Amazon Basics 5000-BTU Small Window Air Conditioner, Up to 150 Sqf, Window AC Units with Cool and Fan Functions, Washable Filter, Adjustable Window Kit, Intuitive Mechanical Controls, White

Why I picked a 5,000 BTU window unit

I needed to tame a small, west-facing bedroom that consistently tipped into the high 80s by late afternoon. A compact, no-frills window AC made sense: keep costs down, keep the install simple, and focus on consistent cooling rather than bells and whistles. The Amazon Basics 5,000 BTU window AC fit that brief on paper—small footprint, mechanical controls, washable filter, and a window kit for standard double-hung windows.

Installation and setup

This is a straightforward install if your window fits the spec: 23–36 inches wide with at least 13 inches of vertical clearance. The included adjustable side panels are the familiar accordion type, and the mounting hardware is basic but serviceable. I had everything in place in under 30 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver, level, and a bit of extra weather stripping I keep around for sealing gaps. If you’re new to window units, two quick tips:

• Tilt the unit slightly downward toward the outside (a degree or two is enough). This encourages condensation to drain away from the room.
• Be gentle with the rear coil fins; they’re sharp and bendable. Gloves help.

Weight-wise, it’s manageable for one person, but it’s always safer with a helper when lowering the chassis into the sill.

Controls and everyday usability

You get two rotary dials: one for mode (fan only or cool, each with low/high) and one for the thermostat (seven settings). There’s no remote, timer, or digital display. That simplicity has benefits: it’s rugged and predictable, and it returns to its last setting after a power cycle. I paired mine with a smart plug to set a schedule and voice control—because the controls are mechanical, that works perfectly.

The temperature dial is coarse by design, so expect to find your “sweet spot” by feel rather than an exact degree setpoint. Once I found my setting, the unit cycled the compressor on and off reliably to maintain comfort.

Cooling performance

In a roughly 11-by-12-foot bedroom (about 130 sq ft), cooling is this unit’s strong suit. From a starting point near 80°F, it knocked the room down to a comfortable mid-70s in about 15–20 minutes on a 90°F day, and it held the temperature through early evening sun without fuss. Two factors help:

• High fan speed moves a healthy amount of air and supports the outdoor heat exchange. In general, small window units perform best on high because the indoor and outdoor fans are usually tied together.
• The airflow pattern is adjustable left/right with a simple vane, and while it’s not multi-directional, it’s enough to aim across a bed or desk.

If you’re cooling a space larger than 150 sq ft, temper expectations. It can assist in a bigger area if you close off unused rooms and manage heat sources, but its rated capacity is really intended for small spaces.

Noise and comfort

Noise is a steady, unobtrusive “fan hum” on low and a more present whoosh on high. It’s not silent, but in the universe of budget window ACs it’s on the quieter side. The manufacturer rates it up to 56 dB; subjectively, I could comfortably hold a phone call on speaker with it on low and fall asleep to it on high (think white noise machine level). If your desk sits right next to the window, you’ll hear it; otherwise it fades into the background.

Compressor starts are gentle—no alarming thumps—and the vibration isolation felt secure once I tightened the mounting screws and added a small foam shim under the outer sill to prevent rattles.

Dehumidification

In humid weather, the unit does a respectable job pulling moisture out of the air. I noticed the typical window-unit behavior where condensate gets flung against the condenser coil and evaporated, so there’s little to no constant dripping outside when installed with the correct tilt. Indoors, the air felt noticeably drier after 20–30 minutes, which made the set temperature feel cooler.

Filter and maintenance

The washable filter slides out from the front for a quick rinse. I checked it after two weeks of daily use and found the usual dust buildup—nothing dramatic. A monthly rinse (more often if you’re in a dusty area or have pets) keeps airflow high and reduces strain on the compressor. While you’re there, give the rear coil a visual inspection. If fins are bent, a cheap fin comb can tidy them up and restore airflow.

Power use and efficiency

There’s no Energy Star badge here, but in daily use the electricity draw felt in line with other 5,000 BTU units I’ve owned. It never tripped a breaker, even sharing a circuit with a laptop and lamps. The analog thermostat helps by cycling the compressor rather than running continuously, and using high fan speed can actually improve efficiency in hot conditions by moving heat out of the unit more effectively.

If you’re cost-conscious, pairing it with a smart plug for a schedule (start an hour before bedtime, shut off in the morning) is a simple way to save without giving up comfort.

What could be better

• No remote or timer: If you like couch control, you’ll miss it. The smart-plug workaround helps.
• Coarse temperature control: The seven-position dial works, but it’s not as precise as a digital thermostat.
• Air direction is basic: Left/right adjustment only. In some layouts, a vertical vane would help.
• High-speed noise: On high, it’s audible down the hall. Not obnoxious, but it’s not whisper-quiet either.
• Quality control is good overall, but as with most budget units, inspect for bent fins or shipping dings before installing.

Who it’s for

• Small bedrooms, home offices, dorms, and workshops up to about 150 sq ft.
• Renters or anyone who needs an easy, reversible install.
• People who prefer simple, mechanical controls and don’t need app connectivity.
• Budget-minded buyers who want dependable cooling without frills.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want smart features, ultra-quiet operation, a remote, or you’re cooling a large space, consider stepping up to a higher-capacity or premium model.

Tips for best results

• Run the fan on high during hot afternoons; it improves cooling performance and helps the unit keep up.
• Seal around the accordion panels with foam or weather stripping to prevent hot air infiltration.
• Maintain a slight outward tilt so condensation stays outside the room.
• Keep the outdoor side clear of obstructions; even six inches of clearance helps airflow.
• Clean the filter monthly and check the coils seasonally.

The bottom line

The Amazon Basics 5,000 BTU window AC is a no-nonsense cooler that does its core job well. It won’t win feature contests, but it reliably cools small rooms, installs easily, and is simple to live with. In my bedroom test, it reached comfort quickly, maintained it through peak sun, and stayed quiet enough to sleep with. The mechanical controls and washable filter are refreshingly straightforward, and the unit plays nicely with a smart plug if you want a pinch of convenience.

I recommend this unit for small spaces where affordable, efficient cooling matters more than extras. You’ll trade a remote and digital precision for reliability and ease, but if you value those traits—and keep the fan on high when it’s truly hot—this compact workhorse is an easy yes.