I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best 14000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner (2023)

After reading numerous mixed reviews about the B&D portable air conditioner, I was initially skeptical about purchasing it. However, I've come to realize that negative reviews tend to be more prevalent than positive ones, so I decided to give it a chance. I adopted a more cautious approach, considering that extreme ratings (1.0 or 5.0) often provide more accurate feedback.

To gather more information, I expanded my research beyond Amazon and found that the Black and Decker series consistently ranked among the top three portable air conditioners in numerous Google search results for "the best portable air conditioner." This gave me more confidence in my decision to purchase it.

Now, after using the unit for 72 hours, I can confidently say that I have not been disappointed. The setup process was straightforward, thanks to clear instructions provided for both installation and operation. I placed the air conditioner in a large, mostly insulated room in the attic over the garage, which lacks any other form of climate control. Additionally, part of the room is exposed to a black roof, making it a challenging environment for any cooling system. With the outside temperature reaching 88 degrees Fahrenheit and the unfinished part of the attic reaching a scorching 104 degrees, it was an excellent test for the unit.

I started the air conditioner when the room temperature was around 80 degrees and set it to 77 degrees. It quickly brought the temperature down and maintained it throughout the afternoon, despite the usual rise in room temperature caused by the sun. The compressor cycled off occasionally as it maintained the desired temperature. Based on this performance, I believe it will work exceptionally well in a living room or bedroom setting.

Addressing some of the concerns raised in reviews on Amazon, I find that the noise level of the unit is not as significant as some claim. In fact, it is quieter than many window units I have encountered. As for the reported banging noise during cycling, I have not experienced any such issue. It is possible that some users may have had faulty units. I did face a similar problem where the compressor stopped after a few minutes, but I soon realized it was due to my mistake of having it on the "Dehumidifier" mode instead of "Cool." Once I corrected this, the issue never occurred again.

Contrary to the belief that it lacks power, I am amazed by the unit's impressive cooling capability for its size. I can feel the air flow even from a distance of 10 feet. As for durability, I cannot provide a definitive answer as I have only used it for three months. However, I will continue to update my review if any issues arise. Furthermore, I will test the unit's heating function once the weather turns colder. Energy efficiency is another aspect that I have yet to evaluate.

I recently purchased and have been using the product in question for a few weeks now, and I must say that it has been a valuable addition to my home. The installation process was incredibly easy, thanks to the straightforward instructions provided. Within no time, I had the unit up and running, cooling my room efficiently.

One of the standout features of this product is the convenience of Wi-Fi control. With the dedicated app, I can easily adjust the cooling settings from my smartphone, whether I'm at home or away. This level of control enhances the overall user experience and adds a touch of modernity to the product.

Speaking of cooling, this unit does a fantastic job of quickly cooling down my room. Even during scorching heatwaves, it effectively maintains the desired temperature, ensuring a comfortable environment. The efficient cooling capability is definitely a plus.

However, it's important to address the one downside of this product – the noise level. It can be quite loud, especially when operating at higher fan speeds. Luckily, I have found a simple solution that works well for me. By utilizing the app to turn on the machine and setting it to automatically shut off once the room reaches a comfortable temperature, I can enjoy the benefits of the cooling without enduring excessive noise. It's a minor inconvenience that can be easily managed.

4 YEAR UPDATE 2022: I have been using this portable AC unit for 4 years now, and it continues to impress me. Even when it's not summer, I utilize the built-in fan for air circulation while I work and as a soothing white noise while I sleep. During the scorching summer months, this unit provides me with cool air in my home office, allowing me to work comfortably. Additionally, when I want to relax outside of my office, I can rely on my central air system, ultimately reducing my electricity bill significantly. This portable AC unit is a must-buy for anyone seeking affordable relief from the heat. I have no doubts that I will purchase a new one when this unit eventually stops working, although it shows no signs of breaking down anytime soon!

ORIGINAL REVIEW: After realizing that fixing my broken central air system would cost me a hefty $7,000, I opted to purchase this portable air conditioner instead. I have only been using it for a few days, but it has already been a lifesaver. With temperatures reaching up to 110F, this AC unit cools down my room within minutes. I have it set to automatically turn off after an hour to conserve energy. While I don't expect it to cool down my entire living room, it satisfies my needs when I retreat to my room after work. The instruction manual was not very helpful, but I managed to set it up by watching YouTube tutorials. My only complaint is that it is somewhat noisy. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, and I give it a 5-star rating. I will update my review if I encounter any issues, but for now, I highly recommend this unit for beating the summer heat.

