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A big space needs a big cooling capacity. 14,000 BTU ACs are the heavy-weight champions of the air conditioning circuit, with enough power for almost any room.

All that power can come at a high price, though. I spent weeks testing and reviewing the royalty of 14,000 BTU ACs so that you won’t waste money on an unsuitable device.

These seven machines are the cream of the crop. Let’s find the best 14000 BTU air conditioner for your home!

Editor’s Choice Portable AC

Black+Decker BPACT14HWT

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.3


Our Score

4.4

Editor’s Choice Window AC

LG LW1517IVSM
 

Energy Efficiency

4.4

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.3


Our Score

4.3

Editor’s Choice Through-the-Wall

Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V

Energy Efficiency

4.3

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.0


Our Score

4.3

Quick Guide - 14,000 BTU Air Conditioners

1

Editor’s Choice Portable AC

2

Editor’s Choice Window AC

3

Editor’s Choice Through-the-Wall AC

4

Budget Choice for Portable AC

5

Budget Choice for Window AC

6

Best Dual-Hose Portable AC

7

Premium Choice for Portable AC


7 Powerful 14,000 BTU Air Conditioners to Keep You Cool

1. Black+Decker BPACT14HWT (Editor’s Choice Portable AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.3


Overall Rating

4.4

BTUs

8400 / 14000

Noise Level (Decibels)

52-54 dBa

Cooling Area

700 square feet

EER or SEER

6.2

Dimensions (H x L x D)

13.8 x 28.1 x 17.1 inches

Weight

68.3 lbs

Black+Decker BPACT14HWT stands tall among other portable AC units — figuratively speaking. Despite its relatively compact size, this unit pumps out a lot of cold and hot air, depending on your needs.

That’s right, this portable 14000 BTU AC unit also sports an 11,000 BTU heat pump (like the Midea Duo I’ll talk about later).

Whether the outdoor temperatures are high or low, this complete climate control solution keeps your home cozy.

This AC’s cooling capacity is impressive, particularly for a portable model. It blasts icy cold air at such a force that an appropriately sized 700 sq ft will cool down to 65°F within 15 minutes.

That's not the limit of this unit's capabilities, though. I had no problems getting even a combined kitchen/living room area of nearly 1,000 sq ft to comfortable temperatures.

The heater is no slouch, either, and effectively warms up a medium-sized room. It's less powerful than the AC, but it does a good job in a room it's rated for.

The controls are straightforward to figure out, even without a manual. The device features a 24-hour timer and sleep mode functions alongside three power settings for the fans.

As a slight inconvenience, there's no backlight on the top panel or remote control, so adjusting the AC in the dark can be a hassle.

The installation process is easy, thanks to the pre-assembled end caps on the exhaust hose. Not having to painstakingly screw fiddly connector pieces to the hose is always a big plus in my books.

Drainage is always a concern with portable AC units, but this B+D one features powerful auto evaporation that keeps the need for draining to a minimum. I didn’t have to drain my machine at all during testing.

The only real grumble I have about this B+D portable AC is the fairly low energy efficiency. With a 5.8 EER rating, you’ll likely see a small bump in your electricity bill. That said, there are portable ACs that do much worse.

This AC performs better than its light-ish weight and size might imply. Whether it’s your first portable AC or a replacement for an old one, you’ll be impressed.

Who Is Black+Decker BPACT14HWT Best For?

This is an excellent Black+Decker BPACT14HWT portable AC unit for homeowners looking for powerful cooling and heating with the convenience of easy portability.

Pros

  • Excellent heating and cooling capacity for a portable unit
  • Straightforward usability and installation
  • Compact and lightweight for easy portability
  • Strong auto evaporation practically eliminates drainage
  • Reasonable noise levels

Cons

  • Low energy efficiency
  • No backlight on the control panel or remote

2. LG LW1517IVSM (Editor’s Choice Window AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.4

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.3


Overall Rating

4.3

BTUs

14000

Noise Level (Decibels)

59 dBa

Cooling Area

800 square feet

EER or SEER

13.8

Dimensions (H x L x D)

14.96 x 23.62 x 24.8 inches

Weight

98 lbs

Window-mounted AC units offer a double-whammy of power and energy efficiency. If you’re after these two things, the LG LW1517IVSM will deliver in spades.

