6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (2024)

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (1)

Written By

Josh Mitchell

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (2)

Expert Reviewed By

Holly Curell

Last Updated On

August 9, 2024

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Portable air conditioner and heater combos are my all-in-one great solution for year-round home comfort.

Finding the perfect model that fits your needs is challenging. BTUs, square footage, hoses, etc. It can become overwhelming when choosing an appliance. Do not fear, I am here!

I've been using combo units for years and have plenty of experience. These are my top 5 portable air conditioners and heaters.

Quick Glance - My Recommendations

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (3)

Whynter ARC-1230WNH

  • Ultra quiet inverter compressor
  • Efficient hose-in-hose design
  • Dehumidifies up to 87 pints per day

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (4)

Whynter ARC – 14SH

  • Efficient both cooling and heating
  • Quieter than most units this size/capacity
  • Long-lasting and reliable

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (5)

COSTWAY FP10115US-WH

  • Affordable cooling/heating for up to 450 sq ft
  • Can choose between oscillating fins or fixed position
  • Washable air filter

6 Best Portable Air Conditioner + Heater Combos

When it comes to home portable AC heaters, I always tell people to stick with reliable brands that have a lot of reviews.

Start there and then narrow down models based on your specific needs. These are the options I recommend for homeowners.

You can also find all these AC Heater combo products here.

1. Whynter ARC-1230WNH

4.9

Overall Score

Energy Efficiency

5.0

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5.0

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5.0

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4.5

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Cooling

14000 BTU

Heating

13000 BTU

EER

10.79

Max Room

600 sq ft

Pros
  • Ultra quiet inverter compressor
  • Efficient hose-in-hose design
  • Dehumidifies up to 87 pints per day
  • Excellent for large spaces
  • Inverter compressor has 3 year warranty

CONS
  • High upfront cost
  • Heavy model at 77.2 lbs.

The Whynter ARC-1230WNH is hands down my favorite portable AC and heater combo, and it’s what I happen to use in my own home.

I bought this Whynter model for my finished basement, which is primarily where my family watches football games and movies but doesn’t have the comfortable airflow as the rest of our home.

The specs are similar to the other Whynter model on my list below, the ARC-14SH.

While both are among best dual-hose models featuring 14000 BTU cooling and 13000 BTU heating, I find that the Whynter ARC-1230WNH takes the lead for two specific reasons:

  1. 1

    This model features an inverter compressor.
  2. 2

    While both Whynter models are dual-hose, the Whynter ARC-1230WNH uses a hose-within-a-hose design.

These two details alone make the ARC-1230WNH one of the quietest traditional portable air conditioners on the market, with a decibel rating as low as 42.5 dB, which is really important for when I’m hosting game day.

I also really appreciate the WiFi controls on this Whynter model.

It has a very intuitive app that I can control from anywhere, which is nice when I’m away from home and want to get the room ready before I arrive.

It also works with voice controls and can be paired with Amazon Alexa or Hey Google.

The Whynter ARC-1230WNH is one of the few models that impresses me just as much with its heating mode as it does with its cooling.

The powerful heating is an excellent supplement to my home’s furnace, and I have really only used it on low-fan mode.

The EER of this Whynter model is 10.79. It’s not as energy-efficient as most window AC models, but it is the most energy-efficient portable AC/heater combo on my list, coming just ahead of the Whynter ARC-14SH’s 10.7 EER.

This is the most expensive model I’ve included and retails for just over $600. However, it tops my list for a reason.

All these premium features check all the boxes for cooling and heating large spaces of up to 600 square feet.

Who is the Whynter ARC-1230WNH best for?

I recommend the Whynter ARC-1230WNH to anyone looking for quiet cooling & heating for large spaces of up to 600 square feet.

