If you live in an area with erratic weather, you might experience chilly temperatures in the morning or evening and blazing heat in the afternoon.
Unless you have central air and heating, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable living environment in your home.
That's where portable heater-and-air-conditioner combos come in.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Portable Heater Air Conditioner Combos
- OUR TOP PICK: SereneLife SLACHT108
- RUNNER-UP: Whynter ARC-14SH
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BLACK+DECKER BPACT12HWT
Comparison of the Best Portable Heater Air Conditioner Combos
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Why Did These Models Make Our List?
When reviewing the best portable heater air conditioner combos, the key features we were looking for were:
Whether the Unit Has a Dehumidifier
Although we're focusing on AC/heater combos, getting a unit with an integrated dehumidifier is equally important. Depending on the climate of the area you live in, stripping the air of moisture may reduce or raise the ambient temperature in your home.
Models that come with a dehumidifier should also have an auto-evaporation mechanism integrated into the unit or a drip pan at the very least. After all, the sucked in moisture needs somewhere to go.
Power
The heating or cooling capacity of a heater or air conditioner is given by the model's British Thermal Units (BTUs). It tells you how quickly a particular AC/heater can cool or heat a particular space.
The higher the BTU rating is, the more powerful the machine will be. The models we reviewed have a BTU of between 8,000 and 14,000, which is ideal for heating 250-700 square-foot spaces.
Size
We are reviewing portable AC/heater combos. Naturally, you want something that's not too bulky. Getting a massive unit can be quite cumbersome, especially if you need to move it from room to room. You also want something practical that won't dominate your space.
Review of the Best Portable Heater Air Conditioner Combos
Based on the features we've outlined in the previous section, here are the top portable AC/heater combos on the market right now.
Best Overall:
SereneLife SLACHT108
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users were quite pleased with how fast it cools down a room and how quickly the heater gets the space up to the desired temperature. Buyers who had larger-than-average windows in their homes reported having a bit of trouble with the venting part of the installation. Other than that, the reviews were mostly positive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The SereneLife SLACHT108 is top on our list for a reason. This portable AC-and-heater is by far one of the best performing lightweight systems we've come across. Its sleek design allows it to blend seamlessly into any room in your home.
It even comes with some handy rolling wheels, so you don't have to lug it to and from between your living room, bedroom, garage, workout studio, and anywhere else you might need it.
One of its most outstanding features are the four-in-one operating modes integrated into its design. It allows you to cool, heat, dehumidify, and even turn on the fan when you need a nice cool breeze on a warm afternoon.
Bottom Line
The SereneLife SLACHT108 is a cut above the rest. Its well-thought-out design and intuitive features offer a great solution to all your cooling needs. Its 9,000 BTU heating rating and 10,000 BTU cooling capacity make it ideal for a 350 square-foot space. It's certainly worth checking out.
Runner-up:
Whynter ARC-14SH
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The unit's dehumidification feature is quite a hit among users in humid regions. Buyers like how easy it is to install and how fast it cools a 300-500 square-foot space.
Some people report that the slider pieces connected to the window plate don't fit standard horizontal windows. It is more suited to those that have vertical openings. Aside from that, buyers seem quite happy with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The elegant, sleek design of the Whynter ARC-14SH is simply breathtaking. We like how the black polished surface contrasts the platinum side panels. Its appeal is not just aesthetic, though.
This particular model boasts a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and a 13,000 BTU heating power. These are quite impressive figures for a portable combo unit.
It features four operational modes – heater, cooler, dehumidifier, and fan – and even comes with full thermostatic control and a 24-hour programmable timer. This makes it highly energy-efficient since it runs only when you need it.
We particularly like the fact that it uses a CFC-free R-32 refrigerant, making it one of the most eco-friendly models we've encountered.
Bottom Line
The ARC-14SH form Whynter is a top choice for many, having bagged the Good Housekeeping 2020 award for Best Overall Portable AC/heater combo.
Thanks to its dual-hose operation, this machine can comfortably cool or heat a 500 square-foot space in a relatively short period. It's a definite winner in our books.
Best for the Money:
BLACK+DECKER BPACT12HWT
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Some users report that the unit doesn't power off automatically when it reaches the desired temperature while running in AC mode. Other users also find it a little noisy compared to some of the other models.
However, it does a pretty decent job heating and cooling small spaces, so no complaints in that regard.
