Top 9 Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners in 2023

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

Overviews – The Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners

Here are quick, bullet-point overviews designed to give you the key features and strengths of each to assist with your buying decision.

In the full reviews, you’ll see how we’ve categorized each – Best Overall, Most Reliable, Best 12000 BTU model, etc.

Best Dual Hose Portable AC Reviews

Here is a more detailed look at the top dual-hose portable air conditioners on the market.

#1 Best Overall: Whynter ARC-143MX 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC

The quality portable air conditioner uses evaporative technology to exhaust most of the condensation produced.

The unit has an internal condensate tank, but you’ll rarely have to empty it unless using the unit in extremely humid conditions.

Well-respected review site Consumer Reports placed this unit and another on its list of the best portable air conditioners.

BTUs: 14,000

Modes: 3 Modes. Air Conditioning, Fan/Filter that keeps air cycling through it to filter the air. It also provides white noise for sleeping or studying. Dehumidify/Dry Mode dries the air without cooling it. This mode is used most on cool, damp days when the air feels “clammy.”

Features: Here’s what you get with this Whynter portable AC.

• Auto-drain, evaporative technology to reduce the need for emptying it.
• Digital and Remote Control– the remote can control all the functions.
• 24-hour programmable Timer.
• Carbon filter for odors; Washable pre-filter for large debris. Antimicrobial filter.
• Hoses are 60”, longer than most.

Pros: Very low maintenance since it evaporates most of the moisture. Carbon filter reduces odors. Good performance features. Long exhaust hoses provide versatility in where the unit is placed. This is an attractive appliance. A storage bag is included for use when you put the AC away for the season.

Cons: Cost is higher than average, but you get what you pay for with quality portable air conditioners.

Bottom Line: Consider this unit is you’re willing to pay a little more to get what many consider the best portable AC on the market. Or try an Amazon Renewed product with a good guarantee.

If you’d like this unit for less, it is available as a certified Renewed unit. Amazon says, “Amazon Renewed products are inspected and tested to work and look like new. A Renewed supplier who is Amazon-qualified performs a full diagnostic test, replaces any defective parts, and thoroughly cleans the product. The products will have minimal to no signs of wear and is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if it does not work as expected.

#2 Most Reliable: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

As noted, Whynter makes more dual hose models than other brand – but they’re highly rated too.

This one was picked as the Most Reliable because it was released several years ago, has sold tens of thousands of units and has a proven track record of dependability.

Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports also give this Whynter portable air conditioner top reviews.

The Product page gives you options for choosing the type of filter you prefer and other choices.

BTUs: 14,000

Modes: 3 – AC, Fan-only and Dry/Dehumidify for cool, damp days.

Features: Convenience and performance features include –

• 24-hour programmable timer for saving energy and enjoying cooled space when you want it.
• Thermostatic control for accurate cooling.
• Evaporative cooling, so you’ll rarely if ever have to drain/empty it.
• Remote with all functions on it.
• Activated carbon filter for reducing odors.
• Hoses extendable to 60 inches.

Pros: This unit could be labeled “Best Features” too. It has them all plus proven reliability based on the experience of thousands of users.

Cons: As one of the very best portable ACs available, cost is higher than average.

Bottom Line: Consider this unit if you want a portable air conditioner thousands of users have reviewed as reliable and worth the money.

#3 Best Drain-free: Avallon APAC120S Portable Air Conditioner

Drain-free portable air conditioners evaporate the moisture out the exhaust hose, so you don’t have to drain a tank or risk the unit shutting down when a tank gets full. This Avallon portable AC uses technology called Invisimist that uses the hot AC coil for evaporating moisture.

BTUs: 12,000 BTUs, so a good choice for space up to about 350 square feet if the space is hot and humid or 400 square feet in more moderate conditions.

Modes: 4 – AC, Dry/Dehumidify and Fan-only, which is a nice mode for moving the air and creating white noise for sleeping and studying.

It also has Auto Mode. Choose Auto and the temperature you want, and the unit will select the right settings to make your room as cool and comfortable as you want it.

Features: This unit has the same basic features as others in the list – though not all are evaporating models.

• Self-evaporating technology eliminates draining.
• 24-hour Timer for excellent climate control and convenience.
• Digital display and controls on the panel.
• Remote.
• 3-speed Fan.
• Caster wheels for rolling from room to room.

Pros: No-drain performance is very convenient. It removes about 3.4 pints of moisture in humid conditions.

Cons: The product information suggests it will cool “up to 425 square feet depending on heat load.” Our recommendation is using this in 300-400 square feet of space.

