6 Best Portable Heat Pumps | Air Conditioner & Heater Combination

Simple, mobile, and incredibly energy efficient portable heat pumps continue to grow in popularity each day.

Rather than large, expensive furnaces that are difficult to install and maintain, homeowners choose to invest in plug-and-play portable air conditioning units, some of which don’t even require installation.

The best part is that portable air conditioner and heater combos can be moved from one spot to another with ease!

My Overall #1 Rated Pick

Sale
Whynter ARC-14SH
The Whynter is a four-mode HVAC system that operates like an air conditioner, heater, fan, and dehumidifier. Rated the highest in Consumer Report, this unit can heat and cool spaces up to 500 sq ft. To top it up, the heat pump comes with an installation and window kit for easy usage.

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know about the best portable heat pump systems to help you decide whether they would be the solution to your heating (or supplemental heating) needs.

IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS

  1. Whynter ARC-14SH 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC + Heat PumpBest Overall Portable Air Conditioner
  2. Black + Decker BPACT12HWT Portable Air Conditioner + Heat PumpBest Powerful Portable Heat Pump
  3. EdgeStar AP14001HS Portable AC + Heat PumpBest Window Mounted Option
  4. Honeywell MM14CCSBB 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner + Heat PumpBest In-built Portable Air Conditioner
  5. RolliCool Alexa-Enabled 10,000 BTU Portable AC with HeaterBest Quiet BTU portable air conditioner
  6. Haier HPND14XHT 14,000 BTU Dual Hose AC with Heat ModeBest Medium Space Portable Heat Pump

Let’s begin with a review of some of the best portable air conditioners with heat pumps.

Product Reviews

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Whynter ARC-14SH 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner + Heat Pump

Sale
Whynter ARC-14SH 14,000 BTU (9,200 BTU SACC) Dual...
  • AWARD-WINNING: Good Housekeeping's 2023 "BEST OVERALL PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER Provides powerful cooling over large areas" .Air flow efficiency : 253 cubic_feet_per_minute_per_watt
  • POWERFUL & QUIET: 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,200 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity | 13,000 BTU (ASHRAE)/ 8,200 BTU (SACC) heating capacity; Noise level (dBA): <56
  • ADVANCED SELF-EVAPORATION: Dual hose operation; Cools up to a 500 square foot space (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance); Patented auto drain function fully exhausts all condensate automatically in most environments; Dehumidifying capacity: 71 pints per day; Air Flow (at high speed): 430 m3/h / 253 CFM; 3 fan speeds
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL & ENERGY SAVING: Four operational modes: Cool, Heat, Dehumidify, and Fan; Cooling thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F)|Heating thermostatic control in ambient conditions above 45° F (61°F – 77°F); Maximum power consumption: 1300 W / 11.6 A; Power supply: 115 V / 60Hz / 1 Phase; Eco-friendly CFC free Green R-32 refrigerant
  • EASY TO SETUP & PORTABLE: Extendable exhaust hose (up to 60″) 5.9" diameter; Window kit dimension: 6.5″ W x 20″ L (minimum), 46″ (maximum); Unit dimensions: 16″ W x 19″ D x 35.5″ H; Activated carbon air filter and washable pre-filter

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rated the “Best Portable AC unit to Buy” by Good Housekeeping, the Whynter ARC-14SH, which also holds Consumer Report’s 2019 Highest Score for portable air conditioners.

It is a four-mode HVAC system that operates like an air conditioner, heater, fan, and dehumidifier. The portable air conditioner offers full thermostatic control (61F – 89F cooling)/(61F – 77F heating).

With digital readout, and is designed for spaces measuring around 500 sq ft. In addition, it is eco-friendly, uses R410A refrigerant, and comes with a patented auto drain function that fully and automatically drains all condensate.

Furthermore, 24-hour programmer, remote control, activated carbon filters, washable pre-filter, three fan speeds, and quiet operation are other features of the portable air conditioner.

