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Top 6 The Smallest Air Conditioner In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

During a heat wave, having a blast of cold air to cool you down can be a real lifesaver. However, if you live in a relatively cool climate, you probably don’t need an air conditioner all year round. Purchasing a large and bulky air conditioning unit can be a rather costly and inconvenient option.

So what’s the solution?

Portable air conditioners are ideal for temporary use. This is also a great option for people who want to keep cool while they travel. Let’s take a closer look at some of the smallest air conditioner models around to see what makes them so special…

Top 6 The Smallest Air Conditioner In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

Top 6 The Smallest Air Conditioner In 2023 Reviews


1 Senville SENL-12CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump

If you are looking for the smallest air conditioner, you will naturally want a model that is energy efficient. With a SEER rating of 19, Senville Leto is famous for creating air conditioners. This mean machine delivers 12,000 BTUs, which is enough to cool most rooms.

A model for all seasons…

One of the great things about this model is the fact that it can be used all year round. The Senville SENL-12CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump can be used to blow hot air in the chilly winter months. It also comes complete with a powerful and effective dehumidifier.

No matter what time of year, users of the Senville SENL-12CD Mini Split Air Conditioner will reap the benefits. It delivers minimal noise, making it ideal for installing in a bedroom if desired.

Almost effortless…

Even people who have never fitted an air conditioner before will find that this model is very easy to install. The Senville SENL-12CD Air Conditioner is supplied with a full and comprehensive installation kit. This is designed to make the installation process very fast and almost effortless.

Senville SENL-12CD Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros
  • Delivers 12,000 BTUs.
  • ETL and AHRI certified.
  • Also works as a heater and dehumidifier.
  • Comes with a remote control.
  • Provides cooling to 5°F.
  • Features multi-directional air vents.
Cons
  • Freon has to be purchased separately.

2 Senville 12000 BTU SENA-12HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner

Are you looking for a way to cool a medium-sized room quickly and conveniently? If so, the Senville 12000 BTU SENA-12HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner gets to work in a mere matter of minutes. With 12,000 BTUs it can cool rooms measuring up to 550 square meters in next to no time.

This model is ideal for attics, garages, and home offices. It makes very minimal noise during operation, meaning that it could also be suitable for a bedroom. Users are also sure to love the fact that it comes with a comprehensive seven-year warranty.

Turning up the heat…

The Senville 12000 BTU SENA-12HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner can also be used to heat rooms. In fact, this model can provide heat up to 22°F. This is certainly enough to take the chill out of the air and ensure lasting use.

It should be noted that the coldest the air conditioner can be set to be 62°F. While this is enough to stop most people sweating, they may never feel truly frosty. For people who are looking for a lower temperature, it may be necessary to invest in more power.

Senville 12000 BTU SENA-12HF/Z Energy Star Mini Split Air Conditioner
Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros
  • Cools rooms of up to 550 square feet.
  • Boasts an excellent cooling capacity.
  • Runs very quietly.
  • Comes with a seven-year warranty.
  • DC Inverter Technology for high efficiency and performance.
  • Delivers 12,000 BTUs.
Cons
  • Not especially cold.

3 PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS018GMFI17RL Minisplit Heatpump

People who have limited space are likely to want to find the smallest air conditioner around. However, the problem with small units is that they usually provide limited power. This can be a problem for anyone who has a large room that they want to cool.

The best of both worlds…

With 18,000 BTUs, the PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS018GMFI17RL Minisplit Heatpump really packs a punch. A room measuring up to 1,000 square meters can be cooled in just a few minutes. This means that users will never have to wait too long before things turn frosty.

Even more power and efficiency are provided if the building is especially well insulated. Users are treated to four different operation modes, including a heating mode. When the weather takes a cold, it is possible to take the bite out of the air.

Can be overwhelming…

The only real downside is that this air conditioner is not really suitable for small rooms. It delivers so much power that it is likely to overwhelm small rooms. However, this is an excellent option for those who are looking to cool a large room quickly and efficiently.

PIONEER Air Conditioner WYS018GMFI17RL Minisplit Heatpump
Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros
  • Delivers 18,000 BTUs.
  • Suitable for rooms up to 1,000 square meters.
  • Runs almost silently.
  • Very energy efficient.
  • Boasts four different operation modes.
Cons
  • The installation instructions are not very clear.
  • Not ideal for small spaces.

4 PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Minisplit Heatpump

One of the main things that tend to irritate people about air conditioners is the noise level. The constant hum or drone can really get under your skin and be distracting. This can be a particular problem if you are trying to sleep.

Fortunately, the PIONEER Air Conditioner Mini Split Heatpump is one of the quietest models around. It is designed to be so quiet that users can forget about it entirely. Rooms measuring up to 400 square meters can be cooled efficiently and almost silently.

But, there’s a catch…

Many people may be tempted to choose the PIONEER Air Conditioner because of its heating mode. This mode promises to provide enough heat to make users toasty and warm in the winter months. Well, at least in theory.

In reality, this heating mode is not very powerful and cannot replace an actual heater. In addition, users are likely to find that the instructions that come with this model are rather unclear. Fortunately, working out how to operate it is fairly intuitive.

PIONEER Air Conditioner Pioneer Mini Split Minisplit Heatpump
Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros
  • Delivers good airflow.
  • The operation is very quiet.
  • Features 9,000 BTUs.
  • Comes with a remote control.
Cons
  • Not suitable for large rooms.
  • The instructions are not very clear.
  • The heating mode is not very powerful.

5 Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner

If you have a very small space that you want to cool, finding the right air conditioner can be a challenge. Most models provide too much power. This can lead to uneven temperature distribution and unnecessarily high energy bills.

