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CNN
16 hours ago
- CNN
The best portable air conditioner in 2025, tried and tested
The best portable air conditioner I tested Best portable air conditioner: Black+Decker 14,000-BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner BPACT14WT The best portable air conditioner might just help you survive the coming summer months, especially if you have an antiquated unit and no way of installing a newer wall or window air conditioner. With some predictions of above-average temperatures from now until August 2025, a cooling fan may not cut it, meaning we'll need all the cooling products we can get. Portable air conditioners are generally considered less effective and less efficient than traditional AC units. However, they do still have some value to the right user. According to Jonathan Berkson, owner of SuperCoolNYC, a portable AC is 'best when you don't have a window that a regular window AC can be installed in. Like a basement or a crank-open window.' It's also a great supplement to your existing setup and can be moved easily around the home to cool down the space that needs it most. So, if your living conditions don't allow a proper air-conditioning unit, it doesn't mean you're stuck sweating it out all summer. I tested seven highly rated portable air conditioners currently on the market to find one that'll keep you comfortable, whether you're an apartment dweller, a nomad who constantly moves from city to city or someone with a struggling HVAC system. Black+Decker 14,000-BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner BPACT14WT This midrange investment blew me away with its easy setup, excellent cooling performance and smart features. It's the best value in a portable air conditioner you'll find anywhere. I'm a little disappointed the Black+Decker BPACT14WT isn't as readily available for purchase at top online retailers as its rivals (or even other Black+Decker portable air conditioners), as it truly was a standout during my testing. And that's against the likes of Frigidaire and Dreo, whose cooling solutions are known for their reliability and affordable prices. That isn't to say that this Black+Decker unit blew the others out of the water on all testing criteria, but for a midrange option that costs less than the Dreo Smart Air Conditioner AC516S or the Frigidaire FHPC142AA1, it outmatched them all in cooling performance. During my tests, the Black+Decker BPACT14WT consistently excelled in cooling both small and medium-sized rooms. When starting at 79 degrees Fahrenheit, the unit cooled each room by 7 and 5 degrees, respectively, in just 30 minutes. Only the pricier Dreo AC516S managed to deliver a similar performance. And while its dehumidifying function sadly doesn't allow you to set a target humidity level, it did have almost the same performance, which makes this an ideal option for those living in cities more humid than Los Angeles, where I live. I was especially appreciative of how this unit helped me manage my insomnia, which is triggered by hot nighttime temperatures. With this in use, I was able to avoid looking like a zombie in the daytime. It also has a 14,000-BTU rating, meaning it can cool rooms bigger than mine, up to 700 square feet. There's more to love here as well. While setup was a breeze, there are other things I appreciated more, such as the fact that its exhaust tube or hose is easy to affix to the window panels and that those panels, which are very inclusive of window sizes, are more stable together. My biggest pet peeve about portable air conditioners is that the window panels they come with never seem to truly stick together, no matter how tightly you secure them, and this makes setup and cleaning incredibly annoying. I wish I could tell you that the Black+Decker BPACT14WT is the most efficient option out there. Unfortunately, with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of about 10.2, it's two points short of what's considered ideal. However, its auto function does help minimize unnecessary energy consumption, especially at night when you're sleeping. Meanwhile, its smart home function — another surprising detail considering its affordable price — means you can control it from your phone or with your voice via Alexa or Google Assistant. The app is easy to set up and use, but it is not as sleek as Dreo's app. That doesn't affect the functionality, however. It also isn't the quietest, emitting an average of 55 decibels during my test, or the easiest to wheel from one room to another. But those are hardly deal breakers when you're getting excellent cooling performance at an affordable price. All things considered, this is the best value portable air conditioner you can buy right now. I just wish more online retailers besides Amazon carried it. Heck, even Black+Decker's online store isn't selling it. Testing portable air conditioners has its challenges. While installing a window air conditioner is undoubtedly more laborious, portable air conditioners still require some work. You can't just roll them in a room, stick their exhaust hose or tube out the window and expect great results. My testing of these portable air conditioners, therefore, was a bit more meticulous than others I've done before, though not as meticulous and long-term as the testing I did for the best hydroponic gardens. I tested each portable AC for a week, going through the process of unboxing it, installing its parts according to the manufacturer's specifications, using it day and night in temperatures of 79 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and cleaning and draining it. During testing, I evaluated each unit based on the following criteria. Performance Cooling performance: The most important thing about a portable air conditioner is its ability to cool a room on a hot day or a warm night. Getting fairly accurate results proved tricky since the weather in Los Angeles was inconsistent during testing. However, it was vital to see how each model performed against high temperatures, so I made sure to wait for days that were 79 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to test and install each unit. To gauge