I bought one of these from Best Buy in 2023 and it's been great, best portable unit I've bought so far.
https://www.whynter.com/product/arc-14s/
It's currently $499 at Best Buy, might find it cheaper elsewhere.
[We got this one for an attic bedroom](https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-ARC-14S-Conditioner-Dehumidifier-Activated/dp/B0028AYQDC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2NFZR9GAMBWXF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ykPvAvQ5pzd_OUih_H7VzQTa8-jHNYFxVhb3b-arDgu46bR9nxjyBsCsRLoJxBWBiIxxcmqqezj0dOt-CrUHGU_fPkPmqHCjclRzO4JW94F2x65VlBU6ETJB_YTqcqxHBQg6sZklM7nCewOhVLXHXzz4_5vNsxr6l28XcmhYLbDz_ezloNApAvROZwBUr8vh8_KghO3l9RgA2Z5fmrdZvJUTTB3MZ7kvuUZdE09YV0U.7JdqqSQWngBunsddYx8nAypVCZn2pF3lud6hRVHDbaM&dib_tag=se&keywords=whynter%2Bportable%2Bac%2B14%2C000%2Bbtu&qid=1779822429&sprefix=whynter%2Bporta%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-3&th=1) in an old house with poor HVAC. It is quite a bit above your budget but we've had it more than ten years now and it's still cooling. It works quite well, even on the hottest days - I take meds that make me very heat intolerant (plus menopause, fun!) so it's really important that I get good cooling. I don't have to drain it, just clean the filter regularly. I got some insulation for the exhaust tube to reduce the heat escaping back into the room, and that does help. It's noisy, though.
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.
i had a whynter arc-14s last summer and honestly, it did a decent job cooling my room. but man, the noise was something else. like, you get used to it but it’s still kinda annoying at night. the flimsy window kit was a pain too, ended up buying extra weatherstripping just like you mentioned.
i’ve heard good things about the [midea duo](https://oklookup.com/review/midea-duo-portable-air-conditioner/) though, more power and quieter design. but that whole one hose thing is a bit weird. if you can swing it, maybe go for that one instead of whynter? just not sure about long-term reliability, ya know? but yeah, good luck with the search!
alwaysforward31
