12,000 BTU dual-hose inverter portable AC with heat, 14.2 CEER

These model numbers are certified with the same capacity, efficiency, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor.They may be the same unit sold under several brands, or different products that test the same: the DOE data has no dimensions or noise figures, so check those with the maker. Ratings within about 2% in capacity and 0.3 in CEER are treated as the same; a model whose own rating differs a little shows it in brackets.

• MideaMAP14HS1TBL, MPT1412HVRU, MAP14HS1TBL-A, MAP14HS1TWT-S, 1014619933
• WhynterARC-1230WNH
• TOSHIBA318747168
• KeystoneKSTAP121HINV
• Cooper&HunterCH-STLS-14AC
• ElementEHPC12D

• CEER (class median 12.8)14.2, no ties
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($127)$13 less
• Efficiency rank among 14 rating profiles#1
• Models in the class with two hoses99%
• Window units with similar cooling (median CEER 15.0)$108 a year

Compared with every DOE-certified portable unit in the same size class (SACC). Each model number counts once. Yearly cost at 750 hours and 18.0¢/kWh.

This rating profile at each city's cooling hours and state electricity price, against a window unit that cools as much.

What size room does a unit with these ratings cool?

12,000 BTU of real cooling (SACC) suits about 450 to 550 sq ft with normal sun and two people (about 405-495 sq ft if very sunny), by the ENERGY STAR floor-area table. Size by SACC, not the larger BTU on the box.

How many watts does a unit with these ratings use, and what does it cost to run?

About 845 watts at full power (12,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 14.2), roughly 7.3 amps if it runs on 115 V. At 750 hours a year and 18.0¢/kWh that is about $114, which is $13 less than the typical certified 12,000 BTU or more portable unit ($127). Its inverter compressor slows down once the room is cool, so real use is often lower. Its CEER beats 97% of the 147 certified models in its size class.

Why does a unit with these ratings have two hoses?

One hose brings outdoor air in to cool the condenser, the other sends the heat out, so no cooled room air is wasted. 99% of the certified 12,000 BTU or more models have two hoses, and at 14.2 CEER this one is above their 12.8 median.

Do I have to empty a unit with these ratings?

Usually not. It evaporates the water it removes and sends it out through the exhaust hose. In very humid weather the pan can still fill, and most units then stop and ask to be drained, so keep a drain hose or a bucket handy.

How does a unit with these ratings heat?

It has a heating function, but the DOE data records only that it exists, not whether it is a heat pump or an electric element. Ask the maker: a heat pump gives more heat per kWh than a resistance element, which costs the same as any space heater. 33 of the 147 certified 12,000 BTU or more models can heat.

Is a unit with these ratings as efficient as a window air conditioner?

No. The 40 ENERGY STAR certified window units that cool about as much (within 15% of 12,000 BTU) have a median CEER of 15.0, against 14.2 here, and the best reach 16.8. At 750 hours a year a window unit with that median would cost about $108, $6 less than this one. ENERGY STAR window units are the more efficient part of the window market, so the gap to an average window unit is smaller. A portable unit makes sense when a window unit will not fit or is not allowed.

Which model numbers have the same ratings as a unit with these ratings?

10 certified model numbers from 6 brands share these ratings: capacity, CEER, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor. They may be the same unit under different brands, or different products that test the same; the DOE data does not include dimensions or noise, so check those with the maker. The full list is on this page.