each portable AC's cooling performance, I tested it in a small room and a medium-sized room, placing at least two room thermometers in different parts of each room. Energy efficiency: According to the US Department of Energy, 'efficiency of a room air conditioner is measured by the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is the ratio of the cooling capacity (in BTU per hour) to the power input (in watts). The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner.' So, I tested the wattage of each unit and calculated its EER rating to determine if it's more or less energy efficient. Noise level: Portable ACs tend to be louder than traditional AC units; however, some portable ACs do attempt to keep their noise level down. To know which models are better at it, I used my Decibel meter app to measure the noise while each portable AC is running at its highest mode. This criterion didn't make as big an impact on my results, since cooling is still the priority, but it's good to know what you're getting before you commit. Design Ease of setup and installation: Portable ACs are easier to set up than traditional wall or window ACs because, well, there's no heavy lifting. This type of air conditioner is designed to be rolled into position. For a portable air conditioner to work, though — not to mention to cool a room efficiently — its exhaust tube needs an outlet (i.e., a window) and its window panel kit needs to be installed properly. Most units have a very similar exhaust tube and window panel setup; however, some do make it easier on users than others, whether that's due to a more seamless design or just better materials. To test which ones are easiest to install, I went through each unit's installation according to the instructions in its manual. Ease of use: I judged each unit's ease of use based on how easy and convenient it is to operate daily, as well as how many customization settings it offers. Portability: I judged each unit's portability based on two things: its wheels' maneuverability and the footprint or area it occupies. One of the biggest downsides to portable air conditioners is that they take up precious space in the room because you can't mount them. The good news is that some are more compact and easier to move from room to room than others. Build quality: Though it takes long-term testing to truly gauge a portable air conditioner's build quality (and I plan on doing so throughout the summer), I wanted to share my initial thoughts on the matter by examining each unit's design and materials to see whether or not it feels robust and of good quality. Extra features: Most portable air conditioners are nothing fancy, but things like app support, Alexa- and Google Assistant-compatibility, and availability of setting customizations add to their value, so I made sure to check those extra features out as well. Overall value Price: Considering all the criteria above, I compared each portable air conditioner's test results against its price tag, and that of its rivals, to make sure it's a good investment for you. Choosing a portable air conditioner is, in some ways, harder than choosing a window unit. Not only do you have to consider your window size and compatibility but you also have to think about the available space next to that window and balance that with the size of the room (and therefore, a portable AC's BTU). In addition, when buying a portable air conditioner, Berkson recommends that you 'choose one that automatically expels condensation via evaporation or a pump.' Check your window size and the window panel kit compatibility Before tapping 'buy,' ensure the window panel kit included is compatible with the window you want to install it in. Most portable air conditioners come with window panel kits that are versatile enough to be largely compatible with most windows. However, if you plan to install it in a wider-than-average window, you may not have enough panels to cover the entire opening and ensure cooling efficiency. Additionally, some window panels are only designed to be installed horizontally, which will pose a challenge if you need to install them vertically. There's more. Most portable air conditioners do not come with an exhaust pipe long enough to reach higher windows or to allow you to place the unit farther from a window, which you shouldn't do anyway. According to Berkson, you want to 'keep the tube run as short as possible.' So, if that's what you're dealing with, you have to find either a different window to use or an alternative cooling solution. Know your room size The higher a portable air conditioner's British Thermal Units (BTU) rating, the bigger the room it can handle — that's the idea, anyway, since other factors affect cooling performance. A model's Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and EER ratings, both of which you can calculate yourself, also matter when it comes to air-conditioning efficiency. However, the BTU rating is a good gauge of whether a unit can handle the room you want to put it in. The rule of thumb is 20 BTUs for every square foot of space. Therefore, an 8,000-BTU portable air conditioner should be able to handle a 400-square-foot room, while a 14,000-BTU one can cover 700 square feet of space. What do you need it for? While Berkson noted that 'window AC units cool much better than portable ACs and are more efficient,' sometimes a window unit just isn't an option. In those cases, a portable AC might be your best bet. Knowing why you need a portable air conditioner as a cooling solution is crucial because it helps you decide which model to get or if it's even the best option for you. For example, if you only need a portable AC as a supplement to your existing (and still working) air-conditioning system, or if the room you're trying to cool down doesn't get very hot, you might not need something super powerful. On the other hand, if you hope to use it as your main cooling solution, especially in a room that gets a lot of direct sunlight and little airflow, you'll want to use something more effective at cooling. Available space matters as well. 