The GE AHEF06BC is a window A/C meant for small spaces. It advertises coverage of 250 ft² (23 m²) and a capacity of 6,000 BTU/hr. It offers a slightly broader set of features than entry-level window A/Cs, with a digital thermostat and an included remote control, but no integrated Wi-Fi connectivity.
Our Verdict
The GE AHEF06BC can be used in large rooms, but it isn't an ideal option for this kind of usage. Its capacity is on the lower end of the scale, and it'll struggle to cool really big spaces in a reasonable amount of time, though it'll do just fine in bigger-than-average bedrooms or offices. It's fairly quiet for the most part, and it won't be much of a distraction if you use it while watching TV or listening to music.
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Relatively quiet at higher settings.
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Low energy consumption.
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Higher-than average fan noise.
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Will struggle to quickly cool larger spaces.
The GE AHEF06BC is an okay option for small rooms. Its physical footprint is compact, and it's relatively easy to haul into place or stow away when not in use. Overall, the operating noise is decently low and will fade into the background for the most part, though it's worth noting there isn't much difference between its high and low fan speed settings. Unfortunately, it doesn't do the best job of maintaining a steady state of ambient conditions, with compressor cycling causing noticeable swings around both the desired temperature and perceived humidity levels.
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Relatively quiet at higher settings.
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Low energy consumption.
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Cooling capacity is sufficient for small to medium-sized spaces.
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Compact design.
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Infrequent compressor cycling results in big swings in humidity and temperature.
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Higher-than average fan noise.
The GE AHEF06BC's overall efficiency is good. It won't cool a room very quickly, but its low energy demands keep overall consumption minimal.
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Low energy consumption.
The GE AHEF06BC isn't likely to be oversized for many spaces as a result of its modest capacity, though it could do a better job of maintaining ambient conditions. Its compressor cycles are pretty infrequent once it's reached your desired setpoint, resulting in big swings in both temperature and humidity as moisture reevaporates off the unit's coils.
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Infrequent compressor cycling results in big swings in humidity and temperature.
The GE AHEF06BC is decently quiet overall. Fan noise is louder than that of some other units, but in the grand scheme of things, the sound of the unit running won't be much of an issue if you're accustomed to living on any remotely busy suburban street.
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Relatively quiet at higher settings.
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Higher-than average fan noise.
- 7.2 Large Room
- 6.8 Bedroom/Small Room
Performance Usages
- 7.6 Combined Efficiency
- 5.6 Oversizing Tolerance
- 7.2 Noise
Changelog
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The GE AHEF06BC is only available in one color variant: 'Black.' For those interested, here's a photo of our product label.
Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant of this air conditioner.
Compared To Other Air Conditioners
The GE AHEF06BC is a window-mounted A/C intended for use in small spaces. Like the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1, it represents a small step up from truly entry-level units such as the Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU. This GE doesn't offer any major difference in capacity or efficiency. Instead, it's aimed more at people who only need to cool a smaller space but would like niceties like an LED display and an included remote control. Unfortunately, it doesn't actually perform as well as any of those other models when it comes to cooling smaller spaces, with an infrequent compressor cooling cycle that results in noticeable fluctuations in both perceived humidity and temperature.
The GE AHEF06BC and Frigidaire FFRA051WAE are both entry-level window ACs, but with different main advantages: which one you prefer comes down to what you value more. The GE offers superior capacity, meaning that it'll cool the air in your room a little faster than the Frigidaire. It also comes with a remote control so you can operate the unit without having to walk over to it, which is helpful if you're trying to adjust the temperature while working in the kitchen or from the comfort of your bed. That said, the Frigidaire does a better job of cooling small rooms: its compressor cycling is much faster, resulting in more consistent ambient humidity levels while it maintains your desired temperature.
The GE AHEF06BC and Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU each have their strengths. The Toshiba is the better option for smaller rooms. Thanks to its shorter, more frequent compressor cycling, it does a much better job of maintaining the desired temperature and perceived ambient temperature levels. That said, the GE offers slightly greater cooling capacity and will chill the air in most rooms a little faster. It also provides a slightly more upmarket user experience, with a digital control scheme that allows you to input your desired temperature with more finesse, not to mention an included remote control.
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.
Test Results
It's worth noting that this unit's height with the window bracket installed is 35.9 cm (14.1 inches). The shorter height measurement provided is to account for storing the unit or for wall installations.
This air conditioner offers decent cooling capacity. It'll struggle to cool really big, open spaces in a reasonable amount of time, though it'll do just fine in bigger-than-average bedrooms or offices.
This is an energy-efficient A/C unit. It'll need to run its compressor for quite a while to cool most spaces, but its power draw is pretty low, minimizing overall consumption.
The GE AHEF06BC's energy efficiency while maintaining a setpoint is good overall. When placed in appropriately sized rooms, it doesn't cycle its compressor as frequently as alternatives like the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1, leading to relatively extended periods where the compressor is cycled off.
The GE AHEF06BC cycles infrequently when maintaining the setpoint. This means you'll feel pretty noticeable swings in humidity while the unit is operating, leaving the air comfortably dry at one point and cold and clammy the next.
This air conditioner comes with a remote control that allows you to operate the unit without having to use the onboard control panel.