Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

The Whynter ARC-142BX 14000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner is our best dual hose portable air conditioner, which has a self-evaporative system so it is bucket-less in terms of design and there will be no mess in the kitchen, living room or bedroom. It comes with a washable pre-filter so it is easy to service and maintain. It has a 24-hour timer for you to program temperatures.

Our step-up pick is the Whynter ARC-122DS 12000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner and it has a carbon air filter and can be used for its upper and lower draining system. It has a total of 3 operational modes for your convenience. You can place this dual hose portable air conditioner in a server room to cool up the temperature and prevent computer peripherals from breaking.

The budget pick is the CCH YPV6-12C 12,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner and this dual hose portable air conditioner can save electricity and it can supply you with plenty of cool air even for a small space. It has a fan function to save up on energy and it can cool down from 400 to 500 sq ft cooling capacity. It also works notably faster than a single hose system does.

A Little Background

Portable air conditioners are special AC units that are mobile – you can place them wherever you need them! They work like regular ACs but are movable. If you have seen a cooling tower that has casters then the portable AC is much like that due to its design. The portable AC will usually have a water collecting mechanism, such as a bucket, a drain hose or a self-evaporative feature for pricier ones.
There are two types of portable air conditioners, as they can be either single hose or dual hose units. Single hose units are cheaper, lighter, easier to pack up and set up whenever you need it but can be weaker in terms of power when it comes to comparing it with dual hose units.
Compared to single hose units, most dual hose units can be pricier. Nonetheless, even if that is the case, you can just pick a higher BTU single hose unit, then it might rival a dual hose unit at the fraction of a cost. On the other hand, dual hose units are also great if you often suffer problems on air pressure in the long run.
Most portable air conditioners can be from 50 to 80 pounds in weight to make them easier to move around with their caster wheels. Moreover, their hose for disposing the excess water that drips from the unit is usually from 5 to 7 feet. While a portable air conditioner may sound like a portable option, they still need sufficient room to stand like a stand fan or tower fan – except with wheels.
The benefits of these portable air conditioners is that you can just simply disassemble it by taking the hose (or hoses) off when you want to move the unit to another area of the house or commercial building, making them truly mobile.
Compared to window type air conditioners, the portable air conditioner usually runs from 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs only, making it just right for small to medium sized homes and some small offices or business areas. They are usually easier to move around due to the caster wheels.
This is because the portability should be coupled with a motor that is not too large and not too heavy, thus have a little bit of drawback in power. However, you can choose a higher BTU air conditioner if it is portable so you can still reap the benefits of mobile AC on the go.
Choosing an AC unit largely depends on your needs. If you want a window type AC unit, you should have the space for it and the ideal wall or window to insert the AC unit into. Window type air conditioners take a lot of job when it comes down to setting it up and putting it into your wall.
On the other hand, if you don’t have that part of the house where a window type AC unit can fit into, you can just go for a portable AC unit and cool down any room depending on your needs, so you don’t have to go to just one room to cool down during the summer.
Portable ACs are great during the summer when you don’t want to experience a lot of expenses yet want to stay cool. For example, you only need a few rooms to be cooled down. The portable AC can help reduce the load on your central air conditioner because it does the work for you.
The main purpose of a portable air conditioner is to deliver coolness into different rooms. It is a way of cooling without hitting your budget a lot, as compared to running the central air conditioner all the time. This is because when you don’t need to cool down the entire house, you can just use the portable AC to cool down specific rooms and then move to another.
One of the key benefits of portable ACs is that they are not just affordable, efficient and portable, but they are also very convenient and can be controlled with a remote with their speed and other functions. This makes them at par with window types, without the expense of a hole in the wall. The functionality of most portable air conditioners are much like those found in window types due to the integrated remote control, sleep timers, etc.
While both of them are movable, their typical applications are different. Mobile air conditioners can be towed to a job site, such as a plant or a large office or work area, such as a warehouse. Portable air conditioners, on the other hand, are best used for apartments and other small areas. Portable ACs are smaller and are also lighter and thus, “portable”.
Air conditioning also removes the insects and airborne allergens to improve your air quality and overall health. This is why most people with asthma, allergic rhinitis or hay fever are advised to spend most of their days in an air conditioned room, because of its health benefits to the respiratory system.
AC units can also be dangerous if you just went outside for a jog, forgot to change clothing or wipe your back’s sweat away and then enter the building. The sudden change in temperature can take its toll on your immune system and potentially cause colds, cough, fever or flu. Dry eyes can also be a bad side effect of running the AC unit constantly at home or in your work area.

