The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is a window A/C designed for small spaces, with an advertised capacity of 5,000 BTU/hr and coverage of 150 ft² (14 m²). It's a pretty simple unit overall, with three different fan speeds, a separate dehumidification mode, and a built-in timer for scheduling operating hours. That said, unlike even more basic options, it does come with a remote control for remote operation.
Our Verdict
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 can be made to work in large rooms, but it isn't ideal for this kind of application. Due to its modest capacity, it won't be able to cool larger areas in a timely manner. Working in an oversized area will also force its compressor to run constantly, adding additional wear and tear over time. With all that being said, it runs pretty quietly, so it won't be a nuisance if you have it running while watching TV. Its power draw is also very low, so it won't have too big a hit on your energy bill in warmer months.
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Low power draw.
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Compact, lightweight design.
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Low overall noise output.
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Cooling capacity is too modest for big spaces.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is a good option for use in bedrooms and small rooms. It's a compact, relatively lightweight unit and can be squeezed into narrower windows or shoved into a closet with minimal fuss in cooler months. It's also pretty quiet overall, and even at its highest settings, it won't wake you in the middle of the night, unless you're a particularly light sleeper. Its initial power draw is pretty low, and it remains impressively efficient while maintaining your desired setpoint. It does a fantastic job of maintaining your desired temperature, though its compressor cycling can result in small changes in humidity; thankfully, these won't be too noticeable.
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Will perform well in smaller spaces.
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Low power draw.
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Does a fantastic job of maintaining desired setpoint.
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Compact, lightweight design.
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Low overall noise output.
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Compressor cycling can cause slightly noticeable changes in humidity.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1's overall efficiency is great. Its low power draw helps keep overall energy consumption low, despite its compressor having to cycle on and off to maintain your desired setpoint.
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Low power draw.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 isn't likely to be oversized for many applications due to its modest capacity. It uses a non-inverter compressor, which cycles on and off to maintain the desired setpoint. In an appropriately sized space, like a dorm room or home office, these cycles are frequent enough to minimize any swings in temperature, though they can incur minor deviations in perceived humidity. On the upside, these humidity fluctuations aren't too noticeable, unless you're particularly sensitive to that sort of thing and spend a lot of time in the space you're trying to cool.
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Does a fantastic job of maintaining desired setpoint.
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Compressor cycling can cause slightly noticeable changes in humidity.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is a pretty quiet unit overall. At higher settings, it can be mostly masked by nearby conversation or a TV being left on, though people who are particularly sensitive to noise while trying to get some shut-eye might prefer leaving it at a lower setting.
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Low overall noise output.
- 7.0 Large Room
- 7.7 Bedroom/Small Room
Performance Usages
- 8.0 Combined Efficiency
- 7.6 Oversizing Tolerance
- 7.5 Noise
Changelog
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is only available in a single color variant: 'White.' For those interested, here's the product label.
If you come across another variant of this air conditioner, let us know in the comments.
Compared To Other Air Conditioners
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is a window A/C meant for small spaces. It can basically be thought of as a plussed-up alternative to entry-level models like the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE or the Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU. Instead of basic control knobs, it has a digital thermostat that you can adjust with far more precision. It also comes with a remote control, so you can operate the unit without leaving the comfort of your bed or couch. These added touches could make it a more compelling option if you have more modest cooling needs but still want an A/C unit with a few added creature comforts. That being said, it'll disappoint if you were expecting a substantive bump in capacity or efficiency versus those entry-level models, and like those units, it's still best-suited for spaces like dorm rooms or offices.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is a more full-featured air conditioner than the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE. The FHWC054TE1 has a fully digital thermostat with an LED display that shows the current temperature and comes with a remote control that allows you to operate the unit without getting up. In addition, only the FHWC054TE1 is compatible with a MERV-14 filter for superior allergen filtration performance.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 and the Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU are both compact window A/Cs with similar overall capacity and efficiency. Broadly speaking, though, the Frigidaire offers a slightly more premium user experience, with an included remote control and an LED display for adjusting the desired temperature.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is a better overall A/C unit than the GE AHEF06BC. The Frigidaire unit has a separate dehumidification-only setting, a noticeably quieter fan, and, most notably, does a significantly better job of maintaining the desired temperature and ambient humidity levels inside the room it's cooling.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 and Toshiba RAC-WK0612CRRU perform very similarly overall, and you should really just go for whichever model can be found at a cheaper price. That said, the Frigidaire does pull marginally ahead in a few ways. Its fan is a little quieter, and it does a marginally better job of maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level while operational.
Test Results
It's worth noting that this unit's height with the window bracket installed is 33.5 cm (13.2"). The shorter height measurement provided is to account for storing the unit or for wall installations.
This model offers okay cooling capacity. It's well-suited to cooling bedrooms, offices, or smaller apartment living rooms, but it will struggle to cool anything larger than that in a timely manner.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1's energy efficiency while cooling is impressive. While it might take quite a while to cool even modestly sized spaces, its actual power draw is very low, minimizing overall consumption.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1's energy efficiency while maintaining a setpoint is very good. In normal operating conditions in an appropriately sized space, its compressor needs to cycle on and off repeatedly to maintain the setpoint. Despite its constant cycling, its very modest power draw makes it quite efficient overall.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 performs reasonably well in maintaining ambient humidity levels once it has achieved the desired setpoint. Its compressor cycles on and off rapidly to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in small rises and dips in ambient moisture levels as water condenses on its coils and reevaporates. The air won't necessarily feel dry one moment and unbearably clammy the next, but the inconsistent humidity level can be a little noticeable. This is especially true if the unit is set up in a place where you spend a lot of time and are attuned to ambient conditions, like a home office or a bedroom.
Unlike the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, this air conditioner comes with a remote control that allows you to operate the unit without having to get up. It also features a separate dehumidification mode without cooling.
Beyond that, this unit's main grille has room to slot in a MERV 14-rated filter, which traps things like pollen, dust, and pet dander while the A/C is running. Just note that we don't currently test filtration performance for A/C units, and we can't verify this filter's efficacy.