Whynter - ARC-122DS Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Small apartment, no window units allowed, and needed something solid for a bedroom. For your budget ($300–400), you're in a pretty good range for a quality single-hose unit. But if you can stretch to \~$450–500, dual-hose units are *definitely* worth it. They cool faster, more efficiently, and don’t create negative air pressure like single-hose ones do. Here are some solid picks: * Whynter ARC-122DS – Dual hose, energy efficient, super reliable for \~300 sq ft. It's a bit over your budget but often goes on sale (I got mine for \~$450). * BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT – Good single-hose option under $400. Not the most efficient, but does the job well if you keep the room sealed. * Honeywell HL10CESWK Sleek design, decent cooling for bedrooms, and it’s quieter than most. Things worth paying extra for: * Dual hose * Dehumidifier mode (helps a ton with that sticky summer air) * Remote control or smart features (Wi-Fi models are awesome if you like automation) * Decent noise levels – check reviews for this; some are LOUD Brands to avoid? No major red flags, but I’d be cautious with really off-brand units on Amazon that have a ton of weirdly generic reviews.

The low end single hose units yes, they are designed to fail, the lack of a filter is a prime example. They really are a get what you pay for kind of thing though. Our Whynter Elites have lasted about 6 years so far, out of 4 we just now have one that it sounds like the bearings in one of the fans are starting to go... but it also hasn't been turned off in 4 years i don't think, since it also does heat. i haven't used one of the new Midea inverter units, but I'm considering it as a replacement for this unit because I've heard good things and it's a trusted brand. If you must use a portable, you want a dual hose. I recommend buying form Cosco since their return policy is "forever" on most things.

The Whynter ARC-122DS units.

Whether you get a single- or dual-hose model (and dual is much more efficient) add an insulating blanket around the hot exhaust hose to increase efficiency. That made \~2º difference in my situation, and every degree helps! BTW, I've used a single-hose Koldfront for seven years and a dual Whynter for three, and both are still going strong.

If you have the money, buy a dual hose Whynter portable AC. Otherwise - the design and construction of single hose units is such that you won’t be able to get it to not pull vacuum, even by adding a second hose to provide it with outside air. There will be leakage inside the unit itself that will prevent you from getting a perfect loop from outside to outside. But that’s still going to be much more effective than running it with the stock single hose, so it’s worth doing, and will be your best short term solution if money is tight.

The 12K BTU portable units work fine for even a large bedroom. I have three, all Whynter two hose. One even keeps a 600 sf finished attic with seemingly no insulation in the roof at an okay temperature on hot days. When it is over 100F out, it struggles but still the attic is tolerable if not ideal.

Have had 2 Whynter dual hose units over the past 8 years. really solid cooling machines.

The best one is Whynter and it has two hoses on it if that helps. It's black and is like waist high.

I believe the brand is Whynter. And it's a fuckin good portable AC.

You’re not doing anything wrong..portable ACs are mold traps by design. Sitting all winter with leftover moisture = fungus party. Run it on fan mode before storage to dry it out. As for brands, try Whynter or Midea dual-hose. They’re slightly easier to clean. Or go mini split and never look back.