Although window sizes have standards, some houses might have narrower panes than others.
In some cases, you need to fit an air conditioner into a 15-inch-wide window. Our article offers a few situations, brands, and models you can choose from.
Let’s jump in and see all the options.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best 15-Inch Wide Window Air Conditioners
- OUR TOP PICK: TCL 5WR1-A
- RUNNER-UP: Della 048-TL-WAC5K 5000 BTU
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Amana AMAP050BW
Best 15 Inch Wide Window Air Conditioners
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Window Air Conditioner
Choosing a 15-inch window air conditioner is very much like picking any other model. Still, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Below are the essential ones.
How Large is the Area You Want to Cool?
Although this might not be the most straightforward thing to do, you need to measure the room and find the air conditioner with the appropriate BTU power. There are a few ways to approach this issue:
Measure the Area and Use the Formula
To get the right cooling power for your AC, find the square footage of your room by multiplying the width and the length and plug it into this formula (Square Footage x 30 / 12,000) – 1. This number is a rough estimate and will probably need some modifications depending on occupancy and sun exposure.
Use an Online Calculator
If you want to consider a more detailed approach and less manual labor, this option is for you. Find a good calculator and answer a few questions. The algorithm will estimate the BTUs for you.
What Size Window Do You Have?
This is a fairly obvious question to ask yourself. Choose an option that will match the open slot and leave enough space for adjustments. Window air conditioners usually come with retractable wings or some curtain kit to make it easier to fit.
What’s Your Desired Energy Efficiency?
Saving energy is essential for a couple of reasons—first, your electricity bills at the end of the month. You’d want to save as much money as possible on heating and cooling, reaching maximum efficiency for your house.
On the other hand, there is the environmental angle. If the AC is Energy Star rated, it refrains harmful substances and aims for cleaner solutions for the environment.
How Much Are You Ready to Spend?
Your budget is another consideration while choosing a window air conditioner. Model prices might range from $140 to $2,000 and include different functionality and various degrees of technology.
You can find anything between a unit with rotary controls and super smart appliances that “greet you when you come home.”
Review of the Best 15-Inch Wide Window Air Conditioners
In this list, we’ve collected several AC models that meet all the expectations for narrow window units. Read on to get acquainted with all the pros and cons and find excellent recommendations.
Best Overall
TCL 5WR1-A
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 150 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 15.2×15.98×12.52
Weight: 37.7 lbs.
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Specs
Voltage: 115 volts
Review
TCL 5,000 BTU window air conditioner is one of the lightest options on our list, which, combined with its narrow body, can be an excellent find for your small windows.
Although it doesn’t have a remote, it allows an eight-way manual airflow control, which helps cool the whole room. There’s also a silent performance for a good night’s sleep.
The removable filter allows you to keep the AC from getting dusty and keep your house clean from harmful particles and pet hair.
Bottom Line
While it doesn’t have fancy digital controls, this unit is a compact and efficient solution for small rooms. It requires a window width in a range between 15.8 and 36 inches, as it comes with curtains on both sides.
It’s easy to install, and if you know what to expect, TCL 5WR1-A won’t let you down.
Pros
Eight-directional airflow
Includes installation kits
Low noise of about 50 dB
Permanent washable filter
Easy to set up, no technical crew needed
Cons
No remote control
Two fan speeds instead of the more standard three
Runner-up
Della 048-TL-WAC5K 5,000 BTU
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 350 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 14.48×13.45×15.77
Weight: 46 lbs.
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Spec
Voltage: 110 volts
Review
With a temperature range of 61° F to 88° F and fan-only modes, this Della unit can cool rooms of up to 150 square feet. Although it’s a window unit, it can cool down small apartments that don’t have too many walls.
Della is one of the well-known brands on our list. Still, this AC model doesn’t offer too many features. It’s a minimalistic approach to cooling and dehumidification with specific attention to efficiency.
The set comes with everything you need for installation and fits windows of up to 36 inches.
Bottom Line
This is a unit that you can install yourself with no technical help.
