Dual hose portable air conditioners offer better cooling power and energy efficiency.
This Best Dual Hose portable AC reviews and guide is comprehensive research you can use to choose a model or decide if a portable unit is right for you.
We start with a list, then short overviews with bullet points followed by full reviews. Then there is a Buying Guide with portable air conditioner FAQs and more.
Whynter dominates the list for a simple reason – It make far more models than other brands. They’re also quite good.
Important Note on Cooling Capacity: Some of these units are rated for up to 500 square feet. However, this isn’t accurate. We discuss the issue in the Buying Guide below.
Here’s a more accurate capacity:
- 12000 BTU = 300-400 square feet
- 14000 BTU = 350-450 square feet
The Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners
Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose AC
This is a high-performance and multi-purpose portable air conditioner that we would recommend due to its high cooling capabilities and other features.
Pros
- Large-space cooling Effective cooling
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Unit that is relatively heavy
- Window kit can be modified
- Increased price level
The Whynter ARC-14S was able to impress us with its cooling ability. It cooled our 500 sq ft room very efficiently and kept it cool even during the hottest days. The two-hose system was one of the reasons why it performed better, and it could cool faster and more efficiently.
We also liked the in-built dehumidifier that controlled the humidity level without the need to have another machine. It was a surprise that the unit was not noisy and we could use it in bedrooms and living rooms without disturbing anyone.
The ARC-14S was easy to set up, but we thought the unit to be very heavy when transporting it. The window kit that came with it was good, although some users may have to do minor adjustments to fit it perfectly. Although it is more expensive, we think that the Whynter ARC-14S is a great value in terms of its performance and features.
Hisense Dual Hose AC
This is a flexible Hisense portable AC that we suggest because it is efficient and has year-round comfort features.
Pros
- Dual hose to cool quicker and more efficiently
- Several options of year-round use
- WiFi and app control
Cons
- It is relatively noisy with 49 dB
- Too much in smaller rooms
- Needs to install windows
We were impressed with the Hisense AP55023HR1GD because of its strong 8,000 BTU cooling power. It cooled our 550 sq. ft. test room in a hot day very fast. The two hose system was significantly better than single-hose units we have tested.
The four operating modes were flexible. The heat pump feature gave warmth during cold evenings, and the dehumidifier addressed the problem of humidity. The window kit that came with it was simple to install but it needs a nearby window.
The WiFi connection and ConnectLife application were handy to change the settings remotely. Nevertheless, it is not the most silent one as it has 49 dB. On the whole, this Hisense model is a good performer and multipurpose device to those who require powerful portable climate control.
Whynter NEX Inverter Portable AC
This portable air conditioner is very efficient and powerful and we strongly suggest it due to its high cooling capacity and smart features.
Pros
- Inverter energy efficient technology
- Voice assistant and Smart Wi-Fi control compatibility
Cons
- Fairly high cost of entry
- Large size can be problematic in small places
- Initial configuration may be time consuming
The Whynter NEX Inverter Portable AC is a product that impressed us by its capability to cool large rooms within a short period of time up to 600 square feet. Its two-hose system and inverter technology made it significantly faster and more efficient at cooling than single-hose units we have tested.
The intelligent functions were very convenient to us. It was easy to control the AC remotely using the NetHome Plus app and also connected well with Alexa and Google Home. Another feature that I liked about the unit was its silent operation that enabled us to have a comfortable environment without the noise.
The original installation was time-consuming but the window kit, which came with it, was strong and flexible. The dehumidifier feature was very effective in addressing the issue of humidity hence it is a flexible option in different climates. Although the Whynter NEX is more expensive, we think it is a great deal when you want powerful and efficient cooling.
Hisense Dual Hose Portable AC
We suggest this Hisense portable AC because it is efficient in cooling and smart.
Pros
- Faster cooling dual-hose design
- Silent use of 42 dB in Quiet mode
- App controlled Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- Coverage area is limited to 350 sq ft area
- Heavier unit 61 pounds
Greater initial price than single-hose models
Hisense dual-hose portable AC impressed us with its cooling capacity. Its inverter technology was observed to consume less energy than the normal models that we have tested.
We installed the snap-together window kit with ease and it took us a few minutes to install. It was a nice surprise that the unit was very quiet in operation and one could easily converse with it even during running.
The Wi-Fi connection and the app control made it convenient, as we could change the settings remotely. It is more expensive than other options, but we felt the enhanced efficiency and functionality was worth the price to anyone who requires efficient portable cooling.
