portable air conditioner reviews

(3.9 / 5)

Key Features

14,000 BTU – The cooling power of this portable ac is 14,000 BTU. It is such a large number of BTU that it can be capable of cooling a 700-square-feet room. The number will drop considerably when the unit is used to deal with rooms with excess moisture.

Auto-Evaporation System – This feature is also known as the auto-drain system. Units with this design can automatically drain the water exhausted from the room air, which saves your labor of manually draining the water bucket.

Dual Hose Design – The dual hose system makes the unit more efficient than a single hose system. It doesn’t use the room air to work with the condenser. The Whynter 14,000 BTU has its own air circulation in its dual hose system.

Thermostat and 24 Hour Timer with Remote Control – Provide the end users with more flexibility.

Pros

Efficiency – We always use the number of EER to measure the efficiency of a portable air conditioner. The larger the number is, the better the efficiency will be. In most cases, the number of EER is between 8 and 10. However, when it comes to the Whynter 14,000 BTU, the number is an incredible 11! It means that this unit can produce more cooling air with less energy, which will save you much money on the electrical bill.
Good Thermostat – The thermostat can control the machine well. If the temperature drop to a certain number, the unit will turn off.

Cons

Price – I have to admit that the price of this unit is expensive. Due to the dual hose design and large number of BTU, the Whynter 14,000 BTU is more expensive than units with single hose and less BTU.
Noise – The other thing you had better consider is that the machine has a standard noise level. It is not very noisy but if you are very concerned about the noise level, the machine will not serve you well.

Honeywell MN10CESWW 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

#2. Honeywell MN10CESWW 10,000 BTU – A good Portable Air Conditioner

Honeywell MN10CESWW Portable Air Conditioner is a new comer in the portable AC market, but it has received rave reviews and impress large number of customers by its performance.

Indeed, it has surpassed many competitors. This unit has power of 10,000 BTU, which means it come cool a room of 400 sq.ft. The product can also work as a dehumidifier.

The Honeywell MN10CESWW has a good performance of efficiency with relatively quiet operation. It is a good choice for those who want a solid and compact portable AC.

Key Features

(4.1 / 5)

10,000 BTU – Suitable for room up to 400 sq.ft.

Dehumidification – The unit is not only a cooler but also a dehumidifier. It can dehumidify about 75 pints of water per day, which is for the moist environment.

Full-Function Remote Control – One of the modern features of the unit. The remote control covers all functions and allow you to control the device from a distance.

Precise Timer – Yes, this portable air conditioner is equipped with a programmable timer.

Auto-Evaporation System – It means that the machine will automatically drain water through its evaporation system. and you don’t need to drain the bucket frequently.

Caster Wheels – For mobility.

Pros

Easy Installation – A lot of customers address that the installation for this unit is a breeze. You can put the window kit vertically, which is very convenient.
Versatility – As mentioned above, Honeywell MN10CESWW can take on roles of cooler and dehumidifier. Additionally, it is also a fan. The fan can shorten the time of cooling as it can bring the cold air to the room more efficiently.
Quiet – Most portable AC has a noise level of 48 to 55 dbA. And the operation noise of Honeywell MN10CESWW is 50 dbA, which means this unit is a very quiet ac.
A High Energy-Efficiency Rating – EER, which is short for Energy-Efficiency Ratio, is used to measure how efficient a unit is. Most portable ac has a EER of 7 to 10. And the MN10CESWW scores 11.1! The unit is really efficient. It uses less energy to generate the same BTUs.

Cons

Surge of Noise – Although we said that this ac is a very quiet one, it does have some noise. Indeed, there is no air conditioner without noise. Some customers complaint that this unit has a surge of noise as the machine power surges. The noise isn’t one the same level in a period of time.
Single Hose System – The machine loses efficiency due to its single-hose design, which is mainly because of money.

Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

#3. Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU – Best Portable Air Conditioner for the money

The Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, which comes from the professional cooling appliance company – Koldfront, has received rave praise in the market.

The unit is designed for large rooms with an area up to 500 sq.ft. It can also serve as a dehumidifier and you can turn the function off when it is not needed.

The machine has three fan modes you can choose. This portable AC is a great buy for those who wants a compact and easy-to-use cooling device.

(3.9 / 5)

Key Features

14,000 BTU – In a general way, we uses BTU to measure the power of an air conditioner. This unit has a number of 14,000, which is a large one. It means that the unit is able to reduce the temperature of a 500-square-feet room.

Three Modes of Fan Speed – Users love this feature because they can control the speed of the breeze as they want. You can’t find this feature on other portable ACs.

Dehumidification Mode – This Koldfront PAC1401W is a capable dehumidifier as well. Additionally, you can disable the dehumidification mode when it is unnecessary.

Auto-Drain System – The machine can automatically drain the condensate through its auto-drain sy
stem. And you won’t need to drain the water bucket now and then. However, this auto-drain system makes the unit not work well in very moist climate.

Pros

Great Filter – Koldfront PAC1401W has a pre-filter, which means that the filter is very easy to clean. When using traditional portable ACs, you will find washing filter can cost great labor but this is not the case with this unit. The filter can make the room air cleaner and it is great for your health.
Energy Saving – The machine has a 24 hour programmable timer. You can control the unit through previous set. The unit can automatically turn off when it is not needed. This is a very useful feature when it comes to the energy saving topic.

Cons

Difficult Installation – Some customers complaint that the installation of this Koldfront PAC1401W is difficult. In most cases, you should use tape to help with the installation, which should be carefully finished according to the user’s brochure.
Unsuitable for Moist Environment – Due to the auto-drain system, this unit won’t work perfectly in rooms with excess moisture.

Shinco 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

#4. Shinco 10,000 BTU – Cheap Portable AC under 300 bucks

With the power of 10,000 BTU, self-evaporation system, digital control and a relatively low price, the Shinco 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner becomes more and more popular in the market.

This portable ac can keep a room with an area about 300 sq.ft. comfortable. If you want a decent, easy-to-use and highly economical air cooler, this one is a wise choice for you.

Key Features

10,000 BTU – The BTU of an portable AC determine how many square feet of area it can deal with. In this case, the unit can cool down an area up to 300 sq.ft.

(4.1 / 5)

Auto-Evaporation System – With this system, the machine doesn’t have a water bucket so that the labor of manually draining the water bucket is eliminated. Instead, the unit can automatically recycle water exhausted from the room air and gain a more decent efficiency.

Self-Diagnosis Function – Most air conditioners don’t have a function like this. In a general case, if your portable ac has got a problem, you will have to send it to the repair department, which could bring you a lot of trouble. But if you are using this Shinco 10,000 BTU, you can turn the self-diagnosis system on and the machine can automatically find the problem and guide you to fix it.

Anti-Freeze Function – When an air conditioner works for a long period of time, there is possibility that the machine will create ice. The ice can damage the unit and cause you a mass. This Shinco 10,000 BTU is equipped with an anti-freeze system, which is able to prevent the machine from creating ice.

Pros

Price – Compared with other 10,000 portable air conditioner in the market, the Shinco 10,000 BTU is really an economical one. If you want a 10,000 BTU air conditioner but don’t want to spend too much money, you can choose this unit.
Easy Installation – It has to mention that the user’s manual of this unit is very comprehensive. When it comes to the installation, all you have to do is follow the user’s manual and the work will be done within minutes.

Cons

Noise – One drawback you should consider is that the unit could create some noise during the operation. If you want a quiet air conditioner, this one will not serve you well.

Honeywell MN12CES 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

#5. Honeywell MN12CES 12,000 BTU – Top rated Portable Air Conditioner

The Honeywell MN12CES 12,000 BTU Portable Conditioner Reviews has received high ratings from customers.

The unit can keep areas between 400 to 450 sq.ft. cool efficiently. Users are also impressed by its multi-use features, digital control and portable design.

Although it is a little bit expensive compared with other 12,000 BTU portable ACs, the unit is quieter than competitors, which makes it a great buy for those who want a portable air conditioner.

Key Feature

12,000 BTU – The cooling power of Honeywell MN12CES is 12,000. It is suitable for rooms with areas between 400 to 450 sq.ft. However, if the room has a high ceiling or it is without insulation, the cooling areas will drop. You should take these factors into consideration.

(4.2 / 5)

Auto-Drain Design – With this design, the machine has no bucket and no drip. You will not have to manually drain the water tank because the water will be used by the machine to produce cooling machine.

Multi-Use Features – This unit is versatile. It can serve as a cooler, a dehumidifier and a fan. You can adjust the mode by your need.

Portable Design – The window kit of this unit is easy to set. You can follow the detailed and easy-to-understand manual to finish the installation quickly. What’s more, the unit comes with caster wheels, which will provide you with good mobility. You can move the unit anywhere to suit your need.

Digital Control – This Honeywell MN12CES has a digital touch screen. You can make precise temperature adjustment. Also, you can use the remote control to operate the machine from a distance.

Pros

Eco-Friendly – One of the most impressive advantages of Honeywell MN12ES is that the unit is very efficient and eco-friendly. The unit is equipped with a easy-to-wash air filter and the refrigerant is designed to be eco-friendly, too. The filter can automatically clean the air in your room, which does good to your health as well.
Quiet – Compared with other portable ACs which have a cooling power of 12,000 BTU, the noise level of this unit is relatively low.

Cons

Price – You probably has noticed that this portable ac is not that economical. It is more expensive than the traditional air conditioner and other portable air conditioners at this power level.

#6. SPT 8,000BTU Single Hose Reviews

SPT 8,000BTU Single Hose

(4 / 5)

The SPT 8,000 BTU Single Hose Portable AC is one of the best sellers in the conditioning market.

Using the outstanding technology of SPT, the unit is capable of the cooling task and is also a capable dehumidifier.

This portable ac functions well in rooms with excess moisture. Although it is not flawless and has some drawbacks, the unit has received glowing reviews from a large number of customers.

Key Features

8,000 BTU Power – The unit is designed for standard rooms. With power of 8,000 BTU, the device works best in a room of about 250 sq.ft. If it is your case, this portable ac is suitable for you.

Self-Drain System – It is also auto-evaporation system. With this system, you won’t need to drain the water tank now and then. The machine will automatically drain the water it produced in the cooling process.

Extendable Exhaust Hose – The hose of this machine can extend to 59”, which is very useful when further extension is needed.

Digital Thermostat and Timer – The timer is programmable. These two devices provide you with more featured functions of the machine. Additionally, you can use the remote control to operate with the timer.