Once you have it out of the box and on your window, make the connections and turn the knobs. Although it lacks a remote control, it’s easy to operate due to the four modes and seven cooling settings.
The only thing you need to do is not forget to wash the filter, dry it and place it back before turning the unit on.
Pros
Performs at 11 EER
Windows as narrow as 13.45 inches
Quiet operation at 50 dB for better sleep
Dehumidification capacity of 30 pints a day
Seven temperature settings and four modes (two for fan, two for cooling)
Cons
Rotary controls with no digital display or remote
Best for the Money
Amana AMAP050BW
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 150 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 15.3x16x12.5
Weight: 39.7 lbs.
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Spec
Voltage: 115 volts
Review
AMANA 5,000 BTU air conditioner is a standard and affordable solution for small rooms and people who don’t need much functionality out of their AC.
Although it only has four modes (high and low for cooling and fan-only), it’s a decent appliance and can keep the room air fresh and dehumidified. The latter occurs due to the built-in filter. Remove and wash it once in a couple of weeks, and the room air will stay fresh.
Bottom Line
If you’re searching for a simple solution to your heat problem and some proper dehumidification against stuffiness indoors, AMANA’s unit is the best value for money.
It’s standard for narrow and lightweight ACs not to have sophisticated functions. They just get the job done, and this unit is one of those.
Pros
Mounting kit
One-year limited warranty
Cooling and fan-only modes
Washable air filter with easy access
Straightforward operation with eight-way airflow
Cons
Only two fan speeds
Mechanical controls, no remote
Editor’s Pick
Danby DAC050MB1WDB
Specifications
BTU (DOE): 5,000
Coverage Area: 150 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 13.19×15.98×12.05
Weight: 36.3 lbs.
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Specs
Voltage: 115 volts
Review
Danby DAC050MB1WDB is yet another 5,000 BTU air conditioner that can cool and dehumidify your room to your desired comfort levels. It’s easy to install, as it’s just about 36 pounds. It’ll sit on your narrow window and keep the room cool. Simple and straightforward.
It’s efficient and uses a safer refrigerant than the earlier models, reducing the global warming potential by three times. It also saves you money on disposable filters, offering you a permanent washable one you only have to vacuum or rinse once in a couple of weeks.
Bottom Line
With no dimension larger than 16 inches, this unit is a compact and light solution for your small windows. It’s a convenient unit for enclosed spaces like basements, temporary living spaces, and tents.
If you don’t need too much power but still want the cool, this is a useful model to acquire.
Pros
Permanent air filter
Standard three-prong plug
24-month parts and labor warranty
One of the lightest units on the list
Cools and dehumidifies a room of 150 square feet or a small apartment
Cons
Two-way air direction (against the eight-way of some other units)
Honorable Mention
Della 048-TL-WAC6K 6,000 BTU
Specifications
BTU (DOE): N/A
Coverage Area: 250 sq.ft.
Airflow (CFM): N/A
Dimensions (in): 15.2×15.98×12.52
Weight: 43 lbs.
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Specs
Voltage: 110 volts
Review
With a width of 13.45 inches, this AC is one of the narrowest ones on our list. Still, it packs 6,000 BTUs in that body, giving you everything you’d need in a small air conditioner: fast cooling, dehumidification, and quiet operation.
The variety of modes allows you to adjust the air conditioner to your lifestyle instead of adapting to its whim. It comes with a nice and compact full-functionality remote and three fan speeds.
The ECO mode saves you dollars by shutting the AC down when the temperature reaches the indicated threshold.
Bottom Line
This isn’t the first AC from Della we recommend, and there’s a reason for that. The company seems to hit the mark with compact air conditioners. With its easy installation, effortless controls, and manageable maintenance, this unit is an excellent find for bedrooms, RVs, and trucks.
Pros
Installation kit included
Timer, ECO mode, and fan-only
Removable and washable filter
Operational noise of as low as 45 dB
46 Pint dehumidification for maximum comfort
Cons
Difficult warranty process
What Size Window Can a 15 Inch Wide AC Fit Into?
