AC Product Database

Pioneer Mini Split

The Pioneer 12000 BTU Mini Split is a top performer I've recommended and fitted in many grow rooms of up to 500 square feet.

The performance metric that impresses me is most its 19.5 SEER, which is optimal for small to medium-sized grow rooms. 

I've had clients come back to me amazed at how little impact this system has had on their electricity bills, thanks to its high cooling capacity and exceptional efficiency. 

Because of the ETL certification, I'm confident when recommending this model to those prioritizing safety and quality because it has the quality seal of being thoroughly tested by Intertek. 

Beyond just cooling, its versatility is perfect for my grow room clients who want to heat, dehumidify, and ventilate while achieving tailored climate control. 

I've worked with growers who have praised the precision with which they can now regulate temperature, humidity, and air circulation, which is critical for hydroponic growing.

My customers also love the user-friendly wireless remote control. I appreciate how effortlessly it tweaks fan-only modes and adjusts the airflow direction to optimize the grow room environment for various needs.

The auto mode feature is my favorite, maintaining the desired temperature without constant manual adjustments.

A grower I helped fit the unit gave me great feedback on the Pioneer's installation flexibility. I recommend this model for cramped grow spaces since it has a 16-foot line set for ample positioning.

Since it's a ductless mini-split design, I don't have to struggle with extensive ductwork while installing the unit.

In my books, a wide temperature range from 62°F to 90°F means my client will quickly eliminate hot spots and ensure even cooling distribution. 

While the Whynter ARC-14S and Midea Duo offer similar cooling capacities, I haven't witnessed them match Pioneer's SEER rating or the perks of its ductless mini-split design. 

Related article: Recommended AC and heater combos

Whynter ARC-14S

With its 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, the Whynter ARC-14S is what I often recommend to those with larger grow rooms of up to 500 square feet. 

Many growers have particularly praised its dual hose system, which I find more efficient in removing heat from grow spaces compared to single-hose counterparts.

Like the Pioneer Mini Split, this portable AC offers three operational modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan-only at nearly half the price (around $450). 

While the Midea Duo is a close contender in the portable AC market, growers I've worked with appreciate the built-in dehumidifier function of the Whynter, which removes up to 72 pints of moisture daily.

At 11.2 EER, I'd say it's not as energy-efficient, but using an eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant offsets this downside, and many of my clients have reported noticeable savings on their electricity bills after switching to this unit from older portable AC models.

I've used the digital control and have seen it make temperature tweaks between 61°F and 89°F. 

Those concerned with maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the growing space have spoken highly of its multiple fan speeds, which offer flexibility in air circulation. 

I'm also thrilled by the unit's auto-drain technology—it's a self-evaporative AC, which means less maintenance for busy growers. 

The auto-restart feature has been a lifesaver for some of my customers during power outages, ensuring the grow room doesn't experience significant climate fluctuations.

I know air quality is a concern in grow rooms, and the Whynter ARC-14S addresses this with its washable pre-filter and activated carbon filter. 

Over the years, installing this unit has been pretty straightforward, as it includes a flexible window kit that extends up to 46 inches.

A model like the MrCool Advantage may outperform this unit but is pricier. I find the Whynter ARC-14S best suited for growers with smaller operations.

For those clients who want a more budget-friendly portable option with nearly the same cooling capacity, I often recommend the BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT unit instead.

Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL

After installing the Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL in various grow room setups, I have a high opinion about this portable AC that packs 14000 BTUs. Models with such efficiency have impressed me repeatedly with their performance in spaces up to 550 square feet.

I find its dual hose-in-hose design quite innovative at balancing air circulation compared to single-hose models like the BLACK+DECKER model. 

I've seen it cool grow rooms faster and more efficiently, preventing the hot air infiltration that often plagues clients with single-hose units. 

Compared to the LG LW8016ER's 12 EER, the Midea Duo's energy efficiency is off the charts since it uses inverter technology. Clients I've helped purchase this unit have reported up to 40% energy savings compared to standard portable ACs.

At 42 dB, the Midea Duo is one of the quietest portable ACs. It is notably quieter than the BLACK+DECKER's 52 dB or even the LG's 53 dB. It's often my go-to unit for clients with noise-sensitive grow operations.

Folks willing to part with $700 for a portable AC unit expect versatility, and many are impressed by its cooling, heating, dehumidification, and fan modes.

The Pioneer Mini Split has similar features, but Midea Duo's portability gives it an edge in flexible grow room layouts I've worked with.

On the smart features front, I'd say it's at par with MrCool Advantage in terms of convenience as it features Wi-Fi connectivity and it's compatible with Alexa or even Google Assistant.

One feature that's been a hit with my customers is the 26-foot airflow distance. When hired to set it up in larger grow rooms, this extended reach helps me guarantee even temperature distribution compared to units like the Whynter ARC-14S.

MrCool Advantage

Having monitored the performance of the MRCOOL DIY-12-HP-115B25 in several setups, I'd say this 12000 BTU mini-split heat pump is an ideal blend of efficiency and user-friendliness.

Priced at around $1750, this is the unit I'd recommend to a grower who isn't on a budget and is concerned about energy costs.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT, the MRCOOL offers the same 12,000 BTU cooling capacity but much higher efficiency. The BLACK+DECKER's 10.43 EER doesn't come close to the MRCOOL's 16 SEER.

