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Reddit Reviews
Currently in midst of a heat wave, and my centralized AC is broken (not that it was cooling efficiently anyway). Outside is high 90s and inside my apartment is mid 80s. I live in an apartment with horizontally sliding windows, which means I’d need a unit with a vertical window vent kit. The windows in my apartment don’t have sliding screens, so I’d have to remove the entire thing, which I don’t want to do. I’ve considered evaporative cooling units, but I’ve heard those are just glorified fans, so I’ve decided to look into portable AC units. I know that window units and centralized units have superior cooling power, but a portable unit seems like my best option. Would a portable AC unit (and vertical window vent kits) work without removing my window screen? I’d hate to buy a $200-$400 portable unit just to have to return it because I can’t remove my window screen. Please help! Thanks in advance!
I ended up going with the Hisense AP0722CW1W (7000 BTUs - for rooms 300 sq ft or less). A lot of people recommended spending extra for a dual hose setup, but this model is single hose and was within my budget range. I’ve enjoyed it so far. It saved my ass when my apartment’s A/C went out during the heat wave, and now my room is the coldest in the apartment, even with my door open. I also like that it has built-in moisture evaporation, so no need to empty a condensation bucket. Overall, solid purchase IMO. Also, didn’t have to remove my window screen.
I bought this one last year. It's a beast. [https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/hisense-smart-3-in-1-portable-air-conditioner-w-casement-window-kit-w-wi-fi-12400btu-sacc-10000btu-only-at-best-buy/17459076](https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/hisense-smart-3-in-1-portable-air-conditioner-w-casement-window-kit-w-wi-fi-12400btu-sacc-10000btu-only-at-best-buy/17459076)
End of reviews
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