Pros

Very Capable Dehumidifier – The unit not only has a dehumidification function, but also can dehumidifying the environment while cooling. So this SPT 8,000 BTU is good for areas of excess moisture. If this is your case, this unit is the best for you.
Easy installation – The unit is a single hose system. Although it loses some efficiency due to this design, it is easier for end users to install the machine with a single hose. Follow the user’s manual, the installation is easy and can be done in 15 minutes.

Cons

Noise – Yes, this unit produce more noise than other portable ACs. It is the biggest disadvantage of this unit. If you want a quiet portable air conditioner, this one is not a wise choice for you.
Weight – The machine weighs about 60 pounds, which will make it a little difficult to carry upstairs.

Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

The 4 types of Portable Air Conditioning Infographic

Different people have different preferences when it comes to the best portable air conditioners. When it comes to portable ac units, these are some types/features that you may want to consider:

Drip vs. Non-drip types: Between these two types of models, drip portable air conditioner units are generally less expensive.The difference between the two is that with drip models, you need to empty out the small tray that collects the condensated moisture when needed.
Single exhaust vs. Dual exhaust types: The dual exhaust type has a lot more advantage because it circulates air and cooling it better.
Multi-functional types: These units have other functions other than cooling your space; some can dehumidify, fan-cool or heat and some can do all these and more.

Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons

Within the recent years, more and more people are keen on getting the best portable air conditioners for either their home and/ or offices. As a party planner, I’ve used mine not only in my home but sometimes I bring it along to work. I can’t tell you how much portable ac units have saved me from hot messes.

Before you commit yourself to any particular model, I suggest you read the pros and cons of portable air conditioners to see if they really suit you.

Pros

It’s a space saving device

Almost all portable ac units are small; that’s what makes them portable in the first place. This means that you don’t need to buy or mount extra units for other rooms.

During my college days, my small dorm room was cramped and can get hot stuffy when there is a hot spell in Toronto. That is, until during my sophomore year that my mother bought me my first portable ac. God bless her. Now that I’m working, I know that summer parties can leave guests hot and cranky. That’s where my own or rented portable ac units come to play. The best portable air conditioners are small enough to discreetly hide in a corner of a room while keeping party guests cool and happy.

It saves a lot on utility bills

Instead of cooling the whole house, portable air conditioners allows you to cool only the room that you are in. It eats up lesser kilowatt usage of electricity so your bills won’t be as high.

Look for the best portable ac units by looking at their EER – the higher the better. Or, when in doubt, get a unit with an Energy Star, which means that it meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Straight-Out-Of-Box use

The good thing about the best portable ac units are that as soon as you arrive home from the store, you can use your newly purchased merchandise right away after you unpack. There’s no need for you to punch a hole in your wall of call an electrician to set it up.

To wrap things up, if you plan to get a cooling system, try to find the best portable air conditioner FOR YOU. It’s affordable, doesn’t cost much to operate and easy to install. All you need to do is search for one that will serve you well.

Cons

It has a slightly expensive price tag than window units

Yes, it’s small but it definitely doesn’t come with a smallish price tag. Starting from around $300 for a standard unit, prices increases as its cooling capability increases.

However, paying a slightly higher purchase cost compromises the big save a portable air conditioner can make. Let’s go to the next point.

It’s noisy

The fact that unlike a window unit, portable ac units’ compressors are with you in the room instead of somewhere outside. The compressors on some units can be very loud so select one that makes the least noise. You can achieve that by reading reviews like this one.

Choosing the Right Size Portable ACs

If you’re overwhelmed by all the BTU numbers and can’t seem to decide between a 5,000 BTUs portable ac unit to another that has 16,000 BTUs. don’t worry. I’m coming to the rescue in your quest to get the best portable ac unit!

When it comes to portable ac, size matters and bigger does not always means better. There is no advantage in buying anything that is much too big than what you need; it may actually waste energy when the cycle turns on/ off too frequently (a smaller portable ac would cool down a room for a longer period) and performs less than what you would expect it to.

To choose the right best portable air conditioner size, I would recommend that you know these two things:

The size of the room in square feet

For a square/ rectangular room, get the size of the room by multiplying the length of the room by its width. If it’s triangular, multiply the length by the width of the room and divide that by 2. If you have an irregular shaped room, ask your developer or sales representative’s help to determine the room’s size.

Any other additional heating factors i.e. additional person that occupy the room, poor insulation. skylight etc.
Here are some tricks to determine the exact amount of BTU that you need:

Heavily shaded room: -10% BTU
Sunny Room: +10% BTU
Additional persons occupying the same room: +600 BTU for each person (for more than two persons)
Kitchen: +4000 BTU
If you’ll be using the unit in multiple rooms, buy a unit accordingly to the largest sized room.

After determining the size of your room, consult the table below to determine the actual number of BTUs that your best portable ac unit would actually need. This is what is recommended by EnergyStar, a program that was initiated by the government to help businesses and individuals to protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Area To Be Cooled (square feet)	Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour)
100 to 150	5,000
150 to 250	6,000
250 to 300	7,000
300 to 350	8,000
350 to 400	9,000
400 to 450	10,000
450 to 550	12,000
550 to 700	14,000
700 to 1,000	18,000
1,000 to 1,200	21,000
1,200 to 1,400	23,000
1,400 to 1,500	24,000
1,500 to 2,000	30,000
2,000 to 2,500	34,000

After knowing what you need, you can safely get what you need. Do take note that the recommended cooling capacity needed will vary between the manufacturers and it can be rather frustrating. However, to make things easier, get the best portable ac unit that has 20% more BTU units so that you wouldn’t caught short on hot days.

