REASONS TO BUY
Very quiet
Decently portable
Solid cooling performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Bulky window insert
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite Review
If you live in a consistently hot climate, this is our favorite dual-hose portable AC
The ARC-122DS Elite from Whynter.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
By David Wise ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ April 21, 2022
Contributions From: Austin Palmer
Our Verdict
The Whynter ARC-122DS Elite is one of our all-time favorite portable air conditioners. If you live in an area that regularly experiences high temperatures, this dual-hose unit is more than capable of keeping you cool in situations where single-hose models would flounder. Not only does this appliance boast excellent cooling abilities, it barely makes a sound. Its energy consumption isn't egregious, but noticeable. If you need an AC unit that can really crank out cold air, the Elite is the portable AC for you.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Whynter Elite puts out some cold air. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Cooling Power
The ARC-122DS Elite did fairly well, meriting an average score for its efforts. This 12,000 BTU portable AC unite is rated for rooms up to 400 square feet; it dropped the temperature of the room by 10°F after 60 minutes, with a drop of 6.75°F after 20 minutes. This was with an outside temperature in the mid to high 80s.
Dual hose models minimize creating a negative air pressure inside a room. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Portability
This is one of the easier models to push around and it offers only a slight amount of rolling resistance. This makes it very easy to maneuver, with only the occasional slight pull to one side while you are pushing it as the casters swivel around. Unfortunately, this air conditioning unit is one of the heaviest units of the entire group.
We weren't huge fans of the handle design, finding it to be both difficult to hold on to and exceptionally uncomfortable. However, the window insert is fairly easy to install. It requires the use of a screwdriver, but it allows for a ton of adjustability, from 20" to 46".
The handles are only so-so. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Noise
This portable air conditioner is actually one of the quietest and least acoustically intrusive products we've tested. This air conditioner measured in at 55.9 dBa on the SPL; one of the lowest measurements out of the group. Our panel of judges didn't identify any noticeably aggravating noises, making this air conditioner a great option if you are a light sleeper.
The ARC-122DS Elite has an average cost to run. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Energy Cost
The Elite is about average when it comes to energy consumption. We projected 1000.8 kilowatt-hours used and an additional $131.61 added to your electric bill.
Should You Buy the Whynter ARC-122DS Elite?
The Whynter ARC-122DS Elite is one of our favorite air conditioners that we have tested to date, easily meriting an award. It is very quiet, decently easy to move, and its dual-hose construction makes it one of the products best equipped to handle the hottest summer days.
What Other Portable Air Conditioners Should You Consider?
If you need the most powerful model in our test group, we recommend the Whynter ARC-14SH, which cranked out the most cold air with its 14,000 BTUs. It's a bit pricier and less energy efficient, but it trumps the rest for cooling power. If you don't need something so powerful, the SereneLife SLPAC10 is our favorite model for its low price, low energy consumption, and good cooling power.
—David Wise and Austin Palmer
You Might Also Like