UPDATE 08/19/18: It has been two months since I purchased and started using this unit, and I stand by my initial review. This portable air conditioner continues to be a lifesaver. Despite consistent hot weather with temperatures ranging from 99F to 107F, I have never felt the summer heat indoors. This purchase was definitely worth it and will prove to be a fantastic investment for future summers to come.

UPDATE 05/17/21: It has been three years since I bought this portable air conditioner, and I can confidently say that it is one of my best investments. With temperatures soaring to 119 degrees in my area, this AC unit has been a lifesaver. I have absolutely no regrets about purchasing it, and I would not hesitate to buy a new one if this one were to fail. However, I don't see any signs of it failing any time soon.

I recently purchased this unit and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed right out of the box. It operates quietly, even when the compressor is running, and the 8000 BTU provides ample cooling power. To accommodate our needs, my husband created a small stand for the unit since we will be using it in an old cottage where the windows are elevated. While the unit is a bit heavy, it rolls smoothly from room to room and its sleek design doesn't take up much space.

One feature that I haven't utilized yet is the remote control. However, I have found that this unit effectively cools my PC room. The only downside I have encountered is with the window insert, which is a bit peculiar in shape and doesn't lock securely. Despite this, the unit connects flawlessly to WiFi, allowing me to control it from my phone even when I'm not at home. This has proven to be a convenient feature, especially since my upstairs tends to struggle with central cooling. With this unit, I am able to cool the entire upstairs effectively.

Initially, I purchased this unit for my van, but it only provides moderate cooling in that setting. Vans tend to become significantly hotter on the inside when exposed to the sun, so it becomes quite a challenge to combat the high temperatures. In most cases, this unit merely balances the internal temperature with that of the outside. Opening all the doors and windows achieves similar results. However, I have found that the unit is more effective at night or in shaded areas. On full power, it consumes approximately 900 watts.

This unit truly saved the day when my AC broke down in my Arizona home during scorching 110-degree weather. It kept my bedroom comfortably cool for the three days it took for the AC repairmen to fix the issue, which would have otherwise cost me $1500. In fact, I realized that I could have bought five of these units and cooled my entire house as an alternative solution.

My family and I decided to opt for window units instead of installing a new HVAC system. We were hesitant to have window units on the front of our house, but until they develop an HVAC unit that can provide years of reliable service at a reasonable cost, we will stick with this AC unit. It delivers cold air efficiently and is quite powerful. In fact, we use throws to keep our legs warm when the temperature outside reaches 90 degrees. While the unit isn't the quietest, you eventually get used to the noise. I do agree that the instructions could be clearer, especially when it comes to the drainage ports. Nevertheless, I am considering purchasing another unit for next summer to replace the window units we currently have.

I was hesitant about setting up and installing this air conditioner, but with the scorching heat reaching 103 degrees, I had no choice. Having used another brand of portable air conditioner in my kitchen for the past five years, I was familiar with how they work. This unit, however, had some additional features like drain holes and a siphon, which my previous one did not have. I'm still figuring out how to drain the old one.

I installed this air conditioner in my bedroom window, where temperatures are expected to reach a sweltering 95 degrees by 11 PM tonight. After plugging it in, I was amazed by the cooling power. The room became pleasantly cold, even though it was only 8:21 AM and the overnight temperatures were around 63 degrees. I'm looking forward to a comfortable and cool night's sleep in my bedroom tonight.

There were a couple of noteworthy details about this air conditioner. Firstly, the included window sliders were not large enough for my side-to-side sliding windows. However, the instruction booklet mentioned that if the sliders didn't fit, I should contact the company with my window size. I have already reached out to them and I'm curious to see how they handle it. Secondly, the unit has a "sleep" mode, which I haven't tried yet. It supposedly dims the light and possibly reduces the fan speed or noise level. That seems like a convenient feature.

Update as of 8/15/23: This air conditioner has been a godsend. It allowed me to sleep comfortably through the night despite yesterday being the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 113 degrees in some places. Even with the set temperature at 74 degrees, my bedroom was pleasantly cold. I could even lower it to 64 degrees, but that would be too chilly. Another fantastic feature is the "sleep" setting. The bright blue lights can be easily dimmed by pressing the "sleep" button, even in the dark, ensuring a peaceful sleep.