Small, yet perfectly formed…

With the ability to cool spaces of around 150 square meters, the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner is ideal. In fact, this is probably the best and smallest air conditioner for car. Users are treated to 5,000 BTUs, which are distributed very evenly through a vehicle or small room.

One of the great things about this model is the fact that it is also very easy to install. Even people who have no previous experience should be able to complete the process in around an hour. The model is designed to be mounted directly on a window sill or the back ledge of a vehicle.

Built-in dehumidifier…

People who suffer from allergies are sure to love the built-in dehumidifier. It has the capacity to remove more than a pint of water from the air every hour. The fan can also be used to evaporate the moisture, meaning that there is no need to install an overflow tube.

The addition of a remote control would make this model more convenient in the long run. However, the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner is still a great option for small spaces.

Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
Our rating:3.9 out of 5 stars (3.9 / 5)

Pros
  • Offers an impressive dehumidifying capacity.
  • Easy to use and install.
  • Runs very quietly.
  • Boasts low power consumption.
  • Very energy efficient.
Cons
  • The back of the case is very sharp.
  • Does not come with a remote control.

6 HOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

Do you like to have full control over the temperature in your room? If so, the hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner comes complete with seven different temperature settings. This provides users with more control than ever before.

Cool and very efficient…

Users are treated to 5,000 BTUs and a two-directional airflow control. This helps to distribute air through the room very quickly and evenly. People who have a very small room that they wish to cool will find that this model is very efficient.

It is possible to cool a room measuring 150 square meters in fifteen minutes or less. Users are treated to two different fan speeds. Not only do these provide an enhanced cooling effect, but they also direct cool air into different areas of the room.

Want to know the best part?

The hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner comes with a removable filter that is very easy to clean. This filter is safe to put in the washing machine or wiped with a little warm water. It is also possible to simply vacuum clean this filter for optimum convenience.

hOmeLabs 5000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros
  • Boasts seven different temperature settings.
  • Two-way air direction control.
  • Runs very quietly.
  • The filter is easy to clean.
  • Designed to be very efficient.
Cons
  • Can be rather noisy.
  • Not suitable for large rooms.

Best Smallest Air Conditioner Buying Guide

So what should you be looking for in the smallest air conditioner? Of course, size will be one of the most important factors, but that’s not the full story. Here are some other things to think about when searching for the best and smallest air conditioner.

Size Matters

Generally speaking, most small and portable air conditioners measure 25 inches to 35 inches. The width is from 12 inches to 18 inches, while the weight is from 45 to 95 pounds. The smallest air conditioners will be those that take up the least amount of floor space and are the most compact.

In order to be truly portable, users will also want a model that is very light. This is especially important for people who are looking for the smallest air conditioner for camping. In many cases, it may be necessary to compromise on one of these factors in order to get the best all-around small and compact model.

best smallest air conditioner

Cooling Power

Many people believe that the most power an air conditioner has, the more effective it will be. However, this simply is not the case. The amount of power that an air conditioner has is indicated by the number of BTUs.

It is important to realize that different capacities are designed for rooms of different sizes. Before purchasing an air conditioner, take the time to measure the size of the room that it is intended for. The air conditioner BTUs should be matched to the square meters of the room.

Turning Up The Heat

Some of the smallest air conditioners on the market also come complete with a heat mode. This is designed to provide heat during the winter months. Naturally, air conditioners that come with a heat mode are likely to get much more use.

This is especially useful if you are looking for a model that can be installed in a car or RV. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, users will be able to remain toasty and warm. However, it is important to note that the heater on many air conditioners is not especially powerful.

Other Modes

If the room is very small, it might not always be necessary to turn the air conditioner on full. Some models come with different fans settings for optimum convenience. Not only do the fan settings prevent things from getting too cold, but they also help to save energy.

Energy Efficiency

People who are trying to cut back on their energy bills will want to choose an air conditioner that is as efficient as possible. There are certain features that come with an air conditioner that can help to make it more energy efficient. These include a 24-hour timer and an automatic shutoff.

Cool Air Distribution

In order to quickly and effectively cool a room, the smallest air conditioner needs to deliver optimum air distribution. Some models come with oscillating louvers. This means that air can be blown in several directions at the same time.

Noise Level

If you are planning to install your new air conditioner in the bedroom, it is important that it runs as quietly as possible. Nobody wants to be kept awake at night by a unit that constantly hums, rattles, and buzzes.

Ease of Installation

Some air conditioners are rather tricky to install, while others are an absolute breeze. A good indication of the ease of installation is the installation kit and the instructions. The best model should come with a full installation kit and instructions that are very easy to follow.

smallest air conditioner review

Ease of Cleaning

Choosing an air conditioner that comes with a removable filter will make the cleaning process a lot easier. When the filter becomes dirty, it can cause the air conditioner to work less efficiently. Therefore, it is a good idea to remove and clean the filter regularly.

Make sure that the filter can be wiped clean or put in the dishwasher. It is natural that the filter will become torn over time. Therefore, it is also important to make sure that it is easy to find replacement filters for your air conditioner.

Maintenance

As a final note, pay attention to how easy the air conditioner is going to be to maintain. In order to remain functioning perfectly, air conditioners usually need maintenance from time to time. However, this maintenance should be as quick and easy as possible.

So, What’s The Smallest Air Conditioner?

When looking for the smallest air conditioner, many people will want a model that is very efficient. It should be able to cool rooms quickly without wasting energy. It will also be a bonus if the air conditioner is very quiet.

With 18,000 BTUs, one of the most powerful small air conditioners around is the…

This model boasts a heating mode as well as several other useful modes. Rooms measuring up to a thousand square meters can be effectively cooled in a mere matter of minutes.

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