It’s now officially summer. That means if it’s not already hot where you live (I’m in Arizona, where the temperature is in the low 100s), things will start heating up. Before that heat becomes unbearable, it’s time you got a portable air conditioner. And this Black + Decker model is 46 percent off at Amazon right now.
The clear benefit of a portable a/c over a window unit is how you can wheel it to wherever you most need it. This one features 14,000 BTU of cooling power, enough to manage the temperature in a space up to 700 square feet. At 17.3 x 13.2 x 27.2 inches and 66.6 pounds, this model is in the middle of the spectrum in terms of portable a/c sizes, not taking up too much real estate. The handles and casters make it relatively easy to move from room to room, as long as there’s a window (double hung or sliding style) nearby for you to route the exhaust hose to. The power cord is listed at 70 inches long, so you should have plenty of flexibility if there’s not also an outlet right near that window.
What sets this unit apart from the Black + Decker BPACT14WT we tested is that it features a heater, dehumidifier, and fan. Generally, you’ll need to store a portable a/c unit during the winter, if only to simply get it out of the way when you don’t need it. But this model can provide year-round temperature management, making it a more appealing purchase compared to a unit without heating capabilities.
There are three fan levels (low, medium, high) and an auto-fan feature that adjusts the speed when in cooling mode. Black + Decker’s portable a/c also offers a sleep mode, which automatically adjusts the temperature at night. You can control everything from the remote, which features chunky, easy-to-press buttons and an LCD so you can see stats like the temperature and fan speed easily from wherever you’re sitting.
The portable a/c runs at a claimed 58 decibels at its highest setting—roughly the equivalent of a normal conversation. You shouldn’t have any problems sleeping with it on as long as it isn’t right beside your bed. Other features include a 24-hour timer—which will turn the unit off if you accidentally leave it on—and a thermostat range from 61 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a more compact portable a/c, Amazon is offering 29 percent off this Black + Decker 8,000-BTU unit. The best-selling Black + Decker 14,000-BTU model (without heating) that we previously tested is also 16 percent off, so you’ve got options in your quest to stay cool.
Shop Black + Decker Air Conditioners on Sale
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