If you’re looking for an ideal fit, measure your window before shopping. If it’s narrower than 15 inches, you might be facing a little construction work to widen the window frame. In case you don’t want to do that, it would be easier to opt for another option like a wall-mounted AC or a portable one.
15-inch window air conditioners are best fitted in windows of 15 inches and larger. They usually come with an installation kit that makes it easy to cover the gaps on the sides. Still, there’s some consideration with this: you need to find out if the “curtains” are enough to cover the whole width. Other options include foam or plexiglass.
In any case, it’s easier to work it out with a wider window than a narrow one.
When Would a 15-Inch Air Conditioner Be the Best Choice?
While finding a worthwhile AC model for your narrow window might be a challenge, there are some cases where you absolutely need one of those. Let’s go one by one and see in which cases you’d need a 15-inch air conditioner.
Small Basement with a Narrow Window
The issue of narrow windows is usually present in enclosed spaces like basements. If you’re lucky enough to have the ray of light in your understructure, finding a small and lightweight AC could be the difference between a damp and stuffy dungeon and a comfy living space.
Bedrooms
Generally, the smaller the beast, the less noise it makes. Opting in for a smaller unit in the bedroom is more practical: you get less noise.
In addition to that, you probably don’t need a bigger option for the space you’re sleeping in.
Remember the rule of thumb, the larger the window unit, the more the cooling coils inside, and the higher the tonnage.
Temporary Structures, Tents, Trailers, and RVs
When it comes to the mentioned structures or vehicles, most people prefer portable or smaller-size air conditioners. Small and lightweight window air conditioners can fit most tents, trailers, and RVs.
As they’re standalone units and don’t require tedious installation, they’re ideal for temporary living spaces.
When is a 15-Inch-Wide AC Not a Good Choice?
If you’re in one of the situations below, buying a 15-inch window air conditioner might not be a good idea.
When the Room is Larger Than the Given Unit’s BTU
As we’ve already mentioned in this article, proper sizing is key to making the room temperature comfortable and the AC last longer without overworking. If the room is bigger than the AC is supposed to comfortably cool, you’re at the risk of heat patches.
The AC will probably get blind spots and be inefficient. You’ll also end up with a higher electricity bill.
Wider or Narrower Windows
The best window air conditioners come with a built-in way to cover the gaps between the window frame and the appliance.
While having a narrower window might mean extra construction work, a wider window might need other, more unconventional solutions like plexiglass or foam. Either way, you’ll need to measure the window and the unit width before clicking that “buy” button.
Spaces That Can’t Handle Window Air Conditioners
While enclosed spaces with no windows are the most obvious candidates for this category, you should also consider old houses with fragile window frames.
If a window AC isn’t an option, there are plenty of choices among portable, through-the-wall, and wall-mounted units.
Area Regulations vs Window ACs
If you live in a building with strict area regulations or with historical significance, you might not be able to mar the facade with an appliance.
Landlord Issues
Having an easy-to-install window unit is convenient if you’re renting an apartment. Still, ensure to read the tenancy agreement before you think about installing one.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of quality options among 15-inch-wide window air conditioner models. Most of them come with decent functionality at affordable prices, and some even offer something extra. We hope that this article has your questions covered. If not, peek into the FAQ section below to find out more.
People Also Ask
Narrow windows are out of standard, especially for larger rooms. Still, if you’re an owner of one, read on for more information about what you can do and if buying one is worth it.
Most 15-inch window air conditioners come at 5,000 BTU power. This capacity is helpful for rooms of up to 150 square feet. If you have narrow windows but a larger space, consider a wall-mounted or portable unit to avoid heat patches.
If your room is small enough and you’ve made proper sizing from the get-go, narrow air conditioners can work wonders. It’ll be able to cool the room with no issues and save you a few bucks in the process.
While it’s not easy to find an adequate model that works for camping, some small ACs can cool a medium-sized tent to a comfortable level. Small and lightweight models usually start at 5,000 BTUs.
Keep in mind that you need to account for the temperature loss in the sun and make sure to add more BTUs depending on the tent occupancy.
