9,250 BTU single-hose portable AC, 7.6 CEER

These model numbers are certified with the same capacity, efficiency, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor.They may be the same unit sold under several brands, or different products that test the same: the DOE data has no dimensions or noise figures, so check those with the maker. Ratings within about 2% in capacity and 0.3 in CEER are treated as the same; a model whose own rating differs a little shows it in brackets.

• SerenelifePC9R-AMB, PC9R-AME, PC9R-AMF, SLACSP12W
• air masterPC9R-AMB, PC9R-AME, PC9R-AMF, SLACSP12W
• KOMOREFDP41-3031ZPWV1R3 (9,200 BTU), FDP41-3033ZPWV1R3 (9,200 BTU)

• CEER (class median 7.9)7.6, tied with 2 other profiles
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($171)$7 less
• Efficiency rank among 34 rating profiles#32
• Models in the class with two hoses22%
• Window units with similar cooling (median CEER 15.0)$83 a year

Compared with every DOE-certified portable unit in the same size class (SACC). Each model number counts once. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

This rating profile at each city's cooling hours and state electricity price, against a window unit that cools as much.

What size room does a unit with these ratings cool?

9,250 BTU of real cooling (SACC) suits about 300 to 400 sq ft with normal sun and two people (about 270-360 sq ft if very sunny), by the ENERGY STAR floor-area table. Size by SACC, not the larger BTU on the box.

How many watts does a unit with these ratings use, and what does it cost to run?

About 1217 watts at full power (9,250 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 7.6), roughly 10.6 amps if it runs on 115 V. At 750 hours a year and 18.0¢/kWh that is about $165, which is $7 less than the typical certified 10,000 BTU portable unit ($171). Its CEER beats 0% of the 706 certified models in its size class.

Is a one-hose portable air conditioner a problem?

It is the common design: 78% of the certified 10,000 BTU models have one hose, with a median of 7.9 CEER. The top-ranked Midea MAP12S1TBL has two hoses and 14.7 CEER.

Do I have to empty a unit with these ratings?

Usually not. It evaporates the water it removes and sends it out through the exhaust hose. In very humid weather the pan can still fill, and most units then stop and ask to be drained, so keep a drain hose or a bucket handy.

Can a unit with these ratings also heat the room?

No, it only cools. 200 of the 706 certified 10,000 BTU portable models can also heat if you want one unit for the year.

Is a unit with these ratings as efficient as a window air conditioner?

No. The 55 ENERGY STAR certified window units that cool about as much (within 15% of 9,250 BTU) have a median CEER of 15.0, against 7.6 here, and the best reach 17.6. At 750 hours a year a window unit with that median would cost about $83, $81 less than this one. ENERGY STAR window units are the more efficient part of the window market, so the gap to an average window unit is smaller. A portable unit makes sense when a window unit will not fit or is not allowed.

Which model numbers have the same ratings as a unit with these ratings?

10 certified model numbers from 3 brands share these ratings: capacity, CEER, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor. They may be the same unit under different brands, or different products that test the same; the DOE data does not include dimensions or noise, so check those with the maker. The full list is on this page.