Portable air conditioners are more versatile than window air conditioners and provide more power than tower fans. To determine the best portable air conditioner, I tried seven of the best models over the course of a month, testing each one to keep my Florida home comfortable in the heat and humidity. After extensive testing, I found the Whynter ARC-1230WN to be the most impressive portable air conditioner overall due to its efficiency and ease of setup. The quietest portable air conditioner in my tests was the Midea Duo, which made about as much noise as a quiet library or office.
While most portable air conditioners have a similar design—a hose that exits through a window, adjustable rollers, and multiple operating modes including fan and dehumidifier—a few models perform better in terms of cooling power, noise levels, and energy consumption. soon. Whether you’re looking for an affordable product or an ultra-quiet model, I’ve got you covered. (Looking for a window air conditioner? See also our review of the best window air conditioners.)
BTU: 14,000 | Coverage area: up to 600 square feet | Noise: 42 to 56.5 decibels | Weight: 77.3 lbs | Additional functions: dehumidifier and fan functions, voice control with intelligent assistant.
The Whynter ARC-1230WN Portable Dual Hose Air Conditioner is a powerful model that can cool rooms up to 600 square feet. During testing, I was amazed by the cooling capabilities of this device (which can also be used as a fan or dehumidifier): it lowered the temperature in my 400-square-foot living space from 76 degrees to 69 degrees in just two hours. Because of its efficiency and ease of installation, I highly recommend this Whynter model to most people looking for a portable air conditioner. (If you have less space, this unit also has a less powerful version that can handle up to 500 square feet.)
The Whynter ARC-1230WN is one of the best-made units that uses what is known as a hose-in-hose design, where the air conditioner has an inlet hose (to suck in air from outside) and an exhaust hose. hose (to displace hot air from the inside)), run side by side inside the larger hose. This streamlined design is often more efficient than the single-hose version and is less irritating to the eye. Its intuitive design includes a top panel with buttons to control all major functions of the unit, including modes, fan speeds and a 24-hour timer that allows you to turn on the air conditioner for a specific time. When you activate the air conditioning, another panel opens to reveal a fan with swinging louvers that circulate cool air further.
The ARC-1230WN isn’t the quietest model I’ve tested, but I found its operating noise to be unnoticeable. Even when running at full speed, it only registered about 56 dB (at low around 42 dB), which is about the same as a microwave. Quiet operation of the machine is ensured by an inverter compressor, which, if necessary, regulates the operating speed of the unit, reducing noise levels and increasing energy efficiency. “When turned on, [the compressor] may run at close to maximum speed for a period of time and then decrease when the room temperature reaches a certain temperature,” says Steven Stewart, Southern Comfort Mechanical, an HVAC service provider in Lewisville. State of Texas. . “Lower speeds are quieter and use less energy,” he added.
The Whynter ARC-1230WN uses a hose-in-hose design, which is generally more efficient than… [+] single-hose versions.
You can control the device using the included remote control, but the Whynter ARC-1230WN also has a companion app that allows you to control the device from your smartphone. The app isn’t the most complex, but it doesn’t have any obvious shortcomings and contains all the expected features, as well as the ability to set a schedule. Once your device is connected to Wi-Fi, you can also pair it to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. If you’re seriously considering this model but are still unsure, read my full review of the Whynter ARC-1230WN.
Forbes Review senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold kept using the model over the summer to see how it held up to regular use, and she was impressed. She’s been using it every day for several months and reports that the air conditioner successfully keeps her garden-level studio apartment in Brooklyn cool and comfortable on summer days. She also did not notice a decrease in productivity. Her only complaint is that she wishes it were smaller; it weighs 77 pounds, making it difficult to move between her apartment and the downstairs storage room.
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BTU: 10,000 | Coverage Area: Up to 450 square feet | Noise: 52 to 56 decibels | Weight: 62 lbs | Additional functions: dehumidifier and fan functions.
