When it comes to purchasing the best air conditioner, the first thing you need to consider is BTUs or British Thermal Units, as this will tell you how large a space the unit is designed to cool efficiently and quickly.
If you’re looking to cool a midsize or small room between 200 to 300 square feet, you’ll definitely want to look at window units starting at 6000 BTUs. While air conditioner units less powerful than 6000 BTUs are highly efficient, they’re not sufficient for a large bedroom or a medium-sized living room. Conversely, units rated at 8000 BTUs or higher are overkill for such spaces and will noticeably raise your power bill.
When it comes to features, 6000 BTU units tend to be a little less noisy than even the best 5000 BTU air conditioners, but the amount of noise they make can vary between models. The kind of room you’re looking to cool — not just its size — is also an important factor. You’ll want a different model for a kitchen than a bedroom, for example. Other hallmark features of top-tier 6000 BTU models include a remote control, extra program settings like a 24-hour timer, Wi-Fi connectivity, and more.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about the best 6000 BTU air conditioners and what they offer.
Top 6000 BTU Air Conditioners
#1 Midea MAW06R1BWT EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is very easy to install, and has washable filters that are easy to access. Its ECO mode keeps it energy efficient, and it also has a filtration change indicator.
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- Very energy efficient
- Low noise operation
- Filter change indicator
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- Has to be placed in a window and cannot be put anywhere else
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This Midea Easy Cool air conditioner comes in a compact, rectangular size and has a 6000 BTU rating. It has air conditioning, dehumidification, and fan-only modes, and since it also comes with a remote, owners won’t have to walk up to it to change its settings. The AC unit is fit for rooms up to 250 Sq ft in size, and with a noise level that oscillates between 54 and 57 decibels, it’s not going to cause any serious disruptions during sleep. Its only drawback is that it’ll have to be placed in a window and cannot be put anywhere else.
The AC unit comes with an innovative Eco mode that regulates indoor temperature by intermittently switching on and off to cut costs on electricity. It also features a filter change indicator so that users know when to change out its filters and an auto-restart feature that starts back up with the same settings that it was operating on when power is restored in the event of an outage. Its filters are also pretty easy to remove and wash.
#2 LG LW6017R 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is easy to use, has a 24-hour timer, and has a low noise level. Users will appreciate its three different fan speeds and that it also has an energy-saving mode.
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- Very easy to set up
- Energy saving mode
- Auto restart feature that saves current settings
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- No dehumidification feature
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This LG air conditioner has a 6000 BTU rating, making it perfect for rooms up to 260 Sq ft in size. It has a simple-to-use remote and is pretty easy to install. With a noise output of roughly 52 decibels, most really wouldn’t consider it noisy, and since it comes with a remote, users will be able to shift through its different modes from the comfort of their bed or couch. The AC unit also has a standout auto-restart feature that’ll start it back up with the same settings in the event of a power outage. However, it does not have a dehumidification feature.
The Window AC unit also has an energy-saving mode for users who wouldn’t want to run up their electricity bill and features a power cord that is 3 ft 6 inches long. It’ll fit perfectly for windows that are 21’’ x 14’’ or larger, and with three different cooling and fan speeds, users will be able to customize its functioning down to their specific needs. It is also very easy to install.
#3 Haier ESA406T 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR LOW NOISE OPERATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a sleep mode that shuts off its lights and reduces its noise level. It is also easy to install and operate.
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- Very low noise
- Has a 24-hour timer for easy scheduling
- Full-function remote with LCD display
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- Some have felt that its filters were challenging to remove
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The Haier ESAQ406T is a modern-looking 22’’ window air conditioner with a 6000 BTU rating and four working modes: cool, energy save, fan, and dehumidify. It has a convenient 24-hour timer that owners can use to schedule its functioning, as well as a clean filter indicator that’ll notify you whenever its filters need to be cleaned up. The AC unit also has a sleep mode that offers the most comfortable sleeping temperature and hushes its noise output down to a quiet 44 decibels. However, some users have reported that its filters were challenging to remove.