Of course, there are more to a best portable air conditioner than its cooling capacity.

Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide

How to Buy the Best Portable Air Conditioners

Consumer reviews are a valuable resource when making any purchase, and a portable air conditioner is no exception. Reviews written by real people can offer information that you can’t find anywhere else. People who have actually used a product can tell you honestly what the pros and cons are and help you find the best portable air conditioner for you.

However, reading portable air conditioner reviews should not be the starting point of your decision process unless you plan on dedicating a great deal of unnecessary time to your quest. It’s better to spend a few minutes now thinking about what you’re looking for in a portable air conditioner.

Water Cooled Portable Air Conditioner Verses Dehumidifying Portable Air Conditioner

The first thing you must determine is whether you need a water cooled portable air conditioner or a dehumidifying portable air conditioner. luckily, this is easily decided. A water cooled portable air conditioner tends to be less expensive and can work well, but ONLY in dry climates. While you could actually use this type of portable air conditioner in any climate, you will not get great results if you live in a humid climate.

Humid air actually feels warmer, so unless you live in a dry climate you will likely want a portable air conditioner that has dehumidifying capabilities. Look for the dehumidifier capacity (how much water it can extract before the tank needs to be emptied) as well as the dehumidifier capability. The latter is listed as how many pints of water it is capable of extracting per day.

Portable Air Conditioner Power

Power definitely matters when it comes to portable air conditioners. The power is classified by BTUs (British Thermal Units) and the higher that number is, the more powerful the portable air conditioner will be. Many portable air conditioner makers also provide general room size guidelines to let you know how large of an area you can expect the unit to cool.

Portable Air Conditioner Reliability

This is one area where reviews are crucial. You don’t want to be stuck with a portable air conditioner that isn’t working well on the hottest day of the year. Look through the reviews for any recurring reliability issues. A good warranty can also give you piece of mind; a portable air conditioner manufacturer won’t be afraid to stand behind their product if they know its built well.

Portable Air Conditioner Noise

Some people shy away from purchasing a portable air conditioner because they have a reputation for being very noisy, making it hard to sleep while it is in use. This is true of some models, but the better portable air conditioners are not only quieter, but they will actual list the decibel level of the unit so you can make an informed decision.

Read The Portable Air Conditioner Reviews

You will find the portable air conditioners categorized to the right by both price and brand. There you will find an overview of each portable air conditioner which includes its features and general capabilities as well as an overall rating and review. Read the overviews first to narrow your search before moving on to the individual reviews. This way you won’t waste your time reading thousands of reviews for portable air conditioners that won’t meet your needs.

Portable Air Conditioner Installation Video

Maintenance Tips for Portable Air Conditioners

The best portable air conditioner units are easy to maintain and are not much of a fuss. Some of the common things that you should take importance of are the initial venting, water drainage, air filters, body housing and storage.

Initial Venting

The exhaust hose of your portable ac unit must be vented out with a venting kit. This kit should come with the unit that you purchase and it should slide easily into your window. The initial venting route should be set up right after purchase. Do remember that your exhaust hose must be fitted into the correct space in the window kit before you can start using your unit. Opt for a drop ceiling or wall if you can’t set up the initial venting into a window.

Water Drainage

Moisture is removed when air is cooled. This water is usually used by the system to cool itself down. However, if you live in a high humidity area like I do, you will find that there will be some water collected. There are various ways for the best portable ac units to drain the water, depending on its make.

The simplest units have buckets that you need to empty regularly while more sophisticated models evaporates the water through the hot air exhaust. Regardless of its complexity, every portable air conditioner units are able to drain water continuously through a gravity drain hose.

Air Filters

To ensure that you have clean and allergy free air in your room, make sure that your air filters are regularly cleaned and/ or replaced. For someone that uses a portable ac unit on a daily basis, I make sure that the air filters are cleaned every two weeks. You can do this weekly or monthly depending on how often you use your unit.

For washable filters, slide them off, immerse them in a warm mild detergent solution, rinse and dry them out before replacing them back in. However, if your unit use carbon filters, replace them accordingly based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Body Housing

To keep your best portable ac unit clean, wipe the housing surface down with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks or so. Avoid harsh detergents and keep your portable air conditioner unit away from direct sunlight to avoid any damages or discoloring of the unit’s body. Remember to switch it off before you start cleaning.

Storage

The place you store your best portable ac units is important too. When summer ends or when you find that you no longer frequently need your portable ac unit, it is important that you store them correctly. Drain all the water out and put your unit to fan mode to dry the interior. Once it’s dry, clean the filter, wrap the cord on the cord hooks, pack it up in its carton and store it in a dry location.

There you go – easy steps to maintain your best portable air conditioners so that they will maintain their usability life. Taking proper care of your portable ac unit will ensure that you are able to use it for a longer time.

Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

by John Hager - Last updated September 6, 2021

The Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is a powerful portable air conditioning unit designed specifically for medium to large rooms. It is a great choice for people who live in apartment buildings which do not have built-in air conditioning. The unit is built out of a hard sleek plastic shell with a black stripe down the center of the machine.

