NewAir ACH-1300E Portable AC -- Powerful and Easy to Maintain! Jeanie Wong Rising temperatures during the summer make air conditioners indispensible appliances. ACs come in various sizes, cooling capacities, and prices. Window air conditioners tend to be the most popular choice, but portable air conditioners are quickly gaining popularity, especially among those who wish to stay cool without paying sky-high energy bills. Portable air conditioners, like traditional air conditioning units, lower temperatures via the refrigeration cycle. However, unlike window or central ACs, portable air conditioners are freestanding units that do not require any type of permanent installation, making them the perfect solution for those living in apartments or condominiums. Moreover, because portable air conditioners are generally used only for spot or supplemental cooling a specific area as opposed to an entire home, they can be quite energy efficient. Although they do not need to be permanently installed, portable air conditioners will need to be vented out a window, drop ceiling, or wall. Nonetheless, in addition to cooling, portable air conditioners also help make the environment more comfortable by dehumidifying the air, with some models having a larger dehumidification capacity than others. Overall, when choosing a portable air conditioner, it's important to remember that different models will vary in cooling capabilities, features, and price, and our product team has attempted to review some of the newest portable air conditioners on the market. For this week, we were lucky enough to be able to try one of NewAir's newest portable ACs -- the ACP-1300E. First Impression: The unit was relatively compact for its weight, and the elongated body style made it perfect for corner placement in a bedroom or living room. The sleek white finish was also complimentary to our décor. Large casters made this unit truly portable, and we were ale to store it neatly in a closet and wheeled out when needed. The VFD screen was clear, easy to read, and best of all, easy to control. The inclusion of a digital remote was also a nice touch, as it allowed us to control the temperature and the unit's functions from across the room. Set-Up: We were definitely impressed at the little time it took for us to set up the unit. We were able to install the window duct kit with lightning speed, and within minutes, we were enjoying cooling comfort. In addition, the connecting venting hose for the NewAir ACP-1300E's duct kit was expandable and contractible which added to its neatness Cooling Capacity: We've always been wary of manufacturers that overstate the BTU ratings of their portable air conditioners, but we were assured by NewAir that the BTUs of their units had been verified. With that said, the NewAir ACP-1300E provided 13,000 BTUs of cooling power and was perfect for our 300 square foot bedroom. Condensate Removal: Unlike older models of portable air conditioners which have buckets that need to be drained, the NewAir ACP-1300E utilized auto-evaporative technology that made it virtually maintenance-free. In addition, the ACP-1300E also functioned as a dehumidifier with a water tank capacity of 2 liters. In fact, we were amazed at how much water this air conditioner pulled out of the air. Noise Levels: The manufacturer claimed this portable AC had a decibel rating of under 52 dB, which we found to be true. The NewAir ACP-1300E was no louder than a regular air conditioner, and we had it running with the television on at the same time. Air Purification: With air quality being a growing concern for many, we were glad to see that NewAir also addressed this problem with the ACP-1300E portable air conditioner. The unit had a built-in ionizer to trap particulates such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, while the activated carbon filter helped with odors. Therefore, someone wishing to cool a personal space that is less than 400 square feet should seriously consider this portable air conditioner. Overall, we were impressed with the NewAir ACP-1300E portable AC and the advanced features it had to offer. About the Author Jeanie Wong is a product editor with extensive knowledge of air conditioners, heaters, and other home appliances. Jeanie Wong may be contacted at http://www.air-n-water.com. Click here to view more articles by Jeanie Wong. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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