Frigidaire FRA053PU1 Review
Frigidaire is a well-known name in the refrigerator industry, but did you know they also manufacture portable air conditioners? It makes sense as they are both in the cooling niche. And not surprisingly, they do a pretty good job at producing some top selling units among portable AC's. One of the best seller's is the Frigidaire FRA053PU1 5,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. It is super compact and easy to move around, making this an ideal solution for anyone!
Our Rating: 4.5





How about efficiency? Frigidaire's Portable Air Conditioner can give equal electrical power like traditional AC but unlike the latter, you won’t need to wait for the whole room to cool because you can always adjust the position of the device in the direction you want.
The Frigidaire is best for rooms with 216 square feet size. The soft touch select control options makes it easy to use. It comes with full-function remote control to ensure accurate temperature control and fan speed. The fan feature has multi-speed option that swings air from across the room. It has clean air ionizer that helps remove pollen, dust and air impurities to avoid allergies. It comes with antibacterial filter to avoid filthy room odors and bacteria as well leaving its users health and well-being. It’s truly space wise as it is built with caster wheels so you can move the device from one area to another.
Technical Specifications of this AC
Frigidaire Electrical Specifications
- Voltage rating: 115 volts, 60Hz
- Amps: 8.4/9.1
- Watts: 560
- Length of Power Cord: 6.5 feet
- Plug Type: LCDI 5-15P
In contrary to what people believe, large air conditioners do not necessarily give better cooling. In fact, an over sized air conditioner contributes to clammy feeling and wastes energy as well. To understand better, you need to check whether your air conditioner unit is properly sized to suit your cooling needs. Given that this unit has 5,000 BTU cooling capacity, it can sufficiently cool around 100 to 150 square feet area. Also, you need to consider if the area is shaded or quite exposed to sunlight and heat. With heavily shaded rooms you may reduce the required cooling capacity by 10 percent. Otherwise, if the room is exposed to heat or sunlight, increase the required cooling capacity by 10 percent.
Furthermore, each person may require 600 BTU. Hence, if two persons occupy the room regularly, another 1200 BTU cooling capacity is required. In order to use the Frigidaire FRA053PU1 efficiently based on these technical aspects, an average of 35 BTUs is required for every square foot. If there are two persons regularly occupying the room where it is placed, then it cools effectively in 108 square feet area. You can read on the package that the unit can cool room sizes up to 216 square feet. This may be true in an unoccupied and heavily shaded room.
This Frigidaire requires low-voltage start-up so it does not use as much energy. The 8.5 energy efficiency ratio offers a unique soothing experience. Plus, the automatic temperature controls allow you to remain comfortable at all times. The antimicrobial mesh filter feature will surely benefit especially those who hypersensitive to dust and pollens and even those who have skin and bronchial asthma.
Pros
- One of the major advantages is that it is a lot cheaper than central air conditioner
- The unit is modern and sleek looking. It’s also highly mobile so you can move it anywhere you want.
- Most issues and concerns were given answers and solutions.
Cons
- Although, it could be noisier than ductless air conditioner, this unit passed the standard noise level set by most states.
- Although you don’t normally need to drain water, you do have to use a pan if you are moving the unit to avoid spilling the water on your floor. Other than that, the water on the bottom drainage serves its purpose as this is will be reused during the condensation process.
- Most complaints are related to cooling. Some said that the unit does not give really good cooling effect as expected for 5,000 BTU.
What Consumers Have to Say
Consumers generally love the Frigidaire portable AC units, but there have been some reviewers have been disappointed in how much (or little) it actually cools the room.
Who Should Buy this Portable AC?
If you want to cut down on your electric bill, yet still enjoy a cool and comfortable environment, a portable air conditioner like Frigidaire is an adequate choice for small spaces. It gives equal energy consumption but since it’s highly mobile, you don’t have to wait for some time to cool off the entire room. Place it in a strategic location and in few minutes you can already enjoy its cooling effect. It has a small exhaust and it doesn’t occupy much of your window pane. Therefore, if you are someone looking to preserve your house design, this unit serves well.
Why Should You Buy It?
Frigidaire has been in this line of business for years. Consumer reviews of this product can speak for itself. Most consumers were happy about the performance and efficiency. More than that, the company is very ready to provide answers and quick response to its clients. While all products have its own fallback what is important is as consumers we are assured that there is someone to attend to us in times of necessity.
For a similar option, check out the Sunpentown SF-609 Portable AC