Feature

Details

BTU (Cooling / Heating)

14000 / 13000

Energy Rating

10.79 EER

Room Size (Cooling Area)

Up to 600 sq ft

Moisture Removal

87 pints

Noise Level

42.5 dB

Dimensions

32.5 x 19.5 x 16.7”

2. Whynter ARC – 14SH

Dual Hose Value For Money Option

4.8

Overall Score

Energy Efficiency

4.75

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5.0

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4.5

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14000 BTU

Heating

13000 BTU

EER

10.7

Max Room

550 sq ft

Pros
  • Efficient both cooling and heating
  • Quieter than most units this size/capacity
  • Long-lasting and reliable
  • More powerful than advertised
  • Recycles condensation

CONS
  • Heavier than average dual hose models
  • Preferably run continuously

The Whynter ARC-14SH is a dual-hose AC and heater.

While my top choice Whynter model has a hose-in-hose design, the ARC-14SH uses two separate hoses. This makes it slightly louder than my top choice, but just as energy efficient with a 10.7 EER.

In other words, Whyther ARC-14SH is a solid choice if you plan on heating or cooling your whole apartment (up to 550 sq ft).

I have found that the Whynter ARC-14SH dual hose system will heat a space in as little as 20 minutes.

Cooling is even faster. The ARC-14SH takes about 5 minutes to refresh the space and about 15-20 minutes to reach the desired room temperature.

From my experience and what I’ve seen other people say, you can expect up to a 10-degree difference in cooling and an 8-degree difference in heating when using this portable air conditioner.

ARC also features a neat feature that recycles the condensation from the drip tray to help produce cool air faster. In other words, you won't have to empty the drip tray or a bucket like with SereneLife.

On a similar note, you must remove the intake hose once the heating season comes along.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (9)

If you don’t, you’ll have to empty the water a few times a day because the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air is too large and will cause condensation.

Now, I didn't expect such a powerful air conditioning unit to be quiet, but I was pleasantly surprised.

While the start-up noise levels can reach over 60 dB, the noise drops off significantly after a bit.

According to my measurements, once the ARC-14SH settles down and, even with the fan on the high setting - the unit resides well below 60 dB. Overall, it is quieter than the Black + Decker BPACT12HWT.

Still, this air conditioner isn't quiet-as-a-mouse, and you will hear the portable air conditioner running in the room, but you shouldn't need to make your TV louder or shout to be heard.

I suspect this is the case because when the Whyther achieves the "perfect" temperature, it turns off the compressor (which lowers the noise) and just leaves the fan on to circulate cooled air.

This dual hose system only has a 1-year warranty (with a 3-year compressor coverage), but I've used it for years without incident, so rest assured you won't be spending money on repairs.

Who is Whynter ARC – 14SH best for?

Whynter ARC – 14SH air conditioner is ideal for everyone looking for a dual-hose design for an entire apartment or small home.

Feature

Details

BTU (Cooling / Heating)

14000 / 13000

Energy Rating

10.7 EER

Room Size (Cooling Area)

Up to 550 sq ft

Moisture Removal

101 pints/day

Noise Level

54 - 60+ dB

Dimensions

16 x 19 x 35.5”

Useful Note:

Dual hose portable ACs are more efficient at cooling as compared to single hose ACs, but they are more expensive and are slightly more difficult to setup.

3. COSTWAY FP10115US-WH

4.6

Overall Score

Energy Efficiency

4.25

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Heating Ability

4.5

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Cooling Ability

4.75

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Value for Money

5.0

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Cooling

12000 BTU

Heating

10000 BTU

EER

9.02

Max Room

450 sq ft

Pros
  • Affordable cooling/heating for up to 450 sq ft
  • Can choose between oscillating fins or fixed position
  • Washable air filter
  • Cools/heats to a comfortable level within 30 minutes
  • Very simple window installation

CONS
  • Remote has 16 foot max reach
  • Sleep setting cannot be engaged through app
  • May require external condensation pump in extremely humid areas

The Costway FP10115US-WH comes in second on my list as the most affordable cooling/heating combo.

Notice that I didn’t say “budget.” Usually, with budget items, I expect budget-level specs, but I am truly impressed with how many features Costway includes in a model under $350.

Like the Black + Decker BPACT12HWT, this single-hose Costway model has 12000 BTUs of cooling power and 10000 BTUs of heating power. It won’t cover as much space as the Whynter ARC-1230WNH, but it still covers up to 450 square feet.

I recently installed this one in an in-law suite in South Georgia. My client’s cooling needs were high, and the supplemental heating needs were low, so the Costway FP10115US-WH was the perfect solution.

Since the space would only be used on rare occasions, this AC/heater combo was a much more affordable solution than installing a mini-split. Plus, they can easily move the portable Costway to any other part of their home easily, if desired.

The energy efficiency rating of the Costway FP10115US-WH is 9.92.

It’s not as efficient as the SereneLife or TURBRO Greenland models, but an EER of 9.92 is really not that bad for a single-hose model.

The downside of single-hose models is the noise levels. The Costway is much louder (56 dB) than my top choice Whynter ARC-1230WNH (42.5 dB).

That said, those who like sleeping with white noise may find the Costway to be the ideal solution.

I was pleasantly surprised that this affordable cooling/heating combo came equipped with WiFi controls.

It doesn't respond to voice commands like the Whynter ARC-1230WNH does, but the Smart Life app is easy to setup and use. The remote is also nice and features and small LED screen.

Who is the Costway FP10115US-WH best for?

I recommend this Costway model to people seeking affordable cooling/heating with basic WiFi controls.

Feature

Details

BTU (Cooling / Heating)

12000 / 10000

Energy Rating

9.92 EER

Room Size (Cooling Area)

Up to 450 sq ft

Moisture Removal

Not Specified

Noise Level

56 dB

Dimensions

28.5 x 13.78 x 16.73”

4. Black + Decker BPACT12HWT

4.6

Overall Score

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Heating Ability

4.5

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Cooling Ability

4.75

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4.5

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Cooling

12000 BTU

Heating

10000 BTU

EER

10.43

Max Room

400 sq ft

Pros
  • Auto-evaporative dehumidifier
  • Fast and effective cooling
  • Lightweight and easy to move around
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • 5-year limited warranty on the compressor

CONS
  • Much louder than advertised
  • Not the most effective heating option

First things first, the Black + Decker BPACT12HWT portable air conditioner, with its 12,000 BTU capacity, won't effectively cool up to 550 sq. ft. - despite what the listings say.

Instead, I found Black + Decker BPACT12HWT more efficient for 350-400 sq. ft. spaces.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (12)

To be fair, it heats and cools more effectively than the SereneLife SLACHT108.

From my measurements, it will spew out 43-44 degrees air when you put it on high, so it will be at most 20 minutes before the room is nice and cool.

On the other hand, I didn't find the heating as impressive, but it will warm up your space to 75-76 degrees in most cases. I just wouldn't rely on it during really cold months.

For those freezing months, I'd probably have you go with a 14,000 BTU version of this Black + Decker or pick the TURBRO Greenland, which is also 14000 BTU.

While this one is supposedly running at 52 dB according to the guide, I found that to be untrue. It is significantly louder than the Costway model, and on high, I registered it at over 70 dB.

This isn't unreasonable for a portable AC, but it's not exactly pleasant, either.

On the bright side - the dehumidifier on this model is very good.

Not only will it handle the moisture in the air, but it auto-evaporates the liquid it pools from the room, so you don't have to drain it or empty the tank, which is pretty neat if you live someplace humid, such as Florida.

Finally, the Black + Decker portable air conditioner is not the most energy-efficient in its price bracket, drawing 1.4 kWh at max.

Its EER is 10.43, which is almost as high as my first choice model, the Whynter ARC-1230WNH, at 10.79.

However, that still shouldn't affect your electric bill much. On average, that'll be like $15-20 per month, depending on usage.

Who is Black + Decker BPACT12HWT best for?

Black + Decker BPACT12HWT is one of the best portable air conditioners for everyone looking for a reliable, long-lasting portable air conditioner with heater.

