Whynter ARC-14S

These model numbers are certified with the same capacity, efficiency, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor as the Whynter ARC-14S.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.

• WhynterARC-14S

• CEER (class median 7.9)7.9, tied with 4 other profiles
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($171)$9 less
• Efficiency rank among 34 rating profiles#26
• Models in the class with two hoses22%
• Window units with similar cooling (median CEER 15.0)$86 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 Whynter ARC-14S cool?

9,500 BTU of real cooling (SACC) suits about 350 to 400 sq ft with normal sun and two people (about 315-360 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 the Whynter ARC-14S use, and what does it cost to run?

About 1203 watts at full power (9,500 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 7.9), roughly 10.5 amps if it runs on 115 V. At 750 hours a year and 18.0¢/kWh that is about $163, which is $9 less than the typical certified 10,000 BTU portable unit ($171). Its CEER beats 34% of the 706 certified models in its size class.

Why does the Whynter ARC-14S 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. 22% of the certified 10,000 BTU models have two hoses, and at 7.9 CEER this one is above their 7.9 median.

Do I have to empty the Whynter ARC-14S?

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 Whynter ARC-14S 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 the Whynter ARC-14S as efficient as a window air conditioner?

No. The 33 ENERGY STAR certified window units that cool about as much (within 15% of 9,500 BTU) have a median CEER of 15.0, against 7.9 here, and the best reach 17.6. At 750 hours a year a window unit with that median would cost about $86, $77 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.