Summertime is amazing. The beaches, the BBQs, the calmness. But one thing we can all agree on is that summer heat is often unbearable and uncomfortable. If you want to enjoy this time without sweltering, the solution is to find the best 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner. These high-powered units can be moved to specific areas in your house and some models are also quite energy efficient.
After considering over 20 AC units, we’ve reviewed 9 of the best 14,000 BTU portable air conditioners on the market to help you narrow down your search. Among them, our Editor’s Choice is the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT. Made by an extremely reputable brand, the capacity of this air conditioner means you can relax in your living room during the day and sleep well in your bedroom at night.
All of the portable air conditioners we found have reviews that include their features, pros, and cons. In addition, we have created a buying guide to give you even more information. All the features you can expect to find in a 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner are explained. Together, we want to provide you with enough information that you will feel comfortable all summer long, even when a heat wave strikes.
More features: Sleep mode; 5-foot exhaust hose
There are a lot of air conditioning brands but some are more reliable than others. If you want a product that will last for a long time without any serious issues, then you want to consider the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT.
This air conditioner is the perfect, portable solution to escape the uncomfortable heat. Whether it’s your home or your office, you can safely maneuver the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT. It has a coverage area of up to 350 square feet which is perfect for either a living room, bedroom, or office. However, there are other air conditioning units on our list that have a much larger coverage area.
As a bonus, this machine actually works as both an air conditioning unit and a heater. It can cool your room down to a comfortable 55 degrees Fahrenheit and warm your room up to a cozy 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
Setup is extremely easy. Simply unbox the unit and plug it into the wall. The 4 foot 11 inches long cord will fit just about any nearby electrical socket.
As for extra features, the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT works either via remote control or the simple LED display. You can choose all your heating or cooling elements, including a 24-hour timer and a sleep mode.
Furthermore, the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT also has a dehumidifier setting, which is perfect for those hot, muggy days. Really, this unit is a versatile purchase and will serve you well year-round.
More features: Sleep mode; 24-hour energy saving timer
When it comes to a 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner, one of the most important features to look for is what the coverage area is. In this case, the winner on our list is the Honeywell HL14CHESWW. It has an amazing 700 square feet area. This means if you have a very large bedroom, an open concept living area, or a large office area, you can keep every corner cool.
Another great feature of the Honeywell HL14CHESWW is that it works year-round. In addition to being an air conditioner, it also works as a heater. Furthermore, it has the ability to be a dehumidifier and a fan. For those that living in humid climates, investing in this product means saving you the hassle of buying two devices to keep dry and cool in the summer.
Those suffering from allergies will also want to pay attention to the Honeywell HL14CHESWW. It has dual filters that remove the air of dust and pet hair. To clean the filters, simply remove them and run under water.
If you want to vent your air conditioner out the window, and want a snug fit, no worries. This unit comes with a window installation kit which is easy to assemble.
Other features include a handy remote control, a sleep mode, and the ability to evaporate moisture so you don’t have to worry about constantly emptying buckets.
One of the few issues with the Honeywell HL14CHESWW is around its dehumidifying feature. Unfortunately, it will run constantly until you turn it off as there is no humidistat included.
More features: 71 pints/day dehumidifying capacity
A portable air conditioner can be a bit of an investment. If you aren’t sure about committing to the cost, finding a unit that has mane options is the best way to go. The Whynter ARC-148MHP acts as an air conditioner, a heater, a dehumidifier, and a fan. This means you can use the device year-round which greatly increases its overall value.
The Whynter ARC-148MHP has an impressive coverage area of 50 square feet. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, this unit will keep you living area covered.
As for its dehumidifying features, it can remove 71 pints of water from your air per day. Furthermore, you can choose from manual or continuous pip drainage, further increasing your options.
Also included in your purchase is a window installation kit. So, even though this unit is completely portable, you can install next to a window for easy ventilation. You won’t have to worry about fashioning a DIY vent.