Bottom Line: If you want to be able to run your portable air conditioner continuously without having to empty a tank or run a hose to a drain, this unit is ideal. And the price is competitive.

#4 Best with Heat: Whynter ARC-14SH 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC and Heater

This Whynter portable AC is a good choice for a room far from the central HVAC unit – one that doesn’t get enough cool in summer or heat in winter.

It is the same model as the Most Reliable unit above, but with heat too.

It’s also an evaporative AC, so most condensation will be exhausted out the hose unless the conditions are very humid. Then, you might need to empty the tank periodically.

BTUs: 14,000, suitable for rooms 350-450 square feet. If the room is very cold or very damp, then this unit will cool and dehumidify up to 400 square feet.

Modes: 3 – AC, Dry/Dehumidify and Fan-only.

Features: In addition to a heater, it includes –

• Evaporative cooling, so you’ll rarely if ever have to drain/empty it.
• Remote with all functions on it.
• 24-hour programmable timer for saving energy and enjoying cooled space when you want it.
• Thermostatic control for accurate heating and cooling.
• Activated carbon filter for reducing odors.
• Hoses extendable to 60 inches.

Pros: Heat! Plus it removes more moisture than others on the list – up to 4.2 pints per hour or 12 gallons per day if used continuously. It’s listed on Best Portable AC reviews from prestigious publications.

Cons: Some users that are unhappy with this unit say it doesn’t provide enough heat. That is because it is designed for supplemental heating – supporting a central furnace or heat pump or chilly days in a warm climate like south Florida and hot parts of Arizona.

Bottom Line: Consider this unit if you need both cooling and supplemental heating for the space.

#5 Best 12000 BTU: Whynter Elite ARC-122DS 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC

This unit made the list because it has an activated carbon filter that is ideal for controlling odors from cooking, pets, etc. It’s not an air purifier per se, but can help.

BTUs: 14,000, suitable for rooms 350-450 square feet. If the room is very cold or very damp, then this unit will cool and dehumidify up to 400 square feet.

Modes: 3 – AC, Dry/Dehumidify and Fan-only.

Features: In addition to a heater, it includes –

• Evaporative cooling, so you’ll rarely if ever have to drain/empty it.
• Remote with all functions on it.
• 24-hour programmable timer for saving energy and enjoying cooled space when you want it.
• Thermostatic control for accurate heating and cooling.
• Activated carbon filter for reducing odors.
• Hoses extendable to 60 inches.

Pros: Heat! Plus it removes more moisture than others on the list – up to 4.2 pints per hour or 12 gallons per day if used continuously. It’s listed on Best Portable AC reviews from prestigious publications.

Cons: Some users that are unhappy with this unit say it doesn’t provide enough heat. That is because it is designed for supplemental heating – supporting a central furnace or heat pump or chilly days in a warm climate like south Florida and hot parts of Arizona.

Bottom Line: Consider this unit if you need both cooling and supplemental heating for the space.

#6 Best Features: Honeywell 12,000 BTU Air Portable Conditioner with Dual Hose

If you’re shopping for convenience, then this Honeywell portable air conditioner gives it to you with a full-feature remote, digital controls on the unit and window kit that is easy to install. 

BTUs: 12,000 BTUs per ASHRAE/7,000 per DOE. It’s suitable for rooms up to about 325 square feet. The product page says up to 550 square feet, but frankly, that isn’t realistic. Trust Pick HVAC on that!

Modes: 3 – AC, Fan-only, Dehumidification for dryer, more comfortable air. 

Features: What puts this on our list as having the Best Features of all? The only thing it lacks, but most users aren’t looking for a space heater in their AC anyway:

• Full-function remote – control all features from the comfort of the couch.
• 24-hour timer is an energy saver.
• Attach a hose, and run it to a floor drain for continuous dehumidifier mode. 
• 66 pints of moisture are removed every day – That’s 8.25 gallons!
• Kit works in horizontal and vertical/sliding windows.
• 12,000 BTU ASHRAE / 6,500 BTU -New DOE Rating 
• Fast, efficient cooling.
• Continuous draining option requires a hose and floor drain.

Pros: Very easy to use. Does a good job removing humidity for drier air. Filters are useful and easy to clean. The window kit is versatile – working in almost any window. 

Cons: Like most portable air conditioners, this one won’t cool as much space as the manufacturer says using the old ASHRAE ratings. Instead, plan to use this unit in about 200-325 square feet. 

Bottom Line: If you enjoy an AC that gives you options for performance and climate control, you will enjoy using this model. 

