Reviews | Best Portable Air Conditioner for the Money | Affordable AC Units

What’s the best portable air conditioner that will keep you cool when the weather gets hot and uncomfortable? Let’s be honest, most people don’t think about buying a portable air conditioner until it becomes too hot and sticky to bear the heat. Humans tend to wait until they feel some sort of discomfort before taking action.

If you’re smart, you’re reading this article before the next heat wave envelops your city or town so you can be prepared when the temperature starts rising. In this comprehensive article not only do we help you find the best portable air conditioner for your specific needs and budget but we also delve deep and help you make an educated decision.

We review a wide range of portable air conditioners; some are cheap yet effective, others are more expensive but have more features, while other air conditioners are quiet so you can actually sleep at night. As I said, we cover everything you need to know about portable air conditioners.

Intro | Best Portable Air Conditioner

Portable AC’s are compact, easy to install, and provide almost instantaneous spot cooling for any room or workspace, which is not connected to the central air conditioning system. While central cooling systems are more efficient at evenly cooling large spaces or multiple rooms inside a house/ office building, a portable air conditioner lets you target a small area without having to change the thermostat temperature for the entire building.

LG LP1015WNR | Quiet & Affordable Portable Air Conditioner

For example, you might be sleeping at night and prefer the room to be slightly cooler. Instead of ordering the HVAC system to lower the temperature for all rooms in your house, you can simply use the portable AC unit to lower your bedroom temperature. Portable air conditioners are very easy to install, and usually consume much less power than a split or window AC. Besides, you can easily move them around from room to room, unlike window AC’s that pretty much sit in the same spot after installation.

Most portable air conditioners can cool an area of up to 500 square feet, and their cooling power ranges between 5000 to 14000 BTUs. Think of this article as a comprehensive buying guide for portable air conditioners. We discuss how an air-conditioning system works, the various types of air conditioners, single vs dual-hose portable AC’s, and much more. Our goal is to provide you with a basic understanding of what a portable air conditioner is, and subsequently guide you through the process of selecting the best product for yourself.

Frigidaire FFPA1422U1 | Whisper-quiet at only 52dB

Remember – there is no perfect all-in-one portable air conditioner model out there, or else we would not be making this guide. All we would say is “buy model X from this company and you are good to go”. Instead, you have to understand the various aspects of portable air conditioners and then factor in your own requirements. How large of an area do you need to cool, is it a poorly insulated space, how much heat-generating equipment do you have in the room (like computers), how hot is the summer season in your area, etc.

There are literally hundreds of brands and models to choose from, and each product has its own unique strengths as well as weaknesses. To make things a little simpler for you, we have gathered some of the best portable air conditioners into one list. We chose these models based on performance, build quality, efficiency, and overall customer reviews.

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Reviews | Best Portable Air Conditioners

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Whynter ARC-14S — 14,000 BTU

15,000 BTU portable air conditioner. Very quiet at less than 56dB. Cools areas up to 500 sq.ft. / Dual-hose design. Best portable air conditioner if you want a quiet model to cool a large area.

Note : This exact same model is available with a heater : Whynter ARC-14SH

Features:

• Three modes: Air conditioner, fan & dehumidifier.
• Can cool up to a 500 square feet space (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance)
• Full thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F) with digital readout, 24 hour programmable timer
• Remote control
• carbon air filter, washable pre-filter
• Dehumidifying capacity of 101 pints per day,
• 3 fan speeds.
• Includes extendable exhaust and intake hose (up to 60″) and window kit (up to 46″)
• Max. window kit length = 46″ , Min. window kit length = 20″.
• Dual hose design
• ECO-FRIENDLY CFC free GREEN R-410A refrigerant
• Lead free RoHS compliant components
• Patented auto drain function fully exhausts all condensate automatically in most environments
• Digital and remote control
• Designed to provide quiet and efficient cooling to any room, with no permanent installation
• Casters for easy mobility
• 24 hour programmable timer
• Quiet : Noise level : Less than 56 dB
• Auto restart after power outage
• Storage cover bag with pocket
• Extendable exhaust hose (up to 60″)
• Upgraded Plastic window kit included
• Window kit length: Max. 46″
• Air Flow (at high speed): 360 m3/h / 222 CFM
• Size: 19″ W x 16″ D x 35.5″ H
• Net weight: 80 lbs

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner.

Overview

This is a 14000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioner, and it is equipped with a whole bunch of features that allow it to run cleaner and more efficiently compared to other portable AC’s of similar capacity. For instance, the Whynter ARC-14S uses the R-410A refrigerant fluid, which is completely free of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s). This means you can stay comfy while also protecting the ozone layer.

The ARC-14S also features RoHS compliant parts which are lead-free, so the air that your family breaths will be pure and free of harmful compounds. All this eco-friendly stuff is cool, but we included the ARC-14S on our list for other reasons. One of those reasons being the fact that it can cool an area of up to 500 square feet, and is capable of removing 101 pints of humidity from the air each day.

This portable air conditioner is brilliant for poorly ventilated and highly humid areas such as the basement, and the best part about it is the patented auto-drain system. This built-in mechanism will automatically recycle all the condensate and exhaust it through the vent hoses (in most climates). If you live in an area that is extremely hot and humid, the automated condensate removal system may not exhaust all of the accumulated moisture within the AC, so you will have to manually drain the excess.

Exhaust & Intake hoses extend up to 60″ (5-ft)

The Whynter ARC-14S is almost completely automated, and human input is rarely required in order to operate it. It has a digital console panel on the front, but you will find yourself using the remote control to operate this portable AC most of the time. That is right; this 14000 BTU dual-hose unit comes with a remote control, so you do not have to leave the comfort of your couch to change the thermostat settings. The remote comes in especially handy during the night when you need to make some minor adjustments, but do not wish to get up from the bed. Which is why, we believe the Whynter ARC-14S makes for an excellent bedroom air conditioner.

Not only because of the convenient remote control, but because it is a dual-hose model and provides much faster cooling than a single-hose portable AC. Dual hose portable air conditioners are also better when it comes to circulating oxygen inside a room, since they pull in air from the outside to cool the compressor and don’t take away air from the room itself. The Whynter ARC-14S is amazing for all-day cooling, and it will operate in three different modes – air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier.

INSTALLATION VIDEO | Whynter ARC-14S

The auto-restart function is very useful if you live in an area that suffers from frequent power outages, since the ARC-14S will reboot its systems when the power returns, and will instantly roll back to the temperature settings that were active before the power cut. There is a LCDI (Leakage-Current Detection and Interruption) plug, which detects stray currents or short circuits and immediately shuts down power to the AC. The noise output of this Whynter dual-hose portable AC is under 56 dBA (quieter than a conversation in an office or restaurant), which is quite impressive for a 14,000 BTU unit. There are multidirectional caster wheels on the base for easy mobility, so you can move it around between rooms.

Whynter has a wide range of portable AC’s. If you don’t find what you’re looking for then have a look at their top selling models on Amazon. Whynter is one of the top air conditioner manufacturers so you can be confident in buying almost any of their model. Consider the Whynter ARC-148MHP if you prefer white. It’s a powerful 14,000 BTU portable AC (and quiet at 55 dB), which is specifically designed for high humidity regions and can cool areas up to 500 sq.ft.

Visit the Whynter site to learn more — but to be honest, we do our best to provide more information than the actual manufacture. See for yourself.

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Emerson Quiet Kool — EAPC14RD1

14,000 BTU portable air conditioner. Cools Rooms up to 550-Sq. Ft. : Best quiet portable air conditioner at only 54 dB.

