Black & Decker 7,700 BTU (14,000 BTU ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

Why I brought the Black+Decker 14K portable AC into my space

I picked up the Black+Decker 14K portable AC to solve a familiar summer problem: one room in my home sits at the far end of the ductwork and stubbornly stays warmer than the rest. I wanted something I could roll in when needed, set to a specific temperature at night, and stash away when the weather turns. After several weeks using it in a 12-by-12 bedroom and briefly in a larger workshop, I have a clear read on where this unit excels and where it runs into limits.

Setup and installation

Out of the box, the unit is tidy and compact for a portable AC. The footprint is manageable (about 27 × 16.5 × 14 inches), and the casters plus side handles make it easy to position. Most of the required parts are included: exhaust hose, window panel, adapters, and even a drain hose for high-humidity situations.

Installation is straightforward if you have a standard vertical sliding window. The included panel expands to fit typical widths, locks in with a couple of screws, and the hose twists securely into place. If your windows are horizontal sliders or sit higher off the floor (as in some garages), expect to do a bit more tinkering—possibly adding a custom panel or sourcing a longer hose. Just keep in mind: extending the hose can hurt performance, so keep runs as short and straight as possible.

One tip from my install:
- Use weatherstripping or foam tape around the panel edges. It improves the seal and helps the unit work more efficiently.
- Avoid sharp bends in the hose; they restrict airflow and add heat back into the room.

Cooling performance: what the numbers really mean

This model is marketed as a 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) unit, with a more realistic 7,700 BTU cooling capacity for modern efficiency standards. That second number is what you should plan around. In practice, that means it’s a good match for smaller-to-midsize rooms—roughly up to 300 square feet—assuming the space is reasonably insulated, ceiling height is standard, and sun exposure isn’t extreme.

In my 12-by-12 bedroom, the Black+Decker 14K portable AC brought the temperature down quickly in the evening and kept it steady overnight. The unit cycles predictably, with the compressor kicking in and out to maintain the setpoint. Sleep mode softens the fan profile and turns down the display brightness; it’s useful if you’re sensitive to light and sound at night.

I also tried it in a much larger, semi-conditioned workshop as a spot cooler. It helped take the edge off in the immediate area, but this isn’t the right tool to drop a big, leaky space by 10 degrees—especially during peak afternoon heat. That’s not a knock on this unit; it’s a limitation of single-hose portables in general and the capacity class specifically.

A note on design: as a single-hose unit, it exhausts warm air outdoors and necessarily draws some indoor air to cool its condenser. That can pull a bit of warm, unconditioned air into the room through door gaps or other openings. In tight, well-sealed rooms this is barely noticeable. In drafty spaces, it’s a factor.

Noise and comfort

On high fan with the compressor running, the Black+Decker 14K portable AC is audible—typical for this category. I’d compare it to steady “white noise.” If you like a quiet room, you’ll appreciate sleep mode or running the fan on low once the room is at temperature. Airflow is delivered through a top discharge with directional louvers, which helps mix the air and avoid cold spots. There’s no motorized oscillation, but the four-way vent gives you enough control to aim the stream.

Controls and quality of life

The top-mounted control panel is simple and readable, and the remote mirrors all the key functions: temperature setpoint, mode selection (cool, dehumidify, fan), timer, and sleep. The 24-hour timer is particularly handy for pre-cooling a space before you head to bed or for shutting it down automatically in the morning.

The auto-evaporation feature means you won’t be constantly emptying a tank; in moderate conditions, mine never needed manual draining. In muggy weather, expect some condensate to accumulate—attach the included drain hose for continuous operation and forget about it.

Maintenance and portability

Maintenance is minimal. The slide-out filter is easy to remove and rinse. Check it monthly during heavy use; keeping it clean makes a noticeable difference in airflow and efficiency.

Mobility is one of this unit’s strong suits. It glides well on hard floors, and the side handles are placed where they should be. The chassis plastics are what I’d call utility-grade—appropriate for a portable appliance you’ll move a few times a season. The window panel feels light, so treat it gently during install and takedown and store it flat to prevent warping.

Dehumidifier and fan modes

The dehumidifier mode is worth using in shoulder seasons or in damp rooms. With the exhaust set up, it pulls moisture effectively and leaves the space feeling less clammy. If you run dehumidify without proper venting, the room can warm up, so keep the hose attached. Fan mode is basic but useful for air circulation when you don’t need cooling.

Efficiency expectations and room matching

Set realistic expectations and you’ll be satisfied:
- Target rooms up to about 250–300 square feet for full cooling, less if you have high ceilings, lots of sun, or poor insulation.
- Keep the hose short and the window panel sealed.
- Close doors to avoid conditioning adjacent areas.
- If you’re trying to tame a garage, understand this will give you localized relief rather than full-room air conditioning unless the space is well insulated and within the unit’s capacity.

If you need to cool larger, open, or very sunny spaces, look at higher SACC ratings or a dual-hose design. For typical bedrooms, home offices, or small dens, this model sits in a practical sweet spot.

Reliability, refrigerant, and warranty

The Black+Decker 14K portable AC uses R410a refrigerant and comes with a straightforward warranty: one year on parts and labor for manufacturing defects and five years for the compressor part. That’s standard coverage for the category and offers decent peace of mind. As with any portable AC, shipping and handling can be hard on the exterior panels; inspect it on arrival and during the first run.

What I liked

• Quick, reliable cooling for small rooms
• Simple, readable controls and a full-function remote
• Sleep mode and 24-hour timer for hands-off operation
• Auto-evaporation that minimizes manual draining
• Easy maintenance with the slide-out washable filter
• Compact footprint and smooth-rolling casters

What gave me pause

• Single-hose design is less efficient in leaky or large spaces
• Window kit and hose length limit non-standard installations
• Plastics on the window panel feel light; handle with care
• Noise is noticeable on high, though consistent with peers

Who it’s for

• Renters or homeowners needing targeted cooling for a bedroom, office, or small living room
• Anyone who wants seasonal cooling without a permanent install
• Users who value simple controls, remote operation, and set-it-and-forget-it timers

Recommendation

I recommend the Black+Decker 14K portable AC for small to midsize, reasonably sealed rooms where you want dependable, on-demand cooling without a permanent setup. It’s easy to install, simple to live with, and effective within its capacity. If you’re trying to cool a large, open, or poorly insulated area—or you have non-standard windows that require long hose runs—this isn’t the optimal choice. Match it to the right room, keep the install tidy, and it delivers exactly what a portable AC should: focused comfort when and where you need it.