The window heat pump combo comes with a complete installation kit that includes a 60-foot extended exhaust and intake dual hose and window kit.

Pros

  • Remote control
  • Full installation kit
  • Three fan speeds
  • CFC free, lead-free

Cons

  • Professional installation required

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2. Black + Decker BPACT12HWT Portable Air Conditioner + Heat Pump

BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Air Conditioner Portable...
  • Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner & heater (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09) in rooms up to 550 sq. ft. Stay cool summer & warm in winter with this BLACK+DECKER air conditioning and heater in one.
  • 4-in-1: Our 7000 BTU DOE (12000 BTU ASHRAE 128) AC and heater is also a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner (57.6 lbs.) has a remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display.
  • Great Features: Set the right temperature with this ac portable air conditioner. Our portable air conditioner and heater 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 & heater and fan combo 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 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Suitable for spaces in the 150 sq ft to 250 square feet range or any 10 x 20-foot rooms when cooling and 200 sq ft to 325 square feet or any 15 x 22 space when heating, the portable air conditioner is another AC + Heat Pump option.

Its vertical motion creates powerful airflow for consistent indoor temperatures, with the slide-out filter designed for easy rinsing under the faucet.

The BPACT12HWT’s top features include; precision programming, electronic controls, an LCD digital display, Sleep Mode, and a 24-hour timer.

The 4-in-1 bucket design allows for cooling, heating, dehumidification, and fan-only operation. Performance is noiseless throughout. Check out ways of reducing heat pump noise.

The portable air conditioner package includes a 4-foot, 11-inch exhaust pipe, window kit, and a manual guide. It is a 6,000 BTU portable air conditioner when cooling and 12,000 btu portable unit when heating.

Pros

  • Precision programming
  • Electronic controls
  • Easy to wash, slide-out filters
  • 4-in-1 bucket design

Cons

  • Ideal for smaller rooms

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3. EdgeStar AP14001HS Portable AC + Heat Pump

LIVING DIRECT EdgeStar AP14001HS - Portable Air...
  • SKU: AP14001HS
  • Finish: Black / Silver
  • Manufactured By: EdgeStar
  • CFM: 210, 254

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

One of the bigger (BTU-wise) options on this list, the EdgeStar AP14001HS is a 14,000 BTU portable (ASHRAE-128 Standard) / 8,800 BTU portable (DOE 2017 Standards) AC + Heat Pump designed for spaces up to 525 square feet.

It’s an impressively quiet portable air conditioner, producing less than 56 decibels at maximum fan speed. Small and compact at 35” H X 18.75” W X 15.75” D, it has a 24-hour programmable timer.

The thermostat can be programmed from 61F to 89F. In addition, you’re allowed to choose whether you want the temperature displayed in Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F).

The package includes a window kit (34” max) and an extended exhaust pipe measuring 49 inches (or just over four feet).

You’re advised to use the heat function for supplemental heating only as the portable air conditioner heats a smaller coverage area than it cools, even at full speed.

Pros

  • Three fan speeds
  • Automatic restart
  • Installation kit included
  • Casters for easy mobility

Cons

  • Requires professional installation

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4. Honeywell MM14CCSBB 14,000 BTU Portable AC + Heat Pump

Honeywell MM14CHCS 14000 BTU Portable AC,...
  • [POWERFUL, SAFE & DEPENDABLE] Cools rooms up to 550-700 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
  • [4-IN-1 ALL SEASON APPLIANCE] Powerful AC cooling in the summer, Heater in the winter, 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.
  • 14000 BTU (ASHRAE-128 Standard) / 7500 BTU (DOE+ 2017 Standard)

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’ve used a Honeywell appliance before, you’ll know well what the MM14CCSBB heat promises.

Sturdy, safe, and dependable, the heat pump (which also works as an AC) is ideal for rooms between 550 sq ft -700 square feet and comes with thermal overload protection for added safety and peace of mind.

The portable air conditioner is relatively easy to install and fitted with washable filters designed to protect you and your loved ones from dust and other particles.