Features:

• 14,000 BTU — 3 in 1 portable air conditioner with Cool, Dry and Fan modes
• Dehumidifies up to 127 pints a day / 5.3 pints per hour
• Quiet. Noise Level : less than 54 dB
• Digital display with 24-hour timer, sleep and 3 fan speeds
• for cooling a room up to 550 sq. ft.
• Auto-evaporation technology and single-hose exhaust system for hassle-free spot cooling
• 24-hour timer allows you to preset the time to turn on or off the machine
• Digital display and variable electronic temperature control from 62°F to 86°F
• 3 fan speeds (low, medium and high) to achieve and maintain your comfort level
• Remote control for convenient operation from anywhere in the room
• During a power outage, Auto-Restart resumes operating at its previous settings when power is restored
• Easy-to-access filter reduces bacteria, room odors and other airborne particles for a healthier, more comfortable environment
• Omni-directional casters easily rolls unit from place to place, plus side handles for easy lifting and carrying
• 5.9 ft. long LCDI power cord with NEMA 5-15 plug uses standard 115-Volt electrical outlet

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Emerson Quiet Kool — EAPC14RD1

Overview

Despite being a single-hose model, the Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1 from Emerson can cover an area of up to 550 square feet. That is 10 percent more coverage than the Whynter ARC-14S, which is astonishing when you consider the fact that both are rated for 14000 BTUs. However in practice, we found out that the Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1 does not really cool as fast as the Whynter ARC-14S, mainly because of the limitations that arise from a single hose design. However, one thing is for sure – it is more convenient to use, and the noise levels are lower compared to its Whynter counterpart.

The Whynter produced 56 decibels of noise, while this one generates just 54 decibels during operation in AC mode. How much of a difference does 2 decibels make? Well, not a whole lot if you plan to use this in a basement or computer server room. However, the decreased noise output really matters in bedrooms and living spaces. If you are unfamiliar with how decibels work, every 10 dB jump equates to doubling the amount of noise (decibels work logarithmically). So even that small decrease of 2 decibels is perceivable if you place both the ARC-14S and EAPC14RD1 side-by-side in a relatively quiet living space.

The Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1 is not only quieter, but is also easier to operate and maintain when compared to the Whynter ARC-14S. For instance, it comes with a built-in filter checkup light that reminds you to clean the air filter after every 250 hours of operation. This air filter captures bacteria, dust, foul odors, etc. so keeping it clean will ensure a healthier and more comfortable experience. The variable electronic temperature control allows you to set any value between 62 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (16.66 to 30°C), and there is a sleep control, which will automatically turn off the air conditioner after a specified period to save power.

One of the best portable AC’s — and one of the absolute best!

You can use the 24-hour programmable timer to tell the Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1 when to turn on or turn off. Automatic restart ensures that the AC does not stay off after a power cut, and you can select from three different fan speeds to obtain the perfect comfort level. Just like the Whynter ARC-14S, this AC can operate in three different modes – air conditioner (standard), fan-only, or dehumidifier. In dehumidifier mode, the EAPC14RD1 can remove up to 127 pints of moisture from the air, per day.

There are two additional functions, which help decrease power consumption and noise levels; these are “eco mode” and “sleeping mode”. In eco-mode, the Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1 will function at lower fan speeds and reduced compressor loads to decrease energy consumption, but at the cost of cooling performance. Use eco-mode whenever it is mildly warm, or if the room is pre-cooled and you just need to maintain the temperature at a relatively comfortable level.

Eco mode lets you run the AC for several hours without having to worry about energy bills. Switch to sleep-mode whenever you want to reduce noise output. Just like all modern portable AC’s, the Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1 comes with a remote control and built-in omni-directional caster wheels on the bottom for easy maneuverability around the house.

Visit the Emerson site if you want to double-check our facts.

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BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner Series

Believe it or not, Black + Decker actually makes air conditioners for home and office usage. This company is most famous for its power tools such as drills, table saws, sanders, etc., but it seems as though Black + Decker wants to experiment in other areas as well. They also make lawn equipment and small home appliances such as toasters, mini fridges, vacuum cleaners, and air treatment products (dehumidifiers, filters, etc.).

Today, we will review some of their portable air conditioning systems, ranging between 8000 to 14000 BTUs. Either one of these would be perfect for usage in a bedroom, sunroom, office area, basement, or storage space. All Black + Decker portable AC’s are equipped with omni-directional caster wheels for easy mobility, and come with full-function remote controls.

They have also done a brilliant job with the multifunctional aspect of these portable air conditioners, since all four of the models we have reviewed are capable of working as standalone dehumidifiers or fan-only units. In case you are wondering about the energy efficiency of these Black + Decker portable AC’s, worry not – all of them boast Energy Efficiency Ratios around 9. Remember, an EER of 9 is considered good for a portable AC, although window and split AC units have EERs of over 10.

Black + Decker makes five different portable AC models, 4 of which we have featured here. The fifth one is a version of the BPACT14WT 14000 BTU portable AC that is equipped with a heating function, which comes in handy during the winter season. It is the BPACT14HWT; the “H” indicates that it has a built-in heat pump along with the usual cooling components. Check that one out if you are interested in an air conditioning unit that is useful throughout the entire year.

There are 6 models in this series. Note, that some models have heaters:

1. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT — 8,000 BTU
2. BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT — 10,000 BTU
3. BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT — 12,000 BTU
4. BLACK+DECKER BPACT12HWT (with Heater) — 12,000 BTU
5. BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT — 14,000 BTU
6. BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT (with Heater) — 14,000 BTU

NOTE : Essentially, these models are identical, other than the BTU’s (cooling power) and some have heaters.

BLACK+DECKER  BPACT08WT

8000 BTU portable air conditioner. Cools a room up to 300 sq.ft. (15’x20′)

Features:

• 3-in-1 : Air conditioner/dehumidifier/fan
• Full function remote control
• Cools a room up to 300 sq.ft. (approximately rooms up 15′ x 20′)
• Vertical motion creates constant, powerful airflow and consistent temperature in the room
• Auto water evaporation
• Environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant
• Slide out washable filter & large front vented airflow outlet
• 24 hour timer and sleep mode
• Easy connection to window/wall
• Top mounted control panel with LED display
• Casters for easy mobility
• Installation Kit: Air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose and owner’s manual all included
• Warranty: 1 year (12 months) for labor/1 year (12 months) for parts (manufacturing defects only)/and a total of 5 years (60 months) for compressor part only.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT air conditioner unit.

Includes

• Installation Kit: Air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose and owner’s manual
• Full function remote control

Overview

Full-function remote control, automatic water evaporation, environment-friendly refrigerant (R410a), 24-hour programmable timer, and a sleep mode. You get all this for under 300 dollars, packaged into a sleek and extremely lightweight body, which weighs just under 53 pounds. In case that wasn’t light enough for an 8000 BTU portable AC, Black + Decker were generous enough to include a set of omnidirectional caster wheels underneath the base which allow you to roll this 26” tall 3-in-1 air conditioning unit around your home, just like you would move a luggage bag.

It can function as an air conditioner, standalone dehumidifier, or just a fan to facilitate air circulation in the room. Black + Decker recommends that you use this portable AC to cool an area of up to 15 x 20 feet, which is equal to 300 square feet of coverage. Noise levels are fairly low at just 53 decibels, and it has an energy efficiency ratio of 8.94. While it is certainly not the most power efficient AC unit you can purchase, there are very few portable AC’s out there which offer such performance at this price, and it comes with most of the convenience features you would find in a 12000 or 14000 BTU portable air conditioner that costs nearly twice as much.

For instance, it features 4 different cooling settings and 3 fan speeds. There is a sleep timer, and you can control temperature settings as well as fan speeds through the included remote control. Moisture removal rate is rather low, and this is a single-hose portable AC, so you will have to deal with a few issues that come standard with most single-hose models.

