Are you looking for the best dual hose portable air conditioner for your home, apartment, or office?
If so, this guide can help.
Below you’ll find the best dual hose portable AC units available on the market that meets a variety of needs and room sizes.
As you’ll see in our reviews, there’s a portable air conditioner with dual hose for every person and budget. We also recommend dual hose AC units with heat if you want something to use all year long.
Our goal here is to give you our expert opinion on the top units you can buy and answer the most common questions about dual hose ACs, so you end up with a high-quality AC unit that serves you well.
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Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners Reviewed in this Guide
Here’s a quick comparison chart showing the top dual hose portable air conditioners.
We’ll cover each aspect of these units in the reviews section below, but this gives you an idea of what’s available and an easy way to compare them.
| Image | Air Conditioner Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Whynter ARC-110WD Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Whynter ARC-122DS Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Whynter ARC-12SDH Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Whynter ARC-14SH Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Whynter ARC-143MX Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Reviews (Top 6 List)
1. Whynter ARC-110WD Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
If you want the best dual hose portable air conditioner with good cooling coverage at an affordable price, then this Whynter ARC-110WD unit is a top choice.
This dual hose portable AC unit has a cooling capacity of 11,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 6,390 BTU (SACC), which is powerful enough to bring cool air to a room measuring up to 350 square feet.
It also features CFC-free refrigerant and lead-free RoHS compliant components, which make it one of the most environmentally-friendly dual hose portable air conditioners available.
There are four operational modes to choose from so you can get the exact cooling comfort you need: air conditioning, fan only with 4 speeds, dehumidifier, and automatic mode.
It has an adjustable thermostat with a range of 61-89º F, giving you more control to find that perfect temperature. Meanwhile, the dehumidifier function is powerful enough to remove up to 81 pints per day.
Switching through modes is as easy as pressing the buttons located on top of the unit. Or, if you’re after even more convenience, you can use the included remote control. Both methods can also be used to set the 24-hour programmable timer.
The Whynter ARC-110WD has a self-evaporative system that exhausts condensation under average ambient conditions. That means you won’t have to empty a water collection bucket or connect a drain hose.
For extremely humid conditions, a direct drain option is available for continuous operation without excess condensation accumulating. But most people don’t need to use it.
A carbon air filter is included in addition to the standard pre-filter. The carbon air filter helps to trap any airborne dust particles, allergens, and odor molecules for better air quality.
The built-in wheels allow you to move this portable air conditioner with dual hose between rooms, and it comes with an upgraded window kit with a 47-inch extendable exhaust and intake hoses that make installation quick and simple.
The auto-restart function means that this dual hose portable air conditioner will begin running again following a power outage. It also features an LCDI (Leakage-Current Detection and Interruption) plug. This automatically detects if the power cord is internally damaged or frayed, resulting in a reduced risk of fire for your safety.
As for noise, it outputs around 55 dBA, which is quite standard for these types of cooling units.
2. Whynter ARC-122DS Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
If you’re tempted by our first choice, but you need a dual hose portable air conditioner that can cover a slightly larger space, then Whynter ARC-122DS may be exactly what you need.
Operating with a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 7,000 BTU (SACC), it can quickly and efficiently cool a room measuring up to 400 square feet.
Unlike the Whynter ARC-110WD reviewed above, the ARC-122DS only has three operational modes, but each of them delivers a great performance.
You can choose between air conditioner mode, a dehumidifier with a 76-pint per day capacity, or fan only with 3 speeds.
You have full thermostatic control between 61-89º F, and your desired temperature can be easily viewed on the digital display.
The buttons surrounding the display screen allow you to switch between modes, as well as set the 24-hour programmable timer.
This portable dual hose air conditioner features an eco-friendly, CFC-free refrigerant, so it’s a good choice for anybody looking to cool their home while keeping their carbon footprint in check.
It has an activated carbon filter for trapping airborne allergens, and a washable pre-filter for easy maintenance.
And just like our #1 review, this unit has the same patented auto-drain function that exhausts condensation automatically through the hose, saving you the effort of having to remember to do it manually.
