket includedYes
      On the market sinceSeptember 30, 2026
      Last certifiedSeptember 30, 2026
      Performance
      Cooling capacity5,000 BTU/h
      CEERCombined energy efficiency ratio, includes standby power13.1
      Yearly energy useENERGY STAR test: 750 hours286 kWh
      Better than federal minimum19% less energy
      ENERGY STAR Most EfficientNo
      Size
      Width × height × depth16" W × 12.5" H × 15.2" D
      Weight42 lb
      How it compares with 11 other 5,000-6,000 BTU window units#12 of 12
      • CEER (class median 14.4)13.1, no ties
      • Yearly cost vs. class median ($54)$2 less
      • Width 16" (class median 18.6")narrower than 55%
      • Weight 42 lb (class median 42 lb)lighter than 45%
      • Rank among 6 similar designs (U-shaped)#6

      Compared with the other ENERGY STAR certified 5,000-6,000 BTU window units. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

      Questions7
      How many square feet does the Whirlpool WHAW050EX cool?
      At 5,000 BTU/h it suits a room of about 100 to 150 sq ft with normal sun and two people, following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide. In a heavily shaded room that stretches to about 110-165 sq ft; in a very sunny one it shrinks to 90-135 sq ft. A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU more.
      How many watts and amps does the Whirlpool WHAW050EX use?
      About 382 watts at full power (5,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 13.1), which is 3.3 amps at 115 V. That is 15 W less than the typical unit in its class (397 W), or $2 a year cheaper to run at 18.0¢/kWh. Its inverter compressor slows down instead of cycling, so real use is usually lower. Its CEER beats 0% of the 12 units in the class.
      Can the Whirlpool WHAW050EX run on a standard outlet?
      Yes. It runs on 115 V and draws about 3.3 A, well inside a standard 15 A outlet, but do not share the circuit with a space heater, microwave or other big load. Every certified unit in this class is 115 V.
      What are the dimensions of the Whirlpool WHAW050EX, and will it fit my window?
      16" W × 12.5" H × 15.2" D, 42 lb. It is narrower than 55% of its 11 competitors and lighter than 45% of them. The window closes into the U-shaped slot, so measure the opening height as well as the width: you need at least the unit's 16" width between the frame sides.
      Is the Whirlpool WHAW050EX U-shaped design an advantage?
      Mostly yes. The sash closes into the unit, so the window stays sealed and daylight comes in, and the compressor is outside the glass, which cuts noise indoors. The trade-off is a window that must slide up and down, and a few extra steps to fit the foam seals.
      Can the Whirlpool WHAW050EX also heat the room?
      No, it only cools. If you also need heat, 0 certified units in this class can do both; see the list of air conditioners with heat.
      Is the Whirlpool WHAW050EX worth buying to replace an old air conditioner?
      An old unit of the same size at 9 CEER would cost about $75 a year to run at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh; this one costs about $52, so it saves roughly $24 a year.

      Running cost calculator

      Pre-filled with this model. Pick your state and how many hours you run it, or see the yearly cost in every state.

      1. The air conditioner Whirlpool WHAW050EX
      2. How you use it
      Per year
      $81
      Per month of use
      $15
      Per day
      $0.49
      Per hour
      6.1¢
      Power draw
      382 W

      Electricity used: 504 kWh a yearAn old 9 CEER unit of the same size would cost $117

      Power draw is capacity divided by CEER, which already includes standby power. Inverter units often run below full power, so real use can be lower. Electricity prices: U.S. EIA residential averages (12 months to July 2026). Days a year start from your state's cooling degree days (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).

      Closest alternatives

      Units with a similar CEER in the same class, and what sets each one apart from the Whirlpool WHAW050EX.

      ModelCEERCompared with this one
      Midea MAW06S1VWBL-T13.70.6 CEER higher, 10 lb lighter, standard box
      TCL W5WC7213.70.6 CEER higher
      TCL W6WC7213.70.6 CEER higher, 2.6" wider
      TCL H6W4KW13.70.6 CEER higher, 4.7" wider, 10 lb heavier
      Whirlpool WHAW061CX13.70.6 CEER higher, 9 lb lighter

      See all 12 5,000-6,000 BTU window air conditioners, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), certification of September 30, 2026. How we use the data.