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Black and Decker BPACT10WT

10,000 BTU portable air conditioner. Cools a room up to 400 sq.ft (20’x20′)

Features:

• 3-in-1 Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier/Fan
• Full Function Remote Control
• Cools a room approximately 20′ x 20′
• Auto Water Evaporation
• Environmentally Friendly R410a Refrigerant
• Slide Out Washable Filter & Large Front Vented Airflow Outlet
• 24 Hour Timer and Sleep Mode
• Easy Connection to Window/Wall
• Top Mounted Control Panel with LED Display
• Casters for Easy Mobility
• Installation Kit: Air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose and owner’s manual all included
• Warranty: 1 year (12 months) for labor/1 year (12 months) for parts (manufacturing defects only)/and a total of 5 years (60 months) for compressor part only.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT air conditioner unit.

Overview

This is the 10000 BTU model in Black + Decker’s arsenal of portable air conditioning systems, and it comes standard with a remote control and digitally programmable timers. Surprisingly, even though it covers an extra 100 square feet of area compared to its smaller cousin, the BPACT08WT, this portable AC generates the exact same amount of noise at just 53 decibels.

Black + Decker put in extra effort to ensure that the BPACT10WT stays as silent as possible, especially because this particular model is targeted at office rooms and living spaces. It weighs slightly more at 57 pounds, but the caster wheels ensure that you will have no trouble whatsoever moving this portable AC around the home or office area. It removes up to 111.7 pints of moisture a day, and is fully self-evaporating which means you don’t have to manually drain the condensate every few hours.

Talking of things that are automatic, the 24-hour timer and sleep function ensure that your BPACT10WT air conditioner will turn itself on or off based on preset timings. There is an auto restart function, which will bring the AC back to life right after a power cut. It can function as a dehumidifier or fan-only unit, and everything can be adjusted conveniently through a remote control. Like all Black + Decker portable AC’s, this one too is covered by a superior warranty, 5 years on the compressor and 1 year on the rest of the parts (includes labor). Compare this to Whynter, which provides a 3-year warranty on the compressor.

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BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT

12,000 BTU portable air conditioner. Cools a room up 500 sq. ft. (20′ x 25′)

Features:

• Cools a room up 500 sq. ft. / Cools a room approximately 20′ x 25′
• 3-in-1 Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier/Fan
• Full Function Remote Control
• Auto Water Evaporation
• Environmentally Friendly R410a Refrigerant
• Slide Out Washable Filter & Large, 4 Direction Vented Airflow Outlet
• 24 Hour Timer and Sleep Mode
• Easy Connection to Window/Wall
• Top Mounted Control Panel with LED Display
• Casters for Easy Mobility
• Installation Kit: Air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose and owner’s manual all included
• Warranty: 1 year (12 months) for labor/1 year (12 months) for parts (manufacturing defects only)/and a total of 5 years (60 months) for compressor part only.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT air conditioner unit.

Overview

A step above the 10000 BTU model, it weighs just shy of 60 pounds. The BPACT12WT can cool an area of up to 500 square feet, a hundred square feet more compared to the BPACT10WT. Just like all other portable AC’s from Black + Decker, this one features a standalone dehumidifier mode as well as fan-only function. It is equipped with caster wheels so you can roll it around, as well as side-handles, which let you lift up the unit for transportation across stairs or other forms of elevation.

The noise output is similar compared to the smaller models, and overall performance is very good when you consider its pricing and the fact that it is a single-hose model. Unlike the smaller models, this one features 4-way air circulation along with larger louvers, which facilitate a wider range of coverage for the cold air coming out of its vents.

We noticed that the BPACT12WT is much more effective at distributing air evenly across large rooms, and is capable of removing up to 136.7 pints of moisture per day. It is better at removing moisture than some of the larger 14000 BTU portable AC’s from Whynter and Honeywell, which is why we recommend the BPACT12WT for extremely hot and humid climates, as well as basements and storage rooms.

The removable air-filter in this portable AC is washable, but you must manually check the filter to see if it is dirty since there is no filter warning light. Temperature and fan speed are adjusted through the remote control, and it also includes an easy to navigate digital control panel with LED displays.

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Black and Decker BPACT14WT

14,000 BTU portable air conditioner. Cools a room up 550 sq. ft. (22′ x 25′)

Features:

• 3-in-1 Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier/Fan
• Cools a room up to 550 sq.ft (22′ x 25′)
• Full Function Remote Control
• Auto Water Evaporation
• Environmentally Friendly R410a Refrigerant
• Slide Out Washable Filter & Large, 4 Direction Vented Airflow Outlet
• 24 Hour Timer and Sleep Mode
• Easy Connection to Window/Wall
• Top Mounted Control Panel with LED Display
• Casters for Easy Mobility
• Installation Kit: Air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose and owner’s manual all included
• Warranty: 1 year (12 months) for labor/1 year (12 months) for parts (manufacturing defects only)/and a total of 5 years (60 months) for compressor part only.

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT air conditioner unit.

Overview

Another 14000 BTU single-hose portable air conditioner, only this time it is actually affordable. We firmly believe that if you are spending over 400 dollars on a 14000 BTU portable AC, it must be dual-hose vented. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule such as the Emerson Quiet Kool EAPC14RD1, which we included on our list because of its low maintenance and high performance despite being a single-hose unit. However, the Black + Decker BPACT14WT does justice to the concept of 14000 BTU single-hose AC’s.

It is reliable, cheap, and can cool an area of up to 550 square feet. The best part is that it does all of this while also being extremely energy efficient by portable AC standards. The EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) on this portable AC is 9.78, a figure you typically see on dual-hose models that cost nearly 50 percent more. It features large adjustable air louvers and specially designed vents, which allow for 4-way air distribution. This allows the BPACT14WT to cool large living spaces, basements, master bedrooms, etc. with relative ease. Just set your desired temperature through the remote control and the digital thermostat will automatically maintain that temperature for as long as you desire.

In case you wish to be a little more energy efficient, you can turn down the fan speed (3 different fan settings). Depending on how hot or cold your room is, you can select from any one of the four preset cooling modes. Noise output is higher (56 dBA) when compared to other 14000 BTU portable AC’s from competing Manufacturers, but it is not going to be an issue unless you use this AC in your bedroom during the night. There are self-diagnostic tools, which check the internal components for leaks or overheating, and the AC will shut itself down in the event of a malfunction.

Visit the Black+Decker site if you want to double-check our facts.

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Whynter ARC-143MX

14,000 BTU Quiet Portable air conditioner (less than 56 dB). Cools area up to 500 sq.ft. Dual-hose design. (Temp : 61°F – 89°F)

Note : Comes with the 3M Antimicrobial High Air Flow (HAF) air filter which is designed to removes particles such as dust, pet hair and dander, antimicrobial agent helps inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, and the micro-structured electrostatically charged filtration media traps and retains particles.

Features:

• Two tone design exterior- Platinum and Black
• 14,000 BTU Cooling
• Dual hose operation
• ECO-FRIENDLY CFC free GREEN R-410A refrigerant
• Patented auto drain function fully exhausts all condensate automatically in most environments
• Self-Evaporative System – exhausts most or all condensate under average ambient conditions
• Three operational modes: Air conditioner, fan or dehumidifier
• Digital and remote control
• LCDI (Leakage-Current Detection and Interruption) plug
• Dehumidifying Capacity: 91 Pts / day
• Designed to provide quiet and efficient cooling to any room, with no permanent installation
• 3 fan speeds
• Washable pre-filter removes large particles such as pet hair and dirt.
• 3M Antimicrobial High Air Flow (HAF) air filter:
  • – Removes particles such as dust and dander
  • – Antimicrobial agent helps inhibit the growth of mold and mildew
  • – Micro-structured electrostatically charged filtration media traps and retains particles
  • – Maintains a particle-free air around the mission critical equipment
• Full thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F)
• Casters for easy mobility
• 24 hour programmable timer
• Noise level : Less than 56 dB
• Auto restart after power outage
• Storage cover bag with pocket
• Extendable exhaust hose (up to 60″)
• Upgraded Plastic window kit included
• Window kit length: Max. 46″
• Unit dimensions: 19″ W x 16″ D x 35.5″ H
• Net weight: 79 lbs

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Whynter ARC-143MX.