While the Serene Life SLPAC10 may not be the most advanced portable air conditioner out there, this affordable model is nothing to sneeze at. After 90 minutes of operation at maximum power, the compact air conditioner dropped the temperature from 76 degrees to 73 degrees and kept it there. While the cooling performance isn’t as impressive as the better-equipped Whynter ARC-1230WN, the SLPAC10 is a powerful and affordable unit that’s ideal for a small living space or bedroom.
The Serene Life SLPAC10 was not only the most affordable device in my test, it was also the fastest and easiest to set up and operate—I had it up and running in about 10 minutes. In addition to its overall ease of use, the device also features four casters and is very lightweight (about 60 pounds), so moving and storing it is a breeze. This compact design doesn’t make sense: HVAC expert Stewart urges seasonal material handling equipment buyers to opt for lighter models. The device also comes with a remote control that works up to 30 feet away and has a 24-hour timer and sleep mode.
Due to its small size, the SLPAC10 is not the most efficient model on the market. To combat the harsh Florida sun, the device was operated frequently during the 24-hour test period. It’s fairly quiet, but the unit uses a lot of energy during the day (8 kWh compared to 3-4 kWh for the most energy-efficient units). The high usage may be due to the fact that I installed this small portable air conditioner in an area of 400 square feet, which is pretty much the maximum area it can cover.
The SereneLife SLPAC10 window insert is narrower than other options and takes up less space in the window.
If you’re drawn to the Serene Life’s features but want something that will cool a larger space, consider one of its more powerful versions (it comes in two sizes: 550 square feet and 650 square feet). For more information, check out my full review of the Serene Life SLPAC10.
BTU: 14,000 | Coverage Area: Up to 550 square feet | Noise: 42 to 49.3 dB | Weight: 77.2 lbs | Additional functions: dehumidification, ventilation and heating functions, voice control through an intelligent assistant.
Like most electronic devices, portable air conditioners produce at least a little ambient noise when operating. However, some are quieter than others – and nothing more than a beautiful duet. When running at high speed, the noise level of this portable air conditioner hovers below 50 decibels, while at low speed the noise drops to around 41 decibels. To illustrate how little noise the device produces, the Midea Duo is only 1 decibel louder than a quiet library or office.
Like the top-of-the-line Whynter ARC-1230WN, the Midea Duo uses a hose-in-hose design for more efficient air intake and exhaust. Not only did the device reduce the temperature of my living space by 5 degrees in two hours, but it also consumed less power than any other model during an afternoon test. Another distinctive feature of this model is its resistance to moisture. In 24 hours, the device’s condensate reservoir collected three-quarters of a cup of water, not enough to set off the device’s alarm, but more liquid than any other machine.
Like all portable air conditioners (or any other device), the Midea Duo has some disadvantages. First, the companion app provides basic functionality, but is a little awkward to use. (For example, some of the terminology is confusing, such as the use of the word “scene” to describe everyday life.) Another minor issue: When the unit arrived, the innovative rotary fan was bent and had to be put back in place. Bit. place. Finally, this portable air conditioner is expensive, but for good reason. Not only can the Midea Duo cool and dehumidify a room of up to 550 square feet, but it also doubles as a space heater, which goes some way to justifying its higher price.
BTU: 14,000 | Coverage Area: Up to 500 square feet | Noise: 44 to 51.4 dB | Weight: 77.6 lbs |
The smart model is a good choice for those who want a device that gives them complete control over how long it runs. Of the four smart devices I tested, the 14,000 BTU LG LP1419IVSM portable air conditioner was the smartest, thanks to the powerful LG ThinQ app and compatibility with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It also provides powerful cooling, dropping my living room temperature from 77 degrees to 71 degrees in two hours.
The LG LP1419IVSM has an intuitive control panel, but the best way to control the device is through… [+] the ThinQ app.
If you have other LG smart devices, you’re probably already familiar with the ThinQ app, which serves as a central hub for managing all of the brand’s smart devices. While the app is comprehensive and includes extensive navigation menus, the platform overall is well designed and user-friendly. To control your portable air conditioner, you can choose from preset intelligent routines based on specific conditions, such as “On Rainy Days” or “Energy Saving,” or create your own automation routines. (During testing, this device used more power than any other model, so it may be worth using the power saving settings to save power.)