How We Picked

When you are choosing the best dual hose portable air conditioner, you should look for the following:
Coverage area: the typical coverage area for a portable air conditioner ranges from 200 to 500 square feet but it also depends on the area of your house, so make sure you estimate it well before you buy an AC unit.
BTUs: the BTU or British Thermal Unit tells how powerful a dual hose portable air conditioner is. Most of these units can go for up to 12,000 BTUs but some can be just below 9,000 BTUs or lower, depending on your needs.
EER or SEER: most dual hose portable air conditioners can have 13 SEER and above. This rating system dictates how much energy efficiency you can get from the unit as compared to others.
Low noise: do consider a dual hose portable air conditioner that is low on noise so that it does not disturb you in the middle of the night.

Our Pick

Our best dual hose portable air conditioner is the Whynter ARC-142BX 14000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner, which has a temperature range of 62 to 88 degrees F. it also keeps condensate build-up to a minimum due to its motor design and it has an auto-restart function for power outages.
Covering up to 500 sq. ft. of area, this dual hose portable air conditioner is at 14,000 BTUs so it is pretty good for the average ambient conditions. It is also equipped with movable casters for room to room cooling and it recycles moisture due to the self-evaporative system.
Your temperature and humidity can be regulated with the dual hose portable air conditioner and its CFC free components. You can also use the fan or dehumidifier modes for your other needs during the summer. It gives off less than 53 dBA of noise levels so it is great for sleeping.
It has continuous and manual drain options so you can adapt to your needs. With its R-410A refrigerant, which is not ozone-depleting so it is eco-friendly, this is a responsible dual hose portable air conditioner to have for the environment. It takes 71 pints per day for its dehumidifying capacity.
The dual hose portable air conditioner can be easily programmed by anyone and has an air flow of 317 CFM. With 4 operational modes, you can customize the AC unit with the remote control to your needs of cooling. It also has an auto mode for your convenience along with the adjustable thermostat control.
With its plastic window kit included, installation of this dual hose portable air conditioner is a breeze. The unit bears 1480 watts of power consumption (12 amps) and is a neat air conditioner that is UL listed so it is safe to use with quality control.
The dual hose portable air conditioner can produce cool air evenly. It has a sturdy anti-bacterial silver ion filter that can withstand heavy usage. The automatic shut-off is also helpful for saving energy. The included window kit measures 48 x 26 1/2 inches.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

While not really a big deal, the Whynter ARC-142BX 14000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner might not have a lot of dehumidifying capacity compared to higher priced brands, but it can suffice. It also falls behind on some brands in noise levels, but it is extremely bearable, nonetheless.

Step-up Pick

The Whynter ARC-122DS 12000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner is our step-up pick and has an auto drain function so there is no mess in the home or office at all. It can cover up to 400 square feet of area and is a lead-free and eco friendly dual hose portable air conditioner that works in most environments.
With up to 76 pints a day of dehumidifying capacity, this dual hose portable air conditioner runs at 12,000 BTU to keep you cool and comfortable with its self-evaporative system. Moreover, power outages are no problem due to the auto restart function.
This dual hose portable air conditioner is easily controlled and set up with the use of the remote control. You can dehumidify a room or area with its dehumidifying function. What’s more, the R410a refrigerant is ozone-friendly and eco-friendly.
Its digital operation makes setting up the room temperature a breeze. Moreover, it has a fan function to make things easier during the summer without losing humidity. Great for room to room cooling, it is great for space constrained areas and consumes 1000 W at 9 amps.
The unit includes a window kit so it is easy to setup overall. It is made with RoHS compliant parts so it is safe and quality made. It has a 24 hour programmable timer so you don’t have to turn it down when you sleep. It has a well-built exhaust hose and a washable pre-filter that is easy to maintain. As a dual-hose system unit, it comes with mobility casters as well.

