Our home isn’t equipped with central air conditioning, since we have oil and a wood stove that serve as our heat sources. We used window units for a while, but after they caused damage to our beautiful wood windowsills, the hunt was on for a cooling method that was energy efficient and did not cause any damage. We stumbled upon portable air conditioners and thought they would be the answer to our sleepless hot nights. The Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioner is a popular model among the line of Whynter units, and it seemed it would fit our needs in terms of size and efficiency. We installed the ARC-14S in our main living area, which is just about 600 square feet, in the hope that it would keep the living room and surrounding areas of the home comfortable.
Looking back, I wish I’d known about portable ACs sooner. They’re a game-changer for homes like ours without central cooling. One thing I learned is that dual-hose units like the Whynter ARC-14S are generally more efficient than single-hose models because they pull in outside air to cool the condenser, rather than using already-cooled indoor air. This can save you a bit on energy bills, which is a big deal when you’re running the unit during peak summer heat. For context, portable ACs typically use about 1,000 to 1,500 watts per hour, so choosing an efficient model can make a noticeable difference in your monthly costs. I also found it helpful to measure our room size accurately before buying—600 square feet was a bit of a stretch for the unit’s recommended 500-square-foot capacity, but it handled it like a champ.
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner: At a Glance
Rating: 9/10
PROS
- Powerful cooling ability that provides instant cool air to any space
- Remote control included for more convenient operation
- Dehumidifier mode available, which helps in humid spaces
- Rolling wheels allow for easy transportation from room to room when needed
CONS
- Heavy at 83 pounds
- Somewhat loud compared to other units
Get the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner at:
I’ve got to say, the pros of this unit really outweigh the cons for me, but the weight is no joke—moving it up a flight of stairs was a two-person job! The noise level, while noticeable, wasn’t a dealbreaker, especially since I mostly run it during the day. For those sensitive to sound, it’s worth noting that portable ACs often produce around 50-55 decibels, similar to a dishwasher. If you’re using it in a bedroom, you might want to test it out first. The dehumidifier mode was a lifesaver during muggy summer days, pulling out excess moisture that makes the air feel sticky. I’d recommend placing the unit near a window for optimal hose setup, as this maximizes its efficiency and keeps your space tidier.
What is the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU dual-hose portable air conditioner?
This Whynter dual-hose air conditioner is a portable unit that features a maximum output of 14,000 BTUs. This size is suitable for rooms up to 500 square feet in size, although it did a great job cooling our somewhat larger area. The portable AC unit has multiple settings, including cooling, fan-only, or dehumidifier modes, making it a versatile option. Portable AC units typically have “cool” and “fan” settings, but most lack the ability to serve as a dehumidifier, too. Like most units, the fan speed can be adjusted between low, medium, and high. The dual-hose system allows the AC to cool efficiently with increased air exchange, which in turn uses less energy and cools a space quicker than a single-hose unit can. The air conditioner has four wheels and is easy to maneuver; I have the unit placed in the dining room window that points toward our main living area. It’s handy to be able to turn and move the AC closer to my kitchen to keep me cool while I’m cooking, and then reposition it back to the living area when I’m finished.
The dual-hose design is what sold me on this model. Unlike single-hose units that can create negative pressure by pulling air out of the room, the Whynter’s second hose brings in fresh air to cool the unit itself, which means it doesn’t overwork to maintain the room’s temperature. I noticed this made a difference in how fast our space cooled down compared to an older single-hose unit we tried years ago. If you’re in a humid climate, the dehumidifier mode can remove up to 70 pints of moisture per day, which is a solid perk for keeping your home comfortable. One tip: keep the exhaust hose as straight as possible to avoid airflow restrictions—it’s a small tweak that boosts performance.
Is the Whynter portable AC easy to set up, install, and use?
Setup of this air conditioner took about 10 minutes; I just connected each hose to the back of the unit and screwed the window panel in. The trickiest part to any portable AC install is connecting the hoses to the back of the unit and to the window panel. It always seems to take me a few minutes to attach each hose. Overall, though, the process was easy with this model. I have standard-size windows, and Whynter provides plenty of extra window paneling to ensure the unit can fit up to a 46-inch window opening. The installation screws were also included, along with easy-to-follow instructions. The Whynter air conditioner has a user-friendly design with controls on the front panel. It also comes with a remote control so users can customize their cooling preferences from a distance.
I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the setup was, especially since I’m not the handiest person. The window kit was a breeze to adjust, and I didn’t need any extra tools beyond a screwdriver. One thing I’d suggest is to double-check your window measurements before buying—while the kit fits most standard windows, odd-sized or older windows might need some DIY tweaks. The remote control is a small but awesome feature; I love being able to adjust the temp from the couch without getting up. For anyone new to portable ACs, I’d recommend keeping the manual handy for the first few uses—it helps you figure out the settings faster.
Does the Whynter ARC-14S cool effectively?
I found that the Whynter air conditioner cools very quickly and is effective even during extremely humid conditions. I turned the unit on anytime our 600-square-foot room reached 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit was set to the lowest cooling setting of 61 degrees and the highest fan setting. The Whynter instantly pushed cold air through the top vent, and the room was noticeably cooler within 10 minutes. After a half hour, the temperature had dropped down to 72 degrees, and after an hour, the room had reached its set temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the manufacturer claims the unit is efficient for cooling up to 500 square feet, we found that it cooled our entire living/dining room area, which is about 1,000 square feet, to a comfortable temperature after a few hours.
The cooling power of this unit blew me away. Even on the hottest days, when the humidity made it feel like we were swimming through the air, the Whynter brought relief fast. I was skeptical about it handling our larger-than-recommended space, but it proved me wrong. For reference, a 14,000 BTU unit is designed to cool about 20-25 BTUs per square foot, so our 1,000-square-foot area was pushing its limits, yet it still performed like a champ. One trick I picked up is to close off unused rooms to focus the cooling where you need it most—it helps the unit work more efficiently and saves energy.
Is the Whynter portable air conditioner right for you?
Where traditional portable air conditioners are bulky, this model is sleek stainless steel and slimmer than most. The design fits nicely into a modern home and also can tuck neatly into a corner if desired. I prefer the black and stainless steel over a traditional white unit, but that’s a matter of personal preference. The only downside to this unit is that it is quite heavy and not as energy efficient as some other models. With that said, if you’re looking for a larger portable air conditioner, the Whynter ARC-14S may be right for you. This powerhouse is ideal for larger rooms or living spaces and provides cooling comfort within minutes. I haven’t found many 14,000 BTU portable units that work as well as this one.
The sleek design of this unit makes it feel less like an eyesore compared to other clunky ACs I’ve seen. It blends into our living room without screaming “appliance.” That said, if you’re on a tight budget, the $499 price tag might give you pause—though I think it’s worth it for the performance. If energy efficiency is a top priority, you might want to compare this model’s energy usage (check the Energy Guide label) with newer models that boast higher EER ratings. For me, the trade-off of a slightly higher energy bill for instant cooling and dehumidifying power was worth it, especially for larger spaces like ours.
Where to Buy the Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
Get the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner at:
Shopping around for the best deal is always a good idea, but I found both Amazon and The Home Depot to have reliable stock and fast shipping for this model. One tip: keep an eye out for seasonal sales, like around Memorial Day or Black Friday, when portable ACs often go on discount. Also, check the return policy wherever you buy—since this unit is heavy, you’ll want to make sure you can return it hassle-free if it doesn’t meet your needs.