Why it Stands Out to Us
You don't have to break the bank to own a portable AC/heater combo. The BLACK+DECKER BPACT12HWT offers the right balance of quality, durability, functionality, and price.
At just 68 pounds, this lightweight unit delivers a whopping 12,000 BTU worth of heating and cooling power making it ideal for up to 250 square-foot spaces. It's great for studio apartments, dorms, bedrooms, offices, campers, garages, and cabins.
We particularly like how easy it is to use with its top-mounted LED display and simple, intuitive remote control that lets you conveniently change the unit's settings. Its four-in-one energy-efficient modes comprise a cooling and heating function, as well as a fan and dehumidifier.
Bottom Line
For its price, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT12HWT delivers excellent value. Its features rival those of some of the pricier models on the market.
It is easy to clean since all you have to do is slide out the filter. Not to mention that it comes with lots of energy-efficient functions like Sleep, Max, and Air Swing to give you total control over your ventilation needs.
Editor's Pick:
Honeywell MN14CHCS
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers seem quite happy with the unit. It cools a 700 square-foot area within a relatively short time. They also like how easy it is to set up.
One complaint some users had was that it doesn't come with a remote thermostat, so the temperature reading may not always be accurate. Other than that, most buyers seem quite happy with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The MN14CHCS from Honeywell looks amazing. We like its sleek black design that works with just about any interior to give your space a nice modern contemporary look.
It can cool, heat, and dehumidify your space, and even comes with a fan that you can turn on when you crave a bit of a breeze. Its Smart Digital Thermostat system is quite impressive as well. It allows you to precisely control the climate inside your home and even comes with a full-function remote control for added convenience.
Unlike many of the models you'll come across, the MN14CHCS is exceptionally quiet, so you can enjoy a good night's rest with no noise disruption whatsoever.
Bottom Line
The performance of the MN14CHCS is outstanding in every way. From its whisper-quiet operation to its Smart Digital Thermostat system, it is built to give you complete control over your living space all-year-round. Its 14,000 BTU rating makes it ideal for heating and cooling spaces between 500 and 700 square feet.
Honorable Mention:
Emerson Quiet Kool EAPE14RSD1
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users report that the unit is easy to install and operate. It does a great job cooling and heating 300-500 square-foot spaces. The Sleep Mode function dims the light and powers off the unit after a prolonged period of cool nighttime temperatures.
The only drawback is that some individuals find it a little too noisy. Other than that, it is pretty efficient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you're in the market for a portable AC/heater combo that's digital-assistant-enabled, you need to check out the Emerson Quiet Kool EAPE14RSD1. It is Wi-Fi enabled and can pair easily with both Alexa and Google Home.
It even has additional wireless controls that allow you to use your smartphone or tablet to control its mode of operation. We haven't come across many portable units with this functionality.
Its 14,000 BTU rating is ideal for quickly heating and cooling up to 550 square-foot spaces, which is ideal for relatively large rooms. It cools, heats, dehumidifies, and fans, depending on what your ventilation needs are at the time.
Bottom Line
Don't let the minimalist design of the EAPE14RSD1 fool you. It is chock-full of features and specifications that put it miles ahead of the competition. Its 24-hour programmable timer and Sleep Mode function makes it one of the most energy-efficient models we've encountered so far.
The fact that it is backed by a one-year warranty on labor, a two-year warranty on parts, and a five-year warranty on the compressor, give you the confidence you need to know you're investing in a quality product.
Can You Really Find a Quality Portable Air Conditioner Heater Combo That's Affordable?
Portable AC and heater combos are designed to cool down your living space in extremely hot weather and heat things up when the temperatures dip. More often than not, when choosing the right combo unit to buy, it's usually a tradeoff between price and quality.
This isn't always the case, though. It is possible to find high-quality AC/heaters that are affordably priced. What you need to be checking for is value.
Are you getting more bang for your buck regarding the overall quality of the unit, its features, and the specifications it comes with? Keep in mind that expensive doesn't always translate to "high-quality."
SereneLife SLACHT108
How Many BTUs Do I Need?
When choosing a portable AC/heater combo for your home regarding its BTU rating, you need to consider the square footage of the space you intend to install it in.
To know the BTU capacity you need, first, measure the length and width of the room, and multiply these to get its size in square feet. Then, use the guide below to figure out the capacity of the AC/heater you need to get.
How Many BTU Do I Need for a 12x12 Room?
For small rooms that measure between 100 and 300 square feet, a 5,000-6,500 BTU AC/heater unit should suffice.
