Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner

Finding an effective and portable cooling solution can be a challenge, especially when traditional window units aren't an option due to HOA restrictions or awkward window configurations. This summer, I decided to test the Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner (model BPACT10WT) to see if it could provide the cooling relief I needed in a versatile and mobile form. After several weeks of use, I feel well-equipped to share my experience with this unit.

Design and Build Quality

The Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner is a compact unit that resembles a medium-sized suitcase, complete with rolling castors and side carrying handles for easy mobility. The design is modern and sleek, making it a relatively unobtrusive addition to any room. While the overall build quality is decent, I did notice that some of the plastic components, particularly the vent tube connectors, felt a bit flimsy. I had to be extra careful during setup to avoid any potential breakage.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the unit was relatively straightforward, although the installation process for the window vent did present some challenges. The instructions could be clearer, and I found myself relying more on intuition than the provided manual. The vent tube attachment was particularly tricky and required some patience to secure properly. Once the vent was in place, the unit was ready to go. The inclusion of an installation kit with hose inlet/outlet adapters, a window casement, and a water drain hose was helpful and ensured I had everything I needed.

Performance

When it comes to cooling performance, this portable air conditioner does not disappoint. With a cooling capacity of 5,500 BTU (10,000 BTU ASHRAE), it quickly brought down the temperature in my room from a sweltering 86 degrees to a comfortable 78 degrees within 15 minutes. It's worth noting that the unit is rated to cool rooms up to 300 square feet, and it did an admirable job in my bedroom, which is approximately 150 square feet.

The unit also features a dehumidifier and fan mode, both of which worked well. The dehumidifier function was particularly useful during humid days, effectively reducing the moisture in the air. The fan mode provided a gentle breeze, which was a nice alternative when full cooling wasn't necessary.

Noise Level

One of the most common concerns with portable air conditioners is noise, and this unit is no exception. While it's not whisper-quiet, I found the noise level to be tolerable, especially considering the cooling performance. The unit emits a consistent hum when in cooling mode, which some may find similar to white noise. However, there were moments when it became quite loud, particularly during the initial cooling phase. This could be a deal-breaker for light sleepers or those who prefer a quieter environment.

Usability and Features

The Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner comes with electronic controls and a full-function remote, making it easy to adjust settings from across the room. The 24-hour timer and sleep mode are particularly useful for energy conservation and maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment. However, I did find it odd that some functions, like the timer, are only accessible via the remote and not from the main control panel.

One feature that stands out is the auto water evaporation system, which minimizes the need for manual draining. In my experience, this worked well, although in more humid climates, you may still need to use the included water drain hose.

Portability

True to its name, this air conditioner is designed for portability. The rolling castors and side handles make it easy to move from room to room. However, the unit is relatively heavy at 12.1 pounds, so carrying it up and down stairs can be a bit of a workout. Despite this, the ability to easily relocate the unit is a significant advantage over traditional window units.

Energy Efficiency

While I didn't conduct a detailed analysis of energy consumption, the unit did not seem to cause a noticeable spike in my electricity bill. The 24-hour timer and sleep mode likely contribute to its energy efficiency, allowing the unit to run only when necessary.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Effective cooling performance
- Easy to set up with included installation kit
- Portable with rolling castors and side handles
- Multiple functions: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan
- Full-function remote and electronic controls
- Auto water evaporation system

Cons:
- Noisy, especially during initial cooling phase
- Some flimsy plastic components
- Setup instructions could be clearer
- Certain functions only accessible via remote
- Bright display panel may disturb light sleepers

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Black & Decker Portable Air Conditioner (model BPACT10WT) is a solid choice for those in need of a versatile and effective cooling solution. While it has its drawbacks, such as noise and some flimsy components, its cooling performance, ease of use, and portability make it a worthwhile investment. If you can tolerate a bit of noise and are looking for a unit that can be easily moved from room to room, this portable air conditioner is a strong contender.

Would I recommend this unit? Yes, particularly for those who need a flexible cooling solution and are willing to compromise a bit on noise. Its performance and features outweigh the minor inconveniences, making it a reliable option for beating the summer heat.