Feature

Details

BTU (Cooling / Heating)

12000 / 10000

Energy Rating

10.43 EER

Room Size (Cooling Area)

Up to 400 sq ft

Moisture Removal

-

Noise Level

52 - 60+ dB

Dimensions

16.5 x 14.06 x 27.09”

5. TURBRO Greenland ‎GLP10AC-HU

4.5

Overall Score

Energy Efficiency

4.25

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Heating Ability

4.75

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Cooling Ability

4.75

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4.5

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Cooling

14000 BTU

Heating

13000 BTU

EER

10.14

Max Room

600 sq ft

Pros
  • Quieter than similar portable air conditioner and heater units
  • More power than advertised
  • Compact for such a powerful unit
  • The best option for heating on this list
  • Energy-efficient while being budget-friendly

CONS
  • Auto mode could be better
  • A heavy machine

With its 14,000 BTU of cooling power and impressive 13,300 BTU heating output, I witnessed a product that can definitely keep you both cool and warm year-round.

I have had my apartment as chilly as 69 degrees with TURBRO Greenland after running it for an hour, with my room temperature dropping to 72-73 from the low 80s in about 20 minutes.

The same thing goes for heating.

As long as your insulation is on point, the TURBRO Greenland will heat up your apartment to comfy 75 degrees by the time you’re done with your morning routine.

All this can be achieved in spaces anywhere from 400 to 600 sq. ft. This is the model I would choose if heating is your primary concern.

However, I'm confident this portable air conditioner could handle even larger spaces, provided they're open-floor.

Now, like with SereneLife, I was delighted when I received the batteries for the remote.

I also received two foam seals in the box, which came in handy when I had to fill up the gaps between the window and the unit’s window kit.

One thing I must say is I was quite pleasantly surprised with the efficiency of this one, especially at this price point and for such a high BTU model. The EER is 10.1, which is very similar to the SereneLife model's 10.4.

This one draws 1380 kW per hour when running at max, making it objectively budget-friendly for an air conditioner this powerful.

Another thing that took me by surprise was the noise, or better yet, lack thereof.

I kept my TURBRO unit around 6 feet from where my head rests when I sleep, and it didn’t bother me in the slightest. If I had to guess, it was 50 dB at most.

I must say that I'm not a fan of the Auto mode.

This Auto mode switches between heating and cooling, depending on the room temperature, to keep it "where you want it," which I don't necessarily like.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (14)

Some of you might enjoy this, and it is supposed to be more "energy efficient."

Still, honestly, I'd rather it just shut off the compressor and keep the fan on to circulate air when the space gets "too cold" - so I just used other operating modes.

The only other thing that bothered me is that this one doesn't have WiFi controls. In most other aspects, it's very similar to the Costway model above.

Who is TURBRO Greenland ‎GLP10AC-HU best for?

TURBRO Greenland ‎GLP10AC-HU is best for those looking for a powerful portable air conditioner/heater combo.

Feature

Details

BTU (Cooling / Heating)

14000 / 13000

Energy Rating

10.14 EER

Room Size (Cooling Area)

600 sq ft

Moisture Removal

81 pints/day

Noise Level

<50 - 55 dB

Dimensions

16.5 x 14.1 x 27.1”

6. SereneLife SLACHT108 SLPAC

4.3

Overall Score

Energy Efficiency

4.5

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Heating Ability

4.0

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Cooling Ability

4.0

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4.75

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Cooling

10000 BTU

Heating

9000 BTU

EER

10.4

Max Room

350 sq ft

Pros
  • Fast and efficient cooling and heating
  • Very effective dehumidifier
  • More affordable than similar models
  • Two-way window kit
  • Has a safety breaker

CONS
  • Short-range remote
  • Needs a separate drain bucket

This is one of the smallest portable ACs with a heater combo. With a 10,000 BTU cooling capacityrating, SLACHT108 efficiently lowers the temperature in medium-sized rooms of up to 350 square feet to the low 70s.

