Gadgets: Portable air conditioner

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For whatever reason, you might need a portable air conditioner: your central system goes out, you need cooling in a space that is without AC, or you don’t want to cool the entire house and instead just cool the room where you sleep. If so, the Zafro 16,000 BTU portable air conditioner can be a practical solution.

My experience with AC units consists of calling a professional for installation and service, except for a window unit, which installs in minutes. With the Zafro dual-hose inverter portable air conditioner ($579.99 at Amazon), you not only get a lot more cooling power, but the installation is easier than popping one in a bedroