Using an air conditioner and air purifier combo is a great way to solve your home air quality and cooling needs. But finding an AC with HEPA filter unit that functions as both an air purifier and an air conditioner (AC unit) can be a difficult task.
Luckily, we have done the work for you. We have performed over 20 combined hours of research to find and review the best portable air conditioner air purifier combos on the market. These AC HEPA filter units are great for cooling off in your home while also cleaning the air. Even through the air conditioner & air purifier combo is not a handheld air conditioner, these machines are just air conditioners with built-in air purifier filters and portable.
Below are the best home portable air conditioner and air purifier combos:
Best Portable Air Purifier and Air Conditioner Comparison
★ OUR PICK ★
- Air Conditioner
- Dehumidifier
- Activated Carbon Filter
- Great value
Also great
- Carbon filter
- Swamp cooler
- Five fan speeds
- Eliminate Dust
Best Portable AC Air Conditioner and Air Purifier Reviews
Pros:
- The Whynter air conditioner has been recognized as one of the best portable air conditioners by Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping.
- It can be used as an air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier. At 19″W x 16″D x 35.5″ H, this unit is easy to move around, making it excellent for quickly cooling multiple rooms.
- This air conditioner uses an activated carbon filter and a washable pre-filter. The activated carbon filter works to effectively remove odors, dust, and dangerous VOCs from the air.
- At 56dB and an EER rating of 11.2, it is one of the quietest and most energy-efficient portable air conditioners on the market.
Cons:
- At 100 pounds, it is a heavy machine. Moving it up and downstairs might pose a challenge for some.
- The cold air is released vertically, and this direction is not adjustable.
The Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner is a sleek, modern unit with a 14,000 BTU rating, capable of cooling a 500 square foot room. With the dual hose system, it can reduce the temperature faster than comparable single hose systems. In addition, with its advanced auto drain technology, the ARC-14S recycles the moisture from the air and uses it to produce cool air.
When used as a dehumidifier, the ARC-14S can draw 71 pints of moisture out of the air per day. While the water collection bucket holds 2 pints of water, most of the moisture in the air will be used to cool the condenser coils. The LED display will indicate when the water collection bucket is full. You can use the extendable exhaust hose (up to 60″) or attach a standard garden hose for automatic and hassle-free drainage.
As an Eco-Friendly and CFC-free Air Conditioner, the Whynter ARC-14S is also lead-free and has high energy efficiency, keeping running costs low. Drawing a maximum of 1300 watts, the ARC-14S has an efficiency rating (EER) of 11.2, with the average EER rating of a portable AC unit being 8.5 (higher is better). This makes it the most energy-efficient portable AC unit on the market.
While most people are concerned about sound levels when running an AC unit, the Whynter ARC-14S runs at 56 dB and is a quiet hum compared to most portable ACs. You have complete thermostatic control in the range of 61°F to 89°F and can take advantage of the 24-hour programmable timer to set the temperature for different times of the day. In addition, the blue LED panel automatically shuts off after a few seconds, making this a great model to use in the bedroom.
The activated carbon filter works to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air and helps neutralize any odors. VOCs are found outside the home in the form of smog and air pollution and interior paint, cleaners, and air fresheners from inside the house. So not only will using the Whynter ARC-14S cool your home and reduce humidity, but it will also help with improving the air quality.
This model comes with a plastic window kit, with dimensions of 6.5″W x 20″L (min) – 46″L (max).
Pros:
- The Honeywell air cooler is excellent for cooling personal spaces in your home. Set it in front of you while you watch TV, put it next to your bed, or place it on your kitchen counter. While not technically an air conditioner, it uses evaporative cooling to chill the air in your home.
- This air cooler includes a carbon filter that can capture odors and small particles.
- At a running wattage of 7.4 – 32, this is a highly energy-efficient air cooler.
- It has a low energy, quiet mode.
- Includes a remote control.
Cons:
- Cooling capability does not extend past 100 square feet.
- It does not come with a “low-water” alarm, so you will have to check it periodically.
With its whisper-quiet setting, the Honeywell CS071AE Quiet Portable Air Cooler is an excellent choice. It has five fan speeds, with the lowest registering only 24dBA, which means you can enjoy the cool breeze while you sleep without any disturbances.
With a power consumption of just 32 watts during its highest operational speed, the Honeywell Quiet Air Cooler is a great energy-saver and can be run all day long for minimal costs. The replaceable carbon filter is easy to remove and clean and captures dust and small particles, which helps keep your air clean. With it being as lightweight as it is, at a surprising 12 pounds, it is easy to move this around the house and up and downstairs.