With three fan speeds, a 24-hour energy-saving timer, and remote control, you’re guaranteed comfort round the clock.

A front-facing, feather-touch control panel and display unique to the Honeywell Classic Series and quiet operation at under 54 decibels are other noteworthy features.

The 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE – 128 Standard) and 7,500 BTU (DOE + 2017 Standard) Portable Heat Pump comes with a full window kit included. The kit works for both horizontal and vertical windows.

Read more: How to Clean Honeywell Air Filter

Pros

  • Dual-washable filtration system
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Full set window kit included
  • 24-hour energy star timer

Cons

  • More expensive option in its category

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5. RolliCool Alexa-Enabled 12,000 BTU Portable AC with Heater

Rollibot ROLLICOOL Portable Air Conditioner w/App...
  • Voice Control with Alexa – Control your home’s climate with quick and easy voice commands by pairing your room air conditioner with Alexa
  • Control via Mobile App – Download the RolliCool app to control your home air conditioner from anywhere in the world straight from your smartphone
  • Long-Lasting Luxury – This versatile 10, 000 BTU air conditioner can cool, heat, dehumidify, and fan spaces up to 450 sq. ft. to keep your home feeling fresh all year round. (Note: On COOL mode, exhaust tube must be installed properly to vent heat air out through window / wall. )
  • Roll Your Cool to Any Room – This standing air conditioner includes casters and a moveable window kit for easy transportation into living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more
  • Refrigerant – Go green and stay cool with this small air conditioner’s R410A refrigerant and reusable filters. Wash* the filters, pop them back in, and enjoy a cozy, odor-free environment. *The included carbon filter is not washable.

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re shopping for an AC + heat Pump that integrates with smart home devices, this Alexa-enabled portable ac is a great candidate.

Efficient and ultra-silent, the portable air conditioner pairs easily with Amazon Alexa, making it possible to give the air conditioning unit instructions via voice commands.

The 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner that can cool, heat, dehumidify, and fan spaces up to 450 square feet guarantees round-the-year comfort.

With two additional operations Sleep mode and Auto mode added to give you complete convenience. The best part is – you can perform all these controls from the RolliCool app on your phone.

The app is downloadable from both the Android app store and the Apple app store. The kit contains a remote control, drainage single hose, screw fastener, window panels, and everything else you need for fast and easy installation.

In addition, the portable ac includes casters for smooth movement.

Pros

  • Environment-friendly performance
  • Designed with casters for smooth movement
  • Long-lasting luxury design
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa
  • Washable filters that pop right back
  • Sleep mode

Cons

  • Professional installation required

Click to Check Price


6. Haier HPND14XHT 14,000 BTU Dual Hose AC with Heat Mode

Haier HPND14XHT 14, 000 BTU 115V Dual-Hose...
  • Dual-hose portable air conditioner with supplemental heat capability for a room up to 500 sq. Ft
  • 4 modes include cool, heat, fan, and Dehumidify
  • 14, 000 BTU cool mode/10, 000 BTU heat mode
  • Electronic control panel with digital temperature/timer display
  • Full-function remote control with on-board storage

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Finally, the slim, beautiful Haier HPND14XHT makes another worthy option for anyone looking for round-the-year cooling and heating.

A 14,000 BTU (when cooling) portable air conditioner that also delivers 10,000 when heating, the easy to install Air Conditioner is designed for spaces up to 500 square feet and sits nicely in any RV or car.

The portable air conditioner has four operating speeds; Cool for cooling and heating during the warm season, Heat for warming up the indoor air during the cold season.

Fan-only whenever you need that nice fresh feel of circulating air and a Dehumidify mode to reduce indoor air.

You also get to choose from three fan speeds (high, medium, and low) and three heating speeds (high, medium, and low).

Every item you need for the installation, including the window venting and exhaust pipes, is included in the kit.

In addition, the portable ac uses a digital control panel and has a 24-hour timer and digital thermostat for easy control and efficient operation.