Although I haven't purchased a second unit to replace my 5-year-old air conditioner in the kitchen, I'm seriously considering it, especially on days when it struggles to keep up with the 113-degree heat outside.

One small downside is that the price has increased by $6 since I made my purchase. However, this would not deter me from buying another one.

The touch-control remote for this air conditioner is not as sensitive as the touch buttons on the console itself. However, the air conditioner is decently quiet and gets even quieter on whisper mode or eco mode. It effectively outputs chilled air and functions as expected for an air conditioner.

The reviewer mentioned that they received the unit in 75-degree weather in Oregon and decided to try it out immediately. They noticed a fishy smell when they started it the next day. It is unclear why this occurred, but the smell disappeared when they ran it again. They plan to clean the filter and will update on any changes in the future.

The reviewer emphasizes the importance of getting a supplementary protection plan for this air conditioner, especially considering its price and the potential cost of shipping if any repairs are needed. They suggest waiting for the manufacturer's coverage to end before relying on the protection plan. They also mention that within four years, it is likely that servicing will be required.

It is worth noting that the reviewer advises future buyers not to directly compare portable air conditioners to window units, as the manufacturing and operation of these two types of units are different. They recommend doing thorough research and considering factors such as humidity, room size, and efficiency when purchasing an air conditioner. They also mention that portables have a different rating system, so it is important to verify the ratings before making a purchase.

The reviewer believes that this air conditioner is the best option within the $500-$600 price range for single hose units. They mention that there are not many dual hose units available. They warn against expecting a portable unit to perform as well as a window or roof unit, but acknowledge that this unit effectively cools the area from 90-100 degrees to a more manageable 70-80 degrees.

In a second edit, the reviewer mentions that they have used the unit multiple times and only experienced the fishy smell once. They are still unsure of the cause but state that the air conditioner has been working well since then, effectively cooling their living room, kitchen, and downstairs area. They believe this unit is the best buy in terms of cooling within its price range and have changed their review to five stars.

I recently purchased two of these portable air conditioners and had a mixed experience with them. When the products arrived, one of them was leaking coolant due to damage during shipping. However, the replacement units that were sent also had similar issues. It was only after receiving the replacement for the replacement that I finally received a unit in perfect condition.

Despite the initial setbacks, I have found that these air conditioners perform well in terms of cooling and heating. Living in Texas, where the weather can vary greatly, I appreciate that these units are able to effectively cool and heat my space.

One aspect that pleasantly surprised me was how quiet these air conditioners are. Contrary to some reviews claiming they are loud, I found them to be super quiet. It's possible that those reviewers were comparing the noise to complete silence or didn't allow the unit to settle before powering it on. It's important to let the compressor settle before operating any air conditioner to avoid damaging it. I believe this may have contributed to the noise issues mentioned in other reviews.

The heat capacity of these units is impressive. While it takes a moment to warm up, once it starts, the compressor kicks on first and then the fan follows on low speed. After running for a while, the temperature increases significantly. Even on the coldest night at 34 degrees, I had to lower the temperature setting because it quickly became too hot. Although the heat may not be as intense as that of a gas furnace or electric space heater, the air circulation is superior. Notably, these air conditioners use less than 1000 watts each on the heat setting, which is impressive compared to smaller space heaters that often use 1500 watts.

Additionally, these units have a function to dry out or evaporate accumulated water. If the drain hose is not used and the drain is left plugged, the unit will evaporate the water when it reaches a certain level. What I found interesting is that the drain is under pressure, allowing it to blow bubbles when submerged. This design prevents clogs, which is a common issue with most air conditioners.

As someone who works from home, I understand the importance of having a quiet environment. These air conditioners sit less than 6 feet away from me, yet they cannot be detected on my microphone. Again, it is crucial to let the units stand upright for the recommended time before powering them on. This may have contributed to the quiet operation of my units.

The remote control works well, and it does not need to be pointed directly at the unit for it to function properly.

One thing to note is that, like all portable air conditioners, these units create a slight vacuum effect that can pull air from cracks or openings in your home. This is due to the air intake and exhaust system of the unit. I personally build a box around the unit and add an extra vent near the back, which I connect to an external pipe. This helps to prevent the vacuum effect and enhances the overall performance of the air conditioner. Alternatively, leaving a window cracked near the unit can also help alleviate this issue.

I am writing to share my experience with the hOme Portable AC Unit and the company that sells it. Not only is the product fantastic, but the level of customer service provided by the company is truly impressive.

