Whenever we think about or plan towards summer, we always forget about the humidity. Our minds are so focused on having fun in the sun and the need to cool our houses, but never on the potential return or growth of mold and mildew.
Tackling the heat and humidity used to mean getting an air conditioner and a dehumidifier, but not anymore.
Here is our guide to help you find the best air conditioner dehumidifier combo.
Best Air Conditioner Dehumidifier Combo Review
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Honeywell MN12CESBB Portable AC Dehumidifier – best for medium sized rooms
- [POWERFUL, SAFE & DEPENDABLE] Cools rooms up to 400-550 sq. ft. Thermal Overload protection for added safety & peace of mind.
- [EASY INSTALL & MAINTENANCE] Washable Filter designed to protect from dust & hair to extend product life & performance. Filter cleans easily under a faucet for easy maintenance. Full set window kit included for quick & easy installation for vertical and horizontal windows (Max. hose length is 4 feet).
- [DESIGNED FOR COMFORT] Enjoy simple digital control with 3 fan speeds, 24 hour energy saving timer & remote control included
- [3-IN-1 APPLIANCE] Powerful cooling in the summer, Dehumidifier for humid days (removes up to 66 pints/ 24 hours with continuous drain option for long unattended operation), Fan circulates air for everyday comfort.
- 12000 BTU (ASHRAE-128 Standard) / 6500 BTU (DOE+ 2017 Standard)
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whenever Honeywell steps to the plate, it’s always a winner. The Honeywell MN12CES is a 3-in-1 appliance that comprises an air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier. It is a powerful device perfect for your living room, bedroom, or office between 400 square feet – 550 square feet.
This portable air conditioner has a modern design and feel, with a forward-facing, feather-touch control panel. It also comes with a remote control. It weighs about 68 pounds, so it is not the lightest option, but given the output, that’s no surprise.
Its 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) capacity can handle more extreme temperatures. It also has a thermostat to set the temperature you want and not have to fiddle with the controls constantly. There is also a 24-hour energy-saving timer.
As for its safety features, the Honeywell portable dehumidifier comes with thermal overload protection. There is also a dual dust filtration system that prevents dust and hair from choking the system. You can also clean the filters easily by running them under a tap.
The dehumidifier on this can remove up to 69 pints of moisture from the air per day. There is also a continuous drain function for easier management.
This is a powerful and portable unit that you can set it up yourself. It comes with a window kit for vertical and horizontal windows and an installation guide.
Despite the decent output, this portable ac dehumidifier combo does not make a lot of noise. When at the highest fan speed, the noise output is between 51 – 54 dB.
Pros
- Can cool or dehumidify a large area
- It comes with remote control and has different settings
- Has a thermostat
Cons
- It is quite heavy
- Quite pricey
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2. Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner – best for the environment
- Award-Winning Portable AC Unit: Awarded Good Housekeeping's 2024 "BEST OVERALL PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER," this powerful yet quiet portable air conditioner provides powerful cooling over large areas up to 500 sq. ft.
- Powerful Yet Quiet: The ideal AC unit for bedrooms, this 14,000 BTU indoor air conditioner operates under 56 dBA and helps you stay cool while your limiting energy consumption; Made with the environment in mind, it runs off CFC-free R-32 refrigerant
- Built-In Dehumidifier: This dual-hose portable air conditioner features a patented auto drain function that automatically exhausts all condensate in most environments; 71 pint/day dehumidifying capacity; 430m3/h / 253CFM airflow
- 3 Operational Modes: This stand-up air conditioner features 3 settings: cool, dehumidify, and fan (3 speeds), plus full thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F); Max. 1300 W / 11.6 A power consumption; 115 V / 60Hz / 1 phase power supply
- Includes: A 19"D x 16"W x 35.5"H indoor AC unit, an extendable (up to 60") 5.9" diameter exhaust hose, a 6.5″ W x 20″ (min) / 46″ (max) L window kit, an activated carbon air filter and a washable pre-filter
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a portable air conditioner dehumidifier combo that would make you never want to leave your house, this is it!
The Whynter Arc-14S is an award-winning portable ac that can cool a room up to 500 square feet. It also has a fan and a dehumidifier setting. The dehumidifier removes an impressive 71 pints per day in optimum weather conditions.
Good House Keeping awarded it “2020 Best Overall”, while Consumer Report also gave it the highest score in 2020.
