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Whynter
As summer ramps up and sweltering heatwaves sweep the country, reliable cooling systems are more crucial than ever. Air conditioners have transitioned from luxury to critical necessities in combating record-high temperatures. If you're part of the many facing the summer heat without an HVAC system installed, portable air conditioners are cheaper alternatives that can help you stay cool and comfortable.
Portable air conditioners can't blanket a whole home in cool air, but you can set one up in the room you spend the most time in, and they're easily movable if that room changes from day to day. This Whynter 14,000-BTU portable air conditioner does just that for a comparably affordable price, even more so with $100 off at Amazon, dropping the price of what we consider the best portable air conditioner for large rooms to $499.
This portable air conditioner is cheap compared to HVACs
Heat waves don't require thousand-dollar solutions
Designed to keep large rooms cool and comfortable, the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner can service rooms up to 550 square feet and was the best at cooling large rooms in our tests. Large castor wheels help you roll it from room to room (though at 86 pounds, it may be difficult to move between floors), and it includes a window installation kit that's easily adaptable for both double-hung and sliding windows.
In addition to its cooling properties, the model propels air forward with a built-in fan, and there's an integrated dehumidifier that can collect up to 71 pints per day to treat the ambient temperature of your abode with even better effectiveness. It recycles the water it collects for cooling.
This model doesn't offer smartphone controls like more expensive ones, but you at least get a remote control for quick adjustments. There's an automatic shutoff timer, but the unit will also automatically shut off after reaching your desired temperature.
Whynter's portable AC can get a little loud, but that's a small price to pay compared to melting inside an otherwise unbearable hotbox. You can also expect easy cleanup and maintenance with self-evaporating water and an easily accessible washable pre-filter.