Overview

We all know that a portable air conditioner is meant to cool an area, and make it more comfortable for the people inside. But, what if you had an air conditioner that also doubled up as a dehumidifier? Well, we already have those – every modern portable air conditioning unit can also function as a standalone dehumidifier, with most 12000 and 14000 BTU models capable of condensing more than 100 pints of moisture per day.

INSTALLATION VIDEO |  Whynter ARC-143MX

Well, Whynter decided to take this concept of all-in-1 air conditioning systems one step further – in the ARC-143MX, they have fitted a 3M air filter. This is not the same as the standard air filter that is fitted in most portable air conditioners; the 3M filter in the ARC-143MX is anti-microbial and can filter out almost any pollutant floating around inside your home – pet hair, pollen, dandruff, dust, etc. Moreover, since it is antimicrobial, the filter captures and kills mold or mildew spores, preventing them from infesting the walls and furniture of your home.

So who would want to purchase the ARC-143MX? Well, in terms of cooling performance it is identical to the ARC-14S, since both are built on the exact same ARC-14 chassis, which is a 14000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioner. Nevertheless, the 143MX adds an additional layer of filtration, which is extremely useful if your home is situated in an extremely humid place, where mold and mildew infestations are more likely to happen. It is also extremely good for basements, which are not very well ventilated since they can be breeding ground for fungi and mold.

In addition, if certain family members suffer from respiratory problems or allergies, this is the only portable air conditioner on the list that we recommend. The dehumidifying function on this model does not remove as much moisture as the cheaper ARC-14S (91 pints vs 101 pints), but it is a drawback of having that high airflow 3M anti-microbial filter. Do not worry about draining the pan; this is a fully self-evaporating dual-hose AC unit. It features a digital control panel with LED display and programmable timers, but you can also operate it through the remote control.

There are 3 fan speeds and noise output is under 56 dBA. Wondering how efficient it is? The EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) on this portable AC is a whopping 11.2, whereas most portable 14000 BTU models come in at just around 10. This is the same level of efficiency you will find on a modern window or split air conditioning unit.

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Honeywell MN10CESWW

10,000 BTU Quiet Portable air conditioner (less than 53 dB). Cools area up to 400 sq.ft.

Features:

• Cools up to 400 square feet
• Three-in-one functions: cooling, fan and dehumidification
• Built-in dehumidifier, remove up to 66 pints in 24 hour
• Environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant
• 24-hour energy-saving programmable timer
• Adjustable temperature from 61 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit
• Powerful air flow 174 CFM (4.9 CMM)
• Hose diameter measures 5 inches
• Quiet : Noise level up to 54 dB
• Auto-Evaporation System: Collected water from cooling is removed automatically. No bucket, no-drip design (this operation depends on the humidity level at your location)
• Fan Only Mode
• Gently circulates air even when air conditioner cooling is not needed
• Removes excess moisture from air (Ideal for areas with high humidity like basements)
• Continuous Drain System: Connect a standard garden hose tube to continuously drain water collected when using in Dehumidifying Mode (Drain hose not included)
• Portable Design
• Easy-to-install window venting kit included with adjustable window bracket (from 19.9 to 47.25 inches)
• Smooth gliding castor wheels easily roll unit from room to room
• Quick & Easy Installation-all installation parts included
• Multiple Fan Speeds: High, Medium, Low
• Washable filter-helps catch unwanted dust particles in the air
• Digital LED display with feather touch controls
• Programmable Timer (Set to turn ON/OFF in advance from 1 to 24 hours)
• Full function remote control
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
•  Product Dimensions: 18.1 x 15.2 x 29.3 inches

Includes:

• 1 MN10CESWW Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier & Fan (White)
• 1 Remote Control (batteries included)
• 1 Owner’s Manual & Warranty
• 1 Full Set Easy Window Installation Kit

✓  View or download the MANUAL for the Honeywell MN10CESWW.

Overview

Honeywell is very well recognized name in the home and office air conditioning business, and their products are famous for being efficient as well as innovative. The MN10CESWW is a single-hose, 10000 BTU portable air conditioning unit with a digital control panel and LED display. It is one of the more expensive 10000 BTU models you can buy, especially when you consider that a Black + Decker BPACT14WT 14000 BTU unit costs nearly the same amount of money. In fact, most online marketplaces have the BPACT14WT listed for a few dollars less than the Honeywell MN10CESWW.

So, why should you buy this 10000 BTU portable AC, when you can buy the Black + Decker BPACT14WT for less money? One thing the Honeywell has going for it is the cooling power – despite being a 10,000 BTU single hose unit, it is capable of handling areas as large as 400 square feet. This is the same kind of area that you expect a 12,000 BTU AC to cover, but the intelligent design and high performance components inside this Honeywell allow it to go beyond the limits of a standard 10,000 BTU model.

It is one of the quietest portable air conditioners you can buy. In fact, at its quietest the Honeywell MN10CESWW generates only 54 decibels (max) of noise. That is comparable to a modern, Energy Star compliant refrigerator. In addition, the feather-touch digital control panel allows you to change fan speeds, cooling power, and timer settings with ease. However, in case you do not want to walk up to the air conditioner, just use the full-function remote control to take care of temperature settings or fan speeds.

The Honeywell MN10CESWW isn’t the most compact or lightweight portable AC out there, but it works just as intended, and the controls are extremely easy to use. It is also very quiet, and features 3 different operating modes – air conditioner, fan-only, and dehumidifier (68 pints/ day). There is a sleep setting, and a filter reminder light, which notifies you after whenever the filter might need cleaning.

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Whynter ARC-122DS Elite

12,000 BTU portable air conditioner. Very quiet at 52dB. Cools areas up to 400 sq.ft. / Dual-hose design.

Features:

• Three operational modes: Cool, Dehumidify, and Fan.
• Noise level : less than 52dB
• Dual-hose system
• Can cool areas up to a 400 sq. ft.
• Auto restart after power outage
• Extendable exhaust hose (up to 60 in.)
• Dehumidifying Capacity: 76 Pts / day.
• Upper and lower direct drain option for continuous operation without excess condensate accumulation.
• Casters for easy mobility.
• Adjustable digital thermostat control range from 61° – 89°F.
• Self-Evaporative System – exhausts most or all condensate under average ambient conditions.
• Digital and remote control.
• LCDI (Leakage-Current Detection and Interruption) plug.
• Auto restart after power outage.
• 3 speed fan with 2-way directional air louvers
• Equipped with carbon air filter and washable pre-filter
• Cfc-Free Refrigerant and Lead-Free Rohs Compliant Components
• Carbon air filter and washable pre-filter.
• Non ozone-depleting refrigerant: R410a.
• Power consumption: 1000 W / 9.0 Amps.
• 24 hour programmable timer.

✓  View or download the MANUAL for the Honeywell MN12CES.

Overview

This is one of the most premium 12000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioning units available for purchase right now. Whynter is a reputable brand, and whenever you purchase one of their “Elite” portable AC’s, you are guaranteed a machine that performs beyond the default industry standards for its class, and it is also going to be one of the most silent portable AC’s you will ever own.

To give you a perspective on just how quiet the ARC-122DS Elite is, we are going to compare it with the Honeywell MN10CESWW, which is a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner. The Whynter is a 12000 BTU portable AC, and makes less than 52 decibels of noise during normal operation. If you operate the ARC-122DS Elite at low fan speed, it will generate close to 50 decibels of noise, which is on par with the Honeywell 10000 BTU portable AC on its lowest setting. That is truly astonishing, especially when you consider the fact that this AC is built to be more rugged and is actually designed for all-day operation.