While in fan mode, you can choose from three settings. And finally, if you don’t want the hassle of deciding which mode to turn on, simply set it to Auto mode. Let the Whynter ARC-148MHP figure out what is best for your temperature needs.
All of these settings can be controlled easily with the control panel. The buttons are all laid out and you don’t have to cycle through a lot of options. There are even handy icons to make the choices that much simpler.
The only downside is that the unit can’t sit flush against the wall so it will take up more space than anticipated.
More features: 24-hour timer; remote control
The biggest problem with air conditioners is that they take a lot of power to run. In the end, you may have to choose between cutting costs on your electricity bill and your own personal comfort. Fortunately, the NewAir AC-14100E can eliminate that choice.
This is because the NewAir AC-14100E has the option of an efficiency boost. In essence, you can water to the compressor which in turn allows it to run on less power. The result is a cool room and a smaller electricity bill.
The coverage area of the NewAir AC-14100E is a very respectable 525 square feet. This is absolutely perfect for your home, your office, or even your RV or cabin.
Despite its impressive coverage area, this is actually quite a small unit. Its small size makes it very portable, and you can easily bring it with you when you travel to the cottage over summer.
There is a standard one-year warranty attached, but the customer service is top notch so you can always contact them to help with any problems that may arise.
The biggest issue with the NewAir AC-14100E is that it works best when the water reservoir is filled. Unfortunately, depending on how hot it is, that water reservoir can quickly become depleted. Sometimes you may have to refill it every three to four hours. If it’s just during the day that you plan on running the unit, you should be ok. However, if you depend on cool air to sleep at night, then the constant refilling can become a problem.
More features: washable pre-filter and activated carbon filter; dual hose
Ready for a sleek, modern-looking portable air conditioning unit? Be sure to consider the Whynter ARC-14SH. First glance of this powerful machine will quickly make you realize that it possesses a lot of power. Its 500 square foot coverage area means even if you have an open plan living room, you can be sure to keep it cool.
In addition to being a great air conditioner, the Whynter ARC-14SH also functions as a dehumidifier. In fact, it can remove up to 101 pints of water from your air every day. If you live in a humid area, you can beat the heat and the moisture all with one sophisticated device.
For those that suffer from allergies, the Whynter ARC-14SH is a great find. Its carbon air filter helps to trap allergens including dust and pollen, and it also includes a washable pre-filter for even more protection.
If you’re worried about capturing excess moisture, this air conditioner has you covered. It includes an auto drain function so you never have to worry about built-up condensation.
While the Whynter ARC-14SH is portable, you can also make it stationary. Included in your purchase is a kit that lets you install the unit’s vent directly into your window. Furthermore, it also comes with an intake hose and extendable exhaust. No matter how you want to use this machine, there are plenty of options.
The only downside to Whynter ARC-14SH is its high price. But, if you can afford it, it is worth the investment.
More features: Wi-Fi technology
Smart technology is all the rage nowadays. Instead of having to manually program your air conditioner, why not control it all from the convenience of your smart phone? With the DeLonghi PAC-AN140EKF, simply download the app and you will have complete control over your air conditioner. When you’re leaving the office, you can make sure to turn your unit on so that the minute you walk in the door you will enter a room full of cool luxury.
Furthermore, you can set the air conditioner to reach the exact desired temperature and quickly change between a dehumidifier or fan only.
The Wi-Fi technology is compatible with both Android and iOS models, so whatever kind of smart device you’re using, you’ll be quickly set up.
This 14,000 BTU air conditioner can create enough cool air for rooms up to 500 square feet. That amount of room means even an open-concept living area will still be able to benefit from the device.
This unit is nice and portable, and its small size and light weight means after relaxing in your living room in the evening you can easily transport it to your bedroom at night.
Unfortunately, the DeLonghi PAC-AN140EKF does not act as a heater. This means that you will have to invest in a separate machine for your winter months. And, as this air conditioner has a hefty price tag, this could turn into a rather expensive purchase.