'Portable AC [units] take up valuable floor space if you have a small apartment,' Berkson said. So, if you have a tiny city apartment, you may have to settle for something with a smaller footprint, which could — though doesn't always — mean lower cooling performance. Dreo 14,000-BTU Smart Air Conditioner AC516S While its cooling performance is on par, and at times better, than my top pick, this Dreo portable AC is slightly less efficient and takes up more space. It's no secret that Dreo is one of my favorite appliance brands. I'm a massive fan of its air fryer and several of its space heaters are among the best you can buy. So, I had high hopes for the Dreo 14,000-BTU Smart Air Conditioner AC516S, especially considering its beautiful modern design, high-quality build and responsive smart home features coupled with its comprehensive yet user-friendly app. Unsurprisingly, this portable air conditioner is no slouch when it comes to cooling performance. It consistently held its own against the Black+Decker BPACT14WT, dropping a medium-sized room's temperature 4 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes and a small room's temperature 10 degrees in an hour. The one thing it does better than the Black+Decker (other than its lower noise level) is dehumidifying, not just because it lets you set the target humidity level but also because it managed to drop that level six points in 30 minutes during testing. Sadly, that isn't enough for it to snag the top spot. As good as it is, the Dreo 14,000-BTU Smart Air Conditioner AC516S takes up more space; its window panels frustratingly do not stay together, which makes setup and cleaning infuriating; and worse, its EER rating is slightly lower, so it's less efficient. Combine those concerns with its higher price tag, and you'll understand why the Dreo AC516S didn't beat out the Black+Decker BPACT14WT. Dreo Smart Air Conditioner AC319S A compact option for smaller spaces, this sleek AC unit feels robust and is easy to transfer from room to room. Sadly, it's not that effective in cooling more than a small room. Those seeking a cooling solution for a small room may not require a portable AC as powerful as the Black+Decker BPACT14WT. Luckily, there's the Dreo Smart Air Conditioner AC319S. It's not just the ever so slightly more compact form that makes it great for small spaces. With a BTU of 10,000, it's ideal for them too, which it proved during testing. While this portable air conditioner barely made a difference in my medium-sized living room during testing, it managed to drop the temperature in my small bedroom by 6 degrees, more than enough to keep me cool when I'm taking an afternoon nap and to keep the heat-induced insomnia at bay on boiling nights. Its dehumidifying function, however, is impressive in both small and medium-sized spaces, which makes it ideal for cities with higher humidity levels. During my tests, it managed to drop one to three points below my target humidity level of 40% from 50%. That cooling performance, coupled with its smooth wheels, lightweight design, excellent app support and smart home features, not to mention effortless setup, makes it a fantastic choice for small spaces, even though it is expensive for what it offers. My only gripe here is that it uses the same annoying window panel kit as the Dreo Smart Air Conditioner AC516S. Frigidaire 14,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner FHPC142AA1 This portable air conditioner from Frigidaire has good humidifying performance … and that's about it. Disappointingly, there are better — and smaller — portable air conditioners than this one, especially at this price. I don't think I've ever been more befuddled by an appliance. Usually, pricier appliances offer better performance, a higher-quality build or a superior feature set. Unfortunately, the Frigidaire FHPC142AA1 doesn't have any of those things. I can forgive the gargantuan footprint, which is somewhat understandable with its 14,000 BTU; however, the fact that it barely made a dent in the temperature in a medium-sized room is inexcusable, even if it is slightly more energy efficient than the Black+Decker BPACT14WT. This Frigidaire model bottomed at 76 degrees Fahrenheit from 79 degrees Fahrenheit, even after an hour. That's not all. Setting up this portable air conditioner wasn't a walk in the park, thanks to poorly designed and somewhat shoddy window panels as well as an exhaust hose that proved incredibly hard to secure to the window panel kit. Meanwhile, its massive size and heavy weight take a toll on its wheels, making it annoying to roll from one spot to another. And while its touch buttons are responsive, there's no remote control in the box. I'm sure I'm not the only person who doesn't want to deal with the inconvenience of having to get up (or worse, out of bed at night) just to turn on or off my AC, especially if that AC unit set me back more than $500. Frigidaire 14,000-BTU 3-in-1 Heat/Cool Portable ACFHPH142AC1 Though this portable AC is as affordable as the winner, it takes up too much space for the level of cooling performance it delivers. It's not that versatile either. For the amount of space it takes up, the Frigidaire FHPH142AC1's performance feels anti-climactic. It's one of the larger models in my testing pool, yet it's among the biggest underperformers, despite its 14,000 BTU. Don't get me wrong: It feels robust, is easy to set up and boasts very responsive buttons and smooth-rolling wheels. However, that's about it. It struggled to handle cooling a medium-sized room, bottoming at a warm 77 degrees Fahrenheit from 81 degrees Fahrenheit in both cooling and dehumidifying modes. Now, one can argue that it's hard to expect much from a sub-$500 option, but the fact that my top pick (and the best performer in the lot) sits at the same price point quickly invalidates that point. What's more, its window panels are difficult to secure tightly and are only compatible with small windows, while its display and light indicators are not as bright, making them hard to see. It's too bad because, despite its enormous size, it looks good. TCL 5,000-BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner H5P44W This extremely compact portable air conditioner is the most affordable of the bunch, and it delivers good cooling performance, but only if you sit in front of it to the right. I wish I could say that this TCL portable air conditioner is an excellent choice for budget buyers, but I can't. Its sub-$400 price makes it a much more attractive proposition than the Black+Decker BPACT14WT, yes. And its compact size — with a footprint of only 11 by 11 square feet — is also a plus, even if you have plenty of room in your home for a larger portable AC. Sadly, that's where the positives stop. Try as I might to like the TCL Smart Portable Air Conditioner H5P44W, its subpar performance, coupled with its loud noise level, is undeniable. Don't get me wrong; plant yourself to the front-right of it and you'll stay cool, even when it's 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the room and the unit is just on fan mode. However, beyond that, the room still feels oppressive, dropping a medium-sized room's temperature by only about 3 degrees, whether it's on cooling or dehumidifying mode. Its cooling performance would have been better had TCL given it oscillating capabilities, which would have come in handy. Instead, I found myself constantly turning the unit on and off throughout the day and during the night, which was not only very inconvenient but also prevented me from feeling completely comfortable. Whynter 14,000-BTU Inverter Portable Air Conditioner ARC-1230WN This gigantic portable AC takes up space. But it also delivers great cooling performance and is very easy to assemble. I'm just not sure it's worth the investment for the price. As you've probably realized by now, big doesn't always mean better in the world of portable air conditioners, and here's yet another perfect example. The Whynter ARC-1230WN isn't just very wide; it's also the tallest of the models I tested. And in its case, taking up space is not a good thing. While it doesn't have the worst cooling performance of the models in my testing pool, it's also nothing to write home about. Handling a medium-sized room, it managed to drop the temperature 4 degrees from 79 degrees Fahrenheit, which is on par with the other non-winners. However, its dehumidifying function is disappointing. Not only does it not allow you to set a target humidity level, which is surprising for a portable air conditioner at its price range, but it somehow raised the humidity level two points during testing instead of lowering it. Your return on investment on this model comes from its smart home features (it works with Alexa and Google Assistant), app support and the fact that its window panels and exhaust hose are probably the easiest to assemble because they were fitted together more securely than the other. If those are your priorities (likely not), you'll get your money's worth with the Whynter ARC-1230WN. The following FAQs were answered by SuperCoolNYC owner Jonathan Berkson. Do portable air conditioners work? Do portable air conditioners work? Yes, but according to Berkson, they 'are only a last resort if you can't do a window AC unit. They are less efficient, as the heat from the compressor needs to be expelled through a tube rather than directly outside like a traditional unit.' How do you drain a portable air conditioner? How do you drain a portable air conditioner? Each portable AC unit should have easy-to-follow instructions on how to drain it. Berkson also recommends to 'clean the filter regularly according to the owner's manual, and always check and empty the condensation reservoir before you go to bed so you don't have to wake up in the middle of the night because the unit is beeping and needs to be drained.' For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain his professional insights on portable ACs. Jonathan Berkson, the owner of SuperCoolNYC, a New York City window air-conditioner installation company that specializes in working with parents and students to get their apartments set up with air-conditioning CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has years of experience covering home products and appliances, and writing product reviews. She covered home and kitchen appliances for various publications before joining CNN Underscored and wrote our best space heaters, best Dyson vacuums and best espresso machines guides.
CNET
20 hours ago
- Climate
- CNET
These 10 Cooling Hacks Are the Reason My House Doesn't Feel Like a Sauna
Heat waves are becoming more intense and more frequent across the U.S., and they're also more dangerous than most people realize. In fact, extreme heat kills more Americans each year than floods, hurricanes, and wildfires combined. While we often focus on staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity, keeping your home cool can be just as important—especially for kids, pets, and older adults. After years of testing smart thermostats, air purifiers, and home cooling tech, I've picked up some practical tricks that actually make a difference. You don't need to blast the AC around the clock to stay safe during a heat wave. From adjusting blinds to using energy-efficient tools the right way, here are my go-to tips for keeping cool at home without blowing your electric bill. And if you have elderly family or neighbors nearby, now is a great time to share these tips with them too. 10 Home Cooling Hacks to Get You Through Heat Waves 1. Use a portable air conditioner and monitor room temperature carefully Arlo sensors can do nearly anything and are easy to move whenever you want. Arlo Whole-house air conditioners remain very important in heat waves, especially when combined with other cooling methods. But not all homes have whole-house AC, and in severe heat waves, they may not be enough. Another option is a smart portable air conditioner that you can plug in and move from room to room, depending on where you're spending time. Take a look at our list of the top portable air conditioners. You'll find models with remotes, voice assistant support, timers, dehumidifier functions and much more. Expect to spend around $400 for a good model that you can use for summers to come. Important note: Once temperatures start rising well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, basic