Its DIY installation sets the MRCOOL apart from many other mini-splits I've worked with. The pre-charged 25-foot line also saves the customer's money and my time while setting it up. 

I've even seen growers who are savvy with basic tools bypassing the need for a professional HVAC technician.

The MRCOOL is my top option anytime a client wants a heat pump with both heating and cooling capability while maintaining consistent temperatures across seasons.

I've had growers tell me how much they appreciate the unit's smart control feature, which makes monitoring grow room conditions from anywhere seamless via Alexa or Google Assistant. 

I often recommend this unit for server rooms and larger greenhouses as well, since it efficiently cools to within 5°F ambient temperature. 

The Whynter ARC-14S, while offering a higher 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, falls short in energy efficiency with its 7.69 SEER rating. 

However, the Whynter is a portable unit, which I find offers flexibility that the MRCOOL's mini-split design doesn't.

Related article: Top-rated mini split heat pumps 

BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT

While the BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT boasts a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, I ask my customers to weigh whether its 5.8 SEER rating would suffice. After installing hundreds of them, I'd say it's a solid mid-range option I prefer recommending to clients with grow rooms up to 550 square feet.

Though, for optimal performance, I have found that this model works best in spaces of 300 to 400 square feet. 

The only downside so far is it's a single-hose model, not typically ideal for grow rooms from a HVAC expert standpoint. 

Still, as an AC, dehumidifier, and fan, it offers versatility that many clients find handy. 

However, I always caution growers that while convenient, the dehumidification function may not be as strong as a dedicated unit for high-humidity grow environments.

Besides being compact and portable, the casters and side handles are features I find particularly useful when moving the unit between different grow areas or for maintenance.

The BPACT12WT somewhat falls short in energy efficiency. Its 5.8 SEER rating is lower than that of other models like the MrCool or Pioneer that I've worked with.

While I've seen the 24-hour timer help manage energy use, I often advise clients to consider the long-term energy costs when choosing this unit. 

The noise level of 52 dB is noticeable but not overwhelming, and in my experience, most growers find it acceptable, especially given its cooling capacity. 

Its 0.8L water collection tank with auto-evaporation is convenient, but I often advise those in high-humidity environments to consider adding a drain hose.

I appreciate the brand's use of the R-32 refrigerant, which appeals to environmentally-conscious growers.

The operational temperature range (64°F to 90°F for cooling, 64°F to 95°F for dehumidifying) is suitable for most grow room scenarios I've seen.

Compared to the MrCool Advantage, the BLACK+DECKER offers similar cooling capacity but at a much lower price point.

Related article: Best 12000 BTU air conditioners available

LG LW8016ER

After installing countless LG LW8016ER units, I've seen growing rooms up to 340 sq. ft. rake in gains from the window AC. At 8,000 BTU, it's not as powerful as the Whynter ARC-14S or Midea Duo, but it's my ideal unit for smaller operations.

I find it more energy-efficient for budget-conscious growers since its 12 EER rating outperforms the BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT's 5.8 SEER. 

I often recommend this under $300 window AC unit for those just starting as it's notably cheaper overall. 

However, I like warning my customers that they're trading off the advanced features and higher efficiency of premium models. At 53 dB, the noise level is on par with the BLACK+DECKER unit, which I've found acceptable for most grow room environments.

I've seen its three cooling and fan speeds offer more granular control than some portable units I've worked with.

My customers speak highly of its 4-way air deflection, which allows for better air distribution compared to fixed-direction models. 

A client I helped install this window AC unit appreciates how it eliminates hot spots in his grow room. 

It has an auto restart function, which maintains consistent conditions during power outages, is a feature I always look for when recommending units to serious growers.

Unlike the versatile Pioneer Mini Split or MrCool Advantage, this unit doesn't offer heating capabilities. However, for pure cooling in smaller grow spaces, it's hard to beat the value. 

I tell clients that window units like this can be less efficient regarding growing room layout than the ductless options I often recommend for more serious setups.

Related article: Recommended 8000 BTU AC options

What’s the ideal temperature for a grow room?

The ideal temperature for a grow room is based on several factors, such as climate, weather, number of plants, and grow room size, and type of plants.

Despite this, experts recommend a temperature ranging between 60-80°F.

What causes high humidity in grow tents?

High humidity in a grow room can be a result of harsh lighting, increased transpiration, open-water surfaces, and overwatering.

What’s the best way to ventilate a grow tent?

Although there are many ways to choose from, the most efficient of all (like we’ve mentioned earlier in our review) is by using the right-sized air conditioner.

What else do I need in my grow tent to help with ventilation aside from air conditioners?

Besides ACs, you can use oscillating fans, exhaust fans, and intake fans to ensure proper air circulation in your grow room.

How long should I run ACs for in grow tents?

How long you should you run an air conditioner for the grow room is based on two things: your grow tent size and the size of the exhaust of your unit. However, you should run it every 15 minutes off and on to ensure the ideal environment.

Do I need a professional HVAC technician to install a grow room air conditioner?

Though some of the best AC units are easy to install and don’t require professional assistance, some larger ACs with increased cooling process and coverage area mandate an experienced HVAC technician to do it for you.