NewAir AC-12000H

If you'd like a portable air conditioner that doubles as a space heater, owners recommend the NewAir AC-12000H. It's nearly identical to the well-regarded NewAir AC-12000E (*Est. $430), except the AC-12000H can heat as well as cool a room of about 350 square feet. It has a built-in heat pump that uses the same out-the-window exhaust-hose setup as the air conditioner. Like the AC-12000E, it includes a remote control and 24-hour timer, as well as a self-evaporative system so you won't have to dump buckets of condensed water when using it as an air conditioner.

Most owner-reviewers say the NewAir AC-12000H heats and cools very well, although a few dissenters say it ran four hours and barely cooled their rooms at all. But as with most portable air conditioners, some complain that it's too loud, although others don't have a problem with the noise level.

Owner reviews posted at retail websites are the best source of feedback on portable air conditioners, including the NewAir AC-12000H. It gets plenty of reviews at Air-n-Water.com, and you can find additional feedback at Air-Conditioner-Home.com and Amazon.com.