It is fully self-evaporative, which means most, if not all of the condensate will be exhausted through the vent hose. However, in some extremely humid conditions, the automatic condensate removal system may fail to get rid of all the moisture accumulated within the AC, which is why the ARC-122DS Elite is equipped with dual drain ports, one each on the top and bottom of the unit. You can connect drain hoses to these ports and use gravity draining to constantly remove moisture through a drain hole in the floor.

Alternatively, you can attach an external condensate pump and route the drain hose through an elevated position such as a window. Just like the other portable air conditioners from Whynter, this one has three different operating modes – air conditioner, fan-only, and dehumidifier (76 pints/ day). It is also equipped with a secondary filtration system that consists of a carbon module, which will remove foul odors and certain chemical compounds from the air.

Then you also have the standard washable pre-filter, which catches larger floating objects such as dust, hair, etc. The Whynter ARC-122DS is meant to be used in areas with little to no ventilation, such as server rooms and data closets. You can also use it in garages and workshops for effective, instantaneous spot cooling.

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Whynter ARC-122DHP Elite

12,000 BTU Quiet Portable air conditioner (less than 52 dB). Dual-hose design. (Temp : 61°F – 89°F) — Also functions as a heater (10,000 BTU).

Features:

• Four operational modes: Cool, Dehumidify, Heat and Fan.
• 12,000 BTU Cooling / 10,000 BTU Heating
• Comes with an internal condensate AutoPump that can be activated to pump out excess condensate that may accumulate in high humidity conditions.
• Dual-hose design.
• ECO-FRIENDLY CFC free GREEN R-410A refrigerant
• Lead free RoHS compliant components
• Digital and remote control
• LCDI (Leakage-Current Detection and Interruption) plug
• Dehumidifying Capacity: 76 Pts / day
• Upper and lower drain ports for continuous operation
• Designed to provide quiet and efficient cooling to any room, with no permanent installation
• 3 speed fan with 2-way directional air louvers
• Equipped with Carbon air filter and washable pre-filter
• Full thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F)
• Casters for easy mobility
• 24 hour programmable timer
• Noise level : Whisper quiet at less than 52dB
• Auto restart after power outage
• Storage cover bag with pocket
• Extendable exhaust hose (up to 60″)
• Upgraded Plastic window kit included
• Window kit length: Max. 46″
• Air Flow (at high speed): 264m3/h / 155CFM
• Maximum cooling power consumption: 980W / 9.0A
• Power supply: 115 V / 60Hz / 1 Phase
• Size: 17″ W x 16″ D x 29.5″ H
• Net weight: 63 lbs

✓ View or download the MANUAL and the INSTALLATION GUIDE for the Whynter ARC-122DHP Elite.

Overview

Take an ARC-122DS Elite, add a heater and a condensate pump, and you have yourself an ARC-122DHP Elite. The “H” stands for heat, and the “P” stands for pump. The ARC-122DS is one of the most durable and heavy-duty 12000 BTU portable air conditioners in existence, but the ARC-122DHP is designed to be even more rugged and extreme. For instance, it features an internal water tank, which captures all the condensate from the evaporator coils. This tank has a sensor inside which tells the AC unit to stop functions whenever water levels get too high.

If you have not connected a drainage hose, the tank will have to be drained manually. However, if you have a drainage hose, just select the auto-drain option and the built-in condensate pump will get rid of all the water within minutes. Moreover, you can control all of this through the full-function remote control. The ARC-122DHP is a machine that will serve you all year round – it has a 10000 BTU heat pump, which is more than enough for keeping a small room warm even during the coldest of winters. The air cooling system is rated for 12000 BTUs, and is capable of handling areas up to 450 square feet.

VIDEO | Learn more about the Whynter ARC-122DHP Elite

There are four operating modes – cooling, heating, fan-only, and dehumidifier. Think of the ARC-122DHP Elite as an all-in-one portable room air conditioning solution – it cools, heats, dehumidifies, and even purifies the air with its active carbon filter. With one of these in your home, you are never going to feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, no matter which season it is. Despite all these complex features, the ARC-122DHP is incredibly simple to operate and maintain, thanks to the electronic control panel and easily removable pre-filter. At 52 dBA, this is also one of the quieter portable AC units.

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Honeywell MN12CES

12,000 BTU Quiet Portable air conditioner (less than 53 dB). Cools areas up to 450 sq.ft. / (Temp : 61°F to 89°F)

Best for : medium to large rooms, such as : living room, bedroom, home office & den

Features:

• Cools areas up to 450 sq. ft.
• Automatic shutoff timer
• Full function remote control
• Quiet operation : only 53 dB
• 3-in-1 Functions: AC Cooling, Fan & Dehumidifier
• Built-in Dehumidifier removes up to 69 pints/per day with continuous drain option for long unattended operation
• Auto Evaporation – no bucket to empty (except in areas with high humidity)
• Easy install window vent kit for vertical/horizontal windows
  • Window Bracket Width: Min. 20” to 47”
• Exhaust hose length: 12” to 47”
• Washable Filtration System – Easy to clean regularly under a faucet.
• Smart Digital Thermostat control with Front, feather-touch controls & display
• 24 Hour Energy-Saving Timer
• Ideal for medium to large rooms: living room, bedroom, home office & den
• Temperature range 61°F to 89°F
• Caster wheels make it easy to move around
• 6-ft. long power cord
• Includes window venting kit

Documents for the Honeywell MNS12CES:

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the USER GUIDE
• View or download the SPEC SHEET

Overview

With its dual-tone black and silver exterior, the Honeywell MNS12CES looks very pretty, but that does not make it one of the best 12000 BTU portable AC’s out there. No, what makes this so amazing is how effortlessly it does its job while simultaneously requiring little to no maintenance. If you do not live in the middle of a rainforest, the fully self-evaporating MNS12CES will take care of moisture accumulated in the basin by itself, requiring zero human intervention. Which means, no need to stuff baking trays or frying pans underneath that drain plug whenever the water tank fills up.

In addition, the pre-filter on the rear end of this portable AC can be slid out for easy cleaning (it is washable). Now that maintenance is taken care of, what about the controls? Well, you are in for a treat. The Honeywell MNS12CES boasts one of the most intuitive user experiences ever seen on any portable air conditioner, thanks to its feather touch electronic controls and the high clarity LED display attached to its digital control panel. Like every other premium portable AC these days, the MNS12CES (12K BTU) too comes with a full-function remote control which lets you adjust thermostat settings, fan speeds, and timers, all from the comfort of your couch.

Noise output is impressive at only 53 decibels under normal operation, which is noticeable as a light rainfall. Personally, I’m happy to pay a little extra money for an air conditioner that doesn’t keep me up at night. This model falls into that category.

There are three different modes to choose from – fan, dehumidifier, or cooler. There is a filter light reminder that turns on every week or two, depending on how frequently you use the air conditioner. It can remove up to 70 pints of moisture a day, and has an Energy Efficiency Ratio of 9.6, which although not spectacular by any means, is better than most portable 12000 BTU air conditioners.

It weighs nearly 64 pounds, which is quite heavy by 12000 BTU portable AC standards, but the omnidirectional caster wheels on the bottom make it extremely easy to transport this device on hardwood floors, carpets, and even concrete. Honeywell calls these “smooth-gliding” caster wheels, and they are definitely much better than the ones on the Whynter or Black + Decker models. However you cannot roll this thing up a flight of stairs, you need to carry it. And carrying it is going to be hard, since there are no side mounted handles.

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LG LP0817WSR

8,000 BTU, best portable air conditioner. Cools up to 200 sq.ft (room: 10’x20′).

Features:

• 8,000 BTU Cooling
• LCD Remote Included
• Oscillating Air Vent
• Cools up to 200 sq. ft. (Room size 10′ x 20′)
  
• Dehumidification (Pt/Hr) 1.8
• Size : 16.93″ x 27.36″ x 12.80″
• Net Weight : 58.4 lbs.
• Programmable 24-Hour On/Off Timer
• Multiple Fan Speeds with Auto Cool
• Auto Evaporation System
• LCD Remote Control
• Timer 24 Hr. On/Off
• Window Installation Kit

✓ View or download the MANUAL or SPEC SHEET for the LG LP0817WSR.