Designed for a room as large as 250 Sq ft, this Haier AC unit facilitates multi-directional airflow for even more air circulation. Also, it has a washable mesh filter that is very easy to clean. The air conditioner comes with a full-function remote that has an LED display and four different fan levels for owners to choose from. It also has a sleep mode that turns its lights off so that users can avoid any distractions and enjoy a more peaceful rest at night.
#4 Emerson EARC6RE1 Quiet Kool 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It was awarded an energy star rating in 2017, and is also very quiet in its functioning. ‘It has an 8-way airflow system, and a 24-hour timer.
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- Very energy efficient
- Comes with a remote
- 8-way airflow for good circulation
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- Not the best looking
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This Emerson EARC6RE1 Quiet Cool window air conditioner is rated at 6000 BTU, and back in 2017, it was awarded an energy star rating for being one of the most energy-efficient air conditioners in the market. It is ideal for rooms up to 250 Sq ft in size and comes with a 24-hour self-timer that can be used to schedule its functioning. Unfortunately, some people might consider it a bit ugly for their home.
Nonetheless, this AC unit is pretty quiet in its operation and features 8-way directional airflow for efficient air circulation. The unit also comes with a remote control to save owners from the hassle of walking up to it, and in terms of functioning, it has a cool, dry, fan, and auto mode. It also comes with all the parts required for installation, so owners won’t need to ask for any help putting it together.
#5 Soleus WS3-06E-201 Air Exclusive 6000 BTU Over the Sill Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR INNOVATIVE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for users who wouldn’t want to obstruct their view and is also very low noise during operation.
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- Very easy to install
- Very low noise
- Can regulate temperature according to location of remote
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- No WiFi connectivity
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If there is one thing that will have would-be buyers seriously consider this Soleus air conditioner, it’ll have to be its “over the sill” installation and saddle design. It actually won a Global Innovation Award for how it is designed, and part of the reason is it is one of the few air conditioners that’ll not interfere with the window’s functioning. This AC unit also does not require an installation bracket, and with a noise output of only 38 decibels at its lowest, it is one of the most peaceful ACs available. Its only drawback is that it does not come with WiFi connectivity, unlike some other models in its line.
This 6000 BTU AC unit has four operational modes to choose from. It has an auto mode that’ll have it choose the most efficient function depending on current room temperature, a sleep mode that’ll keep fan noise down to its lowest, and a dry mode that can remove up to 30 pints of moisture from the air per day. Also included is My Temp mode, which picks up on the remote’s temperature and regulates itself based on that.
#6 Amazon Basics 6000 BTU Window Mounted Air Conditioner
Award: BEST FOR FUNCTIONALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is a functional AC that doesn’t have many bells and whistles. It is very easy to install, and has a 24-hour timer.
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- Very easy to install
- Comes with a remote
- 24-hour timer for scheduled functioning
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- Quite large and bulky
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This Amazon Basics window-mounted air conditioner has a 6000 BTU rating, making it perfect for rooms up to 250 Sq ft. It has essential features such as a 24-hour timer, a remote for convenient operation, and three different fan settings. It’s also easy to install since it has adjustable side panels. However, some might not like its large and bulky size.
Nonetheless, this AC unit still has a couple of features that will impress would-be buyers. One of them is its auto-restart feature, which is useful in the event of a power outage since it’ll power back up with the same settings that it was previously running on. The air conditioner also has a clean filter indicator that lights up to remind users to clean it and a sleep mode that sets it to its lowest noise setting for a quiet night.
Beginner’s Guide to Best 6000 BTU Air Conditioner
What Is a 6000 BTU Air Conditioner?
A 6000 BTU air conditioner is a window-mounted appliance designed for cooling mid-sized to small-sized rooms. Most models in this class can efficiently cool space between 200-300 square feet. While they’re capable of cooling slightly larger rooms, their efficiency is noticeably decreased, which will shorten their lifespan and raise your energy bill.
6000 BTU units can also be a good choice for cooling small kitchens. Kitchens are generally harder to cool than other rooms because of the heat from various appliances, like an oven. That said, while the best 6000 BTU air conditioner will cool a small room faster (and possibly with less noise) than a 5000 BTU unit, your power bill will probably feel it, especially since 5000 BTU units are generally much more energy-efficient than more powerful models.
