I can't say I've had as good an experience as others reported here...the main problem I've discovered is that the compressor only cycles on for about seven minutes at a time, followed by fifteen minutes during which the machine simply operates as a fan and blows in hot air from outside. Company info on their web site indicates that this is being done to prevent the compressor from overheating--unfortunately, this results in the compressor remaining cool while my small studio apartment (only 200 sq feet) remains too hot. I don't know if other units have similar limitations, but I would hesitate to recommend this product on the basis of my own experience. Hope this is helpful to anyone looking to make a buying decision...
The Good:
-Shipping was extremely fast (2 days for standard shipping).
-Installation was a breeze.
-The air that comes out is actually cold, and powerful. The fan produces a terrific draft of cool air.
-It cools the room quickly.
-The evaporative draining system is great... no emptying buckets of water constantly!
The Bad:
-It does make some noise (no more than a normal window air conditioner would). But I would say the relief from a hot, humid day is well worth the buzzing noise.
-The exhaust hose was larger than I expected. Which means if you don't place the air conditioner strategically, it can be a huge eye sore in the room.
However, it does do its job well and I would recommend this unit to anyone needing to cool a room/dorm/small apartment. Enjoy!
Buy Amcor AF8000E 8,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner Now
I purchased this unit out of desperation in the midst of a heat-wave. I read a lot of reviews and settled on this guy, and I'm not disappointed. My living room isn't huge (approx. 12'x16'), but it cools it down effectively.The Pros:
My girlfriend loves the remote. You can change the mode, target temperature, fan speed, and turn it on and off without moving off the couch.
I like that it shows you the temperature. I also like that it automatically kicks the compressor on and off as needed.
No buckets to empty.
The Cons:
When the other reviews talk about the exhaust tube being big, they're lying. It's FREAKIN' HUGE. Think dryer hose.
There's no way (that I've found, at least) to set it to turn off when it hits the target temperature. I still panic over high energy bills, so it's scary to leave it running all the time. I'd like it a lot more if it would not only kill the compressor, but shut down the whole unit when the room becomes cool enough.
It's fairly noisy. I don't have a lot of experience with air conditioners, but it's louder than the few units I've been around before. It's not terrible, though, so this is only a half-con. More of a concern, I guess.
It's not an Energy Star appliance. That was my biggest hesitation point before I ultimately bought this unit.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I might come back and change my tune after I've seen a couple months of energy bills, but last month's only went up marginally. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Read Best Reviews of Amcor AF8000E 8,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner Here
Much better than my old window units. Because of the portability you can make the most of the 8000 BTUs by directing the air at the right location and level. I also live in the Northeast so there are many days I can just roll it into a closet until the next heat wave. No ugly window unit just sitting there all summer. You may have to cut a piece of plastic if you want a custom window fit but I simply make up the gap of several inches with a small white rag that blends right in -easy to move to windows of different sizes. Highly recommend this Amcor model!!! Be careful if you select other units as this is a newer technology at these price points so a brand name may not mean much. I never heard of Amcor but the great reviews on this unit swayed me and it has been rock solid. No water to drain. I suspect as you go to higher BTUs with any brand you run the risk of it being more unreliable.Want Amcor AF8000E 8,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner Discount?
This unit has been a life saver as I live in a very old home with no central air and only one bedroom window that I hated to block out the light with a regular window unit. The attaching of the hose and window kit was so simple. I put it together after working a twelve hour shift and went to bed for a good night's sleep, finally. I like the way I can roll it into a closet when cooler days are here although the unit is not huge or ugly. The casters were a good idea as well as the nano-mist dispersion of condensation water. One reviewer spoke of it's noisiness. True it is louder than my quiet fan, but since the sound is relatively consistant, I find it helpful to lull me to sleep as I work nights alot and the daily neighborhood noises (traffic, playing children, construction, and lawn mowers) have been a problem in the past. I priced many similar units in stores and on line. This one is priced affordably, looks good and does the job. Get it.