Overview

In terms of cooling capacity, this is the weakest on our list since the LG LP0817WSR can only manage an area of up to 200 square feet. However, since this is an 8000 BTU single-hose portable unit, we will let that one slide. Besides, there is so much more to look forward to on this beautifully designed machine from LG. It looks sleek, and generates only 53 decibels of noise under normal load. The automated air louvers activate without the need for you to pull them out, as you would do on a Honeywell model.

The reciprocating action of the louvers generates 2-directional airflow with up and down deflection so that there are no hotspots in the room, and every corner is cooled evenly. Unfortunately, it is limited to only two fan speeds, but that should not be an issue as long as you set the temperature right and select the proper operating mode. There are only two operating modes to choose from – cooling or dehumidifying, and maximum dehumidification rate is a measly 43.1 pints per day. However, you do get all the modern portable AC features such as a 24-hour timer, LED display panel, auto restart, etc.

This air conditioner is simple, yet effective. Its low price makes it ideal for spot cooling in garages, workshops, or small rooms. If you cannot afford any of the more expensive portable AC’s, and only need to cool something like a small apartment room or tiny storage area, the LG LP0817WSR will work just fine.

One of the best portable air conditioners if you’re looking for a cheap model that will keep you cool without breaking the bank.

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LG LP1215GXR

12,000 BTU Quiet Portable air conditioner (less than 56 dB). Cools area up to 400 sq.ft.

Features:

• 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner
• Noise Level : Less than 56 dB (whisper quiet)
• Dehumidification (Pts/Hr) 1.2
• Est. Cooling Area 400 sq. ft
• Uses standard 115V electrical outlet
• Oscillating Air Vent
• Programmable 24-Hour On/Off Timer
• LCD Remote Control
• Window Installation Kit
• Casters allow easy movement to the room that needs cooling
• 3 AC cooling speeds / 3 fan speeds
• 4-way air deflection to direct air
• Digital LED electronic touch controls
• Remote control : Adjust fan speed, temperature and timer from across the room
• Auto restart : Automatically turns on after a power outage
• Dimensions: 16.9 x 13.8 x 32.7
• Size : 61.7 lbs.

✓ View or download the MANUAL and the SPEC SHEET for the LG LP1215GXR.

Overview

It is louder, heavier, and more expensive than the LP0817WSR. However, when you literally double the cooling power these compromises do not seem to weigh it down. That is right; the 12,000 BTU LG LP1215GXR single-hose portable air conditioner can handle up to 400 square feet of space, which is twice the rated area for the LP0817WSR. It is capable of directing airflow in all four directions – left, right, up, down. Compare this to the LP0817WSR, which could only direct cooled air vertically (up or down).

The LP1215GXR has automated reciprocating louvers, which are mounted in a forward slanting position to minimize the formation of hotspots and aid in the even distribution of cool air across the entire room. There is a built-in programmable timer, which lets you schedule when the AC will turn on or shut off, along with a dedicated eco mode, which greatly reduces power consumption by lowering compressor load and reducing fan speeds.

A full water indicator will tell you when to empty the condensate, although this feature isn’t needed unless you live in an extremely humid area, since the LG LP1215GXR is a self-evaporating model. The digital control panel is easy to navigate, and you have a full-function remote control for convenient access to all the primary functions of this portable AC.

Noise levels are good at only 56 dB, which is great for 12K BTU AC unit. This is comparable to some of the larger 14000 BTU portable AC units from other manufacturers. Then again, LG does not really specialize in making super-quiet portable AC’s, nor do they make the most feature packed models. What this AC does best, is perform as advertised, all day, every day. It rarely malfunctions, is easy to clean, and the controls are very simple to use.

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✓ If you don’t find what you’re looking for here and you specifically want a quiet model then I highly recommend our article which focuses on that very subject : Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioners.

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How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?

In order to understand how a portable air conditioner works, you must first know the basic principles behind the operation of a refrigerated cooler. A refrigerated cooler is any device that uses a refrigerant fluid to transfer heat, all air conditioners work on the same principle – they take the heat out of the air inside your room, and transfer that heat to the outside air. There is a barrier separating the two sides, so that the cold and hot air do not mix.

The refrigerant used in air conditioners has to be a very special type of fluid, it must have a very low boiling point so that it changes from liquid to gaseous state easily, and the heat of vaporization for all refrigerant fluids is quite high. It must also possess high density in its gaseous form, and needs to be non-toxic as well as non-explosive.

The thermal conductivity of a good refrigerant compound is very high, so it transfers the maximum amount of heat energy during condensation and evaporation. Modern air conditioners use R410a, since it is the most environment friendly option we have right now, older refrigerants contained CFCs, which had the potential to harm the Earth’s ozone layer.

So you have a refrigerant, now you need to come up with a process that sucks away the heat from your room and sends it somewhere else. For that to happen, we need four major components-

The evaporator coils – Evaporator coils are located on the “low pressure” side of an air conditioner. It is called the low-pressure side, because the refrigerant passing through this section is usually under a pressure of less than 70 to 100 psi (differs based on what refrigerant is being used, as well as the surrounding temperature). The evaporator coils are a series of winding tubes made from copper or aluminum (since both of these metals are extremely efficient at heat transfer).

The coils have an inlet side and an outlet side. The inlet is where cold, low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows in (40°F, 70 psi). A blower fan located next to the coil sucks in warm air from your room, and passes it over these coils through which cold liquid refrigerant is flowing. As heat energy naturally tends to flow from a hotter to a colder region, the refrigerant fluid absorbs the heat from your room air, and it slowly begins to change into vapor form (refrigerant fluids have a very low boiling point). This warm, vaporized refrigerant then moves out of the evaporator coils through an outlet port.

The compressor – This is the next step in the air conditioning process. The compressor sucks in warm, low-pressure vapor from its inlet side, and outputs high-pressure, hot vapor from the outlet. There are many types of compressors, but most small air conditioning systems use rotary or reciprocating compressor systems. Most AC’s that are rated for under 2 Tons (1 Ton equals 12000 BTUs) use rotary compressors, and the compressor you find in your cars air conditioning system will usually be a reciprocating piston style unit. Scroll compressors are used in larger air conditioning systems, such as HVAC systems and for industrial applications.

The condenser coils – The hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapor from the compressor goes into a series of coils that are designed to dissipate this heat into the outside air. There is a fan located next to the condenser coil, which blows air over the hot coils; this causes the hot vapor to condense back into its liquid state. It is still quite hot when it comes out of the condenser coil, but the temperature has dropped significantly compared to when it came out of the compressor. In our example, the air coming out of the condenser coils is at 110° F, and 420 psi of pressure.

The expansion valve – The expansion valve uses a phenomenon called “flash evaporation” to reduce the temperature and pressure of the incoming liquid refrigerant from the condenser coils. When a saturated fluid stream passes through a throttling valve, it undergoes partial or even total vaporization due to the sudden drop in pressure as it comes out on the other side of the valve. The expansion valve also controls the flow rate of the refrigerant so that it matches with the rate at which it is evaporating in the evaporator coil.

There is a sensor bulb on the evaporator coil that measures the temperature of incoming room air, and this data is then sent to the expansion valve which is controlled by clever electronic circuits that carefully monitor and change the flow rate of the refrigerant to produce the desired temperature in the room.

Air conditioners also have a whole lot of filtration systems inside them, to control the amount of particulate matter and chemicals that flow into and out of the AC. There is a filter, which scans the hot refrigerant vapor coming out of the compressor for oil particles. Most air conditioners are equipped with compressors that use oil for lubrication. Therefore, the fluid coming out of these compressors will have extremely small traces of oil in it, that could potentially damage the other parts of the system, and it will make your room smell like a garage.