Upon ordering the AC unit, I received it within a reasonable timeframe of about 4 days. Although the box appeared to have endured some rough handling during shipping, I was relieved to find that the product itself was undamaged and all the components were intact. This demonstrates that the company takes proper care in packaging their products, which is greatly appreciated.

Setting up the AC unit was relatively easy, with the only challenge being the configuration of the door shroud for the exhaust. As I needed to adapt it for a slider door installation, I had to spend some time crafting a custom solution. However, once the shroud was in place, connecting the hose and powering on the unit was a breeze. Within no more than half an hour, I was enjoying refreshing, cool air in my room.

The performance of the AC unit exceeded my expectations. Its power and cooling capabilities are impressive, to the point where I sometimes have to turn it off because I get too cold. This indicates that the unit is effectively doing its job of cooling the room.

After approximately 30 minutes of use, I noticed a faint screeching sound coming from the compressor. This was surprising, as the unit is advertised as being quiet. However, I understand that these things can happen with any product, and it was not a major issue. I promptly contacted the company through Amazon, and to my delight, received a response within 12 hours. They requested some easily accessible information, such as details from the unit and my order number, to confirm the purchase. Once I provided this information, they swiftly resolved the issue.

The company handled the return and replacement process seamlessly, without requiring any further intervention on my part. In just three days, I had a brand new unit in my hands, without the hassle of redoing my window attachment. The new unit functions perfectly, emitting only a slight fan-like noise. I am currently sitting about 20 feet away from it, and I can feel the cool air circulating all around me. It is truly fantastic.

The Vremi portable air conditioner is a reliable and efficient cooling solution for those in need of air conditioning. Contrary to some claims, this unit does indeed cool down the air and is not simply a fan blowing room temperature air. The set-up process is quick, taking only around 4 minutes, and the exhaust vent may feel warm as it effectively removes hot air from the room.

While it is not completely silent, the noise level is comparable to that of a wall air conditioner. The display is bright enough to be easily readable, and any darker would likely result in complaints about its visibility. It is important to note that the unit does not require the use of metal screws if installed in a window well.

One satisfied user found a creative solution for casement windows by having a framed Lexan window made to accommodate the vent fitting. This allowed for easy installation of the portable air conditioner without compromising the integrity of the window. This user highly recommends the Vremi brand, noting their satisfaction with the quiet operation, sleek design, and easy-to-clean filters. They also praise the effectiveness of Vremi's dehumidifier in their RV, particularly in the humid Great Lakes area.

Another reviewer has been using the Vremi portable air conditioner for about a week and is pleased with its performance. They have not experienced any water leakage, possibly due to their use of the drain hose connected to a container. They did mention that the drain hose initially arrived folded and kinked, but they were able to reshape it using a blow dryer. This user purchased the unit to alleviate some of the strain on their main AC unit during extremely hot days, and it has proven to cool their house effectively.

I recently purchased two portable air conditioning units for my two-story house, and I couldn't be happier with the results. The hassle of installing and removing heavy window AC units twice a year is now a thing of the past. These portable units have made cooling my house a breeze.

With each floor measuring approximately 700 sq ft, I was initially concerned about the effectiveness of these units. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly and quietly they cool down the rooms. The installation process was a breeze as well, taking us only 15 minutes for each unit. I expect it to be even faster in the future as we become more familiar with the process.

At first, I had some confusion about draining the water from the units. However, the customer service team was incredibly helpful and responsive. They patiently explained that I needed to unscrew both the cap and rubber stopper at the back of the unit to remove any accumulated water. Their assistance was invaluable, and I truly appreciated their professionalism and kindness.

Another fantastic feature of these portable units is their mobility. The fact that they are on wheels makes it incredibly easy to move and store them during the winter months. Gone are the days of unsightly window units hanging out of my windows. Now, I can simply store these units in their original boxes in a spare bedroom closet without worrying about mold or dampness.

Not only have these units improved the comfort of my home, but they have also alleviated my allergies. The absence of moldy window units has made a significant difference, and I no longer have to suffer from allergies every summer. My husband, who used to struggle with carrying heavy window units up and down the stairs, is also thrilled with this investment.

Replacing the need for six window units, these two portable AC units have exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone, even those with central AC, as a backup plan. Central AC units often break down on the hottest days of summer, and it can take days for AC companies to come and fix them. These portable units can be a reliable alternative.