Pros

  • Heats at 10,000 BTU/hour
  • Recommended for up to 600 sq ft
  • Caster roller wheels for easy mobility
  • Digital time and temperature display

Cons

  • Need to improve the window-mounting accessories

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Education: Things You Need To Know Before Buying

So, now that you know some of the best portable heat pumps out there, it’s time to learn how to pick the right one for your home.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. A heat pump uses electric cooling and heating power to move heat from low to high-concentration areas like a refrigerator.

During the heating season, a heat pump moves heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house. In the warm weather (cooling season), they move heat from your cool indoors into the warm outdoors.

As you can see, they work against the laws of conduction that state that heat, naturally, moves from high concentration areas to low concentration areas. This partly explains why a “pump” is needed.

The most important takeaway here is that portable heat pumps don’t generate heat; they move it. Unlike furnaces and electric heaters that use various energy sources to generate heat, heat pumps only “move” the heat that already exists in a space.

As such, portable heat pumps can be incredibly energy efficient. The average heat pump can provide enough space conditioning at as little as one-quarter of the cost of running a conventional HVAC system.

What is a Heat Pump?

A portable heat pump is simply a heat pump that’s small enough to be moved around the house at will.

This category of heat pumps contrasts with fixed or larger heat pumps that cannot be moved around.

A whole-home furnace, for example, is a stationary portable air conditioner that’s permanently installed and becomes part and parcel of the home.

So if you decide to move homes, you cannot move with it. Some of the larger heating systems, meanwhile, can be moved, but not at will.

You’d been to uninstall the portable air conditioner in one place and install it in a different spot – a tedious and, often, costly process.

Portable heat pumps are designed to be moved around as frequently as you wish and even come with handles for easy carrying.

Check the

best quiet portable air conditioners

Heat Pump with Oil Furnace

How Portable Heat Pumps Work

Portable heat pumps can be put into three broad categories based on how they work; air-to-air, water source, and geothermal.

Simply put, air-to-air heat pumps collect heat from the air, water source pumps collect heat from the water, and geothermal pumps collect heat from the ground (soil).

As you can guess, portable heat pumps are air-to-air models that draw heat from the air. Best portable air conditioner/heater operate under the same principle as air conditioners, only that the process is reversed.

In a standard air conditioner, the indoor air handler pulls warm air from your room and passes the air through refrigerant tubes in the condenser unit.

Here, heat in the warm air is extracted, leaving the air cool and fresh. The cool air is then blown into your rooms while the heat is dumped outside the house.

In portable heat pumps, the process happens the other way round. Warm air is pulled into the portable air conditioner from outside the house and passed through refrigerant lines where it is extracted.

The heat is then dumped into your rooms while the cold air (from which the heat was extracted) is blown outside the house.

Of course, it’s a lot more complicated than that, but essentially, that’s how portable ac and heater combo work.

Advantages of a Movable Heat Pumps

The air-to-air heating mechanism used in portable heat pumps comes with several advantages over traditional home heating. These include;

  • Dual hose function heating and cooling power: portable air conditioning heating units are rarely heating-only appliances. Although primarily designed to add heat to the home, they almost always double up as air conditioning solutions that can be used for home spot cooling during the warmer/hotter months.
  • Low installation costs: Since these air conditioners are portable, they don’t require installation. Therefore, you save on installation costs and the costs of installation material and equipment.
  • There is no need for heat distribution systems: Most home heating and cooling power systems require ductwork to distribute heat throughout the room. Whether it’s under-floor heating or a radiator, you’ll need some form of an air distribution system. Portable air conditioners with heaters don’t need any heat distribution systems.
  • Easy to use and maintain: Modern portable ac heat units are equipped with thermostats and remote control features, making them easier to control than other home heating and cooling systems. They are also easier to clean and maintain.
  • Negligible fire and burn risks: Fire pits and furnaces, in particular, are a considerable risk. Extreme caution is required to prevent people from getting burned or something from catching fire. Portable ac and heater pose negligible burn/fire risk.
  • Energy efficient: Unlike other heat sources that consume large amounts of energy to generate heat, portable air conditioners only need to move heat, thus consume considerably less energy.

