The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile and powerful 14,000 BTU unit with spot cooling for spaces up to 350 square feet. With its sleek white design and compact size, it can fit into most rooms discreetly. This review will examine its key features, usability, performance, pricing, warranty, pros and cons, alternatives, and frequently asked questions to help you determine if this portable AC suits your needs. Portable air conditioners are an excellent alternative for extra cooling when regular window units cannot be installed. This review provides an in-depth look to aid your buying decision.
Buy BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HW Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon
Key Features
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT has several valuable features that make it stand out. It has three cooling and fan speeds, allowing you to customize the airflow. The 24-hour on/off timer lets you program it to turn on and off automatically. One of the most convenient features is the auto-evaporation system, which removes condensation buildup, so you don’t have to empty any water tanks manually except in humid conditions.
With its 14,000 BTU capacity, this unit can cool and dehumidify rooms up to 700 square feet. It has a washable air filter to keep the airflow free of dust and hair. The full-function remote control lets you control the device across the room. It has built-in carry handles plus casters for easy portability between rooms or off-season storage. At 60.1 pounds, it’s light enough to wheel from place to place.
Usability and User Experience
Setting up the BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT is straightforward. The exhaust hose, window venting kit, and remote control come packed inside the unit. If desired, you’ll need to unpack it, install the window venting kit, attach the exhaust hose, run it near a window, and plug it in. The electronic controls are very user-friendly, with an LED display and dedicated buttons for the modes, fan speeds, timer, and temperature. The remote works seamlessly, too.
Operation is simple since you select your desired temperature and mode, and the auto-evaporation system eliminates drain tank maintenance. Users mention how quiet this AC is, even on higher fan speeds. It starts producing cool air within minutes of turning on. The oscillating louvers distribute the cold air well throughout rooms. Overall, it provides a tremendous portable AC experience with minimal effort.
Performance and Efficiency
With 14,000 BTUs, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT can effectively and efficiently cool up to 350 square feet of mid-sized rooms. Users mention it works well in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and other spaces that size. It can considerably lower the temperature within an hour and keep it cool. The three fan speeds allow you to tailor the airflow as needed. And the 24-hour timer helps prevent energy waste.
This AC has an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 9.9, which is decent but lower than some newer inverter models. The auto-evaporation system does eliminate the need to empty condensation tanks frequently. But in humid climates, you may need to manually drain water when the condensed moisture exceeds the evaporation rate. Overall, it performs well for spot cooling needs without excessive energy bills.
Pricing and Value for Money
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner typically sells from major retailers for around $450 to $499. That’s an average price point for units in this cooling capacity range. Compared to the similar Whynter ARC-14S model priced at around $449, the BLACK+DECKER comes at a noticeably higher cost.
Given its features, performance, and brand reputation, the BPACT14HWT provides excellent value for the money. It costs significantly less than many comparable 14,000 BTU portable ACs while still providing the full functionality you’d want. For budget-conscious buyers needing supplemental cooling, it represents an attractive balance of affordability and capabilities. The 2-year warranty also adds some extra peace of mind to the purchase.
Customer Support and Warranty
BLACK+DECKER provides a 2-year limited warranty on the BPACT14HWT portable air conditioner. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. You’ll need to contact their customer support center to receive service under the warranty.
User experiences with BLACK+DECKER’s customer service have been generally positive. They offer phone, email, and online chat support. The techs are based in the US and are knowledgeable and friendly. The main downside is long hold times if you call during peak hours. The warranty service itself is handled promptly once you get through. Overall, the support is reasonable for the price point.
Pros and Cons
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT portable air conditioner offers 14,000 BTUs of cooling capacity, making it a powerful choice for supplemental cooling in spaces up to 700 square feet. This level of cooling power enables the unit to effectively lower temperatures in mid-sized rooms like bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms. Despite its robust cooling abilities, the unit maintains a relatively compact footprint and includes casters for easy mobility between spaces.
One of the highlights of this model is the auto-evaporation system, which eliminates the need to manually drain water from the unit in the most humid conditions. This provides added convenience for users. Including a full-function remote control, 24-hour programmable timer, and washable air filter also add to the ease of use.
On the downside, the window venting kit required for exhaust does block outdoor views and light when installed. Some customers report long hold times when contacting customer support, which could be frustrating if issues arise. The 2-year warranty is also shorter for an appliance in this price range.
Pros:
-
Powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity
-
Cools spaces up to 350 sq ft
-
Auto-evaporation system
-
Washable air filter
-
24-hour programmable timer
-
Full-function remote control
-
Affordably priced
Cons:
-
Window venting kit blocks outdoor views
-
Exhaust hose must be vented outside
-
Manual draining is needed in very humid conditions
-
Short 2-year warranty period
-
Customer support hold times can be long
This portable AC unit is ideal for supplemental cooling in mid-sized rooms. It’s compact and movable yet powerful enough to lower temperatures considerably. The auto-evaporation system provides convenience but may struggle in highly humid climates.
For the price, it delivers substantial cooling capabilities and helpful convenience features. The unit is excellent for supplemental spot cooling in medium-sized spaces up to 350 square feet. Just be prepared to drain excess water in highly humid climates manually. But for most users needing a robust yet budget-friendly portable air conditioner, the BPACT14HWT hits the mark.
Alternatives to Consider
Here are some alternative portable air conditioners to consider in the same price range:
Number 1: SereneLife SLPAC14
The SereneLife SLPAC14.5 Portable Air Conditioner is a compact and lightweight unit that offers 14,500 BTUs of cooling power. This AC unit is designed to cool spaces up to 550 square feet, making it ideal for apartments, bedrooms, offices, and other medium-sized rooms.
