When comparing Frigidaire FFPA1422R1 vs Whynter ARC-14S, the Slant community recommends Whynter ARC-14S for most people. In the question“What are the best portable air conditioners around $450?” Whynter ARC-14S is ranked 2nd while Frigidaire FFPA1422R1 is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Whynter ARC-14S is:
While this is not the cheapest unit, it does have some serious features and aspects to back its price. In fact, it is very complicated to find a matching competitor to this air conditioner with a price tag below $480.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Perfect for large spaces
This is one of the most powerful portable air conditioning units on the market, having a cooling power of 14000 BTU and being able of pushing air through really quickly. As a result, it can cover up to 700 square ft. of space. That is, in fact, enough for a whole flat, a large storage space, or a server room.
Pro Distributes air evenly
The unit features oscillating louvers that move automatically form side to side, distributing the cold air around evenly.
Pro Cools the room fast
The unit has a cooling power of 14 000 BTU and a very impressive airflow rate of 497 CFM, meaning that the area will be cooled very fast.
Pro Has a night mode
On top of the dehumidifier and fan mode, this air conditioner also has a night mode. This mode automatically raises room temperature gradually during the night to create a more pleasant atmosphere for sleeping.
Pro Great customer service
Most of the time customer service is supportive and easy to reach.
Pro 5 year compressor warranty
On top of the usual 1 year warranty for the unit itself, Frigidaire gives a 5 year warranty for the compressor specifically.
Pro Antibacterial filtration system
The unit comes with a washable filter that reduces air bacteria and odors.
Pro Easy to push around
The unit has casters, making it easy to push around when needed.
Pro Very good value for its price
While this is not the cheapest unit, it does have some serious features and aspects to back its price. In fact, it is very complicated to find a matching competitor to this air conditioner with a price tag below $480.
Pro Also acts as a purifier and dehumidifier
Besides air conditioning, this unit also cleans the air through its double filtration system, removing unwanted odors and allergens. It can also work as a dehumidifier or just a fan.
Pro Has an intelligent drain system
This AC uses an innovative auto-drain system that pulls moisture out of the air and turns it around to cool the air. Using moisture this way not only helps to save on electricity bills, but it also eliminates the hassle of draining the unit from condensate often.
Pro Display is easy to read
Thanks to the blue backlight and large digits, the display is easy to read even from a distance.
Pro Restarts automatically
The ARC-14S has an auto-restart function, meaning that if there is a power outage, it will resume its previous program when the power returns.
Pro Powerful for its size
The unit’s cooling capacity is 14 000 BTUs, meaning that it can cool a large space in a short time. The manufacturer says that it’s best suited for spaces up to 500 sq. ft., so it should be enough to cover a small flat, a large living room, or even a workshop.
Pro Can be programmed with a timer
It has a timer, so you can program to start or stop at specific times.
Pro Can be controlled from a distance
This AC comes with a remote control, so it can be programmed from a distance.
Pro Includes a venting kit
The unit comes with a venting kit in the package, so you don’t need to buy anything, except the correct length exhaust hoses and some foam tape.
Pro Easy to move around with casters
The AC has casters underneath the unit for easy moving around.
Pro Goes well with most interiors
The device has an appealing design that will fit well in almost any interior.
Pro Compressor is controlled by a thermostat
There is a thermostat that turns the compressor on and off to maintain the desired temperature.
Pro Comes with a double-hose system
This unit has a dual-hose system, making it more economical and efficient compared to units with only one exhaust hose.
Cons
Con Consumes lots of power
This AC will cost you considerably more to operate than less powerful units. It can draw a maximum of 1350 W when operating, which is approximately the same as a dishwasher.
Con Not very easy to carry around
This unit weighs 74 pounds, putting it on the heavy side. While it may be easy to push around, most likely you will need a second person if you want to lift it up.
Con Lacks heater functionality
This air conditioner cannot be used as a heater.
Con No heater mode
This unit can’t be used as a heater.
Con Heavy
The unit is quite heavy (100 pounds).
Con Complicated after-service life
Some customers have complained about the lack of customer service and that replacement parts after the warranty has expired are expensive. It might be a good idea to invest in an extended warranty.
Con Might get quite loud
The unit can get loud on the highest setting, so it is not the best option for bedrooms or very small rooms.