ceiling fans don't really make a difference, especially when addressing health issues. It's important to focus more on home insulation and air conditioning. In many homes, some rooms can get much hotter than others, which doesn't help central thermostats do their job. Consider home monitoring devices that can sense temperature, like these all-in-one Arlo security sensors we tested. That way, you can constantly monitor the temperature in a particular spot (sitting room, bedroom, baby's room, etc.) and take action if it gets too high. 2. Set a strict curtain schedule for your windows Sunlight streaming through your windows can heat up objects and air inside your home, making a heat wave worse. Close your blinds completely during the hottest temperatures for better protection. You can also search for smart blinds and curtain retrofits to let you set automatic schedules to make this process easier. Once the outside temperature drops significantly below indoor temps, your insulation starts working against you. So, if your region experiences cooler nights, wait for the temperature difference and open windows around your home to create cool air flow. 3. Replace your HVAC filter and order an inspection Kangaroo includes a climate sensor, aka leak detector, in its expanded eight-piece home monitoring kit. Kangaroo To prepare for a heat wave, you'll want to replace your home HVAC filter, which is typically located right at the fan system that pushes air around your house. It's a good idea to keep several properly sized filters nearby so you can switch them out a couple of times a year, or when you really need efficient airflow. If you have time, you should also schedule a maintenance visit from a professional HVAC contractor. Among other things, they can test the refrigerant levels in your AC system. Refrigerant can leak out over time and make your air conditioning less efficient. Making sure you have the proper levels is important ahead of a hot period. Read more: HVAC Maintenance Guide: What to DIY and When to Call a Pro 4. Install leak detectors and monitor for leaks Home leaks are often associated with freezing temperatures when pipes crack in the dead of winter. But heat waves can cause an opposite, yet similar, problem: Pipes can expand and damage their valves and other components, which also leads to leaks. Also, AC units can go into overdrive and may leak more than usual in your basement or garage. Most home security systems, like Abode, offer leak detector add-ons that you can place in susceptible areas to get alerts or alarms when water on the floor is detected. You can also find standalone units from Eufy and other brands. 5. Keep your outdoor home devices out of direct sunlight Cutting down on drafts helps keep the cool air inside. BanksPhotos via Getty Shade is your friend when placing outdoor electrics like home security cameras or outside sensors -- even robot lawnmowers. High temps can wreak havoc on batteries, make sensitive electronics overheat and may even cause plastics to melt. So when the temperature starts shooting up, bring your electronics inside or into the shade until the hot spell is over. And please watch where you install your home cameras. 6. Check and replace your weather stripping Weather stripping refers to those small strips of felt and rubber at the edges of windows and doors. They play a vital role in home insulation: When they wear down or get ripped off, the gaps notoriously cause drafts. That's unpleasant in wintertime, but during a heat wave it can sap all the cool air that your AC has created, keeping your home from cooling down fully and increasing the risk of heat-related health problems. Prep for heat waves by checking weatherstripping and blocking any drafts from worn materials. You can find weather stripping yourself for a DIY project, but it's important to get the right kind to match your doors and windows. 7. Find cooler alternatives for cooking Keep kitchens calm and cool during a heat wave. Brothers91 via Getty Cooking and baking produce a lot of heat in the kitchen, so you may want to reduce those activities during a heat wave. That's why we have an entire guide on how to keep your kitchen cool when temperatures rise, including prepping meals beforehand or cooking late in the evening. Also, this may be a great time to check out meal delivery services. Read more: Don't Turn Your Oven on During a Heat Wave. Do This Instead 8. Search for electronics to unplug and stop using Large electronics can produce a lot of background heat even when they're in standby mode. When the heat gets really bad, try unplugging larger electronics entirely. That can include A/V receivers, game consoles, desktop computers and televisions -- depending on what you plan to use that day. On that note, refrain from running heat-producing appliances like dishwashers and dryers, or at least wait until nighttime when the temperature drops. Read more: Heat Wave: Keep Your Phone From Overheating in Record Temps 9. Replace your lighting with smart lights There's one other surprising part of the home that produces a lot of heat -- your incandescent lights, which are terribly inefficient at using energy (touch one to find out). Newer LEDs (light-emitting diodes) found in smart lights create almost no heat and tend to last much longer. The key is finding high-quality, affordable smart lights, which is why you should head over to our list of the best smart lights available. Switch out those sweaty lights with LEDs and your house will start feeling cooler. 10. Create easy access to emergency medical services An Echo can help during a heat wave emergency. Amazon If it looks like someone is suffering from heatstroke or a similar condition, it's important to get medical attention immediately to help them out. Signs include lots of sweating accompanied by headache, nausea and disorientation. If someone shows problems like these, get them in a cool spot and contact emergency services. You can also bathe their feet in cool water to help them get relief. Some home security plans can make this easier. The Alexa Emergency Assist plan ($6 per month) is a good option, since it works with existing Alexa speakers and lets you immediately call for help and notify family emergency contacts with a command. That can be especially important for elderly relatives who may live alone and are more susceptible to heat-related conditions. For more temperature management choices, visit our guide to the best smart thermostats and look at the top DIY security monitoring systems. It's also a good idea to brush up on heatstroke safety and how to stay safe when air quality is really bad.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