It has a very modern and sleek design and it is relatively small – can fit nicely in a corner of a room. This portable air conditioning unit is one of the most powerful portable air conditioning units on the market. Of course, it is slightly more expensive than most air conditioning units but it is well worth the price.

So if you are looking for a great high quality portable air conditioning unit and you don’t mind spending some extra cash; the Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is for you.

Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Review

Pros

All in all this is an excellent portable air conditioning unit for larger rooms. You can even use it for small apartments. The fans are very powerful and the air conditioning mode produces clean filtered cool air.

The device is very quiet even when on max settings and on air-con mode. The window kit is simple and easy to install on almost any window frame. The unit is very user friendly and easy to configure and the design is sleek and modern.

Cons

The device is quite heavy and the dehumidifier can be quite loud at times. The screws are not very effective – they are too short and can pop out of the case at times. If you want to mount it onto a window frame it is recommended to tape the screws into the plastic casing.

Best Choice

Our rating:

(3.8 / 5)

This is an Excellent A/C that I've bought. It works great as advertised - and even better with hoses insulated. I highly recommend it!

Check Price

Operating Modes

Like most air conditioning units this particular model has three modes of operation: fan, air-con, and dehumidifier. The fan mode simply blows room temperature air into the surrounding area. It is recommended to use the fan mode if the temperature is not too hot – you will save electricity in the long run.

Additionally, the ARC-14S has a high quality Carbon filter which filters out dirt from the air – it can even help remove odors from the air as well. In other words, if you want to freshen up a room, place the ARC-14S inside, and either turn the air con or the fan on and the room should air out in a relatively short period of time. The air-con mode consumes a considerable amount of electricity but it can cool down a room in a matter of minutes of the power level is set to max.

Each mode of operation has 3 levels – 3 is the max level. You can schedule each of the modes for a 24 hour cycle if you want; there are many different ways that you can configure the ARC-14S. Additionally, the dehumidifier mode is exceptionally useful when it comes to absorbing moisture from a particular room.

Atmospheres with high levels of moisture can be very uncomfortable and they can cause mold to grow on clothes or walls. The dehumidifier mode will efficiently absorb up to 101 pints of water from the air per day. You can configure each of the modes by using the remote control that is shipped with the device or by tinkering with the buttons on the device itself.

A bright LCD screen on the device will help you configure it’s settings with relative ease. The dehumidifier is also equipped with an auto-drain technology.

Temperature Controls

The ARC-14S is very user friendly and it is very easy to change the temperature settings on the device. There are two ways to change the temperature settings on the ARC-14S: use the remote control or use the buttons on the device.

It is generally recommended to use the remote control instead of tinkering with the buttons on the device. You can choose to set the machine to automatic settings (automatically detects which settings are optimal) or manual settings (you have to configure all the settings individually).

Each mode of operation has three fan speeds. It is very easy to switch between fan speeds and modes if you use the remote control that is shipped with the machine. The vents will also bend in different directions. The device automatically shut down once the room temperature is at the desired setting.

Coverage Area

As I mentioned earlier this particular model was specifically designed for larger rooms. It has a BTU capacity of 14000 and it utilizes a dual hose air conditioning system. The vast majority of portable air conditioning units use a single hose system – dual hose is much more effective.

The coverage area is approximately 500 square feet; in metric units that is around 46 square meters; the average size of a living room or master bedroom. The ARC-14S has excellent coverage and when the air-con mode is set to max fan speed cold air will blast out of the vents and cool down the area in a matter of minutes.

The fan speed is very strong when it is set to max settings but it can consume a lot of power so be careful not to leave it on for too long or you will be faced with a large electricity bill.

Noise Level

The noise level in this particular unit is not much different from most portable air conditioning units. You would expect that it will be much louder than regular units but that is not the case. The fans are built with state of the art noise reducing technology which allows the machine to produce large amounts of cold air will operating at a quiet noise level.

If you have never slept with a portable air conditioner in your room it may take some getting used to. The machine is at its loudest when the dehumidifier turns on. You can program the dehumidifier to turn on during the day time so you don’t have to worry about it disturbing your sleep. The noise level has been rated at 56 decibels.

Power Consumption

Since this portable air conditioner is quite powerful it requires a considerable amount of electricity. The most demanding mode of operation is the air-con mode. The other modes are less demanding but still require a significant amount of electricity. The maximum amount of electricity this unit consumes on max settings is around 1250 watts.

I mentioned earlier, if you want to avoid a large electricity bill it is recommended to either use the fan mode or simply turn on the unit only when the heat is unbearable.

Size, Dimensions, and Weight

The ARC-14S is slightly larger than most portable air conditioning units but small enough to find a spot in the room for it to fit comfortable.

It has the following dimensions: 19″ x 35.5″ x 16″ and it weighs approximately 95 pounds. It has a set of wheels on the bottom of the case to make it easy to move the machine around the house.

Additional Features

The Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner contains several features that make it unique. For instance, the auto-drain feature is exceptionally useful as it eliminates the need to manually empty the water basin.

It is also equipped with a Carbon air filter and a washable pre-filter to guarantee that the air the device produces is top quality. It will also auto restart when a power outage occurs and you can control all of the settings digitally.

