Best 5000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Tested and Reviewed

A 5000 BTU portable air conditioner is perfect for cooling spaces between 100-150 square feet, making it ideal for small bedrooms, home offices, or dorm rooms. Our comprehensive guide will help you choose the best 5000 BTU portable AC for your needs.

List of the Best 5000 BTU Portable AC Units:

# Image Product Link
1 BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 5,000 BTU SACC/CEC (8,000 BTU ASHRAE 128) for Rooms Up To 350 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Full Function Remote Control & Window Kit, BPT05WTBA, White BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 5,000 BTU SACC/CEC (8,000 BTU ASHRAE 128) for Rooms Up To 350 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Full Function Remote Control & Window Kit, BPT05WTBA, White View on Amazon
2 Midea 8,500 BTU ASHRAE (5,000 BTU SACC) Portable Air Conditioner Smart Control, Cools up to 150 Sq. Ft., with Dehumidifier & Fan mode, Easy- to-use Remote Control & Window Installation Kit Included Midea 8,500 BTU ASHRAE (5,000 BTU SACC) Portable Air Conditioner Smart Control, Cools up to 150 Sq. Ft., with Dehumidifier & Fan mode, Easy- to-use Remote Control & Window Installation Kit Included View on Amazon
3 Hisense Portable Air Conditioner 5000-BTU DOE (115-Volt) White Vented, Remote control, Cools 150-sq ft, 24 Hour Timer, 3-modes (Cooling, Fan, Dehumidifier), Noise Level dB 47 - AP0522CR1W (Renewed) Hisense Portable Air Conditioner 5000-BTU DOE (115-Volt) White Vented, Remote control, Cools 150-sq ft, 24 Hour Timer, 3-modes (Cooling, Fan, Dehumidifier), Noise Level dB 47 - AP0522CR1W (Renewed) View on Amazon
4 GE 5,100 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft., 3-in-1 with Dehumidify, Fan and Auto Evaporation, Included Window Installation Kit,White GE 5,100 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Small Rooms up to 150 sq ft., 3-in-1 with Dehumidify, Fan and Auto Evaporation, Included Window Installation Kit,White View on Amazon
5 LG LP0524WFR Portable Air Conditioner w/Remote, Cools 150 Sq.Ft, Quiet Operation, 115V, 5,000 BTU (7700 ASHRAE), White LG LP0524WFR Portable Air Conditioner w/Remote, Cools 150 Sq.Ft, Quiet Operation, 115V, 5,000 BTU (7700 ASHRAE), White View on Amazon
6 HomePointe S2 Series 5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Corded Electric Cooling Fan Unit with Window Exhaust Kit for Home and Office Room Use HomePointe S2 Series 5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Corded Electric Cooling Fan Unit with Window Exhaust Kit for Home and Office Room Use View on Amazon

How to Choose the Best 5000 BTU Portable AC?

Key Features to Consider

Hose Configuration

For 5000 BTU units, single-hose configurations are standard and provide adequate cooling efficiency for small spaces. These units are more compact and easier to install than larger models.

Energy Efficiency

Look for units with EER ratings of 9.0 or higher. 5000 BTU units are generally very energy efficient due to their smaller size. Most units consume between 400-500 watts per hour.

Noise Level

5000 BTU units typically operate between 45-50 dB, making them quieter than larger portable ACs. For bedrooms, look for models with noise levels under 48 dB or those with dedicated sleep modes.

Installation and Maintenance

  • Window Requirements:
    • Minimum height: 12 inches
    • Maximum window kit length: 36 inches
    • Proper sealing around exhaust hose
  • Regular Maintenance:
    • Clean or replace filters monthly
    • Empty water collection tank (if applicable)
    • Clean exhaust hose and vents
    • Check and clean condensate drain

Room Size and Coverage

Room Type Square Footage Cooling Performance
Dorm Room 100-120 sq ft Excellent
Small Bedroom 120-135 sq ft Very Good
Home Office 135-150 sq ft Good

Frequently Asked Questions when Selecting the Best 5000 BTU Portable AC

How much electricity does a 5000 BTU portable AC use?

A 5000 BTU portable air conditioner typically uses between 400-500 watts per hour. With average electricity rates of $0.13 per kWh, operating costs range from $0.05 to $0.07 per hour of use.

Is a 5000 BTU portable AC good for a bedroom?

A 5000 BTU portable AC is ideal for small bedrooms up to 150 square feet. It provides efficient cooling while maintaining quiet operation, making it perfect for sleeping environments.

How long do 5000 BTU portable ACs last?

With proper maintenance, a quality 5000 BTU portable air conditioner typically lasts 5-8 years. Regular cleaning and proper usage can extend the unit's lifespan.

Do I need to drain a 5000 BTU portable AC?

Most modern 5000 BTU units feature self-evaporating technology and rarely require draining in cooling mode. However, in high humidity conditions or when using dehumidification mode, occasional draining may be necessary.