Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner with FOLLOW ME Remote Control

What I used it for

I set up the Black & Decker portable AC in a small, west-facing bedroom that tends to hold heat into the evening. The goal wasn’t to replace central air, but to spot-cool the room quickly at bedtime and keep humidity under control during muggy afternoons. Over several weeks, I ran it in Cool, Fan, and Dehumidify modes, cycled through Max, Auto, and Sleep settings, and leaned on the “Follow Me” remote to maintain a comfortable temperature right where I was sitting.

Setup and installation

Installation is straightforward if you have a double-hung or sliding window. The included window kit expands to fit the opening, the hose twists into its adapters with a firm quarter-turn, and the entire process took me under 20 minutes from unboxing to first cold air. The kit doesn’t block the entire window; you still get daylight above or alongside the panel depending on your window style, which I appreciate.

A few tips that made a noticeable difference:
- Keep the exhaust hose as short and straight as possible. The provided hose is about five feet; I used roughly three feet to reduce backpressure.
- Seal any gaps around the window panel with foam or weatherstripping. Even a small leak adds heat load and undermines performance.
- Position the unit so it can draw air freely; avoid tucking it into a tight corner where it recirculates its own exhaust-warmed air.

If you have crank-out casement windows, this isn’t the right product; the kit is not compatible with that style.

Cooling performance and coverage

The unit’s ratings are 12,500 BTU (ASHRAE) and 8,000 BTU (SACC/CEC). The SACC number is the more realistic, modern test method, and it lines up with what I felt in practice. In a well-sealed bedroom around 120–150 square feet, it drops the temperature quickly—going from 78°F to 72°F in roughly half an hour on Max Cool with air swing enabled. In a larger, open-plan space flirting with 300+ square feet, it still helps, but plan on longer pull-down times and consider it supplemental cooling rather than whole-room climate control.

A few variables matter more than the spec sheet:
- Afternoon sun and poor insulation dramatically slow cooling. Draw the shades.
- Long, kinked exhaust hoses and leaky window panels sap capacity.
- Internal doors left open let conditioned air escape, and the unit will chase its tail.

Used thoughtfully, it matches its “small room” billing. I found Auto mode sensible once the room was at setpoint; it modulates fan speed and reduces wasted cooling.

Noise and sleep experience

Black & Decker lists 53 dB, which feels plausible at low fan speed from several feet away. Like most portable ACs, you’re hearing two sounds: the compressor’s low rumble and the fan’s airflow. On Max, it’s certainly audible; on Sleep, the fan steps down and the panel lights dim, though the compressor cycling is still present. I’m comfortable sleeping with it on—more “air-whoosh white noise” than metallic rattle—but very light sleepers may prefer to precool and switch to Fan or a higher setpoint overnight. Vibration was minimal on a solid floor; a thin mat under the unit helped decouple it on hardwood.

Controls and the “Follow Me” remote

The top-mounted LED display is bright and readable, and the control layout is intuitive. I appreciated:
- One-touch modes (Cool, Fan, Dehumidify) and clear fan-speed buttons
- Sleep and Max shortcuts that actually do what they say
- A 24-hour timer that supports both delayed start and stop

The standout feature is the Follow Me function. When enabled, the remote’s built-in sensor reports the temperature where you are, not just at the unit’s intake. It works best if you keep the remote on a side table near you, with a clear line of communication to the unit. In practice, I found it reduced the “I’m comfortable at the desk but freezing by the unit” problem that plagues portables. Expect it to update periodically rather than continuously; there’s a small lag, which is fine for steady-state comfort.

Dehumidifying and self-evaporation

In Dehumidify mode, this model does a good job of drying out sticky rooms. The self-evaporating design means the condensate is largely exhausted with the hot air, so I never had to empty a bucket during my testing. If you live in an extremely humid climate, occasionally check the unit’s status indicators and the included documentation about drainage; there’s a small internal capacity listed, but under normal summer conditions I didn’t hit it.

Even in Cool mode, the dehumidification effect is noticeable. Lower humidity lets you run a slightly higher temperature setpoint while staying comfortable.

Portability and build quality

On hard floors, the casters roll smoothly and the side handles are placed well for pivoting around furniture. The size is typical for an 8,000 SACC unit; plan on a footprint roughly 16.5 by 14.1 inches and just over 27 inches tall. While it’s “portable,” I wouldn’t call it a frequent-stairs device; rolling room-to-room on the same level is where it shines.

Build quality is what I expect in this class: sturdy enough, with plastics that don’t flex much under normal handling. The exhaust hose is average—keep it short, support it if needed, and avoid sharp bends. The window panel is functional but not luxurious; if you’ll install and remove it daily, consider reinforcing your seals for longevity.

Airflow and comfort features

Air swing (oscillation) helps prevent cold spots, and in a small room it evens out the temperature well. The adjustable louvers let you bias airflow toward a desk or bed. Fan-only mode is useful when the evening cools down but you still want some circulation.

Sleep mode is thoughtfully tuned. It knocks down fan speed and temperature stepwise to avoid overcooling at night, while dimming the display so you’re not lighting up the room.

Maintenance

The washable air filter slides out without tools, and a quick rinse keeps airflow strong. I set a monthly calendar reminder for cleaning; it makes a difference in both performance and noise. Give the intake and exhaust grilles a dusting while you’re at it.

As with any portable AC, check the hose connections every few weeks and retighten; thermal expansion and handling can loosen threads slightly over time. Also inspect your window seal—seasonal movement in the sash can create gaps.

Limitations and quirks

• Window compatibility: It’s strictly for double-hung or sliding windows. Casement owners should look elsewhere.
• Realistic coverage: Take the “up to 350 sq. ft.” as best case. For quick, quiet pull-down, treat it as a small-room solution.
• Noise character: Airflow is the dominant sound. If you’re sensitive to compressor cycling, plan your Sleep mode strategy accordingly.
• Support and logistics: Black & Decker-branded portable ACs are commonly supported through partner service networks. In my experience, getting a human took longer than I’d like for a simple question. Not a deal-breaker, but patience may be required if you need assistance.

Who it’s for

• Renters and homeowners who can’t or don’t want to install a window AC
• Small bedrooms, home offices, and dens that run warmer than the rest of the home
• Users who value localized comfort—the Follow Me remote is genuinely useful
• Anyone seeking dehumidification without babysitting a condensate bucket

If you’re trying to tame a large, open living area or a sunroom with lots of glass, step up to a higher SACC rating or use this as supplemental cooling alongside central air.

Final recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker portable AC for small rooms and targeted cooling, provided you can use the included window kit and keep the exhaust run short. It installs quickly, cools credibly for its 8,000 SACC rating, and the Follow Me remote makes day-to-day comfort easier than units that only read temperature at the chassis. Noise is present but manageable—more “fan whoosh” than grind—and Sleep mode is thoughtfully implemented. The self-evaporating design and washable filter keep maintenance simple.

Go in with realistic expectations about coverage and plan a careful installation. If you need whisper-quiet operation or have casement windows, this isn’t your match. For bedrooms and home offices, though, it’s a practical, well-rounded portable that does what it says when used within its sweet spot.