Vaughn's Summaries

Local Summaries
Temperature Control

When I was forced to move into a sweatbox, I developed an intense interest in air conditioners. The first thing that hit me was, confusion! So I thought I would document my research into this AC subject, so that others might learn, as well.





This chart is intended to simplify making an air conditioner purchase.

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Model #

Amcor

not given
Item #131366

12,000 BTU

$ 400

Danby

DPAC120068
Dual Hose

Best Buy

$ 380

How can I have any faith in a company that won't even specify Power Consumption?

Royal Sovereign

ARP-906EC
Slim-Line

9,000 BTU

$ 300

Royal Sovereign

ARP-1000EX
Dual Hose

10,000 BTU

$ 300

Sharp

CV10NH
Quiet
Not on Sharp website

Home Depot

$ 500

WindChaser

PACR10000

10,000 BTU

$ 300

WindChaser

PACRWC-HP
Dual Hose

12K Cool
11K Heat

$ 400

90

120 - 680

60

60

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

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Notes and Opinions:
1. One thing that bothered me, was that the air conditioners shown on Costco, and other big-name distributors, were entirely different than the AC units shown on the manufacturers' sites. So, which ones are best? Which ones are the newest? Big questions here.

2. Every time that something is "not specified", you must ask yourself "Why?" Lousy performance? That's my guess. For instance, if noise is "not specified", you MUST ASSUME that the unit is very noisy. Right? Either that, or the marketing department is incompetent. Take your choice. If the marketing department is inept, then how good is the design and production? AS A MINIMUM, each air conditioner should specify Power Consumption, Cubic Feet per Minute, and Noise Level. Many do not.

3. Costco always has the best prices, but not the best selection. What is available, is constantly changing. Walmart refuses to give model names, so you can't compare apples to apples. Target offers 43 portable air conditioner models, including Amana, Amcor, Fujitronics, Haier, Royal Sovereign, Sunpentown, Whirlpool, and Whynter. Costco, Target, and Walmart stock very few of these units. They must be ordered online.

4. As stated on consumersearch.com : Window air conditioners are ALWAYS more effective than "Portable Air Conditioners", but the portables have their advantages - easier to install, and easier to move. However, they are also more expensive.

5. There is a great range of opinions for each AC unit. Some love a particular model, some hate it. You must read the reviews to get a good sense of the quality of each unit. Some units are reported to be DOA right out of the box. These units are called "infant failures", because they contain fatal flaws straight from the factory.

6. All models shown operate on standard 115 Volt house outlets. From about 14,000 BTU up, 230 Volts is usually required.

7. All prices rounded up to the nearest dollar, with advertised rebate included.

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