Honeywell 5,000 BTU Window AC Review: HAC5, Light and Simple
A lightweight 5,000 BTU window air conditioner for rooms up to 150 square feet, with a 7-setting thermostat, auto, cool, fan and dry modes, a 24-hour timer, sleep and eco modes.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 15, 2026
The Honeywell 5,000 BTU Window AC is a lightweight window unit for small bedrooms and offices up to 150 square feet. Sold as model HAC5, it weighs just 25 pounds, which makes it one of the easiest conventional window air conditioners to lift into place. It has a 3.9 out of 5 average across more than 129 ratings on its listing.
Honeywell gives the HAC5 an adjustable thermostat with 7 settings, four modes, a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, eco mode and a full-width lifted vent for better air circulation.
Our Verdict
The HAC5 is a good fit for a small bedroom, dorm or office, especially if you install and remove the unit yourself each season. At 25 pounds it is much lighter than most 5,000 BTU units, and it fits windows from 23 to 34 inches wide. The timer, sleep mode and eco mode add useful flexibility at a low price.
The listing is not fully consistent about noise, and it does not clearly describe the control layout, so expect a basic unit rather than a premium one. For a small room and a tight budget, it covers the essentials.
Honeywell 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Honeywell |
| Model | HAC5 |
| Type | Window air conditioner |
| Cooling Capacity | 5,000 BTU |
| Room Size | About 100 to 150 sq ft (manufacturer) |
| Noise Level | As low as 51 dB (features), 55 dB (specs) |
| Power | 115V / 60Hz, 450 watts |
| Annual Energy Use | 338 kWh per year |
| Thermostat | Adjustable, 7 settings |
| Modes | Auto, Cool, Fan, Dry |
| Window Fit | 23″ to 34″ wide, 14.5″ minimum height |
| Dimensions | 13.07″D x 15.98″W x 12″H |
| Weight | 25 pounds |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
Honeywell rates the HAC5 at 5,000 BTU for a room of about 100 to 150 square feet. That matches the first row of the ENERGY STAR sizing chart.
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.
A small bedroom, dorm room, nursery or home office is the right fit. Honeywell also mentions a large living room, but at 5,000 BTU we would keep it to small rooms near the 150 square foot rating. If the room gets heavy afternoon sun, consider a 6,000 BTU unit instead.
The compressor has no inverter, so it cycles on and off to hold the temperature.
Installation and Fit
A full installation kit is included. The unit fits windows from 23 to 34 inches wide with a minimum opening height of 14.5 inches. Set it on the sill, lower the sash onto the top rail, extend the side panels and secure the unit.
Weight is the standout. At 25 pounds, the HAC5 is far lighter than most window units in its class, and most adults can lift it into place without help. Its size, 15.98 inches wide, 12 inches tall and 13.07 inches deep, fits small bedroom windows easily.
Tilt the unit slightly toward the outside so condensation drains outdoors, and seal any gaps around the side panels with foam weatherstrip.
Noise, Energy Use and Efficiency
The listing gives two noise figures. The feature list says fan speeds run as low as 51 dB, while the specifications show 55 dB. Expect around 51 dB at low speed and more on higher settings. Sleep mode helps at night.
Power draw is 450 watts on 115 volts, and annual energy use is listed at 338 kWh per year, which is low. Eco energy saving mode reduces consumption further. The listing shows other efficiency figures that do not line up with each other, so we rely on the annual energy number.
Controls and Features
The adjustable thermostat offers 7 settings, so you can fine-tune how cool the room gets. Four modes, auto, cool, fan and dry, cover most needs, and dry mode helps on muggy days.
A 24-hour timer lets you schedule the unit, sleep mode adjusts operation for more comfortable nights, and eco mode saves energy. The full-width lifted vent is designed to spread air through the whole room rather than in one narrow stream. The listing does not clearly describe whether a remote is included, so check the box contents before you buy if a remote matters to you.
Maintenance and Care
The removable filter can be washed and reinserted. Make sure it is completely dry before you slide it back in. Cleaning it every couple of weeks during heavy use keeps airflow strong.
Because the unit is so light, it is easy to remove at the end of the season and store indoors, which protects it from winter weather. Store it upright in a dry place, and check the side panels and foam seals before reinstalling it next year.
Everyday Use
The HAC5 suits people who install a window unit in May and take it out in September. The low weight makes that routine much easier. Set the timer to cool the room before bed, use sleep mode overnight and switch to eco mode on mild days.
How It Compares
Most 5,000 BTU window units weigh noticeably more than the HAC5, and many offer fewer modes. In exchange, some competing units come from brands with a longer track record in room air conditioners, or list clearer specifications. If ease of installation is your top concern, the HAC5 is hard to beat. If you want a confirmed remote or a quieter rating, compare it with other small units first.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very light at 25 pounds | Noise figures in the listing conflict |
| 7-setting thermostat and 4 modes | Listing unclear about a remote |
| 24-hour timer, sleep and eco modes | Small-room capacity only |
| Low 338 kWh per year energy use | Non-inverter compressor |
| Easy to install and store | Narrower 34 inch maximum window width |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Small bedrooms, dorms and offices | Rooms over about 150 sq ft |
| Anyone installing alone each season | Buyers who need a confirmed remote |
| Budget buyers | Light sleepers who need a quiet inverter |
| Seniors who want a light unit | Wide windows over 34 inches |
Final Verdict
The Honeywell 5,000 BTU Window AC stands out for its 25 pound weight, making it easy to install and store. It adds a 7-setting thermostat, four modes, a timer, sleep mode and eco mode at a low price. Expect basic performance and some unclear details in the listing. You can check the current price and details for the Honeywell 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size room does the Honeywell 5,000 BTU cool?
Honeywell rates it for about 100 to 150 square feet, such as a small bedroom or office.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 25 pounds, which is light for a window air conditioner.
What windows does it fit?
It fits windows from 23 to 34 inches wide with a minimum height of 14.5 inches.
Does it have a timer?
Yes. It has a 24-hour timer, plus sleep and eco modes.
Does it have a dry mode?
Yes. Dry mode removes moisture on humid days without full cooling.
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.