Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner Reviews

Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner Review

Black & Decker offers a portable air conditioner that might meet all of your needs. With various sizes and a few options available, it makes a great fit for many homes.

Whether you need to cool all season long or only use as supplemental cooling on the hottest days, the Black & Decker portable AC is your answer.

The trick is knowing what you are getting, and to that, we will answer with it depends on where you shop. For example, Black & Decker focuses on a single model at a time, which is currently the BPACTXXWT model. Let’s break it down for easier understanding.

• B – Stands for the brand Black & Decker.
• PAC – is for the type, in this case, Portable Air Conditioner.
• T – stands for the AC type, which is Tower for the portable model.
• XX – these are replaced with numbers on each model. They represent the BTU output, so a 14 will be 14,000 BTUs, 10 will be 10,000 BTUs, etc.
• WT – is the color, which is White.

When shopping online, you may find older models such as the BPP10WTB portable air conditioner. It has a slightly different look and is 2 years older than the current model. While this model is still available and reliable, it has fewer features than the BPACT model we are reviewing today.

When shopping through Black & Decker’s website or a brick and mortar shop, you will most likely only find the current model available for sale.

Efficiency And Noise Levels

One of the big advancements over the older models from Black & Decker comes in noise reduction and an increase in energy efficiency. The larger models of the previous generation would easily reach noise levels over 60dB.

The new models have reduced this to a maximum of 54dB. The machines can still get a little noisy when set to high and running in the same room as your TV or where you are holding a conversation. However, they aren’t so loud as to be disruptive.

Even more impressive, though, is the combined EER rating. What struggled to reach 9 EER now averages 9.6 across all sizes and capacities. The larger units can even reach 10 EER when running on low speed settings.

Size And Control Options

Sizing is critical when you need to cool a space. You need to understand the ratio between BTU output and square foot capacities. The general rule for all air conditioners is 20 BTU per square foot. However, with smaller units like windows and portable ACs, this can get skewed a bit.

The Black and Decker BPACT models come in three main sizes; 8,000, 12,000, and 14,000 BTU. Let’s see how it breaks down to room sizes.

Max BTU	Square Foot Range	Room Usage
8000	250 sq. ft. or less	Bedroom
12000	250 – 350 sq. ft.	Living room
14000	450 – 600 sq. ft.	Den/Large living area

Controls are pretty simplistic, which is a nice thing for all the features these models have. There are local controls that allow you to adjust everything right on the unit itself. This includes setting a timer (up to 24 hours) with the desired temperature.

You can change the temperature manually up or down, use the sleep mode, auto-shutoff mode and even select between cooling modes, fan only, and dehumidifying modes.

If you opt for a model that has heating capabilities, that option will be on the control panel as well. However, it is essential to note. If you use fan only or heating modes, you need to disconnect the vent hose from the machine.

On top of the local controls is a simple and user-friendly remote control. This remote offers all of the same functions and controls as the local control panel.

However, it also has an embedded sensor. Using the Follow Me feature, the system will get updates of the surrounding temperature from the sensor.

Wherever the remote is, the unit will run until the desired set temperature is reached according to the remote sensor. Black & Decker portable air conditioners do not have WiFi capabilities at this time, so there aren’t mobile apps or voice commands to use with them.

Pricing And Warranty

The most important features are the price tag and warranty coverage. Of course, the prices will vary greatly depending on the model size and if you opt for heating or not.

The range across the different sizes will also vary slightly depending on where you buy the unit and if you order online or in-person at a brick-and-mortar shop like Home Depot or Lowe’s. According to our research, you can expect to pay between $325 and $500.

The warranty coverage is the same for all sizes, though, and doesn’t depend on where you buy. That coverage includes a 90-day return window to cover your initial investment.

After the 90 days, the standard warranty takes over (which runs from the date of purchase, not the end of the 90-day period).

You will get a 1-year warranty for the parts and labor of the machine. This covers the housing, vents, piping, drip and collection trays, and controls. You also have a 5-year coverage for the compressor itself.

This isn’t the best warranty in the business, but it is about average. The inclusion of the 5-year warranty for the compressor is a nice touch not offered by many other brands on a portable unit.

Features Of The Black & Decker Portable AC

Black & Decker portable air conditioners come with a lot of features. Not only are they easy to use and set up, but they also cater to a wide range of needs. Let’s cover the most important features so you know what you are getting.

Cooling Power

The cooling power, or capacity, of an air conditioner, is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A BTU, in short, is the amount of energy needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours at sea level.

