SPT SF-608R Portable Evaporative Air Cooler

First off, this is NOT an air conditioner. If you expect your room to be freezing cold, this is not the product for you. It's a COOLER, and it does its job very well. It works by evaporating water. Try soaking a T-shirt, wringing it out, and putting it on wet to get the effect. It doesn't work very well in humid areas, but it works GREAT where the air is dry.
I'm in southern California, where the humidity varies pretty widely. I place the cooler six or eight feet from my chair, and on the hottest days I'm quite comfortable.
Benefits:
* it's about 1/5 the cost of an air conditioner
* operating expense is a fraction of the cost of air conditioning
* neat features! (timer, sleep function, etc.)
* remote control

Drawbacks:
* it's not freezing cold like air conditioning.

Product Description

This Evaporative Air Cooler, Humidifier, and Fan is versatile, lightweight and economical. The Cooler easily rolls from room to room for use anywhere in your house or office. This Air Cooler shoots a stream of air with oscillating louvers, to evenly distribute refreshing cool air. Can also be used as a fan or humidifier if temperature is not an issue. The remote control allows you to easily change settings.The Air Cooler works by endothermic reaction (a reaction that consumes heat), so this evaporative Air Cooler sucks air through a wick saturated with water. As the air flows through the wick, some of the water evaporates into the air, consuming the heat that was in the air. An air stream is then blown out the front of the unit and is considerably cooler than the current room temperature! This is not an air conditioner and therefore uses much less energy. The unit works well in dry climates; not very effective in areas with high humidity as the unit utilizes water to cool.

Features

• Evaporative air cooler, humidifier, and fan for cooling and humidifying
• Uses water to cool the air; oscillating louvers for even distribution
• 10-liter water tank; 3 air speeds; sleep mode; 1/2- to 7-1/2-hour timer
• Air flow of 23 feet per second; nylon and photocatalystic filter; remote control
• Measures 12 by 16 by 25 inches; 1-year warranty

Soleus Air PH3-12R-03, Portable Air Conditioner/Heater/Dehumidifier/Fan, 12,000 BTUs

Despite all the negative reviews of this unit on Amazon.com, I found several other positive reviews elsewhere on the internet, and so I decided to give it a try. I'll admit I was skeptical as to how this unit would perform, especially since it seemed to be much less expensive than other 12,000 BTU units AND it included heat pump functionality. That being said, I am quite pleased with its performance so far.

After the terrible process of having to return a damaged portable AC unit of another brand just a week earlier, I was relieved to see when this one arrived at my door in rather robust packaging. Lifting it out of its "easy open" outer box and inner cardboard crate, I was able to observe its features in person for the first time. The multi-color display is a nice touch; the bright VFD display provides simple animations of the unit's current function, as well as a basic clock (used for setting the on/off timer), and the current temperature setting. The remote control sits in a holster on the back of the unit. I found the remote to be a bit bland, with all the buttons but the power button the same size and no distinction of the most frequently used buttons (i.e. temperature, mode) from the less frequently used extras (i.e. sleep mode, Celsius/Fahrenheit setting). The use of the remote is limited anyways since the display on the unit sits facing upward, preventing you from seeing what you are doing unless you are hovering above it.

Installation is pretty straightforward. The user's manual includes several photographs of the installation process, which doesn't differ much from any single-hose portable AC on the market. You simply screw the hose into the adapters and attach the adapters onto the back of the unit and onto the adjustable panel which you close in your window.

So now the important part: how it works. I found the unit to perform quite well. The AC function is plenty cool, and with three fan settings, you can adjust the level of output (and noise) to the current conditions. The heat pump also works well, and I was impressed with the fact that the unit waits to start blowing air into the room until the heat pump has begun generating warm air. That way, on a cold winter's day you won't get a rush of cold air in your face while the unit starts up. After your set temperature is reached, the unit shuts down completely (including the fan). Perhaps handy for some people is an auto mode which automatically heats if the temperature is below 68 F, dehumidifies if the temperature is between 68 F and 80 F, and cools if over 80 F. There also is an oscillation feature which helps circulate the air into the room.

As others have said, this AC unit is not super quiet. While in fan-only mode, the noise is minimal, but while heating, cooling, or dehumidifying, the exhaust fan in the back of the unit adds a considerable amount more. While nobody will be fooled into thinking a jet is landing, some may find it difficult to sleep with the unit in the room if it is doing anything but circulating air.

