The ARC-14S and ARC-14SH are exactly the same. The heater function is nice to have but remember this is an AC with a heat option. The room will be to be higher than 45 degrees.
The ARC-1230 models are really nice. I love the upgrades and the use of the app.
I'm in AZ so I know what you mean when you say you're dying LOL.
The Whynter ARC1230 is a much better option. I tested both of them and the 1230 had a much higher tested capacity (9256 BTU) in our test room than the 14S (6154 BTU). It has a more efficient design, so it used less energy (621wh vs 1061wh) to cool the same room. Also, since it has an inverter, it has a much better oversizing tolerance and will use less power when maintaining (unless it's undersized). It'll also be better at maintaining the humidity since it doesn't have to turn its compressor on and off.
Not sure of pricing, but the ARC123 is technically just a rebranded Midea Duo, so if you can find a 12K BTU Midea duo for cheaper than that will also be a good option!
Not sure about the heater functions on either since I haven't tested them, unfortunately.
Hope this helps!
Unfortunately Amazon is the best and cheapest place to get things like that “off season” (even though it’s broiling in Oakland). It looks like they’re doing a sale on summer type stuff next week starting the 25th so if you can wait it might be best.
To answer your question better, we absolutely love the “Whynter Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU & Heater”. We leave it hooked up most of the year because it’s dual hose so it can also blow just outside air instead of cooling and is way more efficient than anything except a window unit. It’s not cheap, but the amount of extra sleep we’ve gotten due to leaving the windows closed the entire summer is huge. It’s highly rated and we’ve spent no extra money over 3 summers with it. Just hand wash the filters.
Hi, currently living in my 06 Sienna.
If you are set on a portable:
A) Get a Dual Hose. The intake being outside the vehicle mitigates a big part of the vaccuum effect which draws heat in through the gaps and seals.
B) Insulate the Hoses: Wrap hoses with a single or a comination of insulating material(s)
C) Insulate your Windows: Use insulating foam boards to make window covers for your rear windows and windshield. This can shave hella degrees on a hot day.
D) Get enough BTU: Ignore the sq ft recommendations, you are cooling a mobile oven. I am running a Whynter 14k BTU Dual Hose (there are cheaper and honestly probably better comparable units), and it makes the space livable with no insulation on the hoses, and shitty thin window covers, in direct sunlight
E) Get enough Wattage: The unit I bought said around 1300 continuous watts. Bullshit. This thing regularly pulls 1800 for lengths of time. Thats alot. I have a Bluetti AC200l + b300kx2 totaling 7600 watt hours roughly, so I can it run it for a little over 4 hours on a full charge. I run 3x 200w Renogy panels on the roof, so 600watts per hour, and will be investing in a Charger1 (DC to DC smart charger [wont draw from a battery with too love of voltage]) to add another roughly 500w per hour roughly while driving...It's not enough, and it still won't be enough. Power storage for HVAC is tough, so have enough battery, and always be charging.
Heatherina885
