ARC-1230WN

I’d definitely go dual hose, it actually makes a difference since it doesn’t pull hot air back into the room. Something like the Whynter ARC-1230WN Portable Air Conditioner. It’s one of the more solid dual hose units and generally performs better than the typical single hose stuff like BLACK+DECKER. Just keep expectations realistic though, portables are always gonna be weaker and louder than window units.  Check out the Air Conditioner Lab website. They’ve got a comparison sheet on their homepage that helps filter out dual vs single hose plus things like size, price etc.

I have the Whynter ARC-1230WN and I really like it. It was right around $500, which was my max budget, but it’s the best dual hose model that I could find (yes, they are more expensive).  It’d definitely be overkill for your 300 square foot bedroom, but I’ve been happy with the Whynter brand. Mine covers 600 square feet. I have it centrally in my one bedroom apartment and keep the doors open.  My number one non-negotiable feature is a model with auto-evaporation. I had a different model in college that didn’t have this feature, and in Florida (where I went to school), it would FILL the water basin about every three hours, which was so annoying overnight.  When I was shopping this time, I used this [AC comparison spreadsheet](https://www.reddit.com/user/NefariousnessSecret0/comments/1kwgaw6/comparing_air_conditioner_models_portable_window/) to sort the models by auto-evaporation. It used to be pinned at the top of the Air Conditioners subreddit.

Good choice—dual hose units like that cool way more efficiently, especially in small hot rooms.

**HEADS UP:** Went with [**Whynter ARC-1230WN 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) NEX Inverter Dual Hose Cooling Portable Air Conditioner**](https://reddit-links.com/WhynterARC1230WN) and it’s been a huge relief already. Cools the room way faster than I expected and the noise is pretty manageable at night. I just moved into a small apartment and my bedroom gets ridiculously hot in the afternoons. I’ve tried using fans, leaving the windows open, even wet towels over the window sill, but nothing really works. By the time the evening rolls around, the room feels like an oven and I can’t sleep properly. It’s honestly affecting my energy and focus during the day. I don’t have space for a big AC, so I’m really trying to find the best small portable air conditioner that actually cools a single room. Noise is a big concern too, I can’t handle a unit that sounds like a jet engine while I’m trying to sleep. Electricity usage is another thing I’m worried about, since I don’t want my bills to shoot through the roof. Has anyone used a small portable air conditioner that actually works in these kinds of spaces? Any brands or models that are quiet but effective, or even tips for placement and setup that make a difference? Really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. Thanks a lot!

Yeah, I thought about a window unit, but my windows are weirdly small and open inward, so it’s tricky to fit one. Have you ever dealt with a setup like that, or do you think there’s a workaround?

HEADS UP: Went with Whynter ARC-1230WN 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) NEX Inverter Dual Hose Cooling Portable Air Conditioner and it’s been a huge relief already. Cools the room way faster than I expected and the noise is pretty manageable at night.

I actually upgraded from an ARC-14S to an ARC-1230WN and I'd recommend the newer model. It's a bit more efficient and the hose within hose design is easier to deal with. For the ARC-14S, I ended up needing the intake hose screen and hose insulators which added to costs. I haven't used the heater with the newer one as I have gas heat and believe the electricity would get kind of costly in comparison but I tested it and it seemed fine if I needed it.

I’ve had mine for a little over a year. ARC1230WN in my spicy top floor bungalow. Replaced an old 8000btu window unit. It’s been very nice, far more quiet and far more efficient.

I have the Whynter Nex dual hose (12k SACC) in my office and it does a good job. I don't think it will cool an entire 600 square foot area in most climates but it will make a very significant difference. How you set up a portable also matters a lot. A kit like the [breeze stop ](https://breezestopusa.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorU2LjTD5UtbAZoIdxACAHYqk8wZ3CUJQlJsevfpVd5HjFv19Bn) can make a big difference in efficiency. I cut the foam around the oval hose of the Whynter to seal it and stop heat gain through the plastic.

The whynter has a slightly higher CEER compared to the DUO (14.2 vs 13.8) for what it's worth. It does a great job of supplementing AC in my home office without of electronics.