Just another quick note about draining the water bucket... be prepared to empty it no less often than most air conditioning units, regardless of what the manufacturer claims it can evaporate through the hose. I also agree with others who have said that the drainage plug is really close to the ground, so you may want to place it on a hard surface or elevate it slightly to assist in the drainage process. You do get a short hose and drip pan in the box to help you empty the moisture into a larger pan, but you may want to keep a towel handy as well.

Overall, this air conditioner/heat pump unit is a economical choice if you need all-season comfort in an area of your home. Various room-size estimations abound, some even rating this unit up to 500 sq. ft. My suggestion is that you use this unit for no more than a single large room, as you will probably see much worse performance if you try to heat or cool an entire floor with it. But for supplemental heating or cooling, you really cannot go wrong with the Soleus Air PH3-12R-03.

Product Description

This powerful machine offers ou 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner, 12,200 BTU heater, 63 pint dehumidifier, and 3-speed fan. Our evaporative technology reduces moisture and limits emptying a bucket. Programmable digital thermosta with easy-to-read multi-color display, a 24-hour clock timer and remote control and on-board control panel that operates all functions. The heavy duty casters provide maximum portability. Window kit and exhaust hoses included. Provides 115V (60 Hz), 1100 Watts and 10 Amps with size measurements of 13 (W) by 22.1 (D) by 24.9 (H) inches and weighs 70 pounds. Offers 1-year limited warranty.

Features

• 12,000 BTU Air Conditioner, 12,200 BTU Heater
• 63 Pint Dehumidifier
• Digital Thermostat
• 24 Hour Programmable Timer
• Remote Control

Amcor AF8000E 8,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner

I can't say I've had as good an experience as others reported here...the main problem I've discovered is that the compressor only cycles on for about seven minutes at a time, followed by fifteen minutes during which the machine simply operates as a fan and blows in hot air from outside. Company info on their web site indicates that this is being done to prevent the compressor from overheating--unfortunately, this results in the compressor remaining cool while my small studio apartment (only 200 sq feet) remains too hot. I don't know if other units have similar limitations, but I would hesitate to recommend this product on the basis of my own experience. Hope this is helpful to anyone looking to make a buying decision...

Product Description

Amcor AF8000E 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner built-in washable filter with castors for easy moving from room to room.

Features

• Portable air conditioner with cooling capacity of 8,000 BTUs per hour
• For rooms up to 300 square feet; low/high fan speeds; 12-hour timer
• Dehumidification function; 775 watts of cooling power; EER of 10.3
• Built-in washable filter; adjustable air outlet grill; smooth-rolling wheels
• Measures 15 by 12 by 30 inches

LG Electronics 7,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote LP0711WNR

I purchased this model in the summer of 2011 to cool a bedridden home care relative during the hot summer months. My main A/C unit broke down and I had to get something that would cool the body temperature down while waiting to get a new replacement central A/C system. The unit blows cool air very quickly and has digital indicators to show temperature and settings. The exhaust hose was easy to install since my living room window extended down to near floor level. The heat generated by the exhaust is quite hot, so it is best to direct the exhaust hose straight out to the window. You could add some insulation to the hose to lessen the heat being sent back into the room. The model comes with a little foam insulation and plastic strips to install into the window opening, but you can buy more material to seal up the window better. There is a drip pan at the base of the unit that might need to be drained if excess condensation develops. When I used it last year, I never had to drain it. The fan does continually run even when the compressor is shut off (when your desired temperature is reached), so it is not like a central A/C system that will cut off completely when the desired temperature is attained. Fan noise levels are not excessive. I think it is similar to the noise level of a window unit. It has wheels to move it from room to room. It has no external handles to grab it, but does have a crevice near the top back of the unit with which to hold it. It has horizontal and vertical fins to redirect the air output. The unit comes with a remote that allows you to also set a timer if you wish. You can run the unit with or without the cooling setting (fan only) and there are two fan speeds. I believe there is also a fan with dehumidfy setting, but I have not used it. The efficiency of this system is probably below that of other A/C systems. This type of system is different from the central A/C and window units in that the compressor (the main heat generator of the system) sits INSIDE the house and not outside unlike the others. Because of this, the others can cool down a room MUCH FASTER and BETTER. But, if you just want to cool a small area and not the entire house, then this model may suit your needs. Unit cost at the local H.D. store was $249 in 2011.