More features: washable dust filter; less than 60dB noise level
Everyone should be entitled to being comfortable in their own home, even if they’re on a budget. The JHS A018-14KR/C is priced less than its competition but still packs a punch when it comes to keeping the heat away.
With a coverage area of up to 500 square feet, you can use this portable air conditioner anywhere in your house. It is also perfect for the office.
While some air conditioners can get quite loud, this unit is fairly silent, with a 60 dB noise level. Its quietness means you can conduct important work meetings or watch TV at home without any disruptions.
Nice features of the JHS A018-14KR/C include the three fan speeds so you can adjust according to your needs. It also has a dehumidifier function so even if it’s humid out, you can still breath easy.
Included in your purchase is an exhaust hose as well as a window installation kit. These are nice accessories as it means you can transform your portable unit into a more permanent one that won’t take up precious floor space.
Installation is also simple. In less than 10 minutes you can have everything up and running. So, even in the middle of a heat wave you’ll be able to cool yourself down right away.
The biggest downside with the JHS A018-14KR/C is that it doesn’t have a heating function. Many of the products on our list can work as a heater, too, meaning year-round use.
More features: dual filtration system; LCD display
Gone are the days of large, bulky, and unattractive air conditioners. And while all the units on our list look good, the Honeywell MN14CCS is definitely the sleekest looking. The unit we are referencing has a black and silver motive. You can also choose an all-black look or an all-white model. Whichever you decide, know that you are giving your room a touch of sophistication.
The Honeywell MN14CCS has an incredible coverage area of 700 square feet. It can provide serious comfort for any room in your home or office. It works as an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, and a fan, so you can be cool in the summer, no matter what the weather throws at you.
A really nice function is the inclusion of air filters that remove allergens such as dust and pollen. The are also reusable. Simple remove them and give them a quick rinse in the sink. There’s no extra charge for having to purchase new filters every few months.
The humidifier works well and can remove up to 86 pints of moisture per day, which is a bit more than average. You can use a container system or hook it to a drain for continuous drainage.
This really is one of the best rated 14,000 BTU portable air conditioners available. However, it is one of the more expensive. Unfortunately, those on a budget may have to look elsewhere. If you can afford it, though, you won’t be disappointed.
More features: LED display panel and LCD remote control
Yes, these 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner reviews involve, well, portable units, but some are just better at being moved than others. For something to be truly portable, it needs to be lightweight, slim, and ideally have really good wheels that can move easily.
The LG LP1417GSR wins the title of most portable because of these features. It is light to carry up stairs, and its smaller dimensions means you don’t need to enlist the help of your neighbor to carry it around. Furthermore, it has very functional wheels that allow you to roll it to just the right area.
As well as being portable, the LG LP1417GSR offers great air conditioning elements. It can cool a room up to 500 square feet in size, which is really impressive. And, to get the most out of its power, the top has auto swing louvres to ensure that there are no hot spots. Your entire room will feel cool, no matter where you are in it.
There is no need to collect any moisture that may collect as there is an auto evaporation system. This is one less hassle so you can go about your daily lives.
The LG LP1417GSR comes with a remote control and you can also select the settings from the LED display. All the settings are easy to understand.
This particular model comes in a stylish black finish. However, if your walls are white, it might stand out more than you would wish.
Get ready to feel cool and breezy all summer long. Now that you’ve narrowed down your choices for the best 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner, it’s time to look at all the fine details. Our Buying Guide will help you with any remaining questions you might have.
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It basically means the amount of energy it takes to heat a pound of water. And while this unit of measurement makes sense when talking about heaters or BBQs, it can still be used for cold appliances such as air conditioners.
In this case, the number of BTUs still refers to how powerful a device is. But more specifically, it refers to the amount of energy needed to remove heat from the air.
The larger the number of BTUs, the more powerful your AC unit is. To make it easier for you compare units if you look at ones that all have the same BTUs. In our case, we have chosen 14,000 BTUs. This is a standard output for portable AC units that work within a room.