Potential Concerns When Buying Movable Heat Pumps

Despite the impressive list of advantages, even the best portable heat pump also comes with a few concerns that you may want to keep in mind when making a decision. These include;

Performance is dependent on ambient temperatures: Since the heater only extracts heat from outdoor air, the amount of heat it can add to rooms heavily depends on outdoor temperatures.

In extremely cold conditions, the portable ACs alone might not deliver sufficient heat to improve indoor air quality to comfortable levels.

The portable air conditioners might introduce dust/dirt into your home: Most heat pumps utilize innovative, antibacterial filters to prevent this. But it remains a possibility.

If the filter is ineffective, there’s a risk of dust particles and microorganisms entering your home aboard the warm air, potentially triggering allergic reactions and airborne diseases.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Heat Pump

Since portable heat pumps come in all shapes and styles, it’s essential to consider various factors before making the final decision. Some of the top factors to consider include; the following;

1. Size

Size is critical when choosing heat pumps, especially the size rating of the appliance relative to your home/space.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to determine the right heat pump size for a given coverage area unless you’re a professional.

A 400-Sq. Ft. room, for example, would need a one-ton 12,000 BTU portable heat pump. But, if the area is poorly insulated or if it’s an old home, you may need slightly more heat.

So, again, to avoid guesswork, it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to help.

2. Single-stage vs. Two-stage compressors

There are two broad categories of portable heat pump compressors – single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage compressors only let the heat pump heat (or cool) in full blast – it’s either ON (at full thrust) or OFF.

Two-stage compressors have more than two operational levels. Between OFF and MAX operation, there are several other settings, such as Medium and Low.

Two-stage compressor heat pumps are better because they use less energy (at lower settings). Also, since they can adjust to higher or lower temperatures as necessary, they guarantee greater indoor comfort.

Check the best dual hose portable air conditioners.

3. Blower motor type

Heat pumps also have different kinds of blowers; single hose/Fixed-speed, multiple-speed, and variable-speed. Single-speed fans are either ON or OFF.

Multiple-speed blowers have multiple speeds, but you have to adjust to higher or lower speeds (similar to car gears).

If you’re at level ONE and would like to change to speed TWO, you must select speed TWO from the control panel or the remote control.

Variable-speed blowers, which are the best option, also have multiple operating speeds. But, unlike multiple-speed fans, the system automatically detects indoor conditions and auto-adjusts to higher or lower speeds. The blower type will also determine if it is safe to leave the AC on for a long time.

4. Energy efficiency

Finally, it’s also imperative that you take into consideration the energy efficiency of the portable ac. That’s because although portable heat pumps are generally very efficient, some are more efficient than others.

The easiest way to determine the efficiency of a heat pump is to check its Heating Seasonal Performance Rating (HSPF).

The most energy efficient air conditioners have HSPF values in the 7.7 to 10 range. Try to find a portable ac rated 8 or higher. Since the pumps also work as portable air conditioners, you should also check the cooling rating of the appliance.

Cooling performance is determined by the appliance’s Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and Seasonal EER (SEER). Aim for 17+ SEER ratings.

Other Posts: Best Window ACs Made in USA

Wrap Up

From this Best portable air conditioner and heater combo reviews, you can tell that they are a great heating option, especially for low-load applications. In addition, they are affordable, easy to install, and very easy to maintain.

If you already have a central heating and cooling system, they would be an excellent supplemental heat source. But it would help if you got the size right.

Also, it’s advisable to get a high-efficiency, two-stage compressor heat pump with a variable-speed blower motor.

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AUTHOR
Ronald Watford, the owner of Quality Home Air Care, is a qualified HVACR technician and manages the team of expert writers on this site. He believes that educating homeowners about HVAC systems is one of the most impactful aspects of his job.