You can operate and change the Honeywell Quiet Air Cooler settings using the remote control or setting a timer that can be programmed over seven hours.
The drawbacks to using the Honeywell Quiet Air Cooler are limited, though depending on your needs could be a dealbreaker. Because this is an air cooler and not an air conditioner, its function is not to cool an entire room. Instead, it primarily cools the area around you, such as the sofa, bed, or desk, and when you move out of this area, you will no longer feel its effects. The CS071AE is also missing the low-water alarm found on the previous model, so you will need to check the indicator occasionally.
Side by Side Comparison
While the Whynter ARC-14S and the Honeywell Quiet Portable Air Cooler are different devices, they both cool the air and purify it simultaneously. Your needs will play a large part in deciding which machine is best for you.
If you are looking to cool a room that is up to 500 square feet and don’t mind the noise and the energy costs, then the Whynter ARC-14S will be the best choice. With its different operating features, you will be able to cool and dehumidifier your room while also filtering the air. For a lower energy consumption and when you need it quieter, you can use the fan setting.
If you are looking for a way to stay cool while relaxing on the sofa or working from home, with minimal changes to your energy bill and quiet enough to go unnoticed, then the Honeywell quiet will satisfy your needs. This machine may not have as many features as the Whynter ARC-14S, such as the dehumidifier, it uses far less electricity to run, is much quieter, and easier to move around the home.
What to Look for in an Air Purifier Air Conditioner (AC)
FILTERS
When looking for an air conditioner and air purifier combo, it is essential to look at the offered filters. Unfortunately, many people tend to look for portable HEPA air purifiers or air conditioners with HEPA filters. However, there are four other options for portable air filters for conditioners: Pre Filters, HEPA Filters, Activated Carbon Filters, and UV light sanitizers.
- Pre Filters
Pre-filters are basic air filters that capture large-sized ait contaminants such as hair, dirt, and mold spores. These are important because they will help eliminate pollutants from the air and keep the inner workings of the AC unit clean and operating at peak performance.
- HEPA Filters
These HEPA filter air conditioning filters can capture microscopic particles such as allergens (pollen), dust, germs, dander, and more. HEPA filters can capture 99.97% of air particles that are at least .03 microns in size. Air conditioners with HEPA filters will do a great job of cleaning the air in your home.
- Activated Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are another effective type of filtration. Carbon filters use immense amounts of surface area to absorb smoke, gases, odors, and more. They will also help capture allergens, dust, mold, and pet dander/hair.
- UV Sanitation
This purification process uses intense amounts of UV light to kill living organisms. For example, a UV sanitizer will kill bacteria, viruses, and dust mites.
ROOM COVERAGE
Room coverage is another crucial aspect to consider. Before deciding on the unit, you should know the size of the room that you want to cool. To measure room size, simply multiply the length of the room by the width. This will give you an approximate size that you will need to cool. You can find a single room air purifier or one that works for larger areas—generally, the smaller the room coverage, the more affordable the air conditioning unit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of filter is used in an AC air conditioner and air purifier combo?
| Filter Type |
|---|
| Washable Pre-Filter |
| HEPA Filter |
| Activated Carbon Filter |
The filter that is used in these AC HEPA filter combinations is usually a washable filter, an activated carbon filter, or a HEPA filter. The washable filter will trap and capture large contaminants while the carbon filter will absorb smaller particles that are not captured by the washable pre-filter. The activated carbon filter reduces odors.
Where is the best place to put a portable air conditioner and air purifier combo?
| Location |
|---|
| High Table or Shelf |
| Bedroom |
| Living Room |
| Kitchen |
The best place to put a portable HEPA air conditioner is by the nearest window, while the best place to put an air purifier is above ground. That’s why it is best to place these machines both close to a window and above ground.
Is there such thing as a window air conditioner with HEPA filter?
If you decide that you want something that fits in the window of your room, then a window air conditioner with HEPA filter combo or other combo filtered AC units are definitely window air conditioners you can look into as well! A window air purifier and conditioner combo works great for those who need more floor room.
Do portable room air conditioners work?
Yes. These portable AC with HEPA filtered air conditioners can cool a room that is at least 500 sq. ft. in size making them some of the best AC units for small rooms and large ones, as well as great purifiers! If you leave all windows and doors closed, these HEPA air conditioners will be very effective and comes close to a central air purifier and conditioner.
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Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.