How Many BTU for 400 Sq Ft?
For mid-sized rooms that measure 250-400 square feet, you want a unit rated 7,000-8,500 BTU. For larger rooms in the 400-600 square-foot range, you'll need a larger model with a 9,800-12,500 BTU rating.
How Many BTU to Heat 800 Sq Ft?
To heat a space that's between 600 and 800 square feet, you'll need a heater with a 16,000-36,000 BTU rating depending on how insulated the place is. Poorly insulated spaces will naturally require units with higher BTUs.
Whynter ARC-14SH
How Many BTU for 1000 Sq Ft?
For large 1,000 square-foot spaces, you want to get a unit that's rated anywhere between 20,000 and 45,000 BTUs, depending on how well-insulated your space is. Once again, poor insulation means higher BTU requirements.
How Many BTU to Heat 1200 Sq Ft Shop?
For a shop that measures 1,200 square feet, you will need a unit with a capacity of 36,000-48,000 BTUs since the shop door will likely be opened and closed a lot during business hours.
How Many BTU Do I Need to Heat 1500 Square Feet?
A 1,500 square-foot space will require a heater with between 30,000 and 55,000 BTUs, depending on how good or bad the insulation is.
Keep in mind that aside from the square footage of the space and how well-insulated the place is, other factors you need to consider when getting an AC/heater combo with the right BTU rating include:
- The climate of the region
- Where you'll place the unit
- The layout of your home
- The ceiling height
It's always a good idea to have an HVAC professional size your entire home to determine your heating and cooling needs.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Model
When buying a portable AC/heater combo, ensure you invest in a high-quality appliance. Here are the top three reasons why.
They're Energy-Efficient
A quality model will save you loads of cash on your electricity bill. The ones we've reviewed in this guide come with several energy-saving features like Sleep Mode and a 24-hour programmable timer. These turn off the unit when it achieves the desired temperature or at specific times when it's not in use. Lower-end models don't typically offer these functionalities.
They Come With Loads of Bonus Features
Investing in a quality model means you also reap the benefits of additional features other than the usual heating and cooling capabilities that come with most combo units.
The ones we've reviewed in this guide also have a humidifier that not only keeps humidity levels low but also gets rid of allergens that might be present in the air. Some even have a fan for those days you just want to enjoy a light cool breeze.
They'll Last for Decades
The last thing you need is for a unit you just purchased to break down after a few months of use. With regular maintenance, high-quality models are guaranteed to last for 15+ years.
BLACK+DECKER BPACT12HWT
Conclusion
If you can't stand the summer heat, you don't need to get out of the kitchen. Get a portable AC/heater combo instead. When temperatures drop in the winter, the same unit will heat your space and keep you warm throughout.
The main thing you need to think about when shopping for a portable AC/heater combo is picking a model with the right power rating for the space you're heating. Any of the units we've reviewed in this guide would be a great starting point.
People Also Ask
Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by buyers.
Can You Use a Portable Air Conditioner as a Heater?
Yes, you can. It involves reversing the air conditioning cycle.
When using an AC to cool a room, the compressor squeezes the refrigerant and turns it into a high-pressurized gas that gets pumped to the condenser. As the refrigerant moves through the long coiled tubes, it dissipates heat into the environment and converts it back to liquid form.
It then moves into the expansion valve, which lowers its temperature further before pumping it to the evaporator. This is a low-pressure environment that causes the refrigerant to convert to gas.
As it evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air and produces cold air, which is then blown into the room. Adding a heat pump reverses this entire process, therefore, converting the AC into a heater.
Are Higher BTUs Better?
Yes, they are. A higher BTU on your unit means it has a high capacity to cool or heat the room in a relatively short time. As a rule of thumb, if you come across two AC/heaters that cost the same, always pick the one with the higher BTU rating.
How Efficient Are Portable Air Conditioners?
They are extremely efficient compared to central air conditioners that work to cool an entire house. This can rack up quite a bill.
Portable ACs are much smaller and only used in the room you're in at the time. Spot cooling lowers operation costs tremendously since you focus on the specific rooms that need AC.
What Does BTU Stand For in Heaters?
BTU is short for British Thermal Unit. It's a universal unit used to measure the amount of energy required to produce a specific amount of heat.
When it comes to heaters, it tells you how powerful your unit is. A heater with a higher BTU rating means it has a higher heat output, so it will raise your room temperature a lot quicker than one with a lower rating.