To achieve its high cooling capacity of 14000 BTU (ASHRAE-128 Standard), it uses a CFC-free Green R-32 refrigerant. The components are also lead-free, making this one of the most eco-friendly portable air conditioners.
With a front-facing display and remote control, this system is easy to operate. You can pre-set the temperature to anywhere between 61°F and 89°F, and the internal thermostat will regulate the heat.
All of these great features come at a cost, however. It is one of the heavier portable air conditioners, coming in at 80 pounds, and is not easy to move. Even though the unit has wheels at the bottom, you probably wouldn’t want to change its location often.
Unlike many other portable ac dehumidifiers, this one is a dual hose, which reduces energy consumption. Both hoses come in the installation pack, together with the window kit. The exhaust hose can be extended up to 60 inches.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Can cool large rooms quickly
- It has a 24-hour programmable timer.
- Dual hose
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Slightly more expensive than a few other 14000 BTU portable ACs
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3. De’Longhi Pinguino Deluxe 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner – best smart dehumidifier
- 3-in-1 Unit Delivers a Precise, Targeted Cool.wattage : 1345 watts..Control Type : Electronic
- COOLS EXTRA LARGE ROOMS. Supplies 14000 (ASHRAE)/8600 (SACC) BTU cooing power where it is needed most.
- Targeted Cool Delivered Right to You. Cool Surround Technology uses Bluetooth technology to monitor temperature and humidity around the remote control and delivers targeted cool right to you.
- Multifunctional for Maximum Comfort. 3-in-1 unit serves as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or fan.
- .The Quietest Cool. With all of this power, you might expect the noise to match—but the PAC EX390LVYN is equipped with Arctic Whisper Extreme Technology (quiet mode), meaning your comfort doesn’t have to cause a clamor. Operating at near-whisper levels, this portable AC unit cools and dehumidifies your room without disruption.
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here is another versatile ac that delivers 14000 BTU. The De’Longhi Pinguino Deluxe 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is another excellent product from a manufacturer that has mastered the cooling arts and outstanding aesthetics.
The first thing you notice when you see this fresh out of the box are the curved edges, unlike the boxy shape of regular portable air conditioners. There is a slot on top of the unit for the remote control and a front-facing control panel.
Judging by the looks, you would expect a decent output, and it delivers. The portable ac dehumidifier can cool and control humidity in a room up to 700 square feet. As a way to save energy costs, the Pinguino has a feature called Eco Real Feel.
Eco Real Feel can locate precisely where you are in the room and adjust the temperature and humidity around you to keep you comfortably cool at all times. It does this via the remote, which uses Bluetooth instead of infrared like a typical ac.
Even though this device weighs 83 pounds, it is easy to wheel around. Carrying it up the stairs is a problem for just one person, however. The device is also easy to use and comes with a window kit complete with a single hose.
There are three fan speeds on this device. The quiet mode on this device is called Arctic Whisper and can reduce the noise by 50% without compromising the cooling ability.
Pros
- Effective at cooling and dehumidifying
- Easy to use
- Can handle large spaces
Cons
- Heavy to move about
- The water tray needs to be emptied.
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4. hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner – best for moving between rooms
- The hOmelabs 14000 BTU portable air conditioner (new DOE 8600 BTU) quietly and efficiently cools rooms with horizontal window openings measuring between 450 - 600 square feet
- This portable AC measures 17.9 x 15 x 30.7 inches, includes wheels for smooth mobility, and is equipped with an automatic vertical swing function to evenly distribute airflow
- To install, simply attach the included hose to its window slide adapter, plug the appliance in, and you’re good to go (most customers are able to install the unit in 8 minutes or less)
- Includes washable filter and filter indicator light that illuminates whenever cleaning is needed. Clean filter once every few weeks to ensure optimum cooling
- Comes with remote control to set temperature, fan speed, cooling mode and sleep mode, and features a sleek and simple design to suit every home
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is incredible the number of people who have air conditioners yet never use them during hot, summer nights. This is an issue hOmelabs identified and wanted to solve with their 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner.
The verdict: they succeeded.
Despite its powerful capacity – it can cool a room up to 600 square feet – the loudest it goes is 53 dB. This makes it slightly better than the Honeywell portable air conditioner and better than most other competitors. That is even before you get to the ultra-quiet sleep mode.