This is one of only two ACs on my list to use inverter compressors, the other being Midea Duo. These modern compressors bring a lot of benefits with them.

First of all, the inverter technology gives this device a very strong cooling capacity. You can feel the airflow blowing through its vent a full 20 feet away.

The device effortlessly cooled down a kitchen/living/dining room area well above the rated 700 sq ft.

This thing will freeze you out of your home if you let it!

Second, the inverter compressor is very energy efficient. Instead of turning off and on like a regular compressor, this one runs continuously, avoiding the energy-consuming spin-up sequence.

As a result, it boasts an impressive EER rating of 14.7 and an Energy Star certificate.

In practical terms, I measured a power draw of about 300W while the unit was maintaining a temperature. It should add less than $100 to your annual electricity bill.

Finally, the inverter makes this a fairly quiet unit. It does make some noise on the highest settings but is still quieter than most.

This AC also has Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing it to connect to your smartphone or voice control unit like Alexa or Google Assistant.

The control app works smoothly, and I like how it displays the ambient indoor temperature in your home.

You can swap between the cooling, fan, and dehumidifying modes or activate the sleep or eco mode with a simple spoken command.

Mounting this unit can be slightly challenging due to its sheer heft. It’s pretty big in general and weighs a whopping 85 pounds. As such, it can’t be installed in smaller windows.

Fortunately, the instruction booklet is clear and detailed, and the slide-out chassis makes the whole process a lot simpler. That also means this machine can also work as a through-wall unit.

Just get a strong family member or friend to help you hoist the machine. Once it’s up, this high-tech unit will cool you down from the effort within minutes.

Who Is LG LW1517ISM Best For?

This LG LW1517ISM unit is ideal for those who want a quiet and powerful semi-permanent unit with the latest tech.

Pros

  • Powerful cooling capacity and very strong airflow
  • Superior energy efficiency saves you money
  • Quiet operation, especially on low speeds
  • Well-functioning Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Versatile slide-out chassis makes installation easy

Cons

  • Huge and heavy unit
  • Wi-Fi requires a 2.4Ghz network

3. Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V (Editor’s Choice Through-the-Wall AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.3

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.0


Overall Rating

4.3

BTUs

14,000

Noise Level (Decibels)

-

Cooling Area

500-700 square feet

EER or SEER

9.3

Dimensions (H x L x D)

14.5 x 20.38 x 24.5 inches

Weight

75.2 lbs

A through-the-wall air conditioner can keep your home cool while saving floor space and leaving your windows free. Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V has a cooling capacity that is as powerful as its model designation is long.

This 14,000 BTU AC unit has plenty of kick. It works quickly and efficiently in the 700-square-foot areas it's designed for, but there is more to the story.

I tested this unit in the same open-plan kitchen/living room as the LG and Black+Decker. It cooled even this space to comfortable temperatures, putting out about the same amount of cold air as the two other top units.

If you have a small or medium-sized home, this machine should keep your entire first floor cooled.

This AC unit is sturdy and very well-built. My test machine arrived with a fairly deep fist-sized dent in its side, most likely due to mishandling during delivery. Yet, the unit didn’t give a hoot or a holler about the damage.

In terms of functionality, you get the same full-feature functions as with the LG, including cooling, air circulation, and dehumidifying user modes.

There’s also a timer, sleep, and energy-saver mode — everything you want from a modern air conditioning unit.

Koldfront remotes haven’t impressed me in the past, but this one is responsive with a decent range and use angles. It’s a bit bulky for how basic it is, but hey — it works!

As a wall model, Koldfront is challenging to install if you don’t already have a sufficiently big hole in your walls.

