GE 5,000 BTU Black Window AC Review: Compact, Simple Dials
A black 5,000 BTU mechanical window air conditioner for rooms up to 150 sq. ft. with simple dials, auto restart, a washable reusable filter, a 440W power draw and a listed 52 dBA on low.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 8, 2026
The GE 5,000 BTU Black Window AC (model AWAS05BBA) is a compact mechanical unit for small rooms up to 150 square feet. Its black finish sets it apart from standard white units, and GE pairs it with simple dials, auto restart and a washable filter. Among compact conventional window air conditioners, it is one of the most popular, with 3.9 stars from 2046 ratings.
GE lists 52 dBA on low and 56 dBA on high, with a 440W power draw. The main limit is that there is no remote. We evaluated it based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Our Verdict
This GE is a strong pick for a small bedroom, dorm, home office, workshop or studio apartment, especially if you want a unit that blends with darker decor. Its strongest points are the black finish, simple mechanical dials with no digital beeps, auto restart after power outages, no-manual-drain operation, a washable reusable filter, a compact 30 pound cabinet and an EZ Mount kit with foam insulation.
The trade-offs are typical of a mechanical unit: no remote, no timer, no Wi-Fi and no inverter. It also needs a window at least 27.125 inches wide. If you want simple, reliable cooling for a room up to 150 square feet, it is worth considering.
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | GE |
| Model | AWAS05BBA |
| Type | Window air conditioner |
| Cooling Capacity | 5,000 BTU |
| Room Size (listed) | Up to 150 sq. ft. |
| Efficiency | 11 (listed as SEER) |
| Noise Level | 52 dBA low, 56 dBA high |
| Voltage / Power | 115V, 440W |
| Window Fit | 27.125″ to 36″ wide, 13.375″ minimum height |
| Dimensions | 16.4″W x 13.4″D x 12.6″H |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Finish | Black |
| Controls | Mechanical dials |
| Filter | Washable, reusable |
| Compressor | No inverter |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
GE rates this unit at 5,000 BTU for rooms up to 150 square feet. It names small bedrooms, home offices, workshops, dorms and studio apartments as good fits, and it also works as supplemental cooling alongside central AC.
Supplemental use is a smart way to run it. A bedroom or office that central air does not reach well can be cooled on its own, without lowering the thermostat for the whole home.
The 2 cooling settings cover most needs: high for rapid cooling on a hot afternoon and low for quieter running at night.
ENERGY STAR publishes this general guide for sizing a room air conditioner by floor area:
| Room Size (sq ft) | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) |
|---|---|
| 100 to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 to 1,000 | 18,000 |
Adjust for your room: reduce capacity by 10 percent for a heavily shaded room, increase it by 10 percent for a very sunny room, add 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two, and add 4,000 BTU if the unit cools a kitchen. Source: ENERGY STAR.
At its listed 5,000 BTU, it lines up with rooms of about 100 to 150 square feet, which matches GE’s coverage claim. A sunny room or one with a lot of electronics may need more capacity.
In a workshop or garage corner, keep expectations realistic. The 5,000 BTU rating suits a well-sealed small space, and an uninsulated area with lots of sun will warm faster than the unit can cool it.
Installation and Fit
The fixed chassis and compact size make DIY installation straightforward. GE lists dimensions of 16.4 inches wide, 13.4 inches deep and 12.6 inches tall. The unit fits double-hung windows 27.125 to 36 inches wide with a minimum height of 13.375 inches.
The EZ Mount kit with foam insulation is included. At 30 pounds, most people can lift it on their own, though a helper makes it easier to hold steady while you secure it.
It runs on a standard 115V outlet with a listed draw of 440 watts. Measure the window width carefully, because the 27.125 inch minimum rules out some narrow windows.
Noise, Energy Use and Efficiency
GE lists 52 dBA on low for nighttime and 56 dBA on high for rapid cooling, and calls it quieter than many older window units. The mechanical controls also mean no digital beeps, which some light sleepers appreciate.
The low 440W power draw helps keep energy costs down, and the listing gives an efficiency figure of 11, labeled as SEER. There is no inverter, so the compressor cycles on and off to hold the set temperature.
Sealing gaps around the unit with the included foam insulation helps both cooling and noise. Warm air leaking in makes the compressor run longer, so check the foam at the start of each season.
Controls and Smart Features
Easy-to-use dials set the temperature and fan speed. There is no Wi-Fi, no app and no complex setup.
Auto restart is a useful extra for a mechanical unit, and it is not always found at this level. After a power outage, the unit turns back on by itself, which keeps a room cool while you are out.
There is no remote or timer. If you want to change settings from bed, a remote-controlled model is a better match. For a small room where the unit is within reach, the dials are simple and quick.
Mechanical controls also have a practical upside in a dorm or workshop. There is nothing to reprogram, and anyone can set the unit without reading a manual.
Maintenance and Drainage
The washable, reusable filter keeps upkeep simple. Slide it out, rinse it, let it dry fully and slide it back in. A clean filter keeps airflow steady and helps the unit cool efficiently.
GE describes no-manual-drain operation, so you do not need to empty a tank or bucket during the season. Check the manual for storage steps if you remove the unit at the end of summer.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Black finish suits darker decor | No remote or timer |
| Simple dials with no digital beeps | Needs a window at least 27.125″ wide |
| Auto restart after outages | No inverter compressor |
| Low 440W power draw | No Wi-Fi or app control |
| Compact 30 pound cabinet | Only 2 cooling settings |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Small rooms up to 150 sq. ft. | Rooms larger than 150 sq. ft. |
| Buyers who want a black unit | Buyers who want a remote |
| Dorms, offices and workshops | Smart home users wanting app control |
| Supplemental cooling with central AC | Windows narrower than 27.125″ |
| DIY one-person installers | Casement or sliding window owners |
Final Verdict
The GE 5,000 BTU Black Window Air Conditioner combines a black finish, simple mechanical dials, auto restart, no-manual-drain operation, a washable filter and a 440W draw in a compact 30 pound unit for rooms up to 150 square feet. The compromises are no remote or timer and a 27.125 inch minimum window width. You can check the current price and details for the GE 5,000 BTU Black Window Air Conditioner, or compare other compact window air conditioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size room is the GE AWAS05BBA for?
GE rates it for rooms up to 150 square feet. On the ENERGY STAR chart, 5,000 BTU fits rooms of about 100 to 150 square feet.
Does it have a remote?
No. It uses mechanical dials for temperature and fan speed.
Does it restart after a power outage?
Yes. GE says it restarts automatically after power outages.
What window size does it fit?
It fits double-hung windows 27.125 to 36 inches wide with a minimum height of 13.375 inches.
About the author
Daniel Brooks is a home cooling editor at WikiCooling, covering window, portable, through-the-wall and mini-split air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. He researches cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, installation requirements, and buyer feedback to help homeowners choose the right unit for their room size, climate, and budget.