The quieter modes and the sleep function also help tackle a common complaint among ac users – energy consumption. There is also a drain hose, a feature lacking in most of the others on our list.
Another convenient feature is the reusable air filter. hOmelabs recommends you wash the filter once every two weeks. As expected, the unit also has a remote control, which comes in handy as the LED display is in an awkward position – on top of the unit, behind the fan.
At 72.3 pounds, this is much lighter than other similar-sized products. There are in-built handles on the machine’s sides, and it also has wheels that make it easy to move.
The hOmelabs portable air conditioner is easy to install, and the company reckons it takes an average of eight minutes.
Pros
- Quiet mode
- Energy-efficient on low speeds
- Continuous drainage option
Con
- Smaller coverage areas than other 14,000 BTU air conditioners
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5. Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner – best for small spaces
- Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (15.3” x 14” x 24.8”) in rooms up to 350 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom.
- 3-in-1: Our 4,100 BTU DOE (8000 BTU ASHRAE 128) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner (45.8 lbs.) has a convenient remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display.
- Impressive Features: Set the temperature just right with this ac portable air conditioner. Our ac unit portable also has a slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, & 24-hour timer.
- Easy Mobility: Thanks to casters on the bottom and side handles on both sides of the small air conditioner, this air cooler can be moved from room to room without any hassle.
- Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air.
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally, we come to the smallest and cheapest unit of the bunch. The Black + Decker portable conditioner gives a modest 8,000 BTU capable of cooling and dehumidifying a small room between 100 – 150 square feet.
The coolest temperature you get on this is 65°F, which the unit accomplishes by simultaneously cooling and dehumidifying the room. You also have the option of using just the fan mode or the dehumidifier mode. The self-evaporating mode means the machine doesn’t need a bucket or a drain pipe.
As you would expect, the unit is also light, weighing just under 53 pounds, making it easy for one person to carry. This portable air conditioner is easy to install as well, so you won’t have a problem moving it about on any given day.
If your bedroom is small enough to use this in, then the sleep mode will serve you well. The noise level on the lowest setting is 51 dB, while the highest is 53 dB. You can choose the model with the top-mounted LED display or with remote control.
The filters need to be cleaned twice a month, which is pretty standard. If there is a power outage, the unit will restart automatically. There is also a 24-hour timer to help you better manage the energy consumption.
While this is a great unit, the one downside it has is the temperature range. The lowest it gets to is 65°F while competing brands can deliver as low as 61°F.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to install and use
- It doesn’t need a drain pipe.
- 24-hour timer
Cons
- Can only cool small spaces
- Limited temperature range
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Buying Guide – Why should I buy a portable air conditioner dehumidifier?
If you google reviews about air conditioner dehumidifier cross-devices, you will find many people saying they aren’t good, reliable, or worth the money.
Yes, there was a time when air conditioner combos were terrible, but the technology has evolved, which is no longer the case. Over the past few years, we have seen a lot of great brands revive that segment.
That isn’t to say that they are perfect, but they have their pros and cons, which we will discuss below.
Advantages of Air Conditioner Dehumidifier Combo
- Saves space
The first significant advantage is that these units save space, in that you don’t need to buy a portable air conditioner and a separate dehumidifier.
Both of these appliances can be quite big, depending on their capacity. Having both of them in one room will be an eyesore and will get in the way. Even when you have to tuck away your air conditioner during winter, it still takes up closet space, which is a problem for small apartments.
- It can be used all year round
The best portable air conditioner should be something you can use all year round, or at least for most of the year.
We know that air conditioners are useless during winter, but so are most dehumidifiers. Compressor-based dehumidifiers cannot work during winter, even though mildew and humidity are still a problem during that time of year.
Even though desiccant dehumidifiers can work at low temperatures, they still have their limits. A portable air conditioner dehumidifier combo with a heating option (4-in-1) can be used throughout the year.
A portable air conditioner that releases warm air on the dehumidifier mode is also useful during winter.
- Portable
If you didn’t have a portable air conditioner combo, you would probably get either a window unit or a wall unit ac. Neither of those options is portable, which means you need to buy one for every living space in your home.
- More cost-effective
Using a dehumidifier at the same time as your air conditioner could help the ac cool the room quicker. However, that means running two appliances simultaneously, which will cause your energy bill to increase substantially.