City of Dallas opens cooling centers, offers free AC units as summertime heat kicks in
The City of Dallas is offering relief to residents as the heat of summer arrives. Beginning June 16, Beat the Heat cooling centers are open for residents to escape the heat. Residents can also apply for portable AC units starting June 18. The cooling centers will provide a safe and comfortable place to stay cool and reduce the need for home electricity use during the hottest days of summer, according to the city. Cooling centers open in Dallas: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 2922 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. West Dallas Multipurpose Center 2828 Fish Trap Rd., Dallas, TX 75212 Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Where to sign up for portable AC units in Dallas: Residents can also sign up for a portable AC unit, starting June 18. The city said quantities are limited and only one unit is allotted per household. MLK, Jr. Community Center: 214-670-8418 West Dallas Multipurpose Center: 214-670-6340
CNET
14-06-2025
- Climate
- CNET
My 10 Must-Know Home Cooling Hacks for Surviving Heat Waves
Did you know that heat waves kill more Americans than any other major weather event, including floods and fires? The human body can really struggle to stay hydrated and deal with suddenly high temperatures -- and the same is true of our pets as well. Fortunately, working with smart thermostats, air purifiers, air quality sensors, smart shades and a variety of other home products has taught me a lot about quickly cooling a place down without skyrocketing your energy bills. When the worst heat strikes, here's what I recommend doing to stay healthy and cool. And if you have any elderly family nearby, make sure they're following tips like these too. 10 Home Cooling Hacks to Get You Through Heat Waves 1. Use a portable air conditioner and monitor room temperature carefully Arlo sensors can do nearly anything and are easy to move whenever you want. Arlo Whole-house air conditioners remain very important in heat waves, especially when combined with other cooling methods. But not all homes have whole-house AC, and in severe heat waves, they may not be enough. Another option is a smart portable air conditioner that you can plug in and move from room to room, depending on where you're spending time. Take a look at our list of the top portable air conditioners. You'll find models with remotes, voice assistant support, timers, dehumidifier functions and much more. Expect to spend around $400 for a good model that you can use for summers to come. Important note: Once temperatures start rising well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, basic ceiling fans don't really make a difference, especially when addressing health issues. It's important to focus more on home insulation and air conditioning. In many homes, some rooms can get much hotter than others, which doesn't help central thermostats do their job. Consider home monitoring devices that can sense temperature, like these all-in-one Arlo security sensors we tested. That way, you can constantly monitor the temperature in a particular spot (sitting room, bedroom, baby's room, etc.) and take action if it gets too high. 2. Set a strict curtain schedule for your windows Sunlight streaming through your windows can heat up objects and air inside your home, making a heat wave worse. Close your blinds completely during the hottest temperatures for better protection. You can also search for smart blinds and curtain retrofits to let you set automatic schedules to make this process easier. Once the outside temperature drops significantly below indoor temps, your insulation starts working against you. So, if your region experiences cooler nights, wait for the temperature difference and open windows around your home to create cool air flow. 3. Replace your HVAC filter and order an inspection Kangaroo includes a climate sensor, aka leak detector, in its expanded eight-piece home monitoring kit. Kangaroo To prepare for a heat wave, you'll want to replace your home HVAC filter, which is typically located right at the fan system that pushes air around your house. It's a good idea to keep several properly sized filters nearby so you can switch them out a couple of times a year, or when you really need efficient airflow. If you have time, you should also schedule a maintenance visit from a professional HVAC contractor. Among other things, they can test the refrigerant levels in your AC system. Refrigerant can leak out over time and make your air conditioning less efficient. Making sure you have the proper levels is important ahead of a hot period. Read more: HVAC Maintenance Guide: What to DIY and When to Call a Pro 4. Install leak detectors and monitor for leaks Home leaks are often associated with freezing temperatures when pipes crack in the dead of winter. But heat waves can cause an opposite, yet similar, problem: Pipes can expand and damage their valves and other components, which also leads to leaks. Also, AC units can go into overdrive and may leak more than usual in your basement or garage. Most home security systems, like Abode, offer leak detector add-ons that you can place in susceptible areas to get alerts or alarms when water on the floor is detected. You can also find standalone units from Eufy and other brands. 5. Keep your outdoor home devices out of direct sunlight Cutting down on drafts helps keep the cool air inside. BanksPhotos via Getty Shade is your friend when placing outdoor electrics like home security cameras or outside sensors -- even robot lawnmowers. High temps can wreak havoc on batteries, make sensitive electronics overheat and may even cause plastics to melt. So when the temperature starts shooting up, bring your electronics inside or into the shade until the hot spell is over. And please watch where you install your home cameras. 