AC Product Database

Black+Decker BPACT10WT

A good portable air conditioner joins convenience and cooling power in a happy marriage. In this category, Black+Decker BPACT10WT is the cream of the crop.

This Black+Decker unit surprised me with its strong cooling capacity. On average, portable AC units tend to be less powerful than window ones, but this machine is right up there with the best window units.

Case in point: I ran out of testing space trying to push the Black+Decker past its limits. It does a good job even in a larger room than the rated 450 square feet.

Feature-wise, it offers the standard 3-in-1 functionality with a fan, dehumidifier, and cooling mode. You can also set the unit to go off on a timer, and it has a sleep mode for night-time energy savings.

As a unique feature, you can activate the MAX mode (all upper-case is appropriate) with the display-equipped remote control.

This mode sets the air conditioner to full blast and drops the temperature in a hot room within minutes.

This Black+Decker unit really deserves to be called portable. It is a compact portable AC and has a fairly low weight (lightest portable model on my list) making it very easy to move around.

The only thing limiting portability is the fairly stiff exhaust hose that can’t bend too much. On the plus side, though, the hose has pre-assembled end caps.

I appreciate B+D saving my nerves by not making me screw the connectors onto the hose.

Thanks to its auto-evaporative functionality, the air conditioner recycles condensation water to cool itself. There’s rarely a need to drain it unless you live in an extremely humid area.

Even then, the box includes a handy drain hose. Combine that with the washable filter, and you have a portable air conditioner with very straightforward maintenance.

The only issue with B+D is its relatively low energy efficiency. With a mere 6.7 EER rating, you may see an uptick in your electricity bills.

In my books, though, that’s worth it. The Black+Decker is the best portable AC unit because it simply works.

LG ‎LW1016ER

Whoever said you can't get a powerful, well-built 10,000 BTU window air conditioner at a decent price hasn't seen the LG LW1016ER, that's certain.

This window unit has shockingly good cooling power and construction quality, considering its price point.

The LG unit blows so much cool air that I had no problem keeping a 450 square foot room chilled, even when running the air conditioner on the energy-saving mode.

At full blast, this machine shouldn’t have any issues cooling spaces well above its rating.

This LG air conditioner’s construction is so tight you can barely fit a paper sheet between the joints. You shouldn’t have to worry about rattling or vibration.

I was surprised to see the internal air channel is hard plastic and metal instead of Styrofoam, as common with affordable ACs.

The non-porous surfaces help keep the air conditioner mold-free — I can appreciate that as an asthma patient.

Controls are simple and straightforward, and the remote feels responsive even though it has no display or backlit buttons. You get all the usual functionality — except sleep mode. I’m curious why LG left that one out.

Although the AC has three fan speed settings, I didn’t notice much difference between the fan speeds. That’s alright, though, because the noise levels are relatively low.

Even at its loudest, I measured 57 dB of noise three feet away.

The LG has good energy efficiency, with a 12 EER and an Energy Star rating. Annually, it shouldn’t add more than around $75 to your power bill.

Finally, we have a nice installation kit, which features cut-to-size insulation panels. 

Installation can be a bit complex. You have to pull the unit out of its chassis and fix that to the window frame first. Then again, that means the LG could also conceivably work as a through-the-wall air conditioner.

The biggest drawback is this unit's size — it's huge and heavy. I recommend carefully measuring your window before buying to ensure you have the necessary space. Also, buy a support bracket and make sure you have at least one friend to help.

That heft only underlines the LG’s solid construction, though. Take good care of it, and this high-value AC will keep you cool for years.

SereneLife SLACHT108

This SereneLife model is one of the smallest portable ACs with a heater combo. With a 10,000 BTU cooling capacity rating, SLACHT108 efficiently lowers the temperature in medium-sized rooms of up to 450 square feet to the low 70s.

More impressively, and unlike the Black+Decker model, it heats the same space less than 30 minutes to 80-82 degrees.(And it's 12,000 BTU big brother does an even better job.)

Also, the SLACHT108 is energy-efficient. Its EER of 10.7 is better than most portable ACs. It's more than good enough for regular use, and it shouldn't add more than $12-15 to your monthly electricity bill.

Now, the built-in dehumidifier function is a game-changer for me.
I cook at least twice a day, and SereneLife air conditioner removes excess moisture as quickly as any air conditioner I've ever tested, up to 77 pints per day.

To be fair, I don't have a drain to connect the AC unit to, so I have to empty the basin several times per day, which might be a hindrance to some people.

After reading countless reviews, I noticed many people complaining about the noise levels, but in my experience, when running the fans on low, this portable AC won’t exceed the manufacturer's noise levels of 52-56 dB.

In that respect, the noise level of portable ACs is typically always more than window models, and that's just to be expected.

Another great feature of the SereneLife air conditioner is its compact design. It is one of the smallest portable ACs in terms of the floor space or the volume it occupies.

This thin unit has solid design features, such as cable hooks on the back, for seamless cable management.

Setting the whole thing up took me less than 5 minutes, including unpacking.

You'll get a window kit you can mount both vertically and horizontally, which means it will fit essentially every window.

Also, the hose is excellent. It'll keep its shape no matter how many times you extend it and put it back.

Finally, you can rest assured that you'll be covered with a 1-year warranty. I've read about a few instances in which people got their unit replaced within two weeks, even if it was just slightly nicked during delivery.

Overall, I really can't say I dislike anything about this product in any way, shape, or form - especially at this price point.

