BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT

These model numbers are certified with the same capacity, efficiency, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor as the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT.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.

• BLACK+DECKERBPACT08WT
• SerenelifeSLPAC8, SLPAC8BW, SLPACW88
• DuraComfortDP08CD

• CEER (class median 6.2)6.2, tied with 3 other profiles
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($109)$7 more
• Efficiency rank among 19 rating profiles#9
• Models in the class with two hoses0%
• Window units with similar cooling (median CEER 14.4)$50 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 unit at each city's cooling hours and state electricity price, against a window unit that cools as much.

What size room does the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT cool?

5,300 BTU of real cooling (SACC) suits about 100 to 150 sq ft with normal sun and two people (about 90-135 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 the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT use, and what does it cost to run?

About 855 watts at full power (5,300 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 6.2), roughly 7.4 amps if it runs on 115 V. At 750 hours a year and 18.0¢/kWh that is about $116, which is $7 more than the typical certified 5,000 BTU or less portable unit ($109). Its CEER beats 33% of the 461 certified models in its size class.

Is a one-hose portable air conditioner a problem?

It is the common design: 100% of the certified 5,000 BTU or less models have one hose, with a median of 6.2 CEER. The top-ranked Foshan Hanyang HYAC-TG7 reaches 13.4 CEER.

Do I have to empty the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT?

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 the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT also heat the room?

No, it only cools. 6 of the 461 certified 5,000 BTU or less portable models can also heat if you want one unit for the year.

Is the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT as efficient as a window air conditioner?

No. The 12 ENERGY STAR certified window units that cool about as much (within 15% of 5,300 BTU) have a median CEER of 14.4, against 6.2 here, and the best reach 16.0. At 750 hours a year a window unit with that median would cost about $50, $66 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 the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT?

5 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.