Budget Pick

The CCH YPV6-12C 12,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner is built with 3-in-1 functionality and is our budget pick. Like all units, it comes with a handy remote control so you can easily control the air conditioner from any angle. It gives you a portable cooling solution without breaking the bank.
With its 4-way air direction, you can get more cooling power and control it with the 24 hour on/off timer. It also has a dehumidifier function for highly humid summers and areas. You can tweak its temperature settings to your liking and stay cool in the hot season.
Great for a first portable AC unit, this dual hose portable air conditioner is powered up to 12,000 BTUs and the digital controls makes it easy to adjust. It takes out 67.2 pints of moisture a day and it can be adjusted with a cooling schedule that is right for you.
Made with an eco-friendly refrigerant R410a, the dual hose portable air conditioner is eco-friendly as a dual hose system and comes with an easy to plug 6-foot cord. At 11 amps of power, it comes with window kit for easy installation. This unit also has a quick cooling system and its parts and labor come with a 1-year warranty.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with a Self-Evaporative System

The EdgeStar 13,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is great for a self-evaporative dual hose portable air conditioner that comes with 3 separate fan speeds. It gives you an easy installation method and a power of 13,500 BTUs. As a self-evaporative system, it also has an automatic restart for blackouts.
Being able to set it up from 61 – 86°F on its temperature range, this dual hose portable air conditioner is the perfect companion for a apartment or condom unit to help you stay cool during the summer. You can sleep well with its 62 to 66 dB of noise level and 2 easy to clean pre-filters at hand.
It has a sleep mode so you don’t need to worry about jarring motor noise. It blows 188/224/247 CFM depending on fan speed and it has a remote control included for your convenience. Covering up to 450 sq. ft. of area, the dual hose portable air conditioner works well for different seasons.
With a programmable timer, you can set the temperature in your house when you sleep and when you’re away automatically. Made with an eco-friendly R-410A coolant, this dual hose portable air conditioner also has an anti-mildew design to protect you from sickness and airborne germs.
It has a turbo mode for really hot summers and it has a centrifugal fan type as well. Made only with RoHS compliant components, this unit can take up to 86 pints a day for its dehumidifying capacity. You can also customize this cool and comfortable dual hose portable air conditioner as the LED temperature can display in either °C or °F units, depending on what you commonly use.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner for an Apartment

The Whynter 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a great apartment dual hose portable air conditioner in which the R-410a refrigerant is environmentally-friendly and CFC-free so it is eco-friendly. It comes with 2-way directional air louvers for blowing cold air faster, better and more evenly.
There is no need for permanent installation with this dual hose portable air conditioner due to its DIY-level installation. It comes with either a fan or dehumidifier mode for your needs and only consumes 910 watts of power so it is budget friendly.
It comes with a 24 hour programmable timer for you to save up energy when not needed. It can cool up to 250 square feet of area and it has a digital thermostat for your needs. You get manual and continuous draining modes with this dual hose portable air conditioner and a total of 3 operational modes.
Its washable pre-filter has been silver-ion coated for durability for less maintenance needs. Perfect for most personal spaces, this air conditioner also comes with mobile casters for easy mobility. Its remote control is so easy to operate and it is also applicable for most small bedrooms and the like.
With its self-evaporative system, you don’t have to worry about a mess in the kitchen or living room or bedroom. At 159 CFM at high speed for its fan, the dual hose portable air conditioner has a selectable temperature range from 62°F to 88°F for you to customize your temperature.
It has a compact design and is made with lead free materials for eco-friendliness. There is also an auto restart after a power outage. Giving our less than 53 dBA of noise levels, it comes with RoHS compliant components as well.
There is also an activated carbon filter for keeping the air clean of allergens and dust. With 45.6 pints a day of dehumidifying power, the dual hose portable air conditioner can be used on office stalls at 8,000 BTUs of power. It works on almost any space and has a window kit included for installation needs.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with a Heat Pump

The Friedrich PH14B 13500 BTU Air Conditioner comes with a handy heat pump for all season needs and it automatically restarts on a power failure. The dual hose portable air conditioner can be placed on your master bedroom and can be set to the ideal temperature of your needs.
Working well from room to room on its cooling capability, it can resume in the last setting when it accidentally turns off due to unplugging or power outage. Plugging into a standard 115 volt outlet, the dual hose portable air conditioner gives comfort at up to 700 sq ft. of area within a portable package.
It can cool any room in the office and can give you faster cooling than single hose units at 13,500 BTU s of power. It comes with durable wheels for mobility and gives off a nice and even gentle breeze. As a self-evaporative system, it is also easy to move with its side handles.
The dual hose portable air conditioner is a good unit that gets the job done due to its dual hoses and 6 feet long power cord. Moving room to room is very easy with its design as well as the closed loop cooling mechanism. In fact, you may not need a professional installer with its ease of control. It comes with 3 fan speeds and also a 10,700 BTU heating zone for the heat pump.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner for Small Areas