LG LW1022FVSM

If you want a traditional window air conditioner with a few modern tricks up its sleeve, the LG LW1022FVSM is a strong contender in the 10,000 BTU category.

It’s rated to cool spaces up to 450 square feet, and in my experience, it handles medium-to-large bedrooms and living rooms with ease — even during long humid stretches in North Carolina.

What makes this unit stand out is how quiet it is. Thanks to LG’s dual inverter technology, the LW1022FVSM runs as low as 44 decibels — which is whisper-quiet for a window unit. 

I installed one of these in a family member’s home office, and it was quiet enough to take video calls without any background hum.

It also sports a low-profile frame at just 12.36 inches tall, so it fits in more window types than most units in this class — something I appreciated while helping a friend with a tight window install. 

It’s a sleeker, more refined design compared to older LG models, and a noticeable step up from the  LG LW1016ER, which doesn’t have inverter tech and gets noticeably louder under load.

Efficiency is solid too, and this Energy Star certified model has an EER of 15.

The dual inverter compressor helps maintain a more stable temperature without constantly powering on and off. Plus, it’s Wi-Fi enabled, so you can control it with LG’s ThinQ app or link it to Alexa or Google Assistant. 

I found the app intuitive, and it came in handy when I wanted to start cooling the room before I got home.

If you're after a quiet, efficient window AC with smart features and a compact build, the LW1022FVSM is an excellent choice.

Related article: The most energy efficient window ACs available

PerfectAire 3PASC10000

Most window AC units are designed for conventional vertically-sliding double-hung windows — which can be an issue in some homes.

PerfectAir 3PASC10000 is a sliding a window AC that can fit a narrow or even a casement window with its vertical design.

Unlike any other window AC unit on my list, the PerfectAir is taller than it is wide. With a 14.75” width and a 23.5” height, it can be a great fit for both very old and new houses with unconventional window sizes.

The vertical shape doesn’t affect the unit’s performance. It has a strong cooling capacity that quickly chills a 450-square-foot room. Like the LG units, this one can help you stay cool (if not cold) in even a bit larger rooms.

This unit actually has a stronger airflow than most other air conditioners on my list. In fan mode, it’s a great way to circulate air through your home.

On the topic of modes, PerfectAire has loaded this vertical unit with 3-in-1 operating modes (AC, fan, and dehumidifier), a sleep and Eco mode, a programmable timer, and multi-speed fan settings.

The unique shape doesn’t compromise this AC’s features.

The remote controls are possibly the best that I tested. The remote itself is responsive, and it has both a digital display and backlit buttons for easy usability in the dark.

It also has a portable Follow Me thermostat that monitors the temperature around the remote and adjusts the air conditioning unit accordingly.

The PerfectAire is a heavyweight unit, both in terms of build quality and heft. At 77 pounds, it's almost as heavy as the LG ‎LW1016ER.

I recommend having an additional pair of hands to install this AC. Fortunately, apart from lifting the unit, the installation process is simple. The mounting kit even includes a welcome support bracket.

The Achilles' heel of this unit is the cost. It's quite pricey, and with a 9.5 EER rating, the energy efficiency is fairly sub-par in comparison.

That’s the story with all vertical window AC units, though. If your home has narrow or casement windows, this PerfectAir unit is well worth its price.

Frigidaire FHWC103TC1

The Frigidaire FHWC103TC1 is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly 10,000 BTU window air conditioner that delivers reliable performance without stretching your wallet—typically priced under $300.

This is your classic traditional window unit—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. 

It doesn’t have an inverter compressor like the higher-end LG LW1016ER, but with an EER of 10.9, it still holds its own in the energy efficiency department.

I’ve actually installed this model in quite a few apartment buildings over the years, and at just 57 pounds, it’s light enough for a solo install, even in awkward window frames. Frigidaire includes a basic mounting kit, and the compact design helps with maneuverability.

In terms of sound, this AC runs at around 54 decibels, which I’d consider quiet enough for most living spaces.

The only caveat is that, without inverter technology, the startup noise is a bit jarring—it has that classic “kick-on” hum that might catch you off guard, especially at night.

Controls are digital and straightforward, with a clear front panel and simple buttons to toggle between modes, fan speeds, and temperature settings.

There’s also a basic remote, which is handy but not backlit—so maybe keep your phone flashlight nearby for those late-night adjustments.

This isn’t a smart AC, and it doesn’t come with any bells or whistles like voice control or app integration.

Still, if you just want a reliable cooling unit that won’t blow up your power bill and doesn’t require a team to install, the Frigidaire FHWC103TC1 is one of the better bang-for-your-buck models on the market.

How many square qeet can a 10000 BTU AC cool?

A 10,000 BTU air conditioner is designed to efficiently cool 450m square foot rooms.

Depending on the AC, they may also suit slightly smaller or larger rooms, but an inappropriate room size will decrease the unit’s efficiency.

How much energy does a 10000 BTU AC use per hour?

On average, 10,000 BTU air conditioners use roughly 800-1,300 watts of electricity per hour. You can lower the electricity consumption by purchasing an Energy Star-certified energy-efficient AC unit and running it on low fan speeds.

How much does it cost to run a 10000 BTU AC all day?

Running a 10,000 BTU air conditioner all day (for 24 hours straight) will cost approximately $2.50. However, the ultimate cost will depend on local electricity prices and how energy-efficient your unit is.