#7 Most Award Winning: Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP 12,000 BTU Dual Hose AC and Heater

Consumer Reports loves this unit! So does the Good Housekeeping Institute and Wirecutter Magazine.

BTUs: 12,000/7,000 depending on the rating agency.

Modes: 4 AC, Heat, Dry, Fan

Here’s what everyone likes about this unit: 

• It cools quickly and efficiently in space up to about 350 square feet.
• A built-in heater gives you supplemental space heating when central heat isn’t doing the job or you’ve turned down the furnace or heat pump to conserve energy.
• At about 52 decibels, it is one of the quieter portable air conditioners available. 
• The AutoPump for condensate keeps it draining, so your air will be drier and more comfortable, even in humid weather. 
• The R-32 refrigerant is our favorite feature! R-32 doesn’t harm ozone and has the lowest global warming potential (GWP) of all commonly used refrigerants in portable and window air conditioners. 
• Whynter – The bottom line is that Whynter makes the most and best dual hose portable air conditioners. That’s why this brand dominates our list.

Pros: Environmentally friendly R-32 cooling that is fast and effective in removing heat and humidity. Good features including a full remote, activated carbon air filter for odor removal and a versatile window kit to cut the hassle. 

Bottom Line: This unit could easily be named Best of the Best. It does a great job – as recognized by leading industry experts. 

#8 Best 11,000 BTU: Whynter ARC-110WD Eco-Friendly 11000 11,000 BTU Dual Hose

When you have a small bedroom, office or den and don’t want to be comfortable, you don’t need a large portable air conditioner. This one is ideal for up to about 250 square feet. 

BTUs: 11,000/6,500

Modes: AC, Dry, Fan, Auto

Here are the features that make it the best portable AC in its size class. 

• Self-evaporating: In AC mode, it will exhaust most of the condensate it pulls from the air, so you won’t have to constantly empty the reservoir. 
• Four modes: AC, Auto, Dehumidify and Fan-only.
• Digital console controls plus a full-feature remote control for use anywhere in the room. 
• 4 fan speeds – most units have 2 or 3, so you get another level of control.
• 24-hour programmable timer for convenience and energy savings. 
• Auto-restart after an outage – if the power goes out and comes back on while you’re away, you’ll find this Whynter portable air conditioner humming away.
• Smooth-rolling casters.

Pros: Excellent features, and the 81 pints / 10 gallons of daily dehumidification is outstanding. Plenty of good features. Whynter is the leading brand in two-hose portable ACs. 

Cons: We know we’ve mentioned this issue before, but don’t expect this unit to server the “350 sq. ft.” Whynter says. It’s more like 225-250. Why do we keep saying this? Because you’re here because you trust Pick HVAC to give you accurate information you can use to make a buying decision you are happy with. 

Bottom line: If you have a small room and don’t want to be overly-cooled, then consider this 11K BTU unit. 

#9 Best Air Filtration: Whynter ARC-126MD 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC Unit

If clean air is a top priority for you, then this Whynter portable air conditioner should be considered. The SilverShield filter and carbon activated filter work to remove bacteria and odors, making the air you breathe fresher and safer.  

Did you know? This unit received Consumer Reports 2020 highest score. That’s saying something!

BTUs: 12,000 / 8,000

Modes: AC, Dry, Fan, Auto

The best features of this dual hose portable air conditioner are: 

• Manual and continuous drain for your convenience. If you have a floor drain, attach a hose, run it to the drain, and never have to empty the reservoir. 
• Self-evaporative: This means that in all but the most humid weather or in dehumidifier mode, most or all of the moisture removed from the air will be exhausted. 
• Restarts after a power outage. 
• 3 fan speeds and 2-way louvers help evenly disperse cooled, dried air. 
• Storage bag included.

Pros: Whynter makes outstanding portable air conditioners. They’re efficient and have all the features you’d expect. This unit uses advanced filters to improve indoor air quality. Just make sure you don’t try to cool more space than any portable air conditioner can handle – in this case, up to about 325 square feet. 

Cons: The hoses are about 46”, not as long as hoses on some models. This means you might not be able to place the unit quite as far away from the window as you would like. 

Bottom Line: If you or a household member needs fresher air due to breathing issues, this unit is the best in its class. 

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.

1. It faces west and gets direct sun in the afternoon/evening
2. It is on an upper floor
3. Three or more people are often in the room
4. It adjoins an enclosed, non-cooled space like a garage or attic
5. The ceiling is more than 9 feet high
6. 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.