What is the best window air conditioner for a small room?

On certified efficiency, the Midea MAW06S1KWT-A: 6,000 BTU at a CEER of 16.0, about $51 a year at typical U.S. use. If lightest matters more, the Midea MAW05R1KWT-B is the pick. Window units of 7,000 BTU or less, ranked by CEER.

What size window air conditioner do I need for a small room?

Following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide (normal sun, two people): home office of 100 sq ft, 5,000 BTU; nursery or guest room of 150 sq ft, 5,000 BTU; small living room of 250 sq ft, 6,000 BTU. Size up for a sunny room and down for a shaded one.

How much does it cost to run?

A typical unit on this list (5,000 BTU, 13.7 CEER) draws about 365 watts and costs about $49 a year at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price. The calculator works it out for your state.

Best window air conditioner for a small room

Offices, nurseries and guest rooms under about 250 sq ft need only 5,000 to 6,000 BTU. The smallest units are also the lightest and the easiest to fit in a narrow window.

Best overall

Midea MAW06S1KWT-A

6,000 BTU · window

CEER: 16.0
Power draw: 375 W
Per year: $51

Most efficient small unit: CEER 16.0.

Specs, size and running cost

Lightest

Midea MAW05R1KWT-B

5,000 BTU · window

CEER: 14.4
Power draw: 347 W
Per year: $47

30 lb, the easiest to lift into a window on your own.

Specs, size and running cost

Narrowest

TCL W5WC72

5,000 BTU · U-shaped

CEER: 13.7
Power draw: 365 W
Per year: $49

Only 16" wide, for small or narrow windows.

Specs, size and running cost

Models that qualify12 from 4 brands
Efficiency range13.1-16.0 CEER
Typical running cost$49/yr
U-shaped designs6 of 12
Also heat0 of 12
Support bracket included6 of 12

All 12, ranked

Window units of 7,000 BTU or less, ranked by CEER.

12 models, ranked by CEER (efficiency). Yearly cost at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price.

#						Features
1	Midea MAW06S1KWT-Aalso sold as 1 other model number	6,000	16.0	$51	16"	-
2	LG LW6023IVSM	6,000	15.5	$52	19.6"	-
3	Midea MAW06U1QWT	6,000	15.1	$54	19.2"	U-shaped
4	Midea MAW06V1QWBL-T	6,000	15.1	$54	19.2"	Saddle
5	Midea MAW06V1QWTalso sold as 3 other model numbers	6,000	15.1	$54	19.2"	-
6	Midea MAW05R1KWT-Balso sold as 10 other model numbers	5,000	14.4	$47	16"	-
7	TCL W5WC72also sold as 7 other model numbers	5,000	13.7	$49	16"	U-shaped
8	Midea MAW06S1VWBL-Talso sold as 9 other model numbers	6,000	13.7	$59	16"	-
9	TCL H6W4KWalso sold as 3 other model numbers	6,000	13.7	$59	20.7"	U-shaped
10	TCL W6WC72also sold as 3 other model numbers	6,000	13.7	$59	18.6"	U-shaped
11	Whirlpool WHAW061CX	6,000	13.7	$59	16"	U-shaped
12	Whirlpool WHAW050EX	5,000	13.1	$52	16"	U-shaped

Before you buy

What size for your small room?ENERGY STAR sizing guide

Home office, 100 sq ft5,000 BTU · top pick MAW06S1KWT-A
Nursery or guest room, 150 sq ft5,000 BTU · top pick MAW06S1KWT-A
Small living room, 250 sq ft6,000 BTU · top pick MAW06S1KWT-A

Normal sun and two people. Size calculator for your own room

Tips3

A 5,000 BTU unit covers 100-150 sq ft and 6,000 BTU covers 150-250 sq ft in normal sun.
Measure the window opening width and height before you buy; small units still need room for the side panels.
In a sunny room or one with computers running all day, choose the larger size.

Questions3

What is the best window air conditioner for a small room?: On certified efficiency, the Midea MAW06S1KWT-A: 6,000 BTU at a CEER of 16.0, about $51 a year at typical U.S. use. If lightest matters more, the Midea MAW05R1KWT-B is the pick. Window units of 7,000 BTU or less, ranked by CEER.
What size window air conditioner do I need for a small room?: Following the ENERGY STAR sizing guide (normal sun, two people): home office of 100 sq ft, 5,000 BTU; nursery or guest room of 150 sq ft, 5,000 BTU; small living room of 250 sq ft, 6,000 BTU. Size up for a sunny room and down for a shaded one.
How much does it cost to run?: A typical unit on this list (5,000 BTU, 13.7 CEER) draws about 365 watts and costs about $49 a year at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price. The calculator works it out for your state.

Best window air conditioner for a small room

Top picks

Midea MAW06S1KWT-A

Midea MAW05R1KWT-B

TCL W5WC72

All 12, ranked

Before you buy

More window air conditioner guides