There is a part called the “liquid receiver” which is attached to the exit line of the condenser coils. This liquid receiver has one job – to make sure that the output, which comes out of the condenser and goes into the expansion valve, is strictly made up of liquid refrigerant. This apparatus traps any vapors that were not condensed.  Similarly, you have a “vapor receiver” or accumulator as we call it, located right next to the evaporator coils. This takes the output from the evaporator coils, and scans it for any traces of liquid. Any liquid refrigerant that has not been vaporized is trapped here, and routed back to a reservoir.

The accumulator ensures that only vaporized refrigerant goes into the compressor. There is also a valve, which does not interfere with the flow of refrigerant during normal operation, but in the case of a power outage, it will cut off the refrigerant circulation until the system restarts itself when power is restored. In addition, you have a pre-filter, which is the first layer of filtration that your room air passes through before it is allowed to enter inside the air conditioner.

Most modern AC’s have a secondary filter which could be an electrostatic 3M filter panel, or a carbon filter, or even a combination of both. Electrostatically charge filters trap extremely small particulate matter, which floats across the pre-filter, such as pollen, dandruff, mold spores, etc. The carbon filter uses adsorption to remove foul odors and harmful organic compounds from the air.

A portable air conditioner has all of these components, enclosed into one compact package. Unlike a window AC, it does not have half of the body sticking out of your house through a window. Instead, the exhaust is managed through a vent hose that takes all the hot air from the condenser coils and releases it into the atmosphere outside. Portable air conditioners need to be vented just like conventional AC units, and they have water pans located underneath the evaporator coils just like a window AC. Which means, a portable AC isn’t exactly something that you can roll around while it is functioning.

The hose needs to be attached such that all the heat and moisture from inside the unit is released into an open space, away from people and other appliances. Every single portable air conditioner out there that uses refrigerant based cooling requires ventilation and regular water drainage, and some models differ from the others based on how they vent the air and remove the moisture.

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Evaporative Cooling vs Refrigerated Cooling

Many people mistake portable air conditioners for ventless coolers, just because an air conditioner is portable does not mean that it requires zero venting. In fact, every single air conditioner that utilizes a refrigeration cycle has to have some form of exhaust for all the hot air and moisture, which is expelled from the compressor and coils. A refrigeration-based air conditioner extracts the heat from your room and sends it outside, so if you have no ventilation, that heat will return into the room and you are back to where it all started – a hot room.

If you are looking for a truly vent-free cooling solution, check out “swap coolers”. These are cooling systems, which use the principle of evaporation for cooling your room. To give you an idea of what we mean by evaporative cooling, here is a tiny experiment that you can do – wet one of your fingers, and hold it near a fan. Does your finger suddenly feel colder? It should, because the process of evaporation causes heat exchange to occur between the water on your fingers and the air flowing over it.

You must have experienced the exact same phenomenon during a hot summer day when you are sweating and suddenly feel a cool breeze of air flowing in through the open windows. The sensation of relief that you experience in that moment is not because of the cold air. In fact, the air is quite hot. The cooling effect is because of the perspiration on your skin that is evaporating into the breeze, resulting in a lower temperature area on the surface of your body.

Water evaporates by absorbing heat energy from its surroundings. When sweat evaporates from your body, it takes heat energy from the skin as well as the surrounding air, thereby cooling the air flowing right on top of your body. Your skin also loses some heat energy in this process, so the overall result is a lower body temperature.

Swamp coolers operate by using the exact same principle. A blower fan sucks in warm air from outside, and passes it over a series of damp surfaces. The hot air loses a bunch of heat energy when it evaporates the water flowing through these damp sections, so the air that comes out from the front of the cooler is cold and loaded with moisture. When you compare a refrigerant-based cooler to an evaporative cooler, some differences are immediately noticeable. The swamp cooler sucks in hot air from the outside and cools it while also adding humidity. The air conditioner takes warm air from your room, extracts heat and moisture from it, and then expels that heat and moisture to the atmosphere outside.

Even though a portable evaporative cooler is technically “vent-free”, you do require ventilation in the room itself if you wish to operate the cooler. If you shut all the windows and doors, the swamp cooler cannot pull in hot, dry air from the outside. Therefore, it will use the air within your fully enclosed room. For some time the air within your room will feel cooler than before, but eventually the humidity levels will get too high and the cooling effect of the evaporative cooler will keep dropping down, until it hits zero. Which is why, evaporative coolers need to be used in areas that are well ventilated so that the air can circulate around the space without getting over-saturated.

A swamp cooler is designed to be cheap and easy to use. It requires zero ducts or venting, all you need is water and an electrical outlet. However, swamp coolers have many disadvantages. For one, you cannot actually use them in swamps, despite the fact that they are called swamp coolers. Swamps coolers probably got their name from the foul smell they emit when you do not use the cooler for a long time and the water has stagnated, resulting in the growth of microbes on its surface.

Swamps are extremely humid regions, and evaporative coolers perform very poorly in areas of high humidity since the air is already so close to being saturated by moisture, and there is very little room for evaporation to take place. If you live in a really hot and dry place, the swamp cooler is an excellent alternative to portable air conditioners, since hot air has a higher capacity to hold moisture, and the drier it is the more cooling effect you will get through evaporation.

You do not want to use a swamp cooler in places that are humid and poorly ventilated, such as basements. Swamp coolers are also a terrible choice in computer labs and server rooms, for obvious reasons. Evaporative coolers should never be used alongside air conditioners, since they are like polar opposites in terms of how they deal with humidity and airflow. The air conditioner will try to seal off the outside environment from your room while removing humidity, whereas the evaporative cooler will draw in warm air from outside and mix it with moisture. It is like running a humidifier in the same room as a dehumidifier.

Despite their many drawbacks, evaporative coolers do possess some unique advantages over air conditioners. They are cheaper, easier to operate, and are usually lighter. Operating costs are much lower when compared to an air conditioner, since all you are doing is running a blower fan and a tiny water pump. An air conditioner uses a compressor, which is a ginormous power hog, along with a bunch of advanced electronics and multiple fan units. Swamp coolers are also quieter, and can double up as a humidifier in areas that suffer from dry weather. Here is an example of a popular evaporative cooler that will illustrate some of the points we are talking about-

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Honeywell Co60PM

Features:

• Ideal for large open rooms, patio/ BBQ areas, garages, decks, backyards, warehouses
• Best used in typically hot and dry climates where humidity levels are <60%
• Not just a fan – air cooler reduces temperature through water evaporation
• Moist, cool breeze can cool you down without spraying floor & furniture with water
• Low power consumption, continuous water supply connection – operate all day long
• Portable cooler is easy to move around with smooth rolling wheels (Product Size: 18.35 x 27.56 x 40.04 inches)
• Sound Level at high speed: 65dB
• 3-in-1 Cooling, Humidification & Fan
• Cools like a fresh & powerful breeze flowing across a lake
• Weather resistant – for outdoor use
• Large 60 Liter/ 15.9 Gallon* water capacity
• Non-compressor system cools naturally, efficiently and inexpensively (1540 CFM air flow)
• 3 Side Honeycomb cooling media for optimum cooling
• Continuous water supply connection for longer unattended cooling
• Portable with strong casters –easy to roll from room to room
• Recommended for area up to 850 Sq.ft (80 Sq. m)*
• 6 ft. long power cord with NEMA 5-15P 3-prong plug
• 1 Year Limited Warranty.

Overview

Just like all evaporative coolers, the Honeywell C060PM is equipped with a water tank, blower fan, and absorbent sheets that facilitate the process of evaporation. It is rated for an area of up to 850 square feet, and the powerful 3-speed blower fan provides airflow rates of up to 1450 CFM on maximum speed. However, beware – the C060PM is extremely noisy on maximum speed, generating nearly 65 decibels of noise. That is more than any portable air conditioner we have reviewed, and it is obvious that maximum fan speed is not something you would want to use indoors while watching TV or sleeping.