More impressively, it heats the same space less than 30 minutes to 80-82 degrees.

(And it's 12,000 BTU big brother does an even better job.)

It won't be a great addition to larger rooms like the Whynter ARC-1230WNH, which can cover up to 600 square feet, but this is the model I recommend for smaller areas.

Also, the SLACHT108 is energy-efficient. Its EER of 10.4 is on par with the most efficient items on this list. It's more than good enough for regular use, and it shouldn't add more than $12-15 to your monthly electricity bill.

Now, the built-in dehumidifier function is a game-changer for me.

I cook at least twice a day, and SereneLife air conditioner removes excess moisture as quickly as any air conditioner I've ever tested, up to 77 pints per day.

To be fair, I don't have a drain to connect the AC unit to, so I have to use a bucket, which can be annoying if you live in a humid environment.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (17)

After reading countless reviews, I noticed many people complaining about the noise levels, but in my experience, when running the fans on low, this portable AC won’t exceed the manufacturer's noise levels of 52-56 dB.

In that respect, the noise level is very similar to the Costway model above. It's not as quiet as the dual hose models on my list, but the white noise is pleasant.

Another great feature of the SereneLife air conditioner is its compact design. It is one of the smallest portable ACs in terms of the floor space or the volume it occupies.

This thin unit has solid design features, such as cable hooks on the back, for seamless cable management.

Setting the whole thing up took me less than 5 minutes, including unpacking.

You'll get a window kit you can mount both vertically and horizontally, which means it will fit essentially every window.

Also, the hose is excellent. It'll keep its shape no matter how many times you extend it and put it back.

Finally, you can rest assured that you'll be covered with a 1-year warranty. I've read about a few instances in which people got their unit replaced within two weeks, even if it was just slightly nicked during delivery.

Overall, I really can't say I dislike anything about this product in any way, shape, or form - especially at this price point.

Who is SereneLife best for?

Serene Life SLACHT108is best for anyone looking to cool/heat a smaller space of up to 350 square feet.

Feature

Details

BTU (Cooling / Heating)

10000 / 9000

Energy Rating

10.4 EER

Room Size (Cooling Area)

Up to 350 sq ft

Moisture Removal

77 pints/day

Noise Level

52 - 56 dB

Dimensions

17.4 x 13.4 x 32.1”

Comparing Portable AC & Heater Combos

Preview

Name

Rating

BTU (Cooling)

BTU (Heating)

Max Room Size

Price

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (18)

Whynter ARC-1230WNH

4.9

14000

13000

600 sq ft

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (19)

Whynter

ARC–14SH

4.8

14000

13000

550 sq ft

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (20)

COSTWAY FP10115US-WH

4.6

12000

10000

450 sq ft

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (21)

Black + Decker BPACT12HWT

4.6

12000

10000

400 sq ft

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (22)

TURBRO GLP10AC-HU

4.5

14000

13000

600 sq ft

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (23)

SereneLife SLACHT108 SLPAC

4.3

10000

9000

350 sq ft

What i Look For When Buying a Portable AC & Heater Combo

For a thorough understanding of what to look for, read our comprehensive guide on how to buy a portable air conditioner.

What is the Size of the Space That Needs Cooling or Heating?

The room size you're looking to cool down or heat up should be the starting point when shopping for the best portable air conditioners.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (24)

Choosing the "right" BTU rating ensures efficient heating and cooling capabilities without overburdening the unit or spiking your energy bills.[1]

In most cases, you'll want to start by figuring out the exact square footage.

Once you do, you can pick an appropriate portable air conditioner and heater combo based on the following data.

  • For <200 sq ft - Choose units with 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs.
  • For 200-400 sq ft - Choose units with 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs.
  • For 400-600 sq ft - Choose units with 12,000 to 14,000 BTUs.

However, these are just "rough" numbers, and even though they are pretty accurate in most climates and living conditions, ceiling height, insulation, and window size can affect the unit's performance.