I recommend hiring a professional to cut the mounting hole. In typical Koldfront fashion, the mounting sleeve is sold separately.

Fortunately, after the sleeve is in place, the unit is relatively light for its type. In fact, it weighs 10 pounds less than the LG!

With a 9.3 EER rating, this device can't compete with the LG or Haier machines in energy efficiency.

It's still reasonably energy-efficient and won't cause a huge increase in your bills, though. Just make sure you have a 230V outlet available.

Overall, the Koldfront is a sturdy and strong air conditioning unit that is a good, cheaper alternative to a mini-split.

Who Is Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V Best For?

This Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V AC unit is the way to go if you want a strong cooling solution that can be installed permanently.

Pros

  • Very strong cooling capacity for even large areas
  • Top-notch build quality that can take a punch
  • Light unit for its type
  • Well-functioning remote controller

Cons

  • Expensive with a separately sold mounting sleeve
  • Requires a 230V outlet
  • Loud

4. Airo ‎AC14MWS (Budget Choice for Portable AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.3

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.4

BTUs

14,000

Noise Level (Decibels)

52 dBa

Cooling Area

500 square feet

EER or SEER

-

Dimensions (H x L x D)

30.5 x 17.8 x 15 inches

Weight

72.7 lbs

14,000 BTU AC units tend to be on the expensive side, but you don’t always have to pay top dollar for strong cooling. Airo AC14MWS surprised me with its powerful performance and comparatively wallet-friendly price tag.

I usually don't expect much from cheap portable AC units, so imagine my shock when this machine squarely matched the Black+Decker in cooling capacity.

When used in a 700 sq ft room, the Airo dropped the temperature by 10°F in less than 15 minutes.

That fast action extends beyond this unit’s rated coverage area. It produced good results even in spaces almost twice the size. The air didn’t get exactly freezing, but the room was perfectly livable for my heat tolerance.

In addition to cooling capacity, the installation kit is usually where you start seeing cost savings in cheaper portable ACs. Not so here since the Airo window kit is very good.

The unit comes with a pre-assembled exhaust hose (like the B+D) and a nice,  versatile panel for fixing it to your windows.

Usability is also straightforward, whether with the control panel or the remote. The touch buttons on the unit are sensitive and responsive — even to cat paws, as I found out. Make sure your pets can’t climb on the machine.

This unit has a sleep mode, but you can only activate it through the remote. It's a strange design choice, but at least the option's there.

Another nice point about the Airo is that it’s pretty quiet for a portable air conditioning unit. It certainly beats the much more expensive Whynter in the noise department.

Unlike the other portables on my list, this one does not offer auto evaporation — or at least it doesn't work very well. The reservoir requires active draining, so keep that in mind if you live in a high-humidity area.

I’ve also seen some reports that the Airo may struggle with long-term reliability.

Fortunately, Airo’s customer service is friendly and prompt, so you can get your broken unit fixed or replaced quickly — particularly thanks to the nice three-year warranty on the compressor.

If you’re looking for portable 14,000 BTU cooling that doesn’t cost a fortune, you can’t do much better than Airo.

Who is Airo AC14MWS Best For?

This Airo AC14MWS unit is an excellent option for homeowners looking for an affordable but powerful portable AC.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Fast and effective cooling even for big spaces
  • Quiet operation for a portable unit
  • Simple usability and setup

Cons

  • Some reliability issues
  • Needs regular drainage
  • Low energy efficiency

5. Haier QHEK14AC (Budget Choice for Window AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.2


Overall Rating

4.4

BTUs

14000

Noise Level (Decibels)

-

Cooling Area

700 square feet

EER or SEER

-

Dimensions (H x L x D)

15.08 x 20.6 x 21.34 inches

Weight

81 lbs

Don't listen to people who say you can't get the latest technology at an affordable price. Haier QHEK14AC shows that's not true.

This air conditioning unit doesn’t pale in comparison to its pricier competition. In some ways, it can achieve even better results.