Accessories

The ARC-14S is shipped with a window attachment kit and a remote control. The window attachment kit is designed to fit windows of all sizes. Of course, if you need to set the unit on a window make sure to read the manual before you begin the operation.

You may have to purchase an additional exhaust hose depending on the distance from your window to the machine.

Consumer Reviews & Ratings

Overall positive; the Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner certainly does its job at cooling down rooms to a comfortable temperature. It is a great powerful air-con unit that is great for small apartments. If you don’t mind spending some extra cash this unit is the right unit for you.

It will keep your apartment nice and cool during those unbearable heat waves. You can even use a regular house fan to distribute the cold air throughout your home.

Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

by John Hager - Last updated September 6, 2021

The Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is a portable air conditioning unit designed for medium sized rooms. It is an older Whynter model but it is still very effective at cooling down medium and small rooms.

This particular air conditioning unit is slightly more expensive than most air conditioning units because it is built to be as eco-friendly as possible. In other words, the device is designed to be very power efficient – it does not consume a lot of electricity.

The unit is built with a sturdy sleek white plastic shell which looks great in almost every type of apartment building or household. There is a black streak running across the device’s surface to add a nice modern day feel to the machine.

This model was designed to be as energy efficient as possible while still being able to cool down medium sized rooms.

Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Review

Pros

The best thing about this particular unit is the fact that it saves electricity and it blasts extremely cold air through its vents. Some people have claimed that this unit has a 14,000 BTU capacity instead of a 12,000 BTU.

In general, customers have state that this device will in fact cool down a medium sized room in a very short period of time. It is also very quiet and will not disturb your sleep.

Cons

Some consumers have complained that the exhaust hose is too short and looks ugly. Of course, if you are not very picky this problem should not bother you. The device itself is also quite large and heavy but once it is in your apartment you can just roll it from room to room.

The drainage pipe is rather shallow – sometimes you will have to drain the excess water on your own which can be quite difficult considering how flat the pipe is.

Also Great!

Our rating:

(4 / 5)

This is the simply the best portable AC there is. Works very well and price is low, too

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Operating Modes

The Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner has three operating modes: fan, dehumidifier, and air conditioning. Each mode has three speeds – you can control the speed of each mode with the remote that is shipped with the air conditioning unit.

When the fan is switched on air will be sent through the ARC-12SD’s state of the art filters which will improve the overall air quality within your home which will benefit people who suffer from asthma.

The ARC-12SD uses a Carbon air filter as well as a washable pre-filter to effectively filter out smog from the air. This model does not contain a built in heater.

The dehumidifier is very effective and utilizes an auto drain feature which evaporates water when the air conditioning is switched on. The dehumidifier is capable of absorbing a maximum amount of 96 pints of water from the atmosphere per day – several pints less than the popular Whynter ARC-14S model. However, the dehumidifier is quite loud when it switches on.

The air conditioning mode is excellent – a dual hose 12,000 BTU system; which is perfect for small to medium sized rooms. If you want to considerably cool down a particular room set the unit to maximum settings and close all the doors and windows; in a hour or two the room should be at a comfortable temperature. The machine will also automatically switch off once the room temperature is at the desired temperature.

Temperature Controls

It is relatively easy to control the temperature settings on the Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner. The entire device is very user friendly and a remote control is shipped with the machine – once you plug the unit into the wall and find some batteries for the remote; setting up the temperature controls is very simple.

There are three speed for each mode; you don’t usually have to turn the air-con to max settings unless you are in desperate need of some cold air. The vast majority of customers have state that this particular model blows extremely cold air – it can cool down a small room in a matter of minutes.

You can also set up a timer to turn on the air-conditioning at certain times of the day. It has full thermostat control.

Coverage Area

The ARC-12SD was designed to provide cool air for a large area while consuming as little power as possible. It has an excellent coverage area: the dual hose 12,000 BTU air conditioning system has a maximum coverage area of 400 square feet.

Of course, there are several factors that will have an effect on the efficiency of the system. For example, if your room is larger than 400 square feet and all the windows are shut and your room does not get a lot of sunlight – the ARC-12SD will be very effective.

However, if your room is smaller than 400 square feet but has a lot of sunlight and is located in a particularly hot spot of your house or apartment complex the ARC-12SD will not be as efficient.

Regardless, this model is very powerful and can cool down a room in a matter of minutes if it is switched on to highest settings.

Noise Level

The noise level of this unit is practically the same as most portable air conditioning units. However, the compressor is relatively quieter than other portable air conditioning units. On a low setting you can barely hear the device at all.

The unit is at its loudest when the dehumidifier kicks in; it is recommended to program the dehumidifier to start when you are awake. The decibel rating is 56 dBA for indoors.

Power Consumption

I mentioned earlier that the ARC-12SD was designed to be as power efficient as possible. It is considered to be a very eco-friendly air conditioning unit. When set to max settings the unit will consume a maximum of 1100 watts and the amperage is 10.5A.

The most demanding mode of operation is the air conditioning mode – switch it off if you want to save electricity. In fact, it is generally recommended to only use the air conditioning mode when you absolutely need it. Even though this particular model was designed to be as energy efficient as possible the air conditioning mode is still quite demanding.

Size, Dimensions, and Weight

The ARC-12SD is quite large – it resembles a mini refrigerator. If you want to keep it in your living room you will probably have to move some furniture around. It has the following dimensions: 20 x 34 x 16.5 inches.