The Honeywell C060PM does have one significant advantage over air conditioners – since it is an evaporative cooler, you can use it just about anywhere. Picnics, road trips, poolside BBQ parties, patios, backyards, etc. While air conditioners offer superior cooling power and can operate in a wider range of climatic conditions, evaporative coolers have the ability to work both outdoors as well as indoors. As long as you have a relative humidity of under 70 percent, and the area is well ventilated, a cooler like the Honeywell C060PM will provide excellent, long-lasting cooling at a very cheap price.

Just fill up the 15-gallon (60 L) water tank, connect the 6-foot power cord, and select your preferred fan speed. That is it; the C060PM is now ready to start cooling. If you do not want to deal with the chore of constantly refilling the water tank, simply attach a garden hose to the water inlet located at the backside of the cooler, and the tank will stay full for as long as you have the tap open. However, since a garden hose is not the most practical choice if you are using this cooler indoors, Honeywell has made it extremely easy for you to monitor the water levels so that you know exactly when to refill the tank.

There is a transparent window, which shows the water level in the tank. Refilling water is extremely easy thanks to the hinged lid and funnel-like top section, which ensures zero spillage. All that is cool, but what really makes this evaporative cooler so amazing is the fact that it can cool an area of up to 850 square feet while consuming just 220 watts of power. Even some of the lower-end 8000BTU portable air conditioners, whicho are rated for 200 square feet, consume almost 1000 watts of power.

If you do the math, this Honeywell cooler increases coverage by 400% while consuming just 22% of the power. The cooler itself doesn’t cost all that much when you compare it with a 8000 or 10000 BTU portable AC. Sure, an air conditioned room feels more comfortable, but at the end of the day you are getting 4 times the performance by spend less than a fourth of the energy.

Read our indepth buying guide on evaporative coolers to learn more about how they work and which models are worth buying.

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Single Hose vs Dual Hose Air Conditioner

This topic has been the cause of much confusion among new customers. Do you get a single-hose model because it is cheaper, or do you stick with the more efficient dual-hose option? To answer that question, we must first understand what these two terms actually mean. In a single-hose system, there is only one hose connected to the back of the portable AC. This hose carries out all of the moisture and heat generated by the coils and compressor unit. However, since the compressor must be cooled, some of the air from the room is diverted towards cooling the compressor and condenser coils.

This means that the AC sucks in air from the very room that it is trying to cool, which creates a slight negative pressure within the room. As a result, warm air from neighboring rooms seeps in through spaces underneath the door, and even air from outside the house is sucked in through leaks or cracks in the walls and roof. As a result, the AC has to work harder in order to maintain the desired temperature.

A dual hose model does not repurpose the air inside the room that it is trying to cool; instead, it employs a secondary hose to suck in air from the outside. This air is the passed over the compressor and condenser coils, and is then expelled along with the moisture through the second hose. So a dual hose portable AC has an intake and exhaust hose. This system helps maintain normal air pressure in the room, and the compressor does not have to work as hard. The compressor also runs cooler, and more efficiently.

Dual hose systems can be slightly louder because they have two fans, one for the intake and the other for the exhaust. Dual hose systems also tend to work less efficiently if the air outside your house is very hot. In that case, the intake will simply suck in hot air from the outside to cool the compressor (which is much hotter than atmospheric air). The compressor will still be cooled, but not as efficiently. Some dual hose models can be transformed into single hose systems by removing the intake hose. Another scenario, in which a dual hose system could prove to be impractical, is if you have a very small window. The intake and exhaust openings on the window kit must be separated from each other by a minimum distance in order to prevent hot exhaust and cold intake streams from mixing with each other.

So when should you purchase a dual hose portable AC? The answer is always, as long as you can afford it. Dual hose models are simply more efficient, and their compressors will last longer. Dual hose will consume less energy, and can run for longer periods. In theory, if you put a single-hose air conditioner inside a perfectly sealed compartment/ room, it will overheat and stop functioning after a while. Single hose models are cheaper, but we recommend that you use them in very specific scenarios, such as the ones we mentioned above (outside air is too hot, or your window is too small to accommodate two hoses).

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Dealing with Moisture Removal in Portable AC’s

All air conditioners are equipped with evaporator coils, which cool down the room air by passing it over cold pipes filled with refrigerant fluid. This process of heat exchange cools the air, and some of the moisture in the air is lost through condensation. This moisture (also known as condensate) accumulates inside your air conditioner, and is typically stored in a water tank within the AC. All portable AC’s come with a water level indicator, which will warn you whenever the condensate levels get too high. Most portable air conditioners also feature self-evaporating technology, which removes some, if not all of the moisture from within the unit.

The remaining moisture may need to be drained manually. You do that by unplugging the AC, and putting a tray underneath it. Then, you remove the drain plug, which is always located at the bottom, on the rear side of the AC. The excess water will collect in the collection tray, and the AC can then resume operation. Some portable AC’s are used in parts of the building that are not visited very often, such as server rooms or basements. In this case, you can connect a drain hose to the port on the backside of the air conditioner, and the condensate will constantly drain out of the water tank by itself through gravity draining.

However, if you are using a hose that is connected vertically, or goes out through the window, gravity draining is not going to work. You can purchase an external condensate pump such as the DIVERSITECH CP-22 , or you buy a portable AC with a built-in condensate pump such as the Whynter ARC-122DHP Elite that we have reviewed earlier in this article.

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What Size Portable Air Conditioner Do You Need?

When purchasing a portable air conditioner, it is very important to get one that is the correct size for your room. If the portable AC is too small, it will run for a longer period, resulting in higher energy consumption. On the other hand, if you get one that is too big for the area you intend to cool, it will keep cycling on and off, wasting energy.

Oversizing your portable AC will also result in a room that is cool, but feels clammy because moisture removal is not happening as fast as the cooling. So how to select the correct AC size? Well, usually the manufacturer states the maximum amount of area (in square feet) that their product is capable of cooling. You can look at the product specification sheet to know if it is the right one for your needs.

The cooling power of an air conditioner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Unit)/ hour. One BTU is the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1°F at sea level. So the more BTUs you have in an air conditioner, the faster it can remove heat from your room. In the context of air conditioning, one BTU/hr. means that the cooling system is removing one BTU worth of thermal energy per hour of time. You can obtain the energy efficiency ratio (EER) of an air conditioner by dividing the BTUs with the total no. of watts that it consumes.

For example, if we have a 12000 BTU AC that consumes 1000 watts of power, it has an EER of 12000/1000 = 12, which beyond excellent by portable AC standards. Most 12000 BTU portable air conditioners do not consume 1000 watts of electricity, which is the power consumption figure you expect from an 8000 BTU AC. Here is a little chart that correlates area in square feet with BTUs required to cool it.

Area to be cooled (square feet) / BTU rating of the AC :

250 sq.ft = 6,000 BTU AC
350 sq.ft = 8,000 BTU AC
450 sq.ft = 10,000 BTU AC
550 sq.ft = 12,000 BTU AC
650 sq.ft = 14,000 BTU AC

Note : These BTU figures are based on certain assumptions, taking into account ideal scenarios. We have not factored in the number of people who regularly use the room, nor have we thought about the amount of sunlight that comes into the room. If your room is located in the second story, increase BTUs by 10%, and add an extra 10% if it is located in a sunny area. For kitchens, add an extra 4000 BTUs. For each extra person over two in one room, add 600 BTUs.

There are plenty of complicated formulas that factor in the type of refrigerant fluid being used, the insulation properties of your house, the amount of ventilation, etc. but all that is beyond the scope of this article. Follow the manufacturer ratings; consult with experts, and do some research before buying your portable air conditioner. As long as you plan to cool just one or two rooms, it should be rather simple.