6000 BTU Air Conditioners vs Other Models
Taking low-BTU portable air conditioners out of the equation, 6000 BTU air conditioners are the second-lowest in terms of cooling power after 5000 BTU models. You’ll also want to fully understand dry mode vs cool mode in A/Cs.
While the 1000 BTU difference may not seem like a lot, there are a couple of key differences in performance. Obviously, 6000 BTU units are made to efficiently cool larger spaces than 5000 BTU units, but window air conditioners tend to be less efficient as their BTUs increase. 5000 BTU units are generally significantly more energy-efficient than more powerful models in terms of energy used per square foot.
6000 BTU units are also less noisy than smaller models since their larger casing allows a less tight fit for the compressor component, which is the biggest noise culprit. This is something you’ll find in single-stage vs two-stage air conditioners, too. As you go higher in BTUs, units will generally get even quieter. The best 8000 BTU air conditioners, for example, will be noticeably quieter than most 6000 BTU units.
Apart from that, 6000 BTU models function very much the same way all higher BTU models do, though the larger the size of the unit, the more extra features there tend to be.
How 6000 BTU Air Conditioners Work
6000 BTU Air conditioners work the same way most other window AC units work — by removing heat and humidity from a room and replacing it with cold air.
All air conditioners use a refrigerant chemical and have three main mechanical components: a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator coil.
The refrigerant is changed from gas to liquid, and back into gas. The pressure and heat of the refrigerant is increased by the compressor and the condenser coil where it’s converted back to a liquid and sent to the outside. It then goes back into the room and is converted again to gas and cooled in the evaporator coil. Next, the fan blows indoor air onto the coil.
Lastly, this cold air is cycled back into the room while the warmed, evaporated refrigerant gas is pushed through the compressor outside again and the refrigerant once again becomes a liquid. The cycle continues to the point that the indoor air reaches the desired temperature.
Why Should You Buy A 6000 BTU Air Conditioner?
On a hot summer day, nothing feels better than walking into a cool room. If your current air conditioner just isn’t up to the job of cooling your space, upgrading to a more powerful model is a smart idea. Just keep in mind that a 6000 BTU air conditioner is best for a midsize room, around 10’x20′ or 200-250 square feet. You could stretch that to up to 300 square feet of cooling, though it may take a little longer to reach your desired temperature.
If you find that your kitchen tends to be too warm to cook in, you may want to look into a window air conditioner. Since kitchens require more cooling power due to ovens and other kitchen appliances, a 6000 BTU model will work well in a small kitchen but may have to work a bit harder in a mid-sized kitchen.
Is a 6000 BTU Air Conditioner Worth Buying?
- You need to cool a room under 300 square feet: A medium-sized normal space under 300 square feet is ideal for a 6000 BTU unit for efficient, quick cooling.
- You need to cool a small kitchen: Kitchens require more power to cool because of the ambient heat level from ovens and other appliances, so a 200-250 square foot kitchen would be better served by a 6000 BTU unit that won’t have to work as hard as less powerful models.
- You’ve got a small room with high ceilings: Like kitchens, rooms with high ceilings or unusual shapes don’t circulate air as quickly as normal spaces, so a 6000 BTU unit might be the right choice for such a room, even if it’s in the 100-150 square foot range.
- You’d like a quieter AC unit:: It may be counterintuitive, but more often than not, the more powerful an AC unit is, the quieter it will run. This is primarily because higher BTU models are larger, giving the compressor more space to run in without rattling or overheating, adding to its operational noise level
Why a 6000 BTU Unit May Not Be For You:
- You Need To Cool Large Rooms: A 6000 BTU unit is great for rooms smaller than 300 square feet, but for larger rooms, you’ll be making it work too hard, shortening its lifespan while doing the job more slowly and less efficiently
- You need to cool a mid-sized kitchen: Since kitchens require more cooling power per square foot, a 6000 BTU won’t be the most efficient or cost-effective way to cool a kitchen over 250 square feet or so.
- You need to cool a mid-sized room with high ceilings or an unusual shape: A room you’d otherwise use a 6000 BTU unit to cool (anything under 300 square feet) may need something a little more powerful if it’s got especially high ceilings or an unusual shape that makes it harder to circulate air.