While the exacts of the measurement aren’t required, what you do need to know is that the BTU rating is directly equivalent to the square footage of the space.

The accepted rating is 1 BTU for 20 square feet of space (cooling) or 30 square feet (heating). While it isn’t exact, it is a good representation of the sizing that you need. Higher BTU air conditioners can cool faster but may require more energy.

Design & Style

When you buy an appliance for your home, you want it to match your décor, if possible. When it isn’t possible to match exactly, you want the device to look good. Design and style are important factors, and in this regard, Black & Decker delivers.

The Black & Decker portable ACs are sleek and have a modern design that will match or complement your home. With a white base and black accents, the machines can easily blend in with the room and look great when they are noticed.

Multiple Modes Options

One other important feature that is often overlooked is multiple modes of operation. Not only cooling, fan only, dehumidify, and possibly heat, you also want various speeds for each. Cooling and fan-only modes are the most common options in portable ACs.

You will also find that most cooling options will come with at least three speeds, though some models have more.

You may also find that your portable air conditioner comes with various modes like dehumidifying. This will not cool the room but will run the air through and capture the moisture.

You may also find a fan-only mode that will help move air through your home without using the energy it takes to run the AC compressor.

Low Noise Functionality

Some air conditioners make a lot of noise. Window air conditioners can limit the noise by having the louder components outside the home. Central air conditioners have the compressor and condenser outside to limit the disruption.

However, a portable air conditioner is all in one piece and inside the home. More specifically, in the same room that you are (in most cases). Loud models won’t last very long, and Black & Decker realize this.

So while their portable units aren’t the quietest on the market, they aren’t as disruptive as some other brands can be. See some of the lowest noise portable AC models here.

Energy Cost & Savings

One of the biggest factors is energy efficiency. You want a machine that will cool your home promptly, but you shouldn’t have to pay exorbitant electric fees to do so. You can get a good idea of what you should expect to pay by finding the Energy Efficiency label.

This is generally a large yellow sticker on the packaging or the machine itself.

These will show you the SEER rating (for cooling) and the HSPF rating (for heating). The higher the numbers, the more efficient the system is. In some cases, you will find the EER rating, which is not specific to heating or cooling but averages a year-round usage cost.

Smart WiFi Options And Remote Controls

Many portable air conditioners come with some form of remote control. This may be a simple infrared remote, wireless communications, special sensor features, or even voice controls. In the case of the Black & Decker models, you get a few of those options.

The remote controls will let you select the mode, speed or options, and temperatures. If the unit has timer or sleep mode options, those will be on the remote control, too.

You also get the Follow Me sensor function that will keep the temperature to the setting depending on room occupancy.

Multiple Sizes Available

When an air conditioner is listed as having various size options, these are not the product dimensions. Sizes for ACs refer to the BTU output capacity of the unit. For Black & Decker portable ACs, you have a choice of at least three sizes.

As noted above, the more BTUs (or larger sizes), the more cooling capacity or space size that can be cooled efficiently. For these models, you can generally choose between 8000 to 14,000 BTUs. These sizes can cool spaces between 450 and 600 square feet.

Portability

Portable air conditioners, by design, are highly portable. However, this doesn’t mean it is always easy. You can wheel, push or pull the unit from room to room. You will need to also move the vent hose and window mount.

Of course, you also need to vent the system out of a window, so the room it is moved into needs a window. In most cases, any single or double hung window will accommodate the Black & Decker models.

Slide Out Washable Filter

Filtration is important to any air conditioner system and, when overlooked, can lead to many problems. Keeping the air filter in a portable AC clean is relatively easy. Many models offer a screen-style filter that can slide out of the machine and be washed off under running water.

You also need to be aware of the limitations of your particular model, though. Some have non-washable filters that need to be changed or multiple filters that need to be removed and cleaned regularly.

Environment friendly

Another concern for manufacturers, governments, and users alike is the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants. R-410a is now required as a minimum refrigerant with newer types preferred. Older models use R-22 which has been discontinued and should be avoided.

Other Eco-friendly features may be included, such as recycled content, manufactured in green facilities, and other options. In most cases, these features are touted on the packaging or listing, but not always. If these are high on your importance list, you may have to do deeper research.

All About The Black & Decker Brand

Black & Decker started in 1910 with two machine shop workers. They formed their company and began developing powered hand tools, getting patents, and growing as a company for 9 years. In 1919, they surpassed $1 million in sales and continued to grow.