What is the Cooling or Heating Capacity of Your Portable AC Unit?

As the mentioned above, a higher BTU means more cooling power and greater cooling area, and vice versa, so matching the two in either direction is more than fine.

However, portable air conditioner and heater combos don't carry the same BTU rating for cooling and heating.

For example, the Whynter ARC portable air conditioner has a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and 13,000 BTU heating capacity.

You can see a similar difference with every other model I reviewed here or any other portable air conditioner out there.

It varies, but on average, you can see a 5-15% difference between the two.

Is the Unit Energy Efficient?

I wouldn't call energy efficiency a critical aspect when choosing a portable air conditioner heater combo, but still, it doesn't hurt to shop smart.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (25)

In a nutshell, an energy-efficient unit reduces your carbon footprint and cuts down on electricity bills.

To find energy-efficient portable air conditioners, check for:

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): Unit's cooling capacity (in BTU) per hour relative to the power input (in watts).[2]
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): The unit's total cooling/heat output (in BTU) during the typical cooling/heating season divided by the total energy used.

A higher (S)EER indicates greater efficiency, but I wouldn't go overboard. Ideally, look for:

  • EER: 10-12
  • SEER: 14-15

Anything above that will provide excellent efficiency, but it's an overkill, which is why the top-rated energy-efficient product on my list is Whynter, with an EER of just close to 10.

Useful Tip:

Unless you live in an area where you use your portable air conditioner and heater combo 8-12 hours per day, almost year-round, the cost difference isn't justifiable.

Related Article: Guide to Portable AC Energy Usage and Running Cost

Does It Have Single or Dual Hose Drainage?

Choosing between single or dual hose systems in portable air conditioner heater combos is more than just a technical detail.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (26)

Objectively speaking, dual-house units are usually better, but I wouldn't call them necessary in most cases.

From my experience, single-hose units work perfectly in spaces smaller than 350 sq. ft. - like studio apartments.

On the other hand, if your goal is to quickly warm up or cool down the space, say, 500+ square feet - go with a dual-hose.

That said, here are the differences:

Single Hose Units

Single-hose models pull air from the room, cool it, and then expel the warm air outside through a single exhaust hose.

They're best suited for smaller spaces, as they are generally more compact and easier to install.

However, they can create negative pressure, drawing warm air into the room from other areas.

Dual Hose Units

One of the two hoses draws air from outside to cool the unit's compressor, and the other expels the warm exhaust air outside.

Dual-hose models are better for larger rooms or areas, as they are more efficient and faster in cooling/heating and do not create negative pressure.

Also, its filters last a bit longer. I also tell homeowners to think about these ACs like so, dual hose units are better at cooling, but are larger and have a higher initial cost. Single hose units are great for smaller rooms.

What is the Physical Size of The Unit?

The physical dimensions of portable models are crucial to ensure the unit fits comfortably in your space without obstructing movement or other functionalities.

Useful Tip:

Before you buy, check out the portable air conditioner’s footprint (width and depth) and height, particularly if you plan to place it in a confined area or near a window.

Also, check the unit's weight. Heavier models aren’t necessarily easily moved (especially if you try to move them with water in the drain tank), even if they have wheels.

Finally, I often see people forgetting about this, but you won't need your AC during some seasons, so consider where you'll store the unit when it's not in use.

A compact model like Serenelife is easier to store in a closet or corner.

Can You Tolerate Some Level of Noise?

If you're like me and you often keep your portable air conditioner in the bedroom while sleeping, you have to think about the noise levels.

6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (27)

Unlike mini splits, whose compressors are in the outside unit, portable air conditioners keep everything in them, so naturally, they’re louder.

Many portable air conditioners create noise from 55 to 65 decibels (dB), but they could be both louder and quieter.

For context, 60 dB is comparable to a normal conversation, so you'll probably want to go lower than that, as noise could impact your life in more ways than one.[3]

The noise level can vary based on the unit's size, design, and operating mode, but in general, units with higher BTU ratings or faster fan speeds will produce more noise.