The noise level is a bit lower though, at 52 dBA.
The installation set comes complete with extendable exhaust and intake hoses up to 60”. It also comes with a window kit, and the built-in wheels make it easy to maneuver from room to room as needed.
3. Whynter ARC-12SDH Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Another fantastic unit from Whynter is the ARC-12SDH.
What makes this air conditioner a good choice is that it comes with a heating option as well. And for many people, this will be the best dual hose portable AC with heat for year-round use.
Its 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 7,900 BTU (SACC) power can cool or heat a room measuring up to 400 square feet.
With this portable air conditioner with dual hose you also have full thermostatic control over both cooling and heating options. The cooling temperature range is 61-89º F, while the heating temperature range is 61-77º F.
There are two other modes as well: dehumidification and fan only. The dehumidifier mode has a 96-pint per day capacity and the fan works like any other dual hose air conditioner on the market.
Everything else about this unit is similar to our #2 dual hose air conditioner review, including the extendable exhaust and intake hoses up to 60”.
4. Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
As you’ve probably already guessed, Whynter is clearly the top brand of choice for dual hose air conditioners.
And if you need to cover an even larger area than our #1 to #3 reviews, then the ARC-14S is an excellent choice. It has a 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,500 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity that can cool up to 500 square feet of space.
It’s also an environmentally-friendly choice and features CFC-free GREEN R32 refrigerant.
You have the option of three operational modes with the ARC-14S: air conditioner, 3-speed fan, and dehumidifier with a 71-pint per day capacity.
Full temperature control is right at your fingertips too, and you can select between 61-89º F.
The digital display gives you a clear view of your selected mode and temperature, and the surrounding buttons make it quick and easy to switch between them. It also comes with a remote control.
Maintenance is easy thanks to the auto-drain condensate function and washable pre-filter. This portable dual hose air conditioner also features an activated carbon filter, so it’s a great choice for anyone who wants fewer dust particles and allergens in the air.
It’s super simple to install too and comes with everything you need to get it up and running This includes exhaust and intake hoses that can be extended up to 60” and the window installation kit.
As if all of that wasn’t enough to impress, the Whynter ARC-14S was also awarded Good Housekeeping’s “2020 Best Overall”. It also received the Consumer Report’s Highest Score for 2020, so you know it’s a top unit that can deliver for years to come.
The only downside is that it’s at the top of the noise level for dual hose portable ACs at 56 dBA.
5. Whynter ARC-14SH Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
If you like the sound of the Whynter ARC-14S reviewed previously, but you’d also like to be able to use your dual hose portable air conditioner to heat your home during the colder months, then the Whynter ARC-14SH is exactly what you’re looking for.
Its cooling and heating capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,000 BTU (SACC) can cover up to 500 square feet of space. It also has a 3-speed fan function and a dehumidifying function with a 71-pint per day capacity.
This variety of features makes it an excellent choice for year-round use.
You have full thermostatic control between 61-89º F, and your chosen mode and temperature can be easily viewed on the digital display. It also has a 24-hour programmable timer.
Sound level is about 56 dBA.
Like all Whynter air conditioners, maintenance is easy and the patented auto-drain function will automatically exhaust condensation for you. The pre-filter can also be removed and washed as well and it has the same powerful activated carbon filter as the other Whynter dual hose AC units reviewed on this page.
Installation is easy too, and 60” extendable exhaust and intake hoses are included, along with a window kit.
6. Whynter ARC-143MX Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
The ARC-143MX is the last of Whytner’s offerings on our list of the best dual hose portable air conditioners and is good for large rooms.
One thing that sets it apart from the rest of the units we recommend here is its 3M antimicrobial air filter. This filter doesn’t only capture dust particles in the air but prevents mold and mildew from growing on the filter, making it an ideal choice for anybody that suffers from airborne allergies.
The pre-filter can also be removed and washed for easy maintenance.
It has a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,500 BTU (SACC), which can cover a space of up to 500 square feet.
The CFC-free GREEN R-410A refrigerant and lead-free RoHS compliant components are also environmentally friendly and add to its appeal for anybody looking to get cool, super-clean air.
