That compact design isn’t for nothing: HVAC expert Stewart encourages buyers who put in and take out their units seasonally to prioritize lightweight models. Supplementing its overall usability, the device is a breeze to reposition and store, owing to its four caster wheels and notably light weight of 55 pounds. In addition to being the most affordable unit in my testing, the Serene Life SLPAC10 was also the fastest and easiest to get up and running-I had it ready to go in about 10 minutes. The Serene Life SLPAC10 is notably compact for a portable AC unit. (If you’re seriously considering this model but still on the fence, check out my full review of the Whynter ARC-1230WN.) Once the unit is connected to Wi-Fi, you can also pair it to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. The app isn’t the most sophisticated, but it has no notable flaws and includes all the expected functions, plus an option to set schedules. While you can control the unit using the included remote, the Whynter ARC-1230WN also has a companion app that allows you to run the appliance from your smartphone. “The lower speed will be much quieter and consume less energy.” “When switched on, may run close to max for a period of time then ramp down once a space is at temperature,” says Steven Stewart of Southern Comfort Mechanical. The machine’s quiet operation can be attributed to its inverter compressor, which adjusts the unit’s operating speed as needed, resulting in less noise and more energy efficiency. Even running full blast, it only registers about 54 decibels (and 41 decibels on low), which is about the same as a microwave. The ARC-1230WN isn’t the quietest model I tested, though I found its operating noise to be unobtrusive. Without an internet connection, the louvers remained stationary.) (One peculiarity worth noting: In testing, the swinging louvers only worked when the unit was connected to Wi-Fi. When you start up the air conditioner, another panel opens to reveal a fan with swinging louvers, which distribute the cold air far and wide. Its intuitive design includes a top panel with buttons to control all of the unit’s major functions, including mode, fan speed and a 24-hour timer that allows you to run the air conditioner for a specified amount of time. This streamlined construction is typically more efficient than single-hose versions, without being as much of an eyesore. One of the most smartly crafted units out there, the Whynter ARC-1230WN features what’s known as a hose-in-hose design, where the AC’s intake hose (which draws air from outside) and exhaust hose (which expels the warm air from inside) run side by side within a larger hose. The Whynter ARC-1230WN installed in my Florida home. Then, you can get to picking out your ideal model-starting with the promising options below. As Forbus mentions, you also need to ensure that you have window access for the vent hose and a way to empty the condensation drain pan when it becomes full. For instance, check the BTU (British Thermal Units) output of any portable air conditioner you’re considering, as this measurement tells you how much space the unit can efficiently cool. “The most important things to consider in your choice are the room size 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. When shopping for the right model for you, it’s imperative to first take stock of your living space. Most models share a similar design, featuring a hose that vents through a window, caster wheels for maneuverability and multiple modes of operation, including a fan and dehumidifier. And thanks to innovative new technology, today’s portable units are far more attractive than the clunky versions of years past. If a window unit isn’t right for your home, portable air conditioners-which are easier to install and can fit in almost any kind of window-are a convenient way to keep cool.
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