Product Description

The LG Electronics 7,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote features casters that allow easy movement to the room that needs cooling and is designed to cool 200 sq. ft. for temperature control in a large room. This convenient air conditioner also features a 2-way air direction that spreads the cool air evenly. The air conditioner also features a timer that allows you to create a cooling schedule and a remote control for easy temperature adjustment from across the room. Unit must stay upright for 24 hours before use. Unit must be vented to the outside (use included window installation kit and follow detailed installation instructions in the Owner's Manual. Do not use extension cord(s).

Features

• Designed to cool 200 sq. ft. for temperature control in a large room
• 7,000 BTU cooling for powerful temperature control
• Casters allow easy movement to the room that needs cooling
• 2-speed fan adjusts to your cooling needs

Soleus Air PH4-13R-01 13,000 BTU Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, 13,000 BTU Heater, Dehumidifier and Fan

I purchased this unit in July 2008 and I have had nothing but problems with it. The Soleus support line is always busy, and when you do get someone, they look for an answer and never call back. My front panel to control the unit does not work, and I have tried to get Soleus to replace the panel, with no luck. I have to use the remote control to use the A/C. Around 2 years of service, and the unit started leaking water. It appears the drain line for the unit is not placed far enough back, and so the water pan just drips out of the unit, right onto the floor. You can pay to have the unit shipped back and repaired they said, but the minimum charge is $150 plus shipping charges. Don't waste your money!

Product Description

All in one powerful machine, this unit includes a 13,000 BTU portable air conditioner, 12,500 BTU heater, 60 pint dehumidifier, and 3-speed fan. The evaporative technology reduces moisture and limits emptying a bucket. Features a programmable digital thermostat, easy-to-read multi-color display, a 24-hour clock timer, LCD remote control and on-board control panel to operate all functions. Also included are heavy duty casters for maximum portability and a window kit with exhaust hoses. Output 115V (60 Hz), 1100 Watts and 10 Amps, with size measurements of 19 (W) x 18.5 (D) x 32.25 (H) inches and weighs 88 pounds. A 1-year limited warranty included.

Features

• 13,000 BTU portable air conditioner and 12,500 BTU heater
• 60 pint dehumidifier and 3-speed fan
• Evaporative technology reduces moisture and limits emptying a bucket
• Programmable digital thermostat
• Window kit and exhaust hoses included

Features

Frigidaire FAC126P1A Compact II 12,000-BTU Room Air Conditioner with Electronic Controls

This air conditioner I purchased new for around $269.00. Its small width, (hence the name Compact II) fits in the small width double hung window that I needed it for (I believe my window is 24" width). Most standard sized window units will not. This is one of the reasons for buying it, along with its low price. This unit blows extremely cold and cools my living room and kitchen with ease even on the most brutal summer days in New York. I have no complaints about the ability of this unit to cool whatsoever. My only complaint is it is extremely noisy - it sounds like a factory. It is even very noisy at its lowest fan setting. The manual says to lower the fan if it is too noisy, but that is an exercise in futility. So if you're gonna have to hear it, might as well leave it at maximum. I like the variable fan speed feature. So one would be hard pressed to find a 12,000 BTU for the price of this Frigidaire unit, but you WILL be stuck with the noise. Frigidaire should reverse engineer a Panasonic air conditioner if they want to be serious about competing in this market.

I gave it a generous three stars because of its impractical noise levels.

Product Description

With a complete line of room air conditioners, portable air conditioners and dehumidifiers, Frigidaire technology is hard at work to enhance the comfort of your home. Offering a broad range of ENERGY STAR models and features like single-touch electronic controls, full-function remotes that double as thermostats, portable air conditioners that heat as well as cool and dehumidifies that operate in low temperatures, Frigidaire Home Comfort products are designed to provide you with easy-to-use, quiet, efficient and reliable service. The FAC126P1A features electronic controls that is coupled with full-function remote capabilities that gives the consumer the control they love at the remote, not the unit. Cool, energy saver and fan modes, On/Off 24-Hour timer, auto cool and sleep can be programmed with the remote. Electronic controls offer filter check reminder and clean air features. It has clean air filtration that provides relief for increasing numbers of allergy and respiratory ailment sufferers. Negative ion generators and electrostatic filter elements are used for air cleaning performance that is substantially higher than conventional filter methods. This Frigidaire FAC126P1A Energy Star Rated Air Conditioner has a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity.

Features

• 12,000-BTU air conditioner for large rooms up to 640 square feet
• 10.8 EER; electronic controls with remote; 24-hour on/off timer
• Energy-saver and sleep modes; variable-speed fan; 8-way air direction
• Quick-mount window kit; clean air filtration; tilt-out filter access
• Measures 21-1/4 by 19 by 14-1/2 inches; 1-year full warranty