GE AHEC05AC Review

The GE AHEC05AC is one of the best options at such a modest price point, but could be better in some areas. Its low upfront cost combined with lower energy consumption will keep you cool without breaking the bank, leaving you worry free to enjoy a hot summer.

Performance Comparison

Cooling

Our cooling test metric evaluates how effectively each model cools a space from a specific temperature within an hour, and contributes 30 percent of each window unit's overall score.

For a 5000 BTU-rated unit, the GE AHEC05AC does a respectable job of cooling spaces. Just don't expect it to perform like a 12,000 BTU unit, and use it to cool a room that is 150 square feet or smaller, per the manufacturer's recommendation.

Manufacturer recommendations aside, the GE AHEC05AC did cool our testing control room an impressive 8.8 degrees, in the same control we used to test all other 5K, 6K, 8K, and 12K BTU units. The GE AHEC05AC actually outperformed two other 5000 BTU units and even one 8000 BTU unit in our tests, and we are confident it will adequately cool spaces up to the manufacturer's recommended square footage.

Energy Consumption

Accounting for 25 percent of each unit's score, our energy consumption metric measures the kilowatt-hours consumed when running at the highest power and fan speed settings for an hour. Our team utilized a watt meter for this testing in order to record actual data versus relying on manufacturer specifications.

The GE AHEC05AC did very well in our energy consumption tests, nearing the top of our lineup. Per our data measurements, it consumed 0.4 kilowatts of energy in our one hour test running at the highest settings. Based on average energy costs and the assumption the unit will run 12 hours a day for three months, you can expect your operating cost to hover around seventy bucks for the summer, which is a low price to pay for relief from the summer heat and a rather low long term operating cost compared to other units.

Noise

In these tests, we evaluated how loud and unpleasant the noise emitted from each unit was. This metric contributes 20 percent of the GE's overall score.

The GE AHEC05AC has a fairly average sound quality for an A/C unit, generating a pretty standard hum that registered 56.1 decibels with a sound pressure level meter on the highest fan setting at 4 feet. If you are in search of a quiet model, perhaps for a nursery for a light-sleeping baby or a quiet home office, this isn't the perfect unit, but we didn't feel as though the sound would be too distracting for most situations. For greater comparison, one other 5K BTU unit in our testing measured 59 decibels, while two 6K BTU units measured 52.5 and 57.4 decibels, respectively.

Convenience

Our convenience metric, comprising 15 percent of each model's overall score, assesses and rates various convenience functions and features, including air direction adjustments, temperature settings, display, available modes, remote controls, WiFi connectivity, smart apps, timers, and child locks. The GE AHEC05AC was not a top performer with regard to convenience and leaves a lot to be desired.

As an economically priced option, the GE AHEC05AC doesn't offer many of the robust features and technology present on the most premium and tech-forward models we tested. It has basic fan speed and mode adjustments as well as temperature adjustments that are listed on a scale of 1 to 10, not in degrees. Adjustments are also made with mechanical knobs, and the unit lacks a digital display.

Air direction can only be adjusted horizontally, left, or right. The unit also lacks a remote, programmable timer, and child safety locks. Lastly, if a WiFi app or remote are a must, then you'll have to increase your budget and take a look at a few other top models that offer many more convenient features and functions in general.

Installation

Installation is our final test metric. Since it's a task that is typically performed only once or once every summer, it contributes to just 10 percent to each model's overall score. The GE AHEC05AC had one of the top scores for an easy installation durings its tests.

At a mere 37.8 pounds, most people won't have too much trouble lifting the unit out of the packaging. Simple steps involve adding a top rail and weather strip, inserting side panels/curtains, and then carefully placing the unit in the window. Unlike many other models, the GE AHEC05AC instructs pre-drilling of holes before securing the unit in place with screws and brackets. Even with these additional steps of securing the unit, the process can easily be completed in half an hour.

Should You Buy the GE AHEC05AC?

If money is tight, but you desperately need to survive summer and cool off an average-sized room, then the GE AHEC05AC is a good choice. It is one of the best performing air conditioners our team tested at such an approachable price. The combination of good cooling performance, great energy efficiency, and a low price does come at the trade off of a lack of convenience features present on more premium and tech-forward models, and the unit is a bit on the noisy end of the spectrum, but with a clear expectation of performance, you are sure to find great value from this very capable machine.

What Other Window Air Conditioner Should You Consider?

While the GE AHEC05AC is great for those with the tightest budgets, you can find better, quieter performance and more convenience features by increasing your budget. The LG LW6017R is the next step up if your budget allows it. It is capable, energy-efficient, and comes with some value-enhancing convenience features, although it is also a little noisy. For similar performance to the LG, but in a unit that is significantly more quiet with quite a bit more convenience features and technology, consider the all-around excellent Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT or its larger sister model, the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT. Both offer exceptional performance, high energy efficiency with inverter technology, and premium convenience features like a smartphone app and both Google Assistant and Alex Home compatibility while remaining exceptionally quiet. Both are great options, and the only significant difference is the size of the space you intend to cool.