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The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat is a versatile unit designed for rooms up to 700 sq. ft., making it suitable for larger garage spaces. With 14,000 BTU for cooling and 12,000 BTU for heating, it provides substantial temperature control in both summer and winter. The unit also functions as a dehumidifier and fan, adding to its versatility. One of its standout features is the smart control functionality, allowing you to control the unit via Wi-Fi, mobile app, or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Follow Me remote is another convenient feature, letting the remote act as a thermostat for more precise temperature control.
It comes with an easy-to-install window kit for ventilation, essential for effective operation in a garage setting. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 6.2 indicates it may not be the most energy-efficient option available. Additionally, with a noise level of 54 dB, it might be a bit noisy for some users, especially in a workspace. It is not Energy Star rated, which could be a consideration for those looking for highly energy-efficient appliances.
Portability is a strong suit of this model, as it is designed to be easily moved around despite its 60.1-pound weight. However, its dimensions (17.1 x 28.1 x 13.8 inches) mean it will need a fair amount of space. This BLACK+DECKER unit is a solid choice for those needing a multi-function air conditioner and heater with smart features, though it does have some drawbacks in energy efficiency and noise level.
The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers strong cooling power with a 14,000 BTU rating (ASHRAE standard) suitable for spaces up to 700 sq. ft., making it a solid choice for larger garages or workshop areas that need effective temperature control. Its 10,000 BTU DOE rating reflects practical cooling output. The unit is energy-efficient with a SEER of 6.2, which helps keep electricity costs reasonable during extended use. It runs at a moderate noise level of 54 dB, which is on the quieter side for portable ACs, so it won’t be too disruptive if you’re working in the garage.
Portability is decent given its size (around 27 inches tall) and weight (62.4 pounds), and it comes with a full installation kit including window adapters and exhaust hose, though you will need a suitable window for venting hot air outside. A handy feature is its three-in-one functionality, as it doubles as a fan and dehumidifier, which is useful in garages that can get humid or stuffy. Controls are user-friendly with a top panel, a full remote that includes a 'Follow Me' thermostat feature, and smart connectivity through an app and voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, adding convenience if you want to adjust settings remotely.
On the downside, while portable, it’s not the lightest or most compact unit, which might be a consideration if you frequently move it. Also, the cooling performance depends on proper ventilation setup, so garages without suitable windows or exhaust points might find installation challenging. The one-year warranty is fairly standard but not extensive. This BLACK+DECKER model is well-suited for garage owners looking for a powerful, versatile, and smart portable AC with decent energy efficiency and noise control, provided they have proper ventilation and don’t need ultra-light portability.
The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner offers an 8000 BTU cooling capacity (ASHRAE standard) which is suitable for small to medium spaces like a garage up to around 150 square feet. Its cooling power provides effective relief in typical garage setups. The unit also features a good energy efficiency ratio (SEER 6.1), meaning it won’t consume excessive electricity during operation. Noise is kept relatively low at 45 dB thanks to Dreo's patented noise isolation system, making it quieter than many portable ACs, a plus if you want to avoid loud distractions while working in the garage.
Portability is handled well with smooth caster wheels and a compact size (about 15 x 14 x 25 inches), so moving it around your garage or other rooms is easy. The included window mount kit and exhaust hose fit various window sizes, which is important for proper ventilation since portable ACs need to vent hot air outside. One standout feature is the drainage-free cooling system that automatically evaporates excess moisture, saving you the hassle of emptying a water tank—this is particularly useful in humid environments.
The unit offers multiple modes—cooling, fan, and dry (dehumidification)—adding versatility depending on your needs. Controls are smart and user-friendly, with options to adjust settings using a remote, a mobile app, or even voice commands through Alexa, Google Home, or Siri. This smart climate control can monitor temperature and humidity, helping you maintain a comfortable garage environment. While 8000 BTU is adequate for smaller garages, larger or poorly insulated garages may require a higher capacity unit. Also, despite its quiet operation, 45 dB can still be noticeable in very quiet settings. The weight (55 pounds) is manageable but means it’s not lightweight, so frequent moving might be a bit cumbersome. Installation requires a window for venting hot air, which might limit placement options in some garages. This makes the Dreo Portable AC a strong choice for garage owners seeking efficient, quiet, and smart cooling with easy maintenance and good portability, especially if the garage is smaller and has a suitable window for exhaust.