I often see that you can't entirely trust what the manufacturers say about their unit's dB levels.

For example, the Serenelifeunit I tested is supposedly only 52 dB, but I often found it clashing with my TV or conversation, especially later at night when things quiet down.

Useful Tip:

Choose a unit with an inverter compressor like the Whynter ARC-1230WNH as these can reach noise levels as low as the quietest Window ACs. However, do not expect them to be as quiet as Mini Splits.

Does the Unit Fit Your Budget?

Generally speaking, a portable air conditioner heater combo won't burn a hole in your wallet, as you can see from my picks.

Then again, if you go up by 2000 BTU, you could be looking at a 40% price increase, like with the BLACK+DECKER portable AC unit I reviewed.

Sure, higher-priced models may offer more features or efficiency, but I wouldn't always call these benefits worth the extra cost.

Energy-efficient models are significantly more expensive upfront, and while they do lower your energy bill, it's doubtful you'll ever break even.

Consider maintenance costs, too. A more expensive unit is usually more costly to maintain. I'm not just talking about filter replacements but repairs, too.

And yes, a warranty can save money on repairs and give you peace of mind for the time being, but I rarely encountered these portable air conditioner units breaking during the warranty period.

That said, I suggest you shop for mid-range units, like SereneLife SLACHT108.

Cheaper models are often low-quality and short-lived, and the high-end range isn't worth the extra cost, as it is with central air conditioning units.

ACLAB Note:

When budgeting, consider both the upfront as well as the running costs.

Related Article: Portable and Window ACs Under $200

Additional Features To Look Out For?

I thoroughly enjoy a portable air conditioner with extra features for two reasons: they make me happy and make my life easier.

At this point, a remote control option is a must for a portable air conditioner. It allows you to adjust settings from your couch, which is where you’ll likely be when cooling down.

Also, I'd always look for a timer. It helps consume less energy and ensures the air conditioner unit runs only when needed.

I would also suggest looking for a dehumidifier (like SereneLife SLACHT108 offers) and an air filtration system, especially if you live in an open-plan apartment where the kitchen is part of your living space.

That way, you don't have to worry about smell or heavy, damp air.

Finally, for tech-savvy users, some more expensive units offer connectivity to smart home systems, giving you complete control via smartphone apps, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or home pods, in which case you won't need a remote.

Portable ACs Vs Ductless Mini Splits – Which is the Right Choice?

While ductless mini splits are arguably better, longer-lasting, and more efficient, choosing between portable air conditioner and heater units and ductless mini splits entirely depends on your needs.

Portable air conditioners are ideal for temporary, flexible cooling solutions, especially in rented spaces.

They're less expensive upfront, easy to install, and you can take them with you in a second if you need to move.

However, ductless mini splits are more efficient, quieter, and offer better long-term savings on energy bills, so if you own a house or an apartment, the mini split would be the best air conditioner.

ACLAB Note:

Portable ACs offer the convenience of mobility. Mini-ductless, however, offer better efficiency and performance.

Related Article: Top Rated Mini Split Heat Pumps

So, Which is the Best Option For You?

While all of the portable cooling/heating options I've included are solid choices, my favorite is the Whynter ARC-1230WNH.

This powerhouse packs all the features I look for in a portable combo system, and it's ultra-quiet inverter technology makes it a perfect addition to any large space, whether you're sleeping, watching TV, or on conference calls.

My #1 Recommendation

Whynter ARC-1230WNH
  • Ultra quiet inverter compressor
  • Efficient hose-in-hose design
  • Dehumidifies up to 87 pints per day
  • Excellent for large spaces
  • Compressor has 3 year warranty

References:

  1. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/units-and-calculators/british-thermal-units.php
  2. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_home_heating_cooling.pdf
  3. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230519/Noise-levels-as-low-as-40-dB-can-lead-to-a-decline-in-work-performance-study-shows.aspx
6 Best Portable AC Heater Combos For Year-Round Comfort (2024)

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