Portable air conditioner units range greatly, in size, settings, and dimensions. We’ve highlighted key features to be aware of so you can find the right 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner for you.
One of the most important features to consider when purchasing an air conditioner is the coverage area. This number refers to the square footage that the air conditioner can consistently cool. If you place a unit in too large of a room, it won’t be strong enough to heat to all ends, thus making it quite efficient.
Similarly, if you have a very powerful unit in a small space, you could end up wasting a lot of electricity and a lot of money.
14,000 BTU air conditioner units have different coverage areas. While the average is 500 square feet, some, like the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT have a coverage area of 350 square feet. On the other end of the spectrum, the Honeywell MN14CCS and the Honeywell HL14CHESWW both have a coverage area of 700 square feet.
When deciding which unit to purchase, first think about the area you want to place your machine in. Also think about open plans. You may want to just cool your living room but if it opens to your kitchen and dining room, you will have to take this total space into consideration.
Most air conditioners will have the option of working as a fan only. If you want to keep the air cool and circulating, without the extra power that an air conditioner has, a fan is a good way to go. With a fan, the number of speeds is crucial as it allows you to better control the air.
Most units with a fan setting will provide you with three settings to choose from. This is a standard low, medium, and high choice.
The only thing to remember with fan speeds is that the higher the speed, usually the louder the noise is. Most fans use improved technology, so you will only be exposed to a maximum of 60 dB. This noise level means you can still run your fan on max while having the TV on in the same room. Likewise, if you plan on using the fan in your office, you can still have a phone conversation next to the unit.
If you’re investing in an expensive product, it stands to reason that it’s a more affordable machine if it will work all year round. If you can find an air conditioner that also works as a heater, then you will have a device that can be used year-round, thus saving you a lot of money.
The Whynter ARC-14SH, the Whynter ARC-148MHP, the Honeywell HL14CHESWW, and the NewAir AC-14100E all have heating functions. So, while you may pay more of an initial price tag with these units, you won’t have to purchase a separate heater later on, thus saving you money.
The only thing to consider, though, is that air conditioners are usually a lot larger than heaters. So, if you were looking forward to a more compact device to keep you warm in the winter, it might not be beneficial to have a large AC unit taking up precious space.
Heat and humidity often come hand in hand in the summer. It makes sense, then, to have an air conditioner unit that can help with both cooling and dehumidification. Not all AC units will have this feature but if they do, it’s a really nice bonus, especially if you livid in a very humid or tropical climate.
On our list, many air conditioners have dehumidification properties. The Whynter ARC-148MHP, the Honeywell MN14CCS, and the Whynter ARC-14SH are just some of the units that work really well as a dehumidifier.
The one thing you need to remember about a dehumidifier is that the water that is collected from the air needs to go somewhere. The two most common ways to collect this water is through a collection reservoir or a pump that is hooked up to a drain. Dehumidifiers are great but they do often need daily maintenance, so just be aware of this.
To make your life a bit easier always look for a portable air conditioner that is easy to control. Each unit will have a control panel but they vary greatly in both design and ease of use. Some, like the LG LP1417GSR and the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT have nice, easy to read LED screens.
One product to really consider if you want a simple display screen is the Whynter ARC-148MHP. Despite its large amount of options, the display screen is still easy to navigate. In fact, it even uses handy icons to let you know which is the heater and which is the fan mode.
If like to sit down and hate having to get up to change your settings, then look for a model that comes with a remote control. This will allow you to easily adjust your settings while remaining as comfortable as possible.
Finally, in addition to control panels and remote controls, there is a new, third way to change the settings on your air conditioner. This is through your smartphone. The DeLonghi PAC-AN140EKF can be programmed through their in-house app. Simply download it to your smartphone or tablet. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection in your house, you can access your air conditioner via the app wherever and whenever you are.
For those that love to walk through the door after a long, hot day at the office, and step into a cool home, this is a must-have feature. Simple login to the app before you leave work, program the air conditioner, and it will be completely cool inside your home, as if by magic.