While the LG LP1419IVSM stands out for its smart features, other aspects of its form and function also deserve high marks. Firstly, the control buttons and digital display are intuitive, as is the sleep function, which optimizes energy use while resting and reduces sound volume by up to 44 decibels. Another nice bonus: When it’s time to put the unit away for the season, the unit’s exhaust hose and window panel fold neatly into built-in storage within the sleek white casing.
BTU: 14,000 | Coverage area: up to 700 square feet | Noise: 48 to 51 dB | Weight: 81 lbs | Additional functions: dehumidifier and fan, voice control via intelligent assistant, air ionizer
For those looking for a powerful device that can handle very large rooms, the Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 is your best choice. This unit covers up to 700 square feet, and its 14,000 BTU cooling capacity provides faster cooling than any other model I’ve tested. In just 15 minutes the temperature in my 400 square feet dropped 3 degrees, after 45 minutes the temperature dropped a full 5 degrees;
The device’s cooling capabilities are perhaps its most attractive feature, but not its only one. Using a digital control panel or remote control, you can gradually increase your target temperature over several hours with features like programmable timers and sleep modes. One of the unique features of this model is the Clean Air Ionizer, which works as an air purifier to remove airborne irritants by trapping particles in a washable filter. Although the air conditioner is not as quiet as the Midea Duo, it does not howl or hum like other models, although you may notice some noise when turning the compressor on and off. (Although LG claims the device operates at 48 decibels, when tested, its noise level was only 53 decibels.)
My only wish was that the unit had built-in storage for hoses and window inserts, especially since it is not an all-season model with heating capabilities (meaning it will have to be stored separately during the colder months). Otherwise, I didn’t find any major flaws in design or functionality. The device can be easily moved thanks to the built-in handle and four retractable casters. The unit is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled using the Frigidaire app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home.
In addition to the five winning portable air conditioners, I tested two other models that did not have the features or performance necessary to qualify for the rankings.
Black+Decker 14,000 BTU: While this model does a great job of cooling a room, its performance is not enough to compensate for the loud noise the unit makes or button lag. While this device packs a lot of BTUs into a compact package and can be used as a small space heater, you have better options, especially at $490.
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite: In testing, this model was not as effective at cooling a room as the Whynter ARC-1230WN (my top pick overall). Additionally, I found that this portable air conditioner took the longest to install compared to other competitors, and its display was rough and outdated.
For the sake of consistency and accuracy, I took a systematic approach to testing the seven models of portable air conditioners mentioned in this article. Follow these steps on all seven portable air conditioners for a total of nearly a month of testing. Here I describe each step:
During testing, I rated each portable air conditioner on the following factors: ease of setup and assembly, cooling performance, noise level, power consumption, convenience factors (such as programs, remote controls, and smart features), ease of use, and drain capacity. and is easy to empty. Here are the results of how I tested and measured the following criteria:
To keep your room cool and your energy bills in check, it’s important to find the right portable air conditioner for your space. Start your search by measuring the space you plan to cool, determining which features and functions best suit your situation, and determining your budget. If you keep these details in mind, here is our buying guide to help you make your choice:
“The most important things to consider when making your selection are the size of the space you need to cool and the location of ventilation and drainage,” says Chris Forbus, owner of Choice Air Care, a Texas-based air conditioning and heating services company. Check the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of any portable air conditioner you’re considering, as this measurement will tell you how much space the unit can effectively cool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should look for a portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 20 BTUs per square foot.
Don’t want to do math? Glenn Wiseman, sales manager for Top Hat Home Comfort Services, gives a general guide to the size of portable air conditioner you need based on square footage:
But keep in mind that the effectiveness of a portable air conditioner on hot summer days can be determined by many factors. As Forbus mentioned, you’ll also need to make sure there’s a window with a breather hose and a way to empty the condensate drain pan if it gets full. Stephen Stewart of Southern Comfort Mechanical, an HVAC service provider in Lewisville, Texas, notes that performance varies depending on sun exposure, humidity levels and the height of a room’s ceiling, which determines the volume of air in a room. “Outside air temperature is a major factor in cooling capacity,” he told us. In other words, how well and efficiently a portable air conditioner works depends on how hot and humid the weather is outside.