Black & Decker’s fame came from crafting some of the most prolific and durable machines, tools, and small appliances. They grew large enough to start buying off other brands like Van Dorn Electric, General Electric, and Emhart.

In 2010, the company merged with Stanley to become Stanley Black & Decker, though the B&D name is still a wholly-owned subsidiary. They continue to acquire other brands, such as Craftsman, and build durable, reliable products to this day.

Black & Decker Vs Other Portable AC Brands

Comparisons to other brands are important when searching for the best portable air conditioner for your specific needs. We couldn’t agree more. Not every brand is a good fit for every customer. But how does Black & Decker stand up to the likes of LG, Hisense, or DeLonghi?

When it comes to DeLonghi portable air conditioners, you have quite a selection. Unlike Black & Decker, where you only have a single model, DeLonghi gives you up to 7 different models at any time.

Black & Decker, though, combines all of DeLonghi’s features into a single unit, so there is less guesswork and model hunting.

LG may be one of the biggest names in the game when it comes to home climate control, but the LG portable AC selection is more limited.

With only three models, you still get the high quality and durability of LG, but they only have 1 option that can match the size and BTU output of the Black & Decker models and at a slightly higher cost.

If you have a smaller area to cool, or need more smart features, Hisense may be a good choice. They have a limited selection of their Hisense portable air conditioners, but they are packed full of features.

Black & Decker can match their sleek and stylish looks, but Hisense offers a model that adds heating capabilities.

Still, Black and Decker is lower in cost and more durable in construction. While the choice is yours for any brand or model, Black & Decker has a durable, reliable, and easy-to-use system that will work in almost every room of your home.

Black & Decker Portable Vs Window AC Units

Like the portable AC, Black & Decker makes a limited type of window air conditioner unit. There is the single model’s mechanical unit. It only comes in one size (dimensions) and has a 5000 BTU output only. All controls are manual and mechanical with no display or readout.

The digital model, though, has 4 BTU sizes, including 6000, 8000, 10000, and 12000 BTU. Other than the BTU capacity, though, the models are identical. With digital controls, timers, sleep mode, and a large LCD readout screen.

The main difference between their window unit and portable unit is, of course, the portability. With the portable AC, you can move it to any room of the home with a window for venting. While this can technically be done with the window unit, too, it is not recommended.

If you have a single large room that needs cooling and don’t mind taking up the use of one window for the entire season, the window unit is an efficient way to cool the space (up to 600 square feet).

However, for multiple room usage, easy portability, and lower maintenance, the portable AC model is a better option.

Black & Decker Portable AC Installation Tips

Installing the Black & Decker portable AC is not a difficult process. It will fit in single and double-hung windows as well as horizontal slide windows. It does not work in awning or casement windows, though.

Make sure that the install location in your room is flat and level. Keep the unit at least 12 inches from a wall and close to a grounded outlet. Once the placement is determined, you can install the window section.

1. .Remove the plastic locking pin from the window slider (this is for shipment only).
2. .Cut the foam seal and attach it to the top and bottom of the window frame and sash.
3. .Place the slider kit in the window and close the window to hold the slider in place.
4. .Slide the extension out to fill the window gap and secure it with the metal locking screws.
5. .Add another cut foam layer to the top of the window sash.
6. .Attach hose inlet to either end of the hose, threading until it stops.
7. .Connect the hose outlet to the other end of the hose.
8. .Press the hose outlet into the window slider hole until it clicks into place.
9. .Place the hose inlet into the housing on the AC unit and twist the lock into place.
10. .Compress or extend the hose as needed, but ensure there are no kinks or tight angles that can impede airflow.

With pictures and other details, full step-by-step instructions can be found in the owner’s manual that comes with each unit. However, if you are missing the manual or have lost it, you can find replacements for use or purchase online.

ManualsLib.com, for example, has a direct copy for free use.

If you don’t want to be bothered with the installation or cannot complete the task for any reason, you should feel comfortable enough to call a professional. You can have any HVAC contractor install the unit for you.

There will be a minimum fee based on the labor time or any tools needed, but for this process, the overall cost should be minimal.

Conclusion

Black & Decker offer consumers a lot of various products. Best known for their hand and power tools, the company actually has a fairly wide reach. One of those arms is in the home climate control industry.

The Black & Decker portable air conditioner may not be very popular yet, but it is growing.

With multiple cooling and fan modes, quiet operation, and easy to install venting hose, this model is efficient and affordable. You can find the right size for your space, and if needed, you can also opt for the heating feature.

Regardless of your final choice, you won’t be disappointed in the Black & Decker air conditioner for any reason.