Kapsul/Noria Window Air Conditioner Review (Updated on 2024)

Our Kapsul W5 AC review is pretty simple. It is efficient, smart/WiFi connected, quite compact with a low profile, has excellent features and is very expensive. That sums it up. 

Research tip: This unit was formerly known as the Noria.

If you don’t mind paying more – a lot more – for “the latest thing,” then the Kapsul W5 air conditioner might appeal to you. 

It is one of the smallest units available when compared with most windows ACs. Noria/Kapsul has an interesting history. Some would say a frustrating and perplexing history, especially to those who supported the Kickstarter campaign and pre-ordered one.

• 3 years late: The Kapsul window AC took a long time in development and design before it was manufactured and distributed. 
• Much higher price: Originally, the company hoped to launch the product in 2017, but it finally became available to the public in 2020. 

The price tag changed for the originally scheduled price of $499 to a much higher price of $799. 

Pros – Features of a Kapsul Window Air Conditioner

The Kapsul window air conditioner has many features that make it desirable for homeowners throughout the United States. Below is a list and explanation of many of the most popular features of the Kapsul Window AC:

• The Kapsul air window air conditioner is the lowest profile window AC unit available. It is only 7 inches tall.
• Very quiet when compared to most traditional window AC units. The operating noise level is less than 50dB.
• Free shipping and returns on any order with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 5-year warranty. That’s a longer warranty than is offered on most window air conditioners.
• You can control and schedule the temperature either manually or via the mobile application. You can use the app to control On/Off, temperature setting and the 24-hour timer. The app runs on both iOS (Apple) and Android platforms. You can also use Alexa or Google Nest to control the Kapsul unit via a WiFi connection.
• Easy to install in most situations. Most of the time, one person can install it in just a few minutes. When installed, the Kapsul window AC unit should fit pretty tight to optimize efficiency.
• Unlike a lot of window AC units, the Kapsul directs the air up rather than out. This allows the cold air to mix with the warm air as it settles downward. The Kapsul can also cool and dehumidify, as all window air conditioners do.
• The Kapsul window AC unit has a single knob that is very user friendly. Set the desired temperature, and the unit automatically adjusts the fan and compressor to reach that temperature. 

Cons

We recommend you consider these potential drawbacks and the full Review below before choosing this window AC.

• It doesn’t fit in casement windows or awning windows
• Can’t be installed sideways
• Does not include heat
• Only 5,000 BTUs – the smallest capacity for window ACs
• Heavier than most other 5,000 BTU window air conditioners
• Higher than average price tag, with a price tag of $799

Specifications

• 5,000 BTU (British Thermal Units)
• 7 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 22 inches deep
• Fits single-hung and double-hung windows 21 to 36 inches wide (if the window is wider, you’ll have to fill a gap or gaps beyond the full extension of the side panels
• 48 pounds with handles for easy lifting – It is heavier than most 5,000 BTU window AC, which have an average weight of around 36 to 40 pounds
• Uses a 120 volt power supply
• Supplies an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 11
• Considered a “green” air conditioner. The unit is RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant
• Temperature operating range of 32-120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Has three “on-board” sensors: temperature, humidity, and ambient light (to adjust the brightness of the lights)
• Humidity operating range of 0% to 97%

Kapsul W5 Review

Like any product reviews out there, many people love the Kapsul window AC unit or strongly dislike it, with some on the fence. Most people really like the small, sleek style. They mention how light it is, but apparently they do not realize that it is heavier than most standard 5000 BTU window ACs.

And the high price tag of $799 for a window AC automatically turns off many.

On the plus side, the Kapsul window AC does a great job of cooling a smaller room. However, it struggles when it comes to larger spaces, due to the lower BTUs (5,000).

Another problem that has been popping up in the various reviews is about installation. Although Kapsul claims the unit can be installed by one person in mere minutes, many homeowners struggle for 20-45 minutes to get the unit installed and the side panels extended and tight. You still might need to use foam or other insulating material to block small gaps. That’s not unusual for window AC side panels, but when you spend this kind of money on a unit, you expect quick, flawless installation and superior design and fit. 

Conclusion – Is the Kapsul Wd AC Worth the Money?

The Kapsul window air conditioner is sleek, small and aesthetically pleasing. It cools up to 150 square feet, as long as the room isn’t extra-hot because it faces sunny windows or is a kitchen with a stove/oven in use. Expect it to work OK in a bedroom, office, den, dorm room or other room with dimensions like 10×10, 10×12, 10×15 and 12×12 feet. It is about the same weight as a lot of comparable units – and heavier than many of them.

But on the whole, Pick HVAC reviewers do not think the Kapsul is worth the money for most consumers. Again, if you like the latest and appreciate the stylish design of the Kapsul, fine. It will serve you well. But wow – the high price tag of $799 is hard to swallow. Most 5,000 BTU window air conditioners cost less than half what this one does. For example, this highly rated GE 5,000 window air conditioner costs 79% less than the Kapsul W5. Are you willing to spend about 4 times more than necessary for a unit this size?

The 10,000 BTU version of the GE window AC still costs less than half the Kapsul price – and you get twice the BTUs!

For us, the bottom line is that the Kapsul window AC is a poor choice for most homeowners. In our opinion, most buyers will want to save money on a very good standard window air conditioner or even one with a higher BTU rating that will still cost much less. It will be cheaper on your wallet and still provide the necessary cooling capabilities that you desire.

Written by Rene Langer

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree and EPA & R-410A Certifications.