6. Check and replace your weather stripping Weather stripping refers to those small strips of felt and rubber at the edges of windows and doors. They play a vital role in home insulation: When they wear down or get ripped off, the gaps notoriously cause drafts. That's unpleasant in wintertime, but during a heat wave it can sap all the cool air that your AC has created, keeping your home from cooling down fully and increasing the risk of heat-related health problems. Prep for heat waves by checking weatherstripping and blocking any drafts from worn materials. You can find weather stripping yourself for a DIY project, but it's important to get the right kind to match your doors and windows. 7. Find cooler alternatives for cooking Keep kitchens calm and cool during a heat wave. Brothers91 via Getty Cooking and baking produce a lot of heat in the kitchen, so you may want to reduce those activities during a heat wave. That's why we have an entire guide on how to keep your kitchen cool when temperatures rise, including prepping meals beforehand or cooking late in the evening. Also, this may be a great time to check out meal delivery services. Read more: Don't Turn Your Oven on During a Heat Wave. Do This Instead 8. Search for electronics to unplug and stop using Large electronics can produce a lot of background heat even when they're in standby mode. When the heat gets really bad, try unplugging larger electronics entirely. That can include A/V receivers, game consoles, desktop computers and televisions -- depending on what you plan to use that day. On that note, refrain from running heat-producing appliances like dishwashers and dryers, or at least wait until nighttime when the temperature drops. Read more: Heat Wave: Keep Your Phone From Overheating in Record Temps 9. Replace your lighting with smart lights There's one other surprising part of the home that produces a lot of heat -- your incandescent lights, which are terribly inefficient at using energy (touch one to find out). Newer LEDs (light-emitting diodes) found in smart lights create almost no heat and tend to last much longer. The key is finding high-quality, affordable smart lights, which is why you should head over to our list of the best smart lights available. Switch out those sweaty lights with LEDs and your house will start feeling cooler. 10. Create easy access to emergency medical services An Echo can help during a heat wave emergency. Amazon If it looks like someone is suffering from heatstroke or a similar condition, it's important to get medical attention immediately to help them out. Signs include lots of sweating accompanied by headache, nausea and disorientation. If someone shows problems like these, get them in a cool spot and contact emergency services. You can also bathe their feet in cool water to help them get relief. Some home security plans can make this easier. The Alexa Emergency Assist plan ($6 per month) is a good option, since it works with existing Alexa speakers and lets you immediately call for help and notify family emergency contacts with a command. That can be especially important for elderly relatives who may live alone and are more susceptible to heat-related conditions. For more temperature management choices, visit our guide to the best smart thermostats and look at the top DIY security monitoring systems. It's also a good idea to brush up on heatstroke safety and how to stay safe when air quality is really bad.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Dual-Hose Vs Single-Hose Portable AC: Which Is Better For Your Space?
If you're shopping for a portable air conditioner, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to choose a dual-hose vs single-hose portable AC. At first glance, these two types might look similar, but the way they operate makes a big difference in how effectively they cool. Dual-hose units use one hose to draw in outdoor air to cool the condenser, while another hose expels hot air outside. Single-hose models, on the other hand, rely on just one hose to push hot air out, pulling replacement air from inside the room. This can make them slightly less efficient. Single-hose and dual-hose AC units, like these powerful models from Midea and Whynter, each come ... More with pros and cons. Determining which style is best for your home depends on factors like room size, local climate, noise preferences and even how often you plan to move the unit around. Regardless of the type you settle on, selecting an appropriate level of cooling power (measured in BTUs) is crucial. 'If the unit isn't powerful enough for the space, it'll run constantly without cooling effectively,' says Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Plumbing. 'A good rule of thumb is to match the unit's BTUs to the square footage of the room.' To help you choose between dual- and single-hose models, we've spoken with HVAC experts and tested the best portable air conditioners to clearly break down the differences. Here's everything you need to know about both designs, so you can find the option that best fits your home, lifestyle and cooling needs. A dual-hose portable air conditioner uses two hoses to cool a room more efficiently. One hose draws in air from outdoors to cool the unit, while the second hose pushes hot air back outside. This two-hose design prevents the negative pressure created by single-hose models, which tends to pull in warmer air from other parts of the home. According to Caccia, the dual-hose setup has a clear edge when it comes to efficiency: 'It helps reduce pressure imbalance, which in turn cools a room faster.' Dual-hose portable ACs usually require a bit more setup time initially, but they tend to cool rooms faster and more evenly—especially in larger spaces or particularly hot climates. If you have a larger room or live somewhere especially warm, you'll likely appreciate the stronger cooling performance of a dual-hose unit like our top pick, the Whynter