TCL T08PQ4SD

These model numbers are certified with the same capacity, efficiency, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor as the TCL T08PQ4SD.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.

• TCLT08PQ4SD

• CEER (class median 7.3)12.0, tied with 3 other profiles
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($148)$56 less
• Efficiency rank among 23 rating profiles#5
• Models in the class with two hoses8%
• Window units with similar cooling (median CEER 15.1)$73 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 TCL T08PQ4SD cool?

8,200 BTU of real cooling (SACC) suits about 250 to 350 sq ft with normal sun and two people (about 225-315 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 TCL T08PQ4SD use, and what does it cost to run?

About 683 watts at full power (8,200 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 12.0), roughly 5.9 amps if it runs on 115 V. At 750 hours a year and 18.0¢/kWh that is about $92, which is $56 less than the typical certified 8,000 BTU portable unit ($148). Its inverter compressor slows down once the room is cool, so real use is often lower. Its CEER beats 99% of the 710 certified models in its size class.

Why does the TCL T08PQ4SD have two hoses?

One hose brings outdoor air in to cool the condenser, the other sends the heat out, so no cooled room air is wasted. 8% of the certified 8,000 BTU models have two hoses, and at 12.0 CEER this one is above their 7.3 median.

Do I have to empty the TCL T08PQ4SD?

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.

How does the TCL T08PQ4SD heat?

It has a heating function, but the DOE data records only that it exists, not whether it is a heat pump or an electric element. Ask the maker: a heat pump gives more heat per kWh than a resistance element, which costs the same as any space heater. 146 of the 710 certified 8,000 BTU models can heat.

Is the TCL T08PQ4SD as efficient as a window air conditioner?

No. The 33 ENERGY STAR certified window units that cool about as much (within 15% of 8,200 BTU) have a median CEER of 15.1, against 12.0 here, and the best reach 17.0. At 750 hours a year a window unit with that median would cost about $73, $19 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.