First things first, let’s address the cooling capacity. It’s strong — why would I recommend this unit to you otherwise?

The Haier cooled a 700-square-foot room in 20 minutes. The airflow is very powerful on the highest setting, and you can still feel the breeze on the other side of a big living room.

Thanks to its ability to pump out so much air, this unit cooled even my roughly 1,000-square-foot combined kitchen and family room. Case closed, the Haier provides quick and powerful cooling.

Although it weighs nearly as much as the LG, the Haier is nearly five inches narrower. The comparatively compact design allows it to fit smaller windows than most other AC units.

This mounting process is simple, too, thanks to the nice install kit. I particularly like that it came with enough spare screws to replace the ones I put in a safe spot, so I could definitely find them later.

Like LG, the Haier unit has Wi-Fi capabilities for connecting to your phone or Alexa. The Wi-Fi setup is easy, and the control app is simple and intuitive to use.

Although it can’t compete with an inverter compressor, Haier’s traditional compressor is still very energy efficient. With an 11.3 EER rating backed up by Energy Star certification, this model doesn’t guzzle electricity.

The noise output of this unit is decidedly average. It isn’t silent by any means, but I didn’t have to turn up my stereo system when it kicked in, either.

The most glaring omission of the Haier is the lack of a dedicated dehumidifying mode — it functions only in cooling and fan modes.

Depending on your location and needs, that may not matter at all, but I felt it worth mentioning in case you reside in a high-humidity region.

In the big picture, though, it’s hard to find things to complain about in the Haier. It’s powerful, reasonably affordable, and offers a good user experience. What more do you want?

Who is Haier QHEK14AC Best For?

This high-value, Haier QHEK14AC Wi-Fi-ready window unit is a solid choice for cooling large homes without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Affordable considering its power and capabilities
  • Fits narrower windows than most comparable units
  • Good energy efficiency keeps your bills low
  • Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Good mounting kit

Cons

  • No dehumidifier mode
  • Weighs a lot

6. Whynter ARC-14S (Best Dual-Hose Portable AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.5


Overall Rating

4.5

BTUs

14,000  / 9,500

Noise Level (Decibels)

56 dBa

Cooling Area

500 square feet

EER or SEER

7.69

Dimensions (H x L x D)

35.5 x 19 x 16 inches

Weight

80 lbs

Do you want extreme cooling power without having to mount heavy, cumbersome ACs to your windows? Your solution is right here — when the Whynter is running, winter is coming.

Conventional portable air conditioners replace the air they exhaust by drawing in fresh air through every crack and gap in your home. That can compromise their efficiency, as they introduce hot air back into the room.

This Whynter unit uses a dual-hose setup with a separate intake hose. With a dedicated channel for pulling in air, it offers a much higher cooling capacity than regular portable ACs.

I used an infrared thermometer to evaluate the temperature of the air Whynter blows. In a 90°F room, the air coming out of the vent registered below 60°F.

Needless to say, this portable unit can cool rooms well above the 700 square feet it’s designed for. In fact, you should use it in larger spaces.

The Whynter’s thermostat is extremely accurate. It functions very well in a big room, but in a smaller one, the fast temperature variation will force the unit to turn on and off constantly.

Keep this machine in the big areas it's meant for, and it'll do great.

With a 7.69 EER rating, this portable unit has reasonably high energy efficiency. It certainly won’t make as big of an impact on your bills as the Black+Decker or Airo.

The hoses and the unit itself are sturdy and high-quality. I can’t say the same about the window panel, though — it feels cheap and flimsy.

It worked fine during my testing, but I must admit I’m concerned about its long-term durability.

Another high-quality facet of this unit is the filtration. In addition to the regular washable filter, the Whynter features a second active carbon filter to prevent impurities from seeping into your home.

This unit is louder than the other portables I reviewed but is not obnoxiously noisy. It produced a steady, low 55 dB rumble while running that wasn’t particularly distracting.