Whynter Dual Hose AC
This is a very strong and multi-purpose portable air conditioner that we would recommend due to its ability to cool and dehumidify.
Pros
- Two hose design to enhance efficiency
- Multi-functional cooling, dehumidifying and fan mode
Cons
- Fairly loud operation of 51.5 dB
- Being big can be bulky in small areas
- Increased power use of 1250 watts
The Whynter ARC-143MX was a good performer in terms of cooling. It reduced the temperature in our 500 sq. ft. test room rapidly. The two hose system was much more efficient than single hose units we have tested.
We liked the versatility of the unit. The dehumidifier mode was effective in drying up the moisture and the fan mode gave good air movement. The 3M filter incorporated in it assisted in enhancing the quality of air, trapping dust and allergens.
The window kit was easy to install the AC. The remote control was a convenience factor, and we could change the settings across the room. It is not the most silent one, but we were okay with the amount of noise it produces in relation to the cooling capacity it provides.
Whynter Elite Dual Hose AC
This is an effective and efficient portable air conditioner that we would recommend because of its high cooling capacity in rooms of up to 400 square feet.
Pros
- Cooling and dehumidification
- Improved efficiency dual hose design
- Low setting 47 dBA
Cons
- Quite heavy weighing 68 pounds
- May not do well in bigger areas
- More expensive than one-hose models
The Whynter Elite ARC-122DS was an impressive unit when it came to cooling. It reduced the temperature in our 400 square foot test room very fast. The two hose system was a significant efficiency increase over single-hose units we have used.
We liked the fact that the unit is not very loud, particularly in the low fan mode. It did not interfere with conversations and sleep. The inbuilt dehumidifier was also effective and it did not need to be emptied regularly.
Although the ARC-122DS is quite heavy, the casters provided helped in the transportation of the chair between rooms. The window kit was easy to put up but we required an assistant during the initial installation. On the whole, this Whynter model turned out to be a stable cooling system in medium-sized rooms.
Lifemaster Dual Hose AC
This is a dual hose portable air conditioner that is powerful and efficient and we recommend it due to its versatile functionality and energy saving characteristics.
Pros
- Inverter technology that is energy efficient
- 3-in-1 features (cooling, dehumidifying, fan)
Cons
- Unit is relatively heavy and large
- Might be louder than anticipated
- Installation of window kits was needed
We have recently tried the Lifemaster Dual Hose AC and we were surprised at its cooling capacity. It cooled our 600 sq ft area very fast and kept it cool even during hot days.
The outstanding feature is the inverter technology. We also observed that there was less energy consumption than in the case of conventional portable ACs, which could result in less electricity bill in the long run.
The unit was easy to set up, but the window kit installation was a little bit labor intensive. The digital control panel is easy to use and we liked the sleep mode to use at night time. The noise level was not disturbing during normal activities even though it was not whisper-quiet.
Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide
This guide discusses a few key issues related to dual hose portable air conditioners.
Dual Hose vs. Single Hose Portable ACs
What is the difference between a single hose and dual hose portable AC?
There are two key advantages of dual hose models. They are related.
- Dual hose portable air conditioners have more cooling capacity for their size.
- Dual hose models are more efficient.
#1: Dual Hose Portable ACs Have More Cooling Capacity
Take two 14,000 BTU portable air conditioners, one a single hose model and the other dual hose.
The single hose model will have an effective cooling capacity of about 7,500 BTUs.
The dual hose model will produce net cooling of 8,500 to 9,500 BTUs.
What? Why are they rated for 14,000 BTUs if neither comes close to that capacity?
Because the manufacturers use outdated ratings that consider only the unit’s capacity to remove heat – not what happens in the process.
This takes a little explaining.
ASHRAE vs SACC Rating Systems & What They Mean
For decades, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has been the testing agency for all types of air conditioners.
ASHRAE measures one thing – how many BTUs of heat can the unit capture and remove from the space per hour.
There’s a problem. Since portable air conditioners expel air, they create negative pressure in the room.
The result is that when air goes out the window, air from outside the room is sucked in. Very warm air and humidity leaves and is replace by air that is slightly cooler and less humid.
This infiltration reduces the net effect of the air conditioner.
Window air conditioners, central ACs, heat pumps and ductless units do not have this problem.