There are three operational modes to choose from on this portable air conditioner with dual hose; air conditioning, fan, and dehumidifier. The dehumidifier function has a 91-pint per day capacity, so there’s no need to worry about emptying it regularly thanks to the automatic condensate function.
You have full control over the desired temperature between 61-89º F. It has a 24-hour programmable timer, and a remote control for super-convenient operation.
Noise hovers around 56 dBA and the hose extends to 60” in length.
Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide
What is a Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner?
A dual hose portable air conditioner is a cooling unit that has two hoses on the back of the appliance. One of the exhaust hoses functions as an air supply (or intake hose), and the other is an exhaust hose.
The air brought into the room from the intake hose is cooled within the AC unit before being pumped back out into the room. Meanwhile, the second exhaust hose vents the air that is used to cool the internal compressor and condenser coils of the unit, and pumps it outdoors.
Unlike most standard air conditioning units, dual hose portable air conditioners are easy to set up and don’t require any permanent installation. You simply raise a window about six inches, slide the window kit into place, connect the dual hoses from the back of the unit, and turn it on.
Dual Hose vs Single Hose Portable AC Unit
The key difference between a dual hose and a single hose portable AC unit is that a dual hose air conditioner uses two hoses for the cooling process while a single hose system only uses one hose.
In a single hose portable air conditioner, hot room air is drawn into the system, flows across the internal coils, is cooled, and then pumped back into the room. Some of this air is also used to cool down the internal components of the AC unit. And once this is done, the air is then exhausted outdoors through the single exhaust hose.
In a dual hose portable air conditioner, the first hose (i.e. intake hose) draws outdoor air into the AC unit to cool down the internal components. The second hose (i.e. exhaust hose) takes the air that has been used to cool the AC unit down and sends it back outside.
The design of a dual hose portable air conditioner means that the unit is much more efficient at cooling down a large room in a faster amount of time. These units don’t have to work as hard as single hose portable air conditioners as there isn’t just one hose sharing the in-and-out workload.
Features to Look for in a Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
To get the best dual hose portable air conditioner for your home, there are some important things you need to consider.
Below, we’ll take a look at some key points to bear in mind when you start shopping.
Paying extra attention to these types of functions will help steer you in the right direction and, ultimately, save you time and money on your purchase.
Now you don’t have to get every one of these features to have a good dual hose AC unit. As long as it can cool efficiently, then you’re set. So just pick the elements that would make your life and user experience more comfortable.
Dehumidifier Mode
A dehumidifier mode is a good feature to have because the temperature isn’t always to blame when you’re feeling hot in your home. Sometimes it’s the level of humidity in the air that’s making it feel so warm.
A dual hose AC unit with a dehumidifier mode will remove the moisture from the air and leave the room feeling cooler and the air less sticky.
You can also run this mode without having to run the air conditioning compressor. This can often make a room feel cooler while saving on energy.
Some portable dual hose ACs have larger dehumidifier capacities and can pull up to 100 pints of water out of the air each day.
If the portable air conditioner has a dehumidifier, then it will also have a self-evaporative function, a water collection tank, and/or a drain spout.
The self-evaporation function is the best type because it exhausts the collected moisture out the exhaust hose outdoors. With a water collection tank, you’ll have to empty it as it gets filled. And the drain spout eliminates that hassle by letting you connect a hose to the unit to let the water slowly trickle out and into a floor drain.
Heat Mode
As with anything you spend your hard-earned money on, it’s nice to be able to get as much use out of a dual hose portable air conditioner as possible.
Some products have a heat mode in addition to cooling that allow you to warm up a room during the winter months. And, when the summer months come round again, you can use the same unit to cool your room down.
So if you want a year-round appliance for both heating and cooling, then make sure to buy a dual hose portable air conditioner that can also heat a room.
Sleep Mode
A dual hose portable AC unit with a sleep mode is a great thing to consider if you’re going to use the appliance in your bedroom.
This mode will automatically adjust the settings of the air conditioner so that it operates at a quieter noise level so that it won’t disturb you while you’re sleeping.
