Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE

These model numbers are certified with the same capacity, efficiency, hose design, heating, drain type and compressor as the Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE.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.

• Tripp LiteSRCOOL24KE

• CEER (class median 12.8)9.8, no ties
• Yearly cost vs. class median ($127)$94 more
• Efficiency rank among 14 rating profiles#12
• Models in the class with two hoses99%
• Window units with similar cooling (median CEER 15.0)$144 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 unit at each city's cooling hours and state electricity price, against a window unit that cools as much.

What size room does the Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE cool?

16,000 BTU of real cooling (SACC) suits about 550 to 700 sq ft with normal sun and two people (about 495-630 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 the Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE use, and what does it cost to run?

About 1633 watts at full power (16,000 BTU/h divided by its CEER of 9.8), roughly 14.2 amps if it runs on 115 V. At 750 hours a year and 18.0¢/kWh that is about $221, which is $94 more than the typical certified 12,000 BTU or more portable unit ($127). Its CEER beats 2% of the 147 certified models in its size class.

Is a one-hose portable air conditioner a problem?

It is the common design: 1% of the certified 12,000 BTU or more models have one hose, with a median of 12.8 CEER. The top-ranked 12,000 BTU dual-hose inverter portable AC with heat, 14.2 CEER has two hoses and 14.2 CEER.

Do I have to empty the Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE?

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.

Can the Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE also heat the room?

No, it only cools. 33 of the 147 certified 12,000 BTU or more portable models can also heat if you want one unit for the year.

Is the Tripp Lite SRCOOL24KE as efficient as a window air conditioner?

No. The 23 ENERGY STAR certified window units that cool about as much (within 15% of 16,000 BTU) have a median CEER of 15.0, against 9.8 here, and the best reach 16.2. At 750 hours a year a window unit with that median would cost about $144, $77 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.