BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

I purchased this machine in April (3 months ago) and it's such a lovely addition to my life. I wanted it to cool a room that's about 15x15 in HUMID Florida. I run several computers, lights, and other heat generating objects for podcasting in this room. It's working like a dream and the sound doesn't intrude with my recordings (using a dynamic microphone of course). I read other reviews here that the dehumidifier doesn't work well in Florida. I've actually never tried to use just the dehumidifier option yet (instructions say to attach the hose included and run the water off when running that option). I haven't had a reason too since its so d*mn hot already and the AC dehumidifies. I'll update again in the fall when the temperature drops. Also, the guide says that you'll only need to empty the water at the end of the season. At first, I didn't believe that and kept checking the water level. It still hasn't gotten to the point where I need to empty it. I'll update at the end of the Summer or when the Full Tank indicator lights up. I'm also making a point to clean the filter at the start of each month-easy. The best advice I can give is to purchase this AC (or any window/portable AC) during the winter. I've been tracking several of them over the course of 3 years and during the coldest months the price is $200. I sadly missed the price by a week when it increased in early April to $255. Now it's July and the price is apparently around $350. If you're on a budget and need something today, research building a "swamp cooler" and hold off until winter and get an amazing deal on a great product. This is probably the best product I've purchased on Amazon. Be careful when you remove it from the box after it arrives. I did make sure to let it sit upright for 24 hours but when I removed the box I did end up breaking the bottom water drain plug. I was able to reattach using gorilla glue. luckily I knew to do that. I'd suggest to un-box slowly. Cut away the the box piece by piece. I think I was afraid I'd need to keep the packaging intact as much as possible in case I had to ship it back.UPDATE: 3 YEARS, 3 MONTHS LATER (8/2022): Still working strong. I've never had to empty it but I also never use the dehumidifier. I've never had a reason to empty. I've run it constantly for months on end too, even during Summer months in Florida. It cools a room 15'x15 very well and even beyond down a hallway. Also, as I wrote before, the back knob that you attach the dehumidifier hose broke when I attempted to lift it out of the box and foam. I replaced it with Gorilla Glue but I've never attempted to use that feature because it worried me that I would break something else if I didn't reattach it correctly. Someone asked me about keeping it from stopping and starting in order to sleep better. That can be disruptive if you're not using another source of white noise to keep you asleep. I can't sleep anywhere unless I run some rainstorm sounds. I have found that turning the temp as low as I can, and turning up the speed to high and turning on the (room) "max" button will tend to keep the sound up at least some high hum constant and that helps. I do need to keep a small notebook on top of it to drown out the blue lights, but recently, I've also started using an eye mask to sleep with (you should totally try one if you have trouble sleeping). It's also easy to clean, maybe too easy. I clean the filter about every 3-5 months but I'm sure I should do it monthly. If this machine broke tomorrow (probably because I'm bad at remembering to clean the filter), I'd go back here and try to replace with the exact model. Also, the beeping noise when you adjust it isn't too loud but I wish it wasn't there at all. To avoid each beep, I aim the remote in another direction and change the temperature, speed, then aim it back at the unit and press one more degree (so I only have to hear one of those beeps). Problem solved. At some point, I'll come back and update this again with an update on the difference in my electric bill. I haven't noticed a huge difference yet.

This BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner has been an excellent addition to my home. I already own a larger BLACK+DECKER unit that includes both cooling and heating, which I use year-round, and I’ve been so happy with its performance and reliability that I didn’t hesitate to buy this smaller model when I needed extra cooling.⸻❄️ Cooling Performance – Just Right for Smaller RoomsThis unit is cooling a very important space in my home—my daughter’s bedroom. She’s just about a year and a half old, and keeping her room at a consistent, comfortable, and safe temperature is absolutely essential. The 8,000 BTU unit has been perfect for the job. It cools her room quickly and keeps it comfortable without running too loud or creating any cold drafts.Whether it’s during nap time or overnight, the temperature stays even and gentle. As a parent, that peace of mind is huge.⸻🔈 Noise Level – Quiet and ConsistentThis air conditioner runs with a low, steady hum that never feels disruptive. It’s quiet enough for daytime naps and overnight sleep, and it’s much quieter than some window units I’ve used in the past. I was especially impressed that it doesn’t “kick on” with a jarring sound like some cheaper models do.⸻🧰 Setup – Straightforward and QuickThe unit came with a full window kit that was easy to install in a standard-sized window. It took just a few minutes to get it up and running. The built-in wheels make it easy to move if needed, and the digital display and remote control make daily operation simple—even in the dark.⸻🌬️ Reliable Brand – Based on Long-Term ExperienceI’ve been using a larger BLACK+DECKER portable unit (with both cooling and heating) in another part of the house for a few years, and it has been rock-solid. These units are durable, efficient, and easy to maintain. That long-term trust in the brand made this smaller unit an easy choice for my daughter’s room—and it’s lived up to every expectation.⸻✅ Pros:• Great cooling power for small to mid-sized rooms• Very quiet – ideal for babies or light sleepers• Simple setup and easy to use• Portable with remote control and timer• Backed by my long-term experience with BLACK+DECKER❌ Cons:• No heating function in this model (but not needed in our case)• May require drainage in very humid environments (standard for portable A/Cs)⸻🏁 Final Thoughts:This is a dependable, quiet, and effective unit that I trust enough to use in my toddler’s bedroom. It cools her space evenly and keeps it comfortable for sleep, play, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a portable air conditioner that delivers real peace of mind—especially for a child’s room—this is the one to get. Highly recommended!