Smart Wi-Fi Control
Not all dual hose portable air conditioners have smart Wi-Fi controls, but if you like the idea of being able to power it on when you’re on your way home using your smartphone or set schedules for the AC unit to run, it’s a great feature to look out for.
Some dual hose AC units can be paired with a smart assistant, such as Alexa or Google Home. This gives you the power to switch through the various settings by only using your voice.
Remote
A remote control is often a must-have device for adjusting the temperature settings and selecting different modes from a distance.
Timer
A timer allows you to program the air conditioner to switch itself off after a certain period of time. This will usually be across a 24-hour period, and it’s particularly useful if you’re trying to conserve energy as you won’t have to worry about remembering to manually turn the unit off.
A timer is also a useful sleep feature, as you’ll be able to fall asleep with the air conditioner on but rest assured that it will turn itself off after a set number of hours.
Noise Level (dBA)
It’s also worth giving some thought to the noise level that your dual hose air conditioner operates with.
Traditionally, air conditioners are thought to be extremely noisy. But, thanks to advances in technology, some ACs now run at the same noise level as a normal conversation.
The noise level of dual hose portable AC units range between 50-56 dBA.
Getting the Right Dual Hose Portable AC Size
One of the most important things you need to consider when looking for a dual hose portable air conditioner is its size.
This doesn’t necessarily mean its physical size, although it’s always worth looking at how much space it will take up. By size, we mean the number of BTUs it has.
The easiest way to work out what size portable air conditioner you need is to measure the square footage of the room you want to use it in. This can be figured out by multiplying the length by width, such as 15’ x 20’ = 300 square feet.
Once you’ve got that number, you can match it against the number of BTUs that are appropriate for your space.
To make things easy for you, we’ve put together this chart that tells you how many BTUs you’ll need for a specific amount of space (i.e. square footage).
| Room Area To Be Cooled | BTU Capacity Needed |
| up to 250 sq. ft. | 6,000 BTU |
| up to 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 BTU |
| 350 to 400 sq. ft. | 9,000 BTU |
| 400 to 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 BTU |
| 450 to 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 BTU |
| 550 to 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 BTU |
It is worth noting that this chart is just a general guide. Some dual hose portable AC units may cool more or less than the room size listed above based on the quality of their components.
With this in mind, make sure you check the technical specifications to get the exact measurement.
BTU Ratings: ASHRAE vs DOE Ratings
You may notice that all of the dual hose portable air conditioners we’ve reviewed above have BTUs listed in both ASHRAE and DOE SACC ratings.
But what does this mean?
Below, we’ll try to explain this as simply as possible.
In 2016, the DOE (Department of Energy) passed a rule that ensured manufacturers of portable stand-up air conditioners built models that would use 20% less energy than the least efficient models that were currently available.
While this new rule is yet to come into full effect, many air conditioner manufacturers have already adopted the regulation and are creating AC units that are much more energy efficient.
So how do ASHRAE and DOE SACC ratings apply to this?
ASHRAE BTUs reflect older testing standards. This comes from a time when portable ACs were tested to the same degree as window AC units.
The ASHRAE BTU rating simply refers to the amount of energy required to remove the heat from a space, rather than the actual efficiency of the unit as felt by the person using it.
DOE BTU ratings are the new standard for testing portable and stand-up air conditioners. This stems from the fact that so many inefficiencies were found in portable air conditioners using the old ASHRAE BTU measurement.
A DOE rating will be abbreviated as SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity), and it’s simply more accurate than the ASHRAE rating when looking at the efficiency of the air conditioner in terms of what the user experiences.
The SACC is usually about 50-60% lower than the ASHRAE rating.
Here are some examples of the comparisons between ASHRAE and SACC ratings for portable air conditioners:
- 14,000 ASHRAE = 7,500 SACC
- 12,000 ASHRAE = 6,500 SACC
- 10,000 ASHRAE = 6,000 SACC
- 8,000 ASHRAE = 4,500 SACC
- 6,000 ASHRAE = 3,000 SACC
So when you’re looking for a dual-hose portable air conditioner, it’s extremely important that you pay attention to the DOE BTU rating. This will give you a better representation of how user-experience efficient the air conditioner will be in a certain room size.