If you live in a big room or have large living spaces, buying a combo is cheaper than buying two separate units. This is even worse if you buy a desiccant dehumidifier, as they are much more expensive than refrigerant dehumidifiers.
- Better for the environment
The last advantage is that having just one appliance is more eco-friendly. Compressor-based dehumidifiers use refrigerants, just like air conditioners. That means both devices will be contributing to global warming.
If you are using a unit like the Black + Decker, that is even better. The device uses R410a refrigerant, which is safe for the environment.
Disadvantages of Air Conditioner Dehumidifier Combo
- Not as effective as individual units
The performance you’ll get from a combo won’t be the same as two individual units. You can easily find a residential dehumidifier that can remove over 100 pints of moisture per day, for example, but that is rare for a combo.
Similarly, the best air conditioner dehumidifier combo on our list maxes out at 14,000 BTU, which is significantly less than what you can get from a split unit.
- Bulky units
If you have a small apartment, a combo unit will take up some valuable space. The ideal solution would be a window unit combo or a split unit combo. While these can cost a lot more money, they do solve the space issue.
- Relatively high noise levels
Air conditioner dehumidifier combos can be quite noisy compared to split units. The quietest air conditioner combo on our list has a noise level of 53 dB. That is twice as much as you can get from a split unit and a separate dehumidifier.
If you are not so bothered about the dehumidifier, then a fixed air conditioner would be the better option.
How to choose the right air conditioner dehumidifier combo: Buying guide
If you are firmly convinced you need a portable ac combo, then here are some things to consider to make your choice.
- Cooling Area
The most important factor is the size of the rooms you plan on using your ac combo. The bigger the space, the more BTU you will need.
However, you should also note that while the Whynter, hOmelabs, and Pinguino all say 14,000 BTU, they each cover smaller capacities of 500, 600, and 700 square feet, respectively.
You should also note that while buying a larger capacity unit than the room will cause it to cool down faster, it will also consume more electricity unnecessarily.
- Functions/Features
The more you can do with a good-quality combo, the better. Features like sleep mode or quiet mode mean that you can use the device when you are sleeping. The remote control, 24-hour timer, and thermostat are other important features.
The Pinguino leads the pack in this area, given its advanced technology that can control the temperature and humidity specifically around you. That’s cool!
- Design
This is merely a matter of preference and doesn’t impact performance. However, this is a unit you will have to look at every day and have in your living spaces, so it is important that you are happy with how it looks.
Fortunately, some of the combos come in different colors, so you can choose the one that best blends with your living room or bedroom.
- Energy Consumption
This is one reason why you need the right-sized equipment. AC combos can consume a lot of electricity, but it gets worse if you either put them in a room that’s too small or too big.
Some of these devices come with an EER number and an average monthly cost. Besides that, it helps to prioritize the units that have energy-saving features.
- Cost
As important as the cost of the device is, it shouldn’t be the first consideration. Cheap units usually have smaller capacities. So, restricting yourself by the budget will also restrict how effective the air conditioner dehumidifier will be.
Once you have ascertained what you need, you should then evaluate their prices. On our list, we saw as much as a $500 difference between similar-sized products.
- Ease of Use/Ease of Installation
The aim of a portable air conditioner combo is for it to be easy to use. This also means easy to install. All of the devices on your list pass those tests. However, some are still easier to use than others.
Another thing to consider is how to get rid of the water the dehumidifying process removes. The Black + Decker’s self-evaporating operation is a huge plus, as it means you don’t need a pipe to absorb the water.
Air conditioners with remote control and that is programmable will make your life easy.
- Noise Level
Now, we ended up where we started. If an air conditioner forces you to crank up your television or radio volume, that’s okay. However, if the sound it emanates is distracting while you have to work, study or sleep, that will be very frustrating.
Some people are willing to buy a more expensive unit because of the noise level, because what’s the point of owning something you can’t use when you need it most?
Conclusion
Before we reveal our selection for the best portable air conditioner dehumidifier combo, we would like to ask which one you think it is.
Which of these have you tried and tested? Let us know your review of our buying guide in the comment section below.
Our personal favorite is the De’Longhi Pinguino. It has a large output, sleek design, modern features and costs a few hundred dollars less than the Honeywell portable air conditioner.
Even though the Whynter Arc is an award-winning piece, our runner-up is the hOmelabs portable air conditioner. It has excellent features, including the quiet sleep mode, which you’ll appreciate on a warm, silent summer night.