The cooling capacity of a portable air conditioner is expressed in BTUs. There are two independent standards for measuring BTUs: the old ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standard and the new DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) standard. Most manufacturers provide BTU ratings based on both values, with the Department of Energy standard always having a lower rating. (Note: We report ASHRAE numbers because “engineers prefer the more precise ASHRAE standards.” Jake Reed Smith is a graduate student in mechanical engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University.) The higher the thermal unit, the greater the cooling capacity and ability of the equipment to operate. . the space is closed.
Reed noted that consumers may find value in the DOE standard, which makes some assumptions about extraneous heat and air entering your home through unsealed windows or vents. “This makes any HVAC engineering calculations a little less accurate, but more accurate in practice,” adds Reed Smith.
There’s no denying that portable air conditioners can introduce ambient noise into your living space. Most manufacturers provide a decibel rating so you know how quiet (or loud) your air conditioner is. On average, portable air conditioners produce between 50 and 60 decibels of noise when operating, but some quieter models, such as the Midea Duo, can keep noise levels below 50 decibels.
Portable air conditioners use a lot of energy, especially in hot weather or in large living spaces. “Energy efficiency is by far the most important feature of a portable air conditioner,” Reed-Smith said. “Unlike most home appliances, portable air conditioners are very inefficient, so most of the user’s cost will be on the energy bill rather than purchased upfront.” By choosing a more efficient air conditioner, you can spend less money on keeping your home cool.
To predict a portable air conditioner’s annual energy costs, look for the unit’s EnergyGuide label (usually located on the packaging). The label provides an estimate of the model’s annual kilowatt consumption and compares it to similar portable air conditioners so you can quickly determine whether it is more or less efficient. (If you can’t find the information on the package, you can usually find the label on the manufacturer’s website.)
Portable air conditioners do not need smart features to function properly, but these features can help optimize how often and how long the unit runs. Using the smartphone app, you can set a schedule, turn the air conditioner on and off remotely, or switch the cooling mode to fan or dehumidifier mode. Some devices can also integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, so you can use voice commands to turn them on and off or adjust settings. Remember, you’ll need a home Wi-Fi connection and a smartphone or tablet to take advantage of all the smart features available.
I’m an experienced writer with over seven years of experience testing and reviewing products. I often discuss topics related to air care, including air conditioners, air purifiers, and tower fans. (Visit my Forbes Reviewed Authors page for more details on the family.)
I asked four professionals to share their expert advice on choosing and using a portable air conditioner:
Portable air conditioners are a practical solution for those looking for a versatile and powerful way to cool their home. All five of our recommendations feature the best qualities of a portable air conditioner, including superior cooling capacity, quiet operation, user-friendliness, and ease of use. However, our top pick is the Whynter ARC-1230WN Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner due to its efficiency, ability to cool large spaces, easy setup, and easy-to-use app.
While not all portable air conditioners require window ventilation, they do require ventilation—period. This is because in the process of cooling the air in a room, portable air conditioners also produce hot air that needs to be exhausted. Without vents, they exhaust hot air back into the same interior space, preventing adequate cooling—an inefficiency that can lead to higher energy costs. Other ventilation methods include exhaust through sliding doors, into a ceiling space, or into another room. Note. There are portable hoseless air conditioners, also known as swamp coolers, more accurately called evaporative coolers; Unlike traditional air conditioners, these hoseless coolers use evaporated water to cool the air, so it takes longer to cool the room. power.
If your home is old or has sources of air leakage (such as drafty doors and windows), a portable dual-hose air conditioner may be your best option. “Single-hose models draw ambient air from the space being cooled, causing outside air to enter through an unsealed window or fan,” creating a negative vacuum, says Reed-Smith. Essentially, by drawing air out of the room, it creates a vacuum that pulls hot air through any cracks and crevices. One hose is used only to remove hot air from the unit to the outside. On the other hand, a dual-hose portable air conditioner has a separate dedicated hose that supplies air to the unit from outside.
Post time: Sep-05-2024