Common Questions About Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners
Is a dual hose portable air conditioner better?
When you compare a dual hose portable air conditioner to a single hose air conditioner, there is an undeniable difference in performance. The most important of these is that they are able to cool a room down in a faster amount of time without having to use as much energy.
Do you have to use the hose on a portable air conditioner?
You do have to use the hose on a portable air conditioner. There is no way to run a portable air conditioner without an exhaust hose as the hot air will simply be vented back into the room.
Can you use a dryer hose for a portable AC?
You can use a dryer hose for a portable AC unit if it will fit. A dryer hose is typically 4” in diameter while portable AC hoses are 5” in diameter. If your portable AC unit has a 4” hose, then the dryer hose will fit easily on the back of the unit. If not, you’ll need to modify the connection point to the dual hose portable air conditioner.
Keep in mind that you should only use a dryer hose as a temporary solution for a broken dual exhaust hose. Each manufacturer will use a specific type of hose for their product that meets the demands of the technology.
By using a smaller size hose or unapproved hose, like a dryer hose, the unit can void its warranty and/or become unsafe to operate due to heat buildup.
Can you extend the hose of a portable air conditioner?
You cannot extend the hose of a portable air conditioner. The exhaust hose that came with your portable air conditioner has been specifically designed for use with that particular unit. Extending the hose can cause the unit to operate inefficiently and will reduce the cooling effectiveness of your portable air conditioner.
What happens if you don’t vent a portable air conditioner?
If you don’t vent your portable air conditioner, then it will not cool your room. The portable AC unit will blow the heat right back into your room. Essentially, not venting a portable AC unit turns it into a dehumidifier.
Can a portable AC cool multiple rooms?
A portable AC can cool multiple rooms if those rooms are connected. Also, the portable AC unit has to be powerful enough to cover the total square footage of multiple rooms. However, this will not be as effective and efficient compared to separate AC units for individual rooms.
How many years does a portable air conditioner last?
A portable air conditioner lasts about 10 years. If you maintain the portable AC unit well, you can usually get another 5 years or so of service life. You can double the lifetime of the portable AC by using it less often or by reducing the cooling load.
How to Install a Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
As with all air conditioning systems, a dual hose portable air conditioner needs to be installed properly if you want to make sure it runs efficiently.
Below, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to properly install a dual hose portable air conditioner that’s based on general manufacturer instructions.
- Find the best location: Your dual hose portable air conditioner needs to be placed near a window and near an electrical outlet. Once you’ve found a spot with both of these things within reach of the unit, make sure that the air conditioner doesn’t present as a trip hazard. You also need to make sure the airflow isn’t going to be obstructed by any furniture.
- Put the window kit into the window: Open the window sash about 6 inches and place the included window kit into the space. Then slide the moveable portion of the window kit until it spans the length of the window frame. Finally, close the window sash until it rests on top of the window kit to prevent it from falling out of the window.
- Connect the exhaust hoses: Connect each exhaust hose to the back of the unit. Most units require you to turn the hose in a clockwise position until so it can screw into the back panel.
- Attach the exhaust hoses to the window kit: The window kit should come with an adapter piece that connects between the exhaust hose and the window kit. One side of this adapter usually twists onto the hose in the same manner as you installed the hose to the back of the portable AC unit. The other side snaps into the opening of the window kit.
- Plug in the air conditioner: Connect the dual hose portable air conditioner’s plug to the electrical outlet. Switch the unit on, select your preferred mode and temperature, and enjoy the cool air.
Enjoy Your New Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to find the best dual hose portable air conditioner for your needs.
As you found out, a portable air conditioner with dual hose comes with various features and can cool several different room sizes.
Additionally, the best dual hose portable AC units can also work in a variety of ways: you can use it for air conditioning only, dehumidification, and if the air conditioner has a heat setting it can heat a room as well.
Hopefully our reviews on dual hose portable air conditioners and information on how these AC units work has helped choose the right product for your home, apartment, or office.
