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Our home isn’t equipped with central air conditioning, since we have oil and a wood stove that serve as our heat sources. We used window units for a while, but after they caused damage to our beautiful wood windowsills, the hunt was on for a cooling method that was energy efficient and did not cause any damage.
We stumbled upon portable air conditioners and thought they would be the answer to our sleepless hot nights. The Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioner is a popular model among the line of Whynter units, and it seemed it would fit our needs in terms of size and efficiency.
We installed the ARC-14S in our main living area, which is just about 600 square feet, in the hope that it would keep the living room and surrounding areas of the home comfortable.
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner: At a Glance
Rating: 9/10
PROS
- Powerful cooling ability that provides instant cool air to any space
- Remote control included for more convenient operation
- Dehumidifier mode available, which helps in humid spaces
- Rolling wheels allow for easy transportation from room to room when needed
CONS
- Heavy at 83 pounds
- Somewhat loud compared to other units
Get the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner at:
What is the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioner?
This Whynter dual-hose air conditioner is a portable unit that features a maximum output of 14,000 BTUs. This size is suitable for rooms up to 500 square feet in size, although it did a great job cooling our somewhat larger area.
The portable AC unit has multiple settings, including cooling, fan-only, or dehumidifier modes, making it a versatile option. Portable AC units typically have “cool” and “fan” settings, but most lack the ability to serve as a dehumidifier, too.
Like most units, the fan speed can be adjusted between low, medium, and high.The dual-hose system allows the AC to cool efficiently with increased air exchange, which in turn uses less energy and cools a space quicker than a single-hose unit can.
The air conditioner has four wheels and is easy to maneuver; I have the unit placed in the dining room window that points toward our main living area. It’s handy to be able to turn and move the AC closer to my kitchen to keep me cool while I’m cooking, and then reposition it back to the living area when I’m finished.
Is the Whynter portable AC easy to set up, install, and use?
Setup of this air conditioner took about 10 minutes; I just connected each hose to the back of the unit and screwed the window panel in.
The trickiest part to any portable AC install is connecting the hoses to the back of the unit and to the window panel. It always seems to take me a few minutes to attach each hose. Overall, though, the process was easy with this model. I have standard-size windows, and Whynter provides plenty of extra window paneling to ensure the unit can fit up to a 46-inch window opening. The installation screws were also included, along with easy-to-follow instructions.
The Whynter air conditioner has a user-friendly design with controls on the front panel. It also comes with a remote control so users can customize their cooling preferences from a distance.
Does the Whynter ARC-14S cool effectively?
I found that the Whynter air conditioner cools very quickly and is effective even during extremely humid conditions. I turned the unit on anytime our 600-square-foot room reached 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit was set to the lowest cooling setting of 61 degrees and the highest fan setting.
The Whynter instantly pushed cold air through the top vent, and the room was noticeably cooler within 10 minutes. After a half hour, the temperature had dropped down to 72 degrees, and after an hour, the room had reached its set temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although the manufacturer claims the unit is efficient for cooling up to 500 square feet, we found that it cooled our entire living/dining room area, which is about 1,000 square feet, to a comfortable temperature after a few hours.
Is the Whynter portable air conditioner right for you?
Where traditional portable air conditioners are bulky, this model is sleek stainless steel and slimmer than most. The design fits nicely into a modern home and also can tuck neatly into a corner if desired. I prefer the black and stainless steel over a traditional white unit, but that’s a matter of personal preference.
The only downside to this unit is that it is quite heavy and not as energy efficient as some other models. With that said, if you’re looking for a larger portable air conditioner, the Whynter ARC-14S may be right for you.
This powerhouse is ideal for larger rooms or living spaces and provides cooling comfort within minutes. I haven’t found many 14,000 BTU portable units that work as well as this one.
Where to Buy the Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
Get the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner at:
Meet the Tester
Stephanie Cronk brings more than 15 years of retail and digital publishing experience to the Commerce/Product Reviews team as executive editor. Her experience spans many industries in the commerce world, and her primary focus is on buyer’s guides and tested-product reviews.