The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU is a basic window-mount A/C intended for small rooms. It has a 5,000 BTU cooling output and an advertised coverage of 150 ft² (14 m²). It's a simple unit, with a mechanical thermostat and physical knobs for adjusting the desired cooling and fan speed levels.
Our Verdict
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU isn't really an ideal option for large rooms due to its modest capacity. This means it'll take quite a while to cool spaces like an open-concept living space or a bigger playroom. Its compressor also runs constantly in larger spaces. This gives it ample time to pull in ambient moisture and keep humidity levels consistently low, but unfortunately, this constant operating places unnecessary wear and tear on its components. It thankfully doesn't consume all that much power when maintaining a consistent temperature, and it's decently quiet too, with operating noise low enough to be masked by music or television.
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Cooling capacity is well-suited to smaller rooms.
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Low overall power consumption.
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Will run continuously in larger rooms, stabilizing desired temperature and humidity levels.
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No remote control.
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Not suited to cooling larger spaces in a time-efficient manner.
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU is a good option for use in small rooms. It's a relatively compact unit that can fit in smaller windows and be stowed away in a closet when not in use. It's effective at maintaining a desired temperature in rooms and maintaining a reasonable humidity level, ensuring that you won't wake up feeling overly clammy. While its limited fan speed adjustment range makes it a little louder than other alternatives at its lowest setting, it's still pretty quiet overall, similar to low traffic from a street outside.
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Cooling capacity is well-suited to smaller rooms.
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Easy-to-install design.
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Low overall power consumption.
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Compact size.
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Lack of an inverter compressor can cause swings in temperature and humidity levels in appropriately-sized rooms.
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Louder than some other models at lowest setting due to limited fan speed adjustment.
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU's overall efficiency is very good. It's a fairly low-output unit, so it isn't really ideal for cooling larger spaces like living rooms or large playrooms within a reasonable span of time. That said, its power draw is impressively low. Despite being a non-inverter unit and consequently having to cycle its compressor on and off to maintain a desired temperature, that low power draw helps keep overall energy consumption low.
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Cooling capacity is well-suited to smaller rooms.
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Low overall power consumption.
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU's modest capacity means that it's unlikely to be oversized for many spaces. Its low capacity means that its compressor runs almost continuously to maintain a desired temperature and gives it time to pull moisture from the air, resulting in very stable ambient perceived humidity levels. This constant running will also place its components under greater wear and tear, possibly reducing the unit's lifespan.
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Cooling capacity is well-suited to smaller rooms.
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Will run continuously in larger rooms, stabilizing desired temperature and humidity levels.
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Lack of an inverter compressor can cause swings in temperature and humidity levels in appropriately-sized rooms.
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU is decently quiet. It only offers two fan speed settings, with somewhat low operating noise that can be mostly masked by watching TV or listening to music. That said, its limited adjustment range means that its lowest fan speed setting is a little louder than some other alternatives, which could be disruptive if you're running it while you sleep.
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Cooling capacity is well-suited to smaller rooms.
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Louder than some other models at lowest setting due to limited fan speed adjustment.
- 6.9 Large Room
- 7.6 Bedroom/Small Room
Performance Usages
- 7.8 Combined Efficiency
- 7.6 Oversizing Tolerance
- 7.4 Noise
Changelog
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU is only available in one color variant: 'White'. Those interested can see the first product label, as well as the second one.
Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant of this air conditioner.
Compared To Other Air Conditioners
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU is a cheap, simple window-mounted A/C designed for small spaces. It's an entry-level model in Toshiba's lineup of window A/Cs, with a lower advertised capacity of 5,000 BTU/hr versus the slightly larger and pricier Toshiba RAC-WK0612CRRU. It's a bit of a standout in the 5,000 BTU class, being a little quieter and doing a better job of minimizing swings in temperature compared to the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE.
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU and the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE are very similarly designed entry-level window A/Cs. Despite the Frigidaire's on-paper advantage in advertised coverage, both units deliver all but identical cooling performance. The Toshiba operates a little more quietly while experiencing fractionally lower swings in ambient humidity once it's reached your desired temperature.
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 Toshiba RAC-WK0612CRRU and Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU are both window-mounted ACs with slightly different capacities. The WK0612CRRU is the fractionally larger, pricier option with an advertised capacity of 6,000 BTU/hr versus the WK0512CMRU's 5,000 BTU/hr. This gap in capacity isn't really sufficient enough to run the risk of cooling an equivalently-sized room too quickly and causing a buildup in humidity. The WK0612CRRU 's somewhat greater capacity also means it won't necessarily have to work quite as hard in spaces where it'd be undersized, leading to slightly less wear and tear over time. Beyond that, the WK0612CRRU, unlike the WK0512CMRU, has a digital thermometer that allows you to check the desired temperature and comes with a remote control to operate the unit from a distance.
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.
Test Results
It's worth noting that this unit's height with the window bracket installed is 34 cm (13.4"). The shorter height measurement provided is to account for storing the unit or for wall installations.
The Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU has acceptable overall cooling capacity. It's well-suited to cooling smaller rooms like an office or bedroom, but it'll struggle to cool bigger living spaces in a reasonable amount of time.
This is an impressively efficient unit. It has a low power draw, but will have to run longer than higher capacity units to achieve your desired temperature.
Despite being a non-inverter unit and having to cycle its compressor to maintain the desired temperature, this unit's low power consumption does make it relatively efficient at maintaining said temperature.
This unit does a fair job of maintaining humidity levels. Due to its relatively modest capacity, its compressor is forced to work pretty hard and cycles on and off rapidly to maintain the desired temperature. This gives it ample time to pull moisture from the air. While the compressor cycling results in small swings in perceived ambient humidity, these aren't big changes, and won't be too noticeable while the unit is on.