ARC-14S. Amazon BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 500 square feet | Noise: 60 to 62 decibels | Weight: 73 pounds | Extras: Dual-hose design, remote control, window-kit caps Best for: Skip if: When we first unboxed the Whynter ARC-14S, we were pleasantly surprised by its relatively compact size. It's not as deep front-to-back as other portable AC units we tested, making it easier to fit into tighter spaces while still giving you strong cooling power. Because it's a dual-hose model, setup took a bit more effort—we needed to drill two hose-end pieces into the plastic window insert (a screwdriver works too, but we preferred the drill). It also came with external hose caps, so you can leave it installed year-round—though considering how simple it was to set up, we're not sure that's even necessary. Like most portable ACs, this one has wheels, making it easy to move around. In our tests, the Whynter cooled the space reasonably well, dropping the temperature by about three degrees (from 81°F to 78°F) within two hours at four feet. At 10 feet away, the temperature drop was less noticeable—just about one degree—but we still felt an improvement in overall comfort, especially with reduced humidity. The noise was about average, similar to a typical window AC, and it didn't bother us during testing. The remote control was handy and worked well across the room, although we did find the buttons on the unit itself a little tricky to read clearly at first. There's no Wi-Fi or smart features, but we didn't particularly miss those during testing. While the air vent on top is slightly small and doesn't rotate, the unit still pushes air effectively within its range. If you're set on a dual-hose model and want something compact that can handle cooling a medium-sized room, the Whynter ARC-14S remains our favorite pick. Single-hose portable air conditioners use just one hose to vent hot air outside, pulling replacement air from inside your room as they operate. Because this incoming air often comes from nearby spaces or even outdoors, it tends to be warmer—making single-hose models slightly less efficient at cooling overall. According to Caccia, single-hose ACs can also create negative pressure in your home, 'pulling in warm air from other areas, which can reduce performance.' Still, single-hose units remain a popular choice because they're typically lighter, quieter, easier to set up and can be moved between rooms without much effort. They're ideal for smaller spaces or areas that don't require heavy-duty cooling, like bedrooms, home offices or apartments. If you're mostly concerned about easy setup and portability, and you're cooling a smaller or less-demanding space, investing in a single-hose portable AC makes sense. Amazon BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 550 square feet | Noise: 52 to 61 dB | Weight: 77.2 pounds | Extras: Smart app control, oscillating fan, foam insulation pads Best for: Skip if: When we set up the Midea Duo in a humid Florida living room, we were impressed right away by how quickly and quietly it cooled the space. After about two hours, the temperature dropped significantly at our tester's usual sitting spot, and the air coming out of the unit felt icy-cold even from across the room. We could even feel cool air at the far end of a hallway over 20 feet away, something we didn't experience with other models. The cooling efficiency is thanks in large part to Midea's unique dual-layer hose design, which prevents heat from seeping back into your room—a common issue with regular single-hose models. However, this special hose does make the unit larger overall, and it takes up more space than most standard portable ACs. On the plus side, the hose neatly clips onto the back of the unit when not in use, so moving and storing it was simple. We also appreciated the foam insulation pads Midea provided, which attach directly to the back of your window trim, blocking out heat more effectively than the basic strips included with other models. One of our testers' favorite parts was how quiet the Midea Duo runs. Even sitting just a few feet away, the low humming noise wasn't distracting, making this a good option for bedrooms or home offices. We also liked the cylindrical, rotating fan, which helped circulate the cool air around the room more evenly. While we found the smart app a little odd at first—it initially identified the unit incorrectly as a "split AC"—it was easy enough to use once set up. The app lets you adjust temperature, switch between cooling and fan modes, and even turn off the LED display completely, which our tester said would be especially useful when sleeping. Other helpful app features included a boost mode to quickly cool the room and the option to check both indoor and outdoor temperatures right from your phone. Despite a few small quirks and its larger footprint, this unit was easily our top pick overall, especially for anyone who needs quiet and efficient cooling in medium to larger spaces. Choosing between a dual-hose vs single-hose portable AC comes down to your priorities. If quick and powerful cooling—particularly for bigger spaces or warmer climates—is your main concern, a dual-hose unit is probably the better option, even though they're usually more expensive and take a bit longer to set up. But if you're looking for something that's affordable, easy to move around and effective in smaller rooms, a single-hose unit can still do the job comfortably. In our tests, dual-hose models like the Whynter ARC-14S cooled rooms faster, handled humidity better and kept temperatures more stable overall. Single-hose options, such as the Midea Duo, were easier to set up, lighter to move around and worked great in smaller rooms like bedrooms or home offices. Before deciding which type of unit is right for you, think about your actual space and how you'll realistically use your AC—both types can work well as long as they're suited to your needs. The Forbes Vetted home team regularly researches, tests, and reviews home cooling products to help you confidently choose appliances that keep your space comfortable, covering everything from tower fans to dehumidifiers.
