Appliances / Window air conditioners / Whirlpool
Whirlpool WHAW050EX
5,000 BTU · Window room air conditioner
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About the Whirlpool WHAW050EX
The Whirlpool WHAW050EX is a 5,000 BTU window room air conditioner certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 286 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $52 a year, or $520 over a typical 10-year life.
That is 19% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of air conditioner (353 kWh a year), a saving of about $12 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 492 window models it ranks #20 for running cost, in the cheapest 10%. The cheapest model of this type would save $47 in electricity over 10 years, though it may differ in size and features.
If you want the same type and a similar size for less to run, the BLACK+DECKER BDM05C uses 260 kWh a year and would save about $47 over 10 years.
Cost to run where you live
286 kWh a year (ENERGY STAR test figure) × 18.19¢ per kWh, the average residential price in the U.S. for Jan–Aug 2026 (EIA). Your bill depends on your utility and how you use it.
Cheaper to run, same type and size
Or see every small rooms (under 8,000 btu) model ranked.
| BLACK+DECKER BDM05C | 5000 BTU | $47/yr | saves $47 |
| Brothers 102372 | 5000 BTU | $47/yr | saves $47 |
| Frigidaire FHWC055TF1 | 5000 BTU | $47/yr | saves $47 |
| Frigidaire FHWC056TF1 | 5000 BTU | $47/yr | saves $47 |
Specs
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WHAW050EX |
| Type | Window |
| Energy use | 286 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 353 kWh / year |
| Size | 5,000 BTU |
| Width | 16 in |
| Efficiency (CEER) | 13.1 |
| Mounting | Straddles Window |
| Voltage | 115 V |
| Inverter (variable speed) | Yes |
| Heat mode | No |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Height | 12.5 in |
| Depth | 15.2 in |
| Weight | 41.9 lb |
Specs and energy use from the ENERGY STAR certified products list (U.S. EPA). An asterisk in a model number stands for colour or finish codes. HouseholdLeak is not affiliated with ENERGY STAR or the EPA.
Questions people ask
How much does the Whirlpool WHAW050EX cost to run?
About $52 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 286 kWh a year. In a state with expensive power it can be much more; pick your state on this page to see your number.
How much will the Whirlpool WHAW050EX cost in electricity over its life?
About $520 over 10 years, a typical life for a room air conditioner. Add that to the price you pay to get the true cost to own.
Is the Whirlpool WHAW050EX energy efficient?
Yes. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 19% less energy than the federal maximum for its type.
Is there a cheaper air conditioner to run of the same type and size?
Yes. The BLACK+DECKER BDM05C uses 260 kWh a year, about $47 less in electricity over 10 years.
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