The Whynter doesn’t have sleep or eco modes, but that makes the controls simple. Use the front control panel, though — the narrow angles and short range made the remote fairly useless.

Despite its quirks, I can't deny the Whynter's strong cooling capacity. Its dual filtration lets you enjoy clean, cool air in your home.

Who Is Whynter ARC-14S Best For?

This Whynter ARC-14S unit is tailor-made for homeowners who need strong portable cooling with top-notch air filtration.

Pros

  • Dual hoses result in very strong cooling capacity
  • Extremely accurate thermostat
  • High energy efficiency
  • Active carbon filter keeps the air clean

Cons

  • Flimsy window panel
  • Borderline useless remote

7. Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL (Premium Choice for Portable AC)

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.2


Overall Rating

4.4

BTUs

14,000 / 12,000

Noise Level (Decibels)

52.6 dBa

Cooling Area

550 square feet

EER or SEER

12.3

Dimensions (H x L x D)

34.48 x 16.73 x 19.53 inches

Weight

77.2 lbs

For some people, only the best is good enough — and that’s alright. Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL takes everything good about the best portable and window units and puts it in one machine.

Like the Whynter machine, this is a dual-hose AC unit. It also boasts an inverter compressor, like the LG. Putting these two technologies together results in extreme cooling capacity.

The Midea blows out even colder air than the Whynter at an impressive pressure. It will quickly cool down even in a big room well above the rated coverage area.

It’s not all about cold air, though. As the Black+Decker, this machine also has a heater functionality. Its effectiveness is roughly on par with the B+D — it can keep a 700-square-foot room from getting too cold.

Finally, the Midea Duo features Wi-Fi capabilities like the two window models. The connection works well and is fast and easy to set up.

Thanks to the inverter technology, this is the quietest unit on my list. On the lowest fan setting, it produces only 42 dB. Even on full blast, it’s no louder than a fridge.

The inverter compressor also makes this possibly the most energy-efficient portable air conditioner I’ve seen. The Midea Duo has a 12.3 EER rating — better than even most window units.

All those features and power make this a big and heavy machine, though. It makes you question whether it counts as “portable.”

Another factor limiting portability is that, unlike Whynter, Midea has wrapped both the exhaust and intake hose into one sleeve. Technically, that's good because it reduces heat leakage from the exhaust.

The double hose, however, is heavy and short, so you pretty much have to place the air conditioning right in front of your window. The window panel is also not thick enough to deal with the hose's heft, and it pops off easily.

I’m willing to overlook the challenging installation, though — and so are many other people. This unit is regularly out of stock, with only second-hand units available.

That’s just a testament to how well Midea Duo performs. Resist the temptation and wait patiently for the sellers to restock. Once you have this beast running, the wait will have been worth it.

Who Is Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL Best For?

Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL is perfect for those who want a premium portable AC unit, no matter the cost.

Pros

  • Supreme heating and cooling capacity
  • Extreme energy efficiency that outperforms many window models
  • Quiet and simple operation
  • Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Hose-in-hose design reduces warm air leakage