The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT 8,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a small scale portable AC that cools a room efficiently and is easily accessible due to the remote control that is programmable. It cools the air in a vertical motion and gives you an effortless installation due to the simple design.
Coming with easy to use electronic controls, the unit gives you a powerful airflow. As a dual hose portable air conditioner, it comes with an easy to change slide-out filter as well. Those who are trying to save space may benefit from this unit as the exhaust hose is 4 feet.
It gives you a consistent temperature and it also brings out a quiet operation as a dual hose portable air conditioner. It comes with an easy to read LED digital display screen for the settings to cool down the room. It also evenly circulates air at 8,000 BTUs of power.
With a 24 hour on/off timer for you to keep the air fresh without expending too much power, it also dehumidifies a room and comes with the option of mobility due to the caster wheels. It has a sleep mode to keep you asleep without the noise.
You can withstand summer heat easier with the bucket-less design of this dual hose portable air conditioner that is maintenance-free while you sleep. It can help you maintain a cool home in the summer heat. The window kit included makes installation a breeze.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner for Downstairs

The Avallon 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a great downstairs dual hose portable air conditioner that can cover up to 425 sq. ft. of area. It has an auto restart function for a power outage so you don’t need to be frustrated. With its digital display that is easy to read, setting it up is an easy task.
It can take 80 pints per day for its dehumidification capacity and it can withstand high humidity environments as well. With casters included for easy transferring from room to room, there is no negative back pressure with this unit due to being a dual hose system.
With the LED screen display being easy to read, you can set the temperature of this dual hose portable air conditioner from 61 to 89°F easily. It has self evaporating technology so it is easy to manage with its dual hose system without spillage.
Plugging into 115 V/60 Hz systems, the dual hose design will save you a lot of frustration in the long run. It can also supplement a central air conditioner system. It has an internal drain pump that is easy to operate and an auto mode to add to your convenience.
Being an easy to move around dual hose portable air conditioner, you can select up to 3 fan speeds and use the 24 hour timer for your energy saving needs. It also fits easily in most windows and consumes 12,000 BTU per hour.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner for the Living Room

This living room AC, the Toyotomi TAD-T40LW 14000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner, is not too loud at all and it doesn’t leak due to the design. With a 12-hour timer for programming, it also fans areas with its fan function as a portable AC.
Great for the living room, you will have no worry about draining due to its design. As a dual hose unit, you can place it kitchen and it can also back up for your main AC unit (e.g. central AC unit). It consumes 14,000 BTUs of power and its heat pump has up to 11,000 BTUs of heating.
With a 11.7 EER, it easily dehumidifies your air as well with a frustration-free self-evaporating system. You can use this unit on either summer or winter and cover up to 500 square feet in the long run. It has an easily accessible 6-foot power cord that allows easy transfer from room to room.
It has a handy remote control and consumes 10.8 amps of power. It comes with 3 fan speeds and can be great for your dining room. The unit is backed by a 12-month limited warranty.

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner for a Computer Room

The EdgeStar AP14001HS 14,000 BTU Air Conditioner covers from 400 to 525 sq. ft. and comes with a handy remote control. With an easy to control thermostat, this unit is free of harmful chemicals and the window kit makes it easy to install.
You can also switch between Fahrenheit or Celsius display for convenience and use the 24 hour programmable timer to save energy when you’re not at home. Able to blow both hot and cold air, it comes with an exhaust hose as well as a direct drain option.
With 11.2 EER, this unit comes with a noise level of less than 56 dB so you can sleep soundly. It consumes up to 85 pints per day of dehumidification and it is made with RoHS compliant components as well as environment-responsible CFC free refrigerant (R410A) for eco-friendliness.
It has a 24 hour programmable timer for your outdoor and year-round use. Consuming 1,250 watts of power even for a small unit, its included casters/wheels provide mobility with a power of 14,000 BTUs so it is pretty strong. With this portable air conditioner , you can set different temperatures from 61°F – 89°F for your needs.