SACC Ratings
The US Department of Energy (DOE) recognized this problem and developed a new rating called Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity (SACC) ratings. It considers infiltration and the fact that an AC is more efficient in warm weather than it is in really hot weather.
Dual Hose Models are better, but not as efficient as window air conditioners. In short:
- Single hose models have SACC ratings about 55% to 58% of the ASHRAE rating.
- Dual hose models have SACC ratings 63% to 70% of ASHRAE ratings.
These diagrams show the difference in how Single Hose and Dual Hose models work.
Manufacturers should provide both AHSRAE & SACC ratings, but only a few do.
#2: As a result of greater cooling capacity, a dual hose model will use less energy to bring a room’s temperature down to where you want it.
Why isn’t a dual hose model as efficient as a window AC?
Looking at the diagram, you see the main reason. It is because the intake hose is cycling a steady supply of warm outside air into the room, through the AC and out. The air isn’t released into the room, but it does have a warming effect that diminishes the cooling power of the AC. A window AC, for example, brings that warm air into the back of the unit, which is outside the house. That’s a significant difference and one reason that window air conditioners have better cooling ability than portable air conditioners.
While dual hose performance is better than the result of infiltration caused by a single-hose model, it still introduces heat into the room.
Sizing a Portable AC
The following chart shows the capacity your portable air conditioner should be. We’ve adjusted the capacity to reflect SACC ratings rather than ASHRAE ratings.
| ASHRAE BTUs | Square Feet |
|---|---|
| 6,000 | 100-200 |
| 8,000 | 150-250 |
| 9,000 | 200-300 |
| 10,000 | 250-350 |
| 12,000 | 300-400 |
| 14,000 | 350-450 |
But there are room conditions to consider too.
We recommend that you need 1,000 extra BTUs of capacity for any of these conditions that make a room hotter than usual.
- It faces west and gets direct sun in the afternoon/evening
- It is on an upper floor
- Three or more people are often in the room
- It adjoins an enclosed, non-cooled space like a garage or attic
- The ceiling is more than 9 feet high
- The room is a kitchen, and the stove or range is on
Example #1: A 200 square foot bedroom is on the second floor (+1000 BTUs), faces west (+1000) and has an attic above it (+1000). The chart suggests a 6,000 BTU AC. But with the conditions, you’ll be better off with a 9,000 or 10,000 BTU AC. It’s always better to go up a level with portable air conditioners. That’s not true with a central air conditioner, but it’s OK with these units.
Example #2: The room is a 350 square foot living room. It faces west (+1000), is next to the garage (+1000), has a 10-foot ceiling (+1000) and is often occupied by 3-4 people (+1000) when the AC is on. The chart suggests a 14,000 BTU unit for 350 square feet. But to ensure effective cooling, you should get a unit with 18,000 to 20,000 BTUs of cooling. There are no portable air conditioners that size, so you’ll need to consider a window air conditioner.
Portable Air Conditioner FAQs
We’ve answered a few key questions. Here are a couple more.
Q: What is Evaporative Technology aka Drain Free?
A: As you know, air conditioners remove moisture from the air. They have coils through which refrigerant cycles. The evaporator coil gets really cold – cold enough to condense moisture out of the air. If you’ve seen a window AC operate, water is often dripping out the back of it.
In a portable air conditioner, that moisture can either drain into a tank or hose, or, with evaporative units, it can be exhausted. Most drain free portable ACs allow that moisture to drip onto the condenser coil, which is quite hot because hot refrigerant is running through it getting rid of the heat it collected. The coil is warm enough to evaporate most or all the moisture that drips onto it.
Q: Can an evaporative AC work as a dehumidifier?
A: Most of them do have a Dehumidify/Dry mode, explained in the next answer. If the unit is advertised as “drain free,” then it might not even have a tank. Some can get rid of all the moisture through the method described above. A few will require a drain hose or tank in very humid conditions. Check out the product information to determine if it can dehumidify without a drain tank or hose.
Q: What is Dry Mode aka Dehumidifier Mode?
Most models feature this mode, something new in the last five years.
In AC mode, the unit both cools and removes moisture.
Dry mode works exactly like AC mode with one difference. Instead of the heat being expelled out the window hose, it is returned to the room. The net effect is that the room doesn’t cool off.
What is the purpose of Dry mode? There are days, often in fall and spring in most climates or during a cool winter stretch in warm climates, when the air can be damp but not hot. That’s an ideal time to use Dry mode – to dry out the air, so it doesn’t feel chilly and clammy.