Cons

  • Bulky machine and hose
  • Expensive
  • Regularly out of stock

14000 BTU Air Conditioners Compared

Image
Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V 14,000 BTU 230V...
LG 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner 14000 BTU -...
Vremi 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner -...
Honeywell MM14CCS 14000 BTU Portable AC,...
BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT Remote Control...
Model
Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V 14,000 BTU 230V...
LG 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner 14000 BTU -...
Vremi 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner -...
Honeywell MM14CCS 14000 BTU Portable AC,...
BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT Remote Control...
AC Type
Wall
Window
Portable
Portable
Portable
Portable
EER
9.4
9.8
9.8
N/A
10.3
9.8
Noise
64 dBa
44 dBa
55 dBa
49 dBa
54 dBa
75 dBa (on high)
Image
Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V 14,000 BTU 230V...
Model
Koldfront WTC14012WCO230V 14,000 BTU 230V...
AC Type
Wall
EER
9.4
Noise
64 dBa
Price
-
Price
Image
LG 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Model
LG 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
AC Type
Window
EER
9.8
Noise
44 dBa
Price
Image
hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner 14000 BTU -...
Model
hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner 14000 BTU -...
AC Type
Portable
EER
9.8
Noise
55 dBa
Price
-
Price
Image
Vremi 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner -...
Model
Vremi 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner -...
AC Type
Portable
EER
N/A
Noise
49 dBa
Price
-
Price
Image
Honeywell MM14CCS 14000 BTU Portable AC,...
Model
Honeywell MM14CCS 14000 BTU Portable AC,...
AC Type
Portable
EER
10.3
Noise
54 dBa
Price
Image
BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT Remote Control...
Model
BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT Remote Control...
AC Type
Portable
EER
9.8
Noise
75 dBa (on high)
Price
-
Price

Considerations When Choosing a 14,000 BTU Air Conditioner

A 14,000 BTU AC unit is a much more significant investment than a less powerful machine. That's why you must consider your purchase carefully to pick a device that's a perfect fit for you and your home.

Here's my breakdown of the most important considerations to remember when shopping for a 14000 BTU AC.

Match It To Your Room Size (BTU)

I recommend using 14,000 BTU AC units to cool larger areas up to 700 square feet in size.

The cooling capacity of all air conditioners — whether window or portable — is measured in British thermal units (BTU).

The BTU rating directly corresponds to a certain coverage area in square feet. The higher the BTU rating, the bigger the room the AC unit can cool.[1]

14,000 BTU AC units are designed to cool a space of up to 700 square feet. All models on my list have decent performance in even bigger areas, but they will have a harder time maintaining comfortable temperatures.

Choose The Air Conditioner Type Right

Portable 14,000 BTU air conditioners are generally easier to find, but window units tend to offer higher performance and energy efficiency.

14,000 BTU represents a watershed point in air conditioners. At this cooling capacity, portable air conditioners are generally more available and cheaper than comparably powerful window-mounted devices.

At the same time, window models are typically more powerful and have better energy efficiency. Consider your needs and pick the type that serves you best.

Of course, there are models like Midea Duo that offer the benefits of both air conditioner types (although they’re also more expensive).

Save Money with High Energy Efficiency (EER)

I recommend choosing an AC unit with an EER rating of at least 10 to ensure it won’t add unwelcome digits to your electricity bill.

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) describes an AC unit’s power consumption with a numerical score.

There are a couple of different methods to calculate the EER, such as seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER).

The basic gist is simple, though — the bigger the score, the more energy-efficient the machine is.[2]

An EER score of 10 or higher is typically enough to keep your bills in check. Try to look for an Energy Star rating as well, but keep in mind that portable air conditioners aren’t eligible for this label.

The Quieter, the Better (dB)

Buy an AC unit with a maximum noise output as close to 50 dB as possible to ensure quiet operation.

A large air conditioner will never be silent, but some are quieter than others. Try to find a machine with a maximum sound level of around 50 dB. At this level, it’s roughly comparable to a refrigerator and won’t be too distracting.[3]

If you want the quietest possible operation, look for AC units with an inverter compressor, like LG or Midea Duo. These modern compressors are much quieter than regular ones and provide distraction-free cooling.

Consider the Cost Before Buying

Determine how much you can afford to pay for your AC before you start browsing devices to help you find a suitable unit.

There's no sugarcoating it — 14,000 BTU AC units are pricey. For example, the ones on my list range in cost from around $450 to nearly $700.

Determining your pain point before you start shopping saves you time since you'll avoid pining after machines you can't afford and can focus on finding the best device that fits your wallet.

Keep Setup Simple with Low Weight

Purchase a lightweight unit with a complete mounting kit to make setting them up as simple as possible.

AC units in the 14,000 BTU category tend to get big and can be challenging to install. Try to pick the lightest possible machine so you can easily lift it to its place.

A good mounting kit, with insulation panels and spare components, also makes the job easier and can save you a trip to the hardware store.

If you don’t want to sweat for hours in the summer heat trying to get your AC installed, choose a portable AC unit. These devices come with a simple window kit you attach the exhaust vent to and fix to your window — that’s it!

Simple Maintenance Makes Life Easier

I recommend buying 14,000 BTU units with a front-loading washable filter and a slide-out chassis for ease of maintenance.

All AC units need a minimum level of maintenance to keep functioning. A front-loading, washable filter is easy to remove and saves you money on replacements.

With wall and window units, a slide-out chassis allows you to pull the machine’s internal out of the case so you can easily clean the components.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the main considerations I’ve detailed above, there are smaller things that can still significantly impact your user experience. They include:

  • Voltage: Some 14,000 BTU AC units require a 230V outlet to run instead of the usual 115V home outlet. Make sure you can plug your machine into an appropriate circuit.
  • Warranty: A long warranty period safeguards you against manufacturing flaws and delivery mishaps. All units on my list offer at least a one-year warranty, but some, like Airo, have longer ones.
  • Remote: A full-function remote controller isn’t an essential feature, but it makes adjusting your AC unit easier at night since you don’t have to get out of bed.
  • Wi-Fi: If you'd like your AC to integrate seamlessly into your smart home, choose a device that comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module for network connectivity.
  • Heat Element: In this size category, many people also want their air conditioning device to pump out heat. If warm air matters to you, choose a device with a heat element, like Black+Decker or Midea Duo.
Window-Mounted Air Conditioner in Living Room

Frequently Asked Questions About 14,000 BTU AC Units

How Many Rooms Can a 14,000 BTU AC Cool?

Rated for areas of up to 700 square feet, 14,000 BTU ACs can cool 2-4 small to medium-sized rooms. However, doors, furniture, and other factors can hinder the flow of air and reduce the cooling power.

How Much Power Does a 14,000 BTU AC Use?

On average, a 14,000 BTU AC unit uses 1,000-1,500W of power. The ultimate power use will depend on the machine’s brand, type, and compressor technology.

How Many Amps Does a 14,000 BTU AC Draw?

A 14,000 BTU AC unit draws around 10 to 13 amps on average. It's best not to connect these machines to circuits that have other power-hungry devices connected to them.

How Many Square Feet Does a 14,000 BTU AC Cool?

A 14,000 BTU AC unit has enough cooling capacity to cool areas up to 700 square feet. They may work decently in an even bigger space, but they may have difficulties reaching optimal temperatures.


Which 14,000 BTU AC Should You Choose?

Buying a 14,000 BTU AC isn’t a decision to make lightly, but you now have all the information you need to make the right decision.

Armed with my buying guide, you’re ready to confidently shop for the ideal heavy-duty air conditioning device for your home.

I realize I gave a lot of information, though. If it all still seems a bit overwhelming, here are my personal recommendations for the best 14,000 BTU ACs.

  • Black+Decker BPACT14HWT is the best-rated 14000 BTU portable air conditioner that can keep you warm as well.
  • LG LW1517IVSM is the best 14000 BTU window air conditioner that packs all the latest tech.
  • Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL is a premium portable AC unit that has something to offer for everyone.
Our #1 Powerful
14,000 BTU Air Conditioners
____________
Black+Decker BPACT14HWT

Energy Efficiency

4.5

Cooling Ability

4.5

Value For Money

4.3


Overall Rating

4.4

References: 

  1. https://www.calculator.net/btu-calculator.html
  2. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/room-air-conditioners
  3. https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/decibel-levels

Josh Mitchell

Founder

Josh Mitchell
My name is Josh and I am obsessed with home appliances. From portable AC units to heaters and air purifiers, I enjoy testing, learning and using these devices to improve the air quality inside my family home.

My Favorite Home Appliance?

Midea U Shaped Window Air Conditioner

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