When you want to purchase an air conditioner, you will have to consider its dimensions. While every unit is different, they usually measure around 30 by 20 by 15 inches.
All of the units on our list are portable which means you are likely to move your air conditioner around. Before you purchase one, think about the various places you are most likely to put your unit. If you plan on moving your AC unit from your living to your bedroom each night, then you will want a place in each room that is large enough to accommodate the device.
Some portable air conditioners come with the option to install it in your window. In this case, installation kits are included in your purchase. If this is your ultimate plan, measure your window and check for any limitations within the specific unit.
Portable air conditioners have a lot of technology, so safety features should always be highlighted. The most basic is an auto-off function. Basically, if you leave the machine on for more than 24 hours, it will automatically turn off. This is safe as well as perfect for those who tend to be a bit forgetful.
Another safety feature is important if your model has a heater function. The tip-over feature ensures that if the machine falls, it will automatically turn off. As you can imagine, if a heater falls to the ground, it could become quite disastrous. A tip-over feature is necessary in this case.
One other feature that is important if you have a model that also acts as a dehumidifier is a spillage feature. Because you need to collect the water that is removed from your air, if the reservoir hasn’t been emptied, the dehumidifier function will no longer work. This ensures you won’t have a terrible leak and potential water damage, all because of your dehumidifier.
When setting up your AC unit, you will want to keep a few safety measures in mind. Always plug your unit directly into a wall outlet. The plug needs to be in a grounded outlet. An extension cord or power strip will not provide the same amount of safety as a wall outlet.
Furthermore, when deciding where to place your unit, pay attention to any vents, either on the side or back of your machine. These vents need to be free from obstruction so as to not overheat your AC. Some vents lift outwards which may take up more space than you first realized.
Thankfully, all of the portable air conditioner units on our list are very easy to install. Simple take the unit out of the box, find a plug, and you are good to go.
Some units also come with a window installation kit. These kits are also easy to install and you could have your air conditioner unit snug in your window in less than 10 minutes.
While you can vent a portable AC unit though a sliding door, having it vented through a window with a proper kit means there won’t be any lost energy or cool air through drafts.
Window installation kits allow you to place a strip across the bottom of a window that has a hole that perfectly vits the vent hose.
Unfortunately, warranties on portable air conditioners are not that great. All of the products that we have reviewed only offer a one-year limited warranty. While this is better than nothing, it is a shame that there is very little diversity when it comes to warranties.
Of all the products we reviewed, only two portable air conditioners have extra warranties. The Whynter ARC-14SH offers a three-year limited warranty on the compressor and the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT offers a five-year warranty on the compressor.
As always, though, if you aren’t technologically savvy, or just want to protect your investment, you can always inquire about a supplementary warranty from the manufacturer. Just know that it will cost you more.
Overall, it is very easy to install a portable air conditioning unit. The biggest help is if the product comes with its own window installation kit. If it doesn’t, you can still buy a separate one or fashion your own device. However, if your purchase includes an installation kit, that means the dimensions will work better with your model.
However, there are units that give you the option of installing them with the vent hose out through a window frame. These units will often come with a window installation kit. They are easy to install and only take about 10 minutes. The best tip is to ensure that the vent hose is straight and connected well so there are no leaks.
There’s no need to be uncomfortable in the hot summer months anymore. Instead, simply find the best 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner and bask in the coolness in your own home.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Black + Decker BPACT14HWT. Its quality name-brand appeal makes this a solid choice and one that won’t disappoint. If you have room in your budget and want a sophisticated-looking machine, then try the Honeywell MN14CCS. Its state-of-the-art features and cool design make it a product you won’t regret. Finally, the Whynter ARC-148MHP is a multi-purpose air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and fan. This makes the device suitable for use all year, which improves its long-term usefulness.
We hope that finding the best 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner will be a bit easy and that you can really enjoy your summer.
