Black & Decker 5,000 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner

A simple window AC that punches above its weight in small rooms

I put this Black & Decker 5,000 BTU window unit to work during a stretch of muggy summer weather in a small bedroom and a home office. It’s a straightforward machine—rotary dials, two cooling speeds, a fan-only option—and that simplicity is the point. If you want a plug-in-and-go cooler without the trappings of apps or remotes, this one fits the brief.

Setup and sizing

Before anything else, measure your window. The chassis stands about 16 inches tall and 15.3 inches wide, so the sash opening needs to clear that height. That height is a bit taller than many compact 5,000 BTU units I’ve used in the past, which is worth noting if you have older windows with limited travel. Depth is about 12 inches, which kept it from protruding too far outside.

At 12.1 pounds, it’s very light for a window AC. I was able to lift and position it solo without strain. I set it into a standard double-hung window and leveled it with a slight tilt outward to encourage condensate to drain. As with any window unit, make sure you secure it according to your local codes and seal any gaps to keep hot air and bugs out. The lightweight body makes installation less intimidating, especially if you’re moving it between rooms or storing it seasonally.

Electrical needs are modest: it runs on standard 115 V, 60 Hz household power and draws about 3.9 amps. That puts it in friendly territory for older circuits, though I still avoid sharing the same outlet with other heavy loads.

Controls and day-to-day use

The control scheme is classic: two rotary dials—one for mode (fan-only low/high or cool low/high) and one for temperature. The temperature dial is a mechanical thermostat, not a digital setpoint. In practice, I set the fan speed based on noise tolerance and then used the temperature dial to find a balance where the compressor cycled on and off without overcooling. There’s no timer, no energy-saver mode, and no remote. If you like tactile, no-frills controls that anyone can understand, this layout is satisfying. If you want the precision of a digital display or remote adjustments from bed, look elsewhere.

Air direction is four-way via the adjustable louvers. I found I could bias the airflow up toward the ceiling to mix the room air rather than blast directly at the bed or desk. The louver range is adequate for a small room; just don’t expect the broad sweep of a larger unit with motorized vanes.

Cooling performance

In a roughly 120–150 square foot bedroom with average insulation, the unit handled late-afternoon sun competently. It took the edge off quickly on high and maintained comfort on low once the room was pulled down. In my office—smaller, shaded, and with fewer heat sources—it cooled more aggressively, where I mostly ran it on low. That’s the wheelhouse for 5,000 BTU: small bedrooms, nurseries, offices, and dorm rooms. Push it into a 200+ square foot space or a room with big west-facing windows and it will struggle to keep up during peak heat.

The mechanical thermostat does a decent job cycling the compressor. I observed consistent on/off behavior without excessive short-cycling when the dial was set sensibly. As with most entry-level window ACs, the fan continues to run when the compressor shuts off; there’s no “auto fan” that stops the blower entirely. If you like constant gentle air movement, that’s a plus.

Noise and comfort

On low fan, the unit produces a steady hum and mild airflow noise—white noise territory that didn’t bother my sleep. On high, it’s obviously louder, as expected, with more wind noise than compressor clatter. I’d call it typical for a compact, budget window unit: not whisper-quiet, but not disruptive in a small room once you get used to it. Vibrations were minimal when the unit was installed firmly and leveled. If you hear rattling, check that the chassis and window sash are tightly secured and that any gaps are sealed, as loose trim is a common culprit.

Energy use and costs

With a current draw of about 3.9 A on a 115 V circuit, you’re looking at roughly 450 watts when the compressor is running. In plain terms, that’s around 0.45 kWh per hour of active cooling. At $0.15 per kWh, expect about 7 cents per hour while the compressor is on; because the compressor cycles, your average cost over an evening will be lower. For a small space, that’s efficient enough to run nightly without bill shock, especially if you use the low fan setting and sensible thermostat dial placement.

Filter access and maintenance

Maintenance is simple: the filter is removable and washable. On this unit, the filter slides out from the side, so you’ll want a little clearance to access it without removing the whole AC from the window. In a tight installation jammed against trim, that can be awkward; giving yourself a couple inches of space makes life easier. I vacuumed the filter weekly during peak pollen season and rinsed it monthly. Louvers and faceplate wiped down easily with a damp cloth.

For longevity, I also recommend vacuuming the intake area and, at season’s end, checking the coils for dust buildup. There’s nothing fancy here—no filter change reminders—so set a reminder on your phone if you’re prone to forget.

Build quality and safety

Fit and finish land where I expect for an entry-level window AC. The casing is cleanly molded, the dials have clear detents, and the louvers hold their position. It’s UL safety certified, which is table stakes but still worth noting. The one-year limited warranty is standard for this class. Given the stripped-down feature set and mechanical controls, there’s less to break compared with digital units—something I appreciate for rentals and guest rooms where simplicity equals reliability.

What I liked

• Lightweight and easy to install solo
• Simple rotary controls with an intuitive thermostat dial
• Four-way airflow that helps avoid cold spots
• Fan-only mode with two speeds for ventilation or white noise
• Sensible power draw for older circuits
• Washable filter and straightforward maintenance

What I didn’t

• Side-access filter needs clearance and can be awkward in snug windows
• Taller chassis than some 5,000 BTU units; measure your sash height
• No digital thermostat, timer, energy saver, or remote control
• Fan runs continuously; no “auto fan” mode

Who it’s for

This window AC is a good fit for small bedrooms, nurseries, offices, and rental spaces where you value straightforward operation over smart features. It’s especially attractive if you move a unit seasonally or between rooms—the low weight makes that painless. If you’re outfitting a larger living room, need precise temperature control, or want remote operation and timers, jump up to a higher-capacity model with digital controls.

Recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker 5,000 BTU window unit for small rooms and anyone who prefers simple, reliable controls over bells and whistles. It cools effectively within its size class, sips power, and is easy to live with day to day. The trade-offs—side filter access, taller height, and the lack of digital features—are real but reasonable at this level. If your window can accommodate the height and you don’t need a remote or timer, it’s a solid, no-nonsense choice for keeping a compact space comfortable through the summer.