Whynter ARC-14S

Bottom Line

The 14,000-Btu Whynter ARC-14S packs enough power to cool a large room (over 350 square feet), but owners are divided over its performance. While most say it cools a large area with ease, others complain that it struggles when the temperature gets above 85 degrees. Also, while most users find it easy to install, some say hooking up the exhaust hose is tricky. However, owners do agree that this unit is quieter than most.

Performance

Mixed reviews on cooling. Users report widely different results with the Whynter ARC-14S. Some say it performs well even on sweltering summer days, while others say it's useless when the temperature is over 85. A couple of reviews suggest that the problem may be poor air circulation; it packs plenty of cooling power but doesn't circulate the air well. This is also a problem for other portable air conditioners, such as the top-rated NewAir AC-12000E (Est. $460) . On the plus side, the Whynter is more energy-efficient than most portable air conditioners, and it's also quieter.

Ease Of Use

Self-evaporation works well. The Whynter has a self-evaporation system (referred to as "auto drain" in the manual), which vents out collected moisture through the exhaust hose. Most users say this feature works well, virtually eliminating the need to drain the air conditioner. Many owners also say installation is easy, but a few complain that the exhaust hose is too short and the screws in the window mount pop out easily. Also, a few users find the 80-pound unit difficult to maneuver.

Value

A bit pricey. At nearly $500, this is one of the most expensive portable air conditioners we cover. However, the unit may pay for itself in the long run, as it's energy-efficient and gets no complaints about durability. It's also backed by a better-than-average warranty, which covers the whole unit for one year and the compressor for three. Whynter also covers shipping costs if you encounter a problem within the first two months. And many user reviews say this unit's sleek looks also add to its value.