The Competition

Other dual hose portable air conditioners are simply not fit for the job because they are quite faulty in the durability of the hoses. Most of them also lacked instructions on how to install or vent them out (which can be complicated for beginners) and thus we did not include them in this list.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a portable air conditioner?
A: The portable air conditioner is a kind of air conditioner, in contrast to the window type air conditioner, that can be moved from place to place and from room to room. It is not fixed and usually has casters or wheels to help you move it from one place to another. Most portable ACs are self-evaporative so they can collect water without making a mess when you move the AC around.
The goal of a portable air conditioner is to make it easy for you to move the unit whenever you need to cool down. For example, if you want to cool the kitchen but the AC is upstairs, it will be hard to manually take down a window type air con and thus, the portable air conditioner is designed for that task. If you don’t have enough money for a centralized unit, you can go for a portable AC unit.
Q: How do portable air conditioners weigh and how long can their hoses be?
A: A portable air conditioner can range from 50 to 80 pounds depending on its size and the size of your room or house. Most portable air conditioners are pretty tall but not that tall – think of them as something similar to tower fans.
Do consider that a portable air conditioner should be easy to move and thus not too much on its weight on the motor. This is so that it can be easier to push with its rolling casters or wheels. Moreover, if you consider a portable air conditioner, you should also know if it is a single or dual hose type when it comes down to venting out the water.
Q: What are the two types of portable air conditioners?
A: The portable air conditioner comes in two types: the single hose and the dual hose. What’s the difference between the two? Well, aside from the amount of hoses they also differ in power and typical usage. For instance, the single hose air conditioner is ideal for small spaces while dual hose ones are for bigger areas.
A single hose is easy to connect while a dual hose can take some time due its two hoses. Either way, these two are both portable due to their capability of transport through the casters or wheels. While it is true that dual hose units are better than single hose units when it comes to cooling, you can still pick a higher BTU for the single hose unit and it can be as powerful as the dual hose unit.
Q: Is a dual hose portable air conditioner better than a single hose portable air conditioner?
A: The dual hose portable air conditioner is usually more powerful than a single hose one. This is because it is usually larger when it comes down to is BTU so it blows more cold air indoors from the outside and the dual hose setup also helps.
If you experience negative air pressure with a single hose unit then a dual hose unit will be better for you. Smaller areas may rely well on a single hose AC unit but dual hose AC units are much more sufficient for larger homes and commercial areas.
Q: What is the typical BTU of a portable air conditioner?
A: The typical BTU or British Thermal Unit of a portable air conditioner ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs, depending on whether it is a single hose or a dual hose unit. This is because portable units are not very large compared to window types and centralized types of air conditioners, hence they are behind a little bit in power.
Nonetheless, if you live in a small to medium size home and don’t have the convenience of having a lot of space for an air conditioner then you can go for the option of a portable air conditioner. While most people do think that they lack in power, you just need to pick a higher BTU to get the full potential of the air conditioner similar to the window type one.
Q: Which is better: the portable AC unit or the window type AC unit?
A: The ideal AC unit for you depends on what you need and the size of your room.
For example, portable AC units are for homes that didn’t have much planning when it comes down to home design, so you don’t have a place to put your window type AC unit. Portable AC units are known for their convenience over a bulky window type and can cool down many rooms.
On the other hand, if you do, window type ACs are great for their powerful cooling ability and concentrated cooling, with little to no maintenance on the dripping behind. While portable ACs are great when it comes down to mobility, they are not very good when catching the water that falls from behind, unless you have an expensive unit such as those with self-evaporative capabilities or a hose system.
Q: Can a portable air conditioner save me more money compared to using the central AC all the time?
A: Yes, using the portable AC is a great alternative to using the central AC all the time, especially during peak hours and days of the months of summer. Portable air conditioners are movable so you can cool down one room after the other without having to cool the entire house and experience a bill shock.
Q: Do portable ACs have the same controls as window type and central ACs?
A: Yes, most portable ACs are remote controlled so they are super convenient to use. They will also have the other things that most window type and central air conditioners today have, such as fan speed adjustability, air purifier filters, self-timers and maybe even a drainage tank for higher end models.
Portable ACs are so convenient without having to drill a hole into your wall to attach a window type AC. This makes them easier to have for most homes that have limited space and walls around, especially for apartments, condo units, dorms and the like.
Q: Are portable air conditioners different from mobile air conditioners?
A: Mobile air conditioners are a different kind of AC unit. They usually reside on larger job sites, factories and offices and are meant to cool down large scale areas. Portable air conditioners, on the other hand, are best fit for homes and small establishments. Both portable and mobile air conditioners have casters or wheels, however.
Q: Can air conditioning have health benefits?
A: Yes, aside from keeping you cool , there are many physical, mental and emotional benefits of air conditioning. People work better in a cool environment and this is why most plants, groceries and offices have increased air conditioning not just to make the customers happy, but also to get the employees working better.
Q: Is there any drawback to using an AC unit at home or in the office?
A: While air conditioning units do have advantages, they also have some disadvantages. For example, AC units can dry your skin because they take away the moisture in the air, compared to just using a fan, cooling fan or misting fan.
Q: Which chronic illnesses can worsen if you use the AC all the time?
A: If you have or suffering from arthritis then constantly staying in an air conditioned house or area can worsen it. This is because arthritis exposed in really cold weather can make your bone joints even more brittle and thus, make it even more painful. Those with low blood pressure and neuritis should also minimize the use of AC for health purposes.
Q: Can the type of climate in my hometown impact the effectiveness of my AC unit?
A: Yes, most AC units act as dehumidifiers so you don’t really need them if you live in a super dry area such as in cold parts of the world (e.g. Europe or North America). However, if your outdoor climate is usually tropical, summer and sticky humid then you really might benefit from an air conditioner unit due to its dehumidifying feeling to get the sticky feeling away.
Q: Are portable air conditioners truly portable?
A: It depends on what you mean by “portable” as all air conditioners will require some setup, unless it is a simple tower fan or cooling fan. Portable air conditioners can be moved around, but if you have a model that uses a hose then that can be a bit of a hassle because you still need a window to vent out the AC or else water will drip from the unit.
Q: How much BTU per hour do I need depending on my area in square feet?
A: There is a chart or info graphic by Energy Star to help you determine the best BTU per hour for your area. If you need to cool down 400 to 500 square feet of area then you’d best be with a 10,000 BTU AC unit. On the other hand, you’ll need about 30,000 BTUs for 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of area, such as a whole house.
Here is a chart to help you figure out the BTUs:

BTUs Square Feet
5,000 to 10,000 100 to 450
12,000 to 21,000 450 to 1,200
23,000 to 30,000 1,200 to 2,000

Q: Which is better for an apartment: a portable air conditioner or a fan?
A: Apartments are very closed spaces that usually have very limited ventilation at hand. It depends on your budget and the humidity and heat of the place. If you live in an area where it’s really hot then you can go for a portable air conditioner. If you’re saving money, on the other hand, then you can just go for strategically placed fans around the apartment area you’re living in.
Q: Are portable ACs quiet or noisy?
A: Because portable ACs have fewer parts, their motor shouldn’t make that much noise. However, it depends on the model you have because not all portable ACs are quiet and not all are noisy either. However, most of them can be quieter than your average window type air conditioners. You should test the product first or have a reasonable warranty period to know if the portable AC runs quietly or not.
Q: How much wattage or energy does an average portable air conditioner consume?
A: The average energy consumption of a portable AC ranges from 600 to 1,500 watts. Some even more powerful ones can go for up to 2,000 watts and thus, can be pricier. Usually, the higher the price, the higher the wattage, but also the more efficient it is because higher wattages are coupled with higher BTUs and EER/SEERs.
Q: What does Energy Star certified or labeled mean?
A: The Energy Star certification ensures that your product, such as a portable air conditioner, is not just safe to use but also energy efficient, eco-friendly and can potentially reduce your electric bill to a certain extent or point depending on your average household or workplace usage.
Q: How is SEER different from SEER?
A: SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is different from EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio due to the fact that SEER is calculated depending on the season of the year (65 to 104 degrees F), whereas EER is computed based on a fixed outdoor temperature (95 degrees F). Both of them can be seen on most AC units, but SEER is mostly seen on larger units, such as central air conditioner units.

Wrapping It Up

The Whynter ARC-142BX 14000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner is our best dual hose portable air conditioner due to its low noise level, bucket-less system and eco-friendly components.