Product Review: Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
Company: Amazon
Price Range: $100 – $150
Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 Air Conditioner
Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for an energy efficient, compact window air conditioner to cool down or dehumidify small areas up to 150 square feet.
Features
- 5,000 BTU capacity
- Two fan speeds; Two cool speeds
- 2-way air direction control
- Mechanical controls
- Auto restart
Easy Installation
In the box comes supplied a window installation kit which is designed for quick mounting. The kit comes complete with side panels for attaining a nice fit and finish. This unit can be fitted to windows from a minimum of 23″ wide to a maximum of 36″.
A 6ft long power cord with 3 pronged plug is fitted so you can have plenty of distance between the unit and electrical outlet.
Compact Design
The compact form factor of the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 makes it an excellent fit for smaller rooms where you don’t want a bulky AC in your window. Size-wise, the unit has a height of 12″, width of 16″ with a depth of 13 3/4″.
Cooling Performance
This compact air conditioner has a 5,000 BTU cooling capacity with a 136 CFM, which gives it an estimated cooling coverage area of 150 square feet. Many users are impressed with its ability to quickly cool down a small room in just a matter of minutes.
It’s noise level is 56.5 dB on the highest setting, so it’s average in terms of noise output for a 5,000 BTU window AC unit.
At the top front of the unit there are 2-way directional louvers which allow you to control the direction of the air flow either left or right by simply turning the auger wheel located in the center.
If you need to remove moisture from the air, you’ll want to make use of the dehumidification mode. This can remove moisture at a rate of 1.1 pints per hour.
Controls
If you’re fond of older style controls opposed to the modern digital variety then you’ll like the simple controls on this Frigidaire air conditioner.
The mechanical controls comprise of two rotary style control knobs which provide easy control of the settings at a turn of the knob. The control knobs are clearly numbered and labelled so you can easily set the temperature setting or mode.
There is no remote control supplied with this unit. However, most consumers feel that a RC is a bonus rather than a necessity.
Modes
Frigidaire have kept things simple with this model by including just a basic set of modes.
The upper control knob allows you to set the room temperature from a range of 1-7. The lower control knob allows you to switch between Cool Mode and Fan Mode. The fan mode can be set to High or Low, and runs the AC unit by just circulating air without turning on the compressor.
Extra Energy Efficient
This new and improved model consumes only 450 watts, giving it an Energy Efficiency Ratio of 11.1, which is 1.4 higher than it’s predecessor (the FFRA0511Q1). This further reduces energy consumption to keep operating costs down to a minimum.
Filtration
The FFRA0511R1 has an antibacterial mesh filter which keeps your room air cleaner and more hygienic by removing unwanted bacteria and smelly room odors. The filter is fully washable and can be accessed on the right side of the unit by simply sliding it out.
Manual: Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 manual
Guarantee: 2-year limited warranty. 3-5 year warranty on sealed system.
Summary
If you’re in search of a low-cost, no frills, quiet window AC unit for a small room then you can only go right with the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 Air Conditioner. Frigidaire enhanced the energy efficiency with this model, but still retained all the simplicity of earlier models.
It’s small size, quietness and cooling capability make it an ideal air conditioner for bedroom use.
A recommended buy.