The overall look of the unit is quite fashionable – it is very sleek and modern. However, it is quite heavy, about 71 lbs; especially if the dehumidifier collected a considerable amount of water.

Regardless, once you get the machine into your house you can simply roll it around your house; wheels are attached to the bottom for easy mobility.

Additional Features

The ARC-12SD has several features that were not mentioned earlier. For instance, the device is entireCFC and lead free. The air passes through two high quality filters before it leaves the machine.

Each filter is washable – you should clean them on a regular basis. The machine will also auto restart during a power outage and you can program a 24 hour cycle between all three modes.

Accessories

The Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner comes with one window kit mount and a remote control. The window kit is designed for most window sizes. However, if your window is particularly high you may need to purchase an additional exhaust hose.

The window kit includes an instructional manual and all the necessary pieces of equipment to mount the unit onto the window. The wheels are already attached to the bottom of the device – you don’t need to worry about scratching the floor whenever you want to move the unit.

The remote control can work from quite a far distance away if the batteries are fully powered.

Consumer Reviews & Ratings

All in all, this particular portable air conditioning model is excellent for hot climates and medium sized rooms. It will also save some electricity in the long run if you don’t overuse it. The device is a bit more expensive than most portable air conditioning units but it is well worth it in the long run – very few units can compare to this one.

Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Buyers Guide to Portable Air Conditioners

by John Hager - Last updated September 6, 2021

The vast majority of high quality portable air conditioning units are quite pricey so you need to make sure that you make the right choice when it comes to selecting a portable air conditioning unit.

You should never buy the first unit that you see on a shelf in a department store without conducting proper research on the particular model.

This buyer’s guide will cover all the essential tips you need to know in order to choose the best portable air conditioning unit for your home or apartment.

What is BTU?

You have probably noticed that most portable air conditioning models are categorized according to their BTU. The abbreviation BTU stands for “British Thermal Unit” and it is used to measure the amount of thermal energy a machine can produce.

In the context of air conditioning units, the term BTU is used to describe the amount of cold air the unit can produce. In other words, how quickly the air conditioning unit can change warm air into cold air.

When browsing for portable air conditioning units you will notice that the BTU capacity varies from unit to unit. Generally, it is recommended to purchase an air conditioning unit which has a BTU capacity of over 10,000. Air conditioning units with a BTU capacity of less than 10,000 are not very effective in large rooms.

Of course, if you just want to cool down a small room an air conditioning unit with less BTU could do the trick. Either way, when it comes to buying a portable air conditioning unit you should always look for a unit that has a significant BTU capacity (over 10,000 is recommended).

Dual Hose vs. Singular Hose

The next thing that you will notice on the box of a portable air conditioning unit is the type of system the unit uses. There are two main systems: dual hose and single hose. Each system has their own set of pros and cons but dual hose systems are generally much more effective but more expensive.

The main draw back with using a dual hose system is that the air within a room is recycled is not refreshed. In other words, the machine draws in air from the room, cools it, and blows it back into the room.

The quality of the air within the room is always the same – just the temperature changes. However, with a singular hose system the unit draws in air from outside via an exhaust hose, cools the air, and blows it into the room.

So there are a few different pros and cons to each system but generally the dual hose system is more powerful. Additionally, dual hose systems consume more electricity than single hose systems.

The Dehumidifier

Most modern portable air conditioning units have three modes of operation: air conditioning, fan, and dehumidifier. However, you will often find models that just have two modes: air conditioning and fan. You will probably find yourself wondering if a dehumidifier mode is really necessary (portable air conditioning units with all three modes can be quite expensive).

A dehumidifier mode is necessary if you live in a particularly moist climate. For example, if you live in a tropical climate near the equator a dehumidifier will be very helpful. However, for dry hot climates a dehumidifier will not be as helpful.

Regardless, if you do purchase a portable air conditioning unit that does come with a dehumidifier there are several features you need to keep an eye out for. For example, you need to find out if you will have to manually empty the water dish of the dehumidifier. You will also need to know how many pints of water the dehumidifier can absorb in a day.

Additionally, you should make sure that the dehumidifier is not too loud. It is recommended to pick a portable air conditioning unit that has a dehumidifier with an auto water evaporation feature so you don’t have to empty the water dish every day.

Features to Keep an Eye Out For

Portable air conditioning units have many different features that you need to pay attention to. For instance, you should always check to see if a portable air conditioning unit has all-directional air vents.

You probably do not want cold air blowing in one direction all day – you want the unit to disperse the cold air evenly throughout a room. So keep an eye out for portable air conditioning units that rotate their vents automatically.

You will also want to buy a portable air conditioning unit that is very user friendly and allows you to set up a 24 hour programmable cycle. Most units are shipped with a remote control to easily configure the unit’s settings.

Final Tips

If you have your eyes set on a particular unit you should conduct some brief research online on that particular model (you can also read my recommendation of the best portable air conditioners) and try to read as many customer reviews as you can so that you know exactly what you are buying.

You can gather most of the information that you need to know about a portable air conditioning unit just by reading customer reviews. A good place to start is on Amazon. Also, make sure to buy a portable air conditioning unit that can operate at a quiet noise level – loud units can be very irritating.

