![]() ![]() For one, the companion app offers the essential functions but was a little clunky to use. Which is not to say the unit doesn’t carry a few drawbacks. Just know that if you live in a humid climate, you need to empty the condensation tank on a frequent basis. While some may interpret this detail negatively, it’s not a strike against this portable air conditioner. At the 24-hour mark, the unit’s condensation tank had collected three-quarters of a cup of water-not enough to trigger an alert from the appliance, but more liquid than any other machine collected. Another area where the model stood out: its ability to combat humidity. Not only did the unit lower the temperature in my living space by 5 degrees in two hours, but over the day-long testing period, it used less electricity than any other model. Like the top-ranking Whynter ARC-1230WN, the Midea Duo features a hose-in-hose design that makes for more efficient air intake and exhaust. The Midea Duo also features a hose-in-hose design. For more details, here’s my full review of the Serene Life SLPAC10. If you’re drawn to the Serene Life’s features but want something that can chill larger spaces, consider one of its more powerful versions (it comes in two sizes that can accommodate up to 550 and 700 square feet, respectively). The high usage could be attributed to the fact that I ran this small portable air conditioner in a 400-square-foot space, which is the absolute largest area it can cover. ![]() It was quiet enough, but the unit drew a considerable amount of energy over the course of a day (8 kWh, whereas the most energy-efficient units drew around 3 to 4 kWh). To ward off the heat from the Florida sun, the unit ran frequently throughout the 24-hour testing period. The unit also comes with a remote that works well from up to 30 feet away and has features for a 24-hour timer and sleep mode.Īs its smaller size indicates, the SLPAC10 isn’t the most efficient model on the market. 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.
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