- You’re on a budget and have a smaller room: Any room that isn’t a kitchen or has high ceilings and is under 250 square feet can be adequately cooled by a 5000 BTU unit. A 6000 unit will raise your power bill and cost more upon purchase, so if it’s more power than you need, listen to your wallet.
How Long will a 6000 BTU Air Conditioner Last?
Like most window air conditioners, a 6000 BTU model has a lifespan of around ten years before its performance will start to deteriorate or it fails. Many manufacturers offer warranties of up to five years, but if you want to extend the life of your unit as much as possible, there are a few factors that can affect its lifespan.
Heavy Use
For starters, a unit that’s only used for a few weeks each year will have a longer life than one that’s used for several months each year. A unit that’s used continuously for many hours during a period of use will similarly have a short life span.
Keeping the Unit Clean
Keeping your AC unit clean and regularly maintained will also extend its life considerably. An air filter clogged with dirt, grease, and dust won’t allow air to flow through them properly, affecting fan speeds and making all the components work more to cycle air and cool a room.
Furthermore, the air that does pass through dirt or pollutants will carry them to the evaporator coil, making it harder for it to absorb heat. Cleaning your filters regularly or replacing them if they’re disposable will help to prevent malfunction and maintain optimal performance.
Keeping the Unit Out of Direct Sunlight
Constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause more wear to an AC unit. Additionally, it makes the components work harder to cool a space, making it less efficient and increasing its power use.
This is why it’s best to install your air conditioner in a north-facing window, with plenty of shade. A little direct sunlight won’t do noticeable harm, but if it’s getting direct sunlight all day, the effect will be palpable on the life of the unit.
Room Size and BTUs
Simply put, trying to cool a room that’s too large for the amount of cooling power your unit provides will significantly increase wear and decrease efficiency. Not only will that mean a shorter life for your unit, but it’ll take longer for your unit to cool a room.
6000 BTU units are generally rated for rooms 300 square feet or smaller, though ideally not larger than 250 square feet, especially if high ceilings are a factor.
How to Choose the Best 6000 BTU Air Conditioner
Now that you’ve decided to purchase a 6000 BTU air conditioner, consider a few additional factors and features that will help you choose the right model for you.
6000 BTU Air Conditioner Key Factors
1. What is the cooling capacity per square foot?
6000 BTU air conditioners are rated for rooms 300 square feet or less, though they start to lose some efficiency over 250 square feet. While they will cool a small bedroom or other space more quickly than a 5000 BTU unit, it may be a case of unnecessary overkill, and your power bill will reflect that. For that reason, standard midsize rooms between 200 and 250 square feet are the sweet spot for 6000 BTU models in terms of optimal efficiency and practicality.
2. Where do you plan to install it?
If you’re installing the unit in a room that is difficult to cool, like a kitchen, you’ll want to consider the room’s size. A small 150-square-foot kitchen or a 250-square-foot bedroom without particularly high ceilings would be best served by a 6000 BTU unit. Larger rooms will require a more powerful air conditioner.
3. What are its power demands?
Whether they’re window or wall-installed units, air conditioners use considerably more power than most household appliances, and once a unit goes beyond 5000 BTUs, the power demands increase exponentially.
Regardless of where you install your AC unit, you run the risk of serious electrical issues if your circuit breaker can’t handle the voltage demands. For a 6000 BTU model, make sure your breaker is rated for at least 15 amps to avoid issues.
4. What is its efficiency rating?
6000 BTU units are, as a rule, less efficient than 5000 BTU models, but efficiency within their class can still vary considerably. There are two key things to look for when determining efficiency in all AC units:
- Energy Efficiency Ratio– The energy efficiency ratio or EER of an air conditioner indicates BTUs per watt of power during use. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests choosing an air conditioner with an EER rating of 10.0 or over for the optimal cost-to-performance ratio.
- Energy Star Certified: Units with Energy Star certification generally use 10%less energy than comparable models. This lowers your power bill and carbon footprint simultaneously. Most U.S. states. offer rebates on Energy Star-rated models, making them an easy choice for budget and ecologically-minded consumers.