So now you know the basics to buying a portable air conditioning unit and you can make a smart decision and buy the perfect unit for your home.

Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think.

Video Demo

Below are some videos that can help you better understand how portable air conditioner works and hopefully make your buying decision easier.

Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

by John Hager - Last updated September 5, 2021

The Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent air conditioning unit recommended for large rooms. It is a very powerful unit and it can cool down rooms to a desirable temperature in a matter of minutes depending on the size of the room – smaller rooms will cool down faster.

The Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is often compared to theWhynter ARC-14S since both air conditioning units have similar specs. The most noticeable difference between the two air conditioning units is the color and design; the PAC 1401 is white and wide and the ARC-14S is white with a black stripe and thin.

Additionally, the PAC 1401 is considerably lighter than the ARC-14S model.

Koldfront PAC1401W Ultracool 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Review

Pros

The pros of this model are quite simple: it is very powerful; it can cool down a small room in a matter of minutes. It does not require a lot of electricity (unless you use max settings of course). It is very user friendly and easy to set up and the remote control gives you complete control over the machine’s temperature settings and operation modes.

Cons

The unit can be quite loud at times and the window kit may be difficult to install if your window too far from the floor. You may need to buy an additional exhaust hose if your window is not close to the floor of your apartment or house.

Also Great!

Our rating:

(3.9 / 5)

This is a great AC with this pirce. It works great and help me saved during the summer

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Operating Modes

This model has three operating modes: dehumidifier, fan, and air conditioner. The dehumidifier is very effective and it can dehumidify about 30 pints of water per day. However, it is important to note that in atmospheres with a high level of moisture the PAC-1401W may collect an unusually large amount of moisture forcing you to empty the water dish regularly.

The dehumidifier is equipped with an auto-drain function but sometimes you will have to replace the water in the bowl manually. The air conditioning mode is very powerful – a dual hose 14,000 BTU system blasts out vents of freezing cold air into the surrounding area. Each mode of operation has three speeds. This model does not have a built in heater mode.

Temperature Controls

The PAC-401W is a very user friendly portable air conditioning unit. You can set a 24 hour cycle in a matter of minutes. You can change the temperature settings by using the remote control that is included with the device. Once the room is at the desired temperature the thermostat will put the machine into sleep mode until the room needs to be cooled down again.

You can program almost every aspect of this air conditioning unit. There is no need to worry if your settings will be lost if the machine un-expectedly shuts down; the unit will automatically load all of your previous settings the next time it turns on.

Coverage Area

The PAC 1401 is an extremely powerful portable air conditioning unit and it is recommended for large rooms. It has a coverage area of approximately 500 square feet. Of course, the efficiency of this unit depends on a wide variety of external factors.

In other words, there are many different factors that can have affect how efficient the machine is at cooling down a particular room. Regardless, this particular unit is great for living rooms or master bedrooms. Naturally, it will be much more effective in a small room.

Noise Level

Due to its size this unit can be quite loud but not loud enough to disturb your sleep unless you are an incredibly light sleeper. The noise level is about the same as other portable air conditioning units that have the same BTU capacity. Generally, the loudest this machine can get is about 56 decibels.

Of course, the machine will be very quiet if you use it at a low fan speed. You usually will not need to use the air conditioning mode on maximum settings unless you really want to cool down the air in a room in a short period of time.

The air the machine produces on a low setting is acceptable for most customers. Naturally, if the machine is too loud you should set a 24-hour program that sets the machine on a low setting during the hours that you need to get some rest.

Power Consumption

The PAC 1401W consumes more electricity than most portable air conditioning units. The reason for that is because the air conditioning system is very powerful (rated at 14,000 BTU but some tests have shown higher results). The maximum power this machine consumes has been rated at 1480 watts. Of course, that number represents the amount of electricity this unit consumes when it is set to maximum settings.

If the air conditioning unit is set to a low fan speed (one or two for instance) the unit will not demand nearly as much electricity. So generally speaking, this portable air conditioning unit demands a lot of electricity for its maximum potential. In order to save electricity, avoid using the unit on max air conditioning settings.

Size, Dimensions, and Weight

The PAC-1401 is quite large and has the following dimensions: 19 x 32 x 16 inches. It was designed primarily for larger rooms. Regardless, the model is still an acceptable size and it will fit nicely against a wall in your living room.

The model is built out of a hard plastic glossy material which gives the unit a great modern look; it will match almost any interior décor. However, this particular unit is considerable heavy; it weighs approximately 75 pounds.

Additional Features

There are several features that the PAC 1401 is equipped with that are worth mentioning. For instance, both filters on the unit can be replaced and washed.

It has two main filters: a washable pre-filter and a replaceable carbon filter. You should clean the filters on a regular basis. The unit is also equipped with directional air louvers which help distribute cold air evenly throughout the room.

Accessories

The PAC-1401 portable air conditioner unit is packaged with the following accessories: one remote control, one user manual, one window kit, screws to install the window kit, and a window kit installation manual.

All you have to do to get the machine running is plug it into an electrical socket, sling the exhaust pipe out of a nearby window, and switch the machine on.

Consumer Reviews & Ratings

Overall, consumers are very satisfied with this product. Some consumers have complained that the machine can be loud at times but the overall quality is good; the air conditioning mode is very powerful and can keep a large room at a comfortable temperature for a long time.