Some of the critical features of this portable air conditioner include three operating modes - cool, fan, and dehumidify. The cool mode allows you to set your desired temperature between 61-89°F. In fan mode, the unit blows ambient temperature air to provide air circulation without cooling. Dehumidify mode reduces extra moisture from the environment and lowers humidity levels. There is also a 24-hour programmable timer to customize the operating schedule.
This AC unit has an adjustable louver that lets you control the direction of the cool airflow. The remote control allows you to operate the AC from across the room. Four casters provide easy mobility to move the unit from room to room. The auto-evaporation system enables continuous use without draining out water collected from the cooling process.
Some of the pros of this portable AC are its compact size, good cooling capacity for small to medium rooms, user-friendly control panel, and remote, and quiet operation. The dehumidification function also helps reduce mugginess during hot summer days.
On the downside, like most portable ACs, it must be vented through a window or sliding door to release the hot air. This means you’ll have to keep a window slightly open when using it. It also lacks advanced features like a sleep mode or WiFi connectivity. And the plastic body looks cheap and prone to scratches.
Overall, the SereneLife SLPAC14.5 offers solid cooling performance in a lightweight and affordable package for anyone looking to cool a small bedroom, office, or apartment on a budget. Remember the venting requirements and need for convenience features compared to pricier models. But for basic spot cooling needs, this SereneLife portable AC gets the job done.
Number 2: Whynter ARC-14S
The Whynter ARC-14S is a best-selling portable air conditioner that offers 14,000 BTUs of cooling power. This unit can effectively cool spaces up to 500 square feet, making it an excellent option for cooling down bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and more.
Features of Whynter ARC-14S
Air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier
This allows you to use this unit year-round for cooling, air circulation, and removing moisture from the air.
Auto-drain function to remove condensate
This prevents having to drain the unit manually and improves convenience.
Advanced auto-restart
If power is lost, the unit restarts itself in the last used settings once power is restored.
It can cool spaces up to 500 sq ft.
Great for medium to large rooms.
Convenient Control Features
Remote control, digital thermostat, and 24-hour programmable timer allow you to control the temperature and running times precisely.
Portable and compact
It weighs only 56 pounds and has caster wheels and side handles for easy mobility.
Some of the pros of this portable AC include:
- It features a strong cooling capacity for its compact size. Many buyers are impressed with how well it can cool their bedroom or living room.
- It is a quiet operation, especially for a 14,000 BTU unit, so it is excellent for use in bedrooms.
- User-friendly digital controls and full-function remote. It makes it simple to set your desired temperature.
- It does double duty as a dehumidifier, and it helps reduce mugginess in basements or other humid areas.
Potential cons to consider:
- The unit is quite heavy at 73 pounds. While the wheels help, it may be challenging for some to move up and down stairs.
- The exhaust hose setup requires some work. You must vent the hot exhaust air out a window, so some installation is needed.
- An auto-swing function would be excellent as you manually adjust the louvers to direct airflow.
The Whynter ARC-14S is an excellent portable air conditioner for cooling medium to large spaces. It’s easy to operate, energy-efficient, and maintains comfortable temperatures without being too noisy. As long as you don’t mind the installation and heaviness, it’s an excellent option for staying cool without central AC.
Verdict on BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT provides an outstanding balance of price and performance. The SereneLife is more compact and budget-friendly, and Whynter is a good alternative, depending on your specific cooling needs.
Conclusion
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT offers strong performance and convenient features for a very affordable price point. It can effectively cool mid-sized rooms up to 700 square feet with its 14,000 BTU power and oscillating louvers. The auto-evaporation system and full-function remote add to the convenience. While the short warranty and lack of inverter technology are downsides, it still provides excellent value if you need temporary or supplemental cooling on a budget. Just weigh the pros and cons against your needs to determine if this compact, powerful, affordable portable AC is the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the BTU rating?
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HWT has a 14,000 BTU rating. This indicates the amount of cooling power it provides. 14,000 BTU is strong enough to cool rooms up to 350 square feet.
2. What is auto-evaporation?
Auto-evaporation automatically removes condensed water vapor using an exhaust system rather than filling tanks that require manual draining. It’s a very convenient feature that eliminates most water tank maintenance.
3. What temperature range can it cool to?
It can cool rooms down to around 60-70°F depending on the size of the space and humidity levels. You can set the target temperature anywhere from 61-89°F.
4. Does it need to be vented outside?
Yes, there is an exhaust hose and window venting kit to remove the hot air outside your home. This is what allows the portable AC to cool a room.
5. Can it double as a dehumidifier?
Yes, it will remove moisture from the air while cooling, like a dehumidifier. So, it provides dehumidification and cooling in one unit.
6. How long is the power cord?
The power cord is around 5 feet long. You’ll need an outlet nearby to power the portable AC unit.
7. What maintenance is required?
You need to wash the air filter to keep airflow strong periodically. The auto-evaporation feature minimizes water tank maintenance.
8. Can it be controlled via a smartphone app?
No, it cannot be controlled or programmed via a smartphone app, just the included remote control.
9. What is the warranty period?
BLACK+DECKER provides a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
10. Does it have a sleep mode?
Yes, the sleep mode option on the remote control gradually raises the temperature over time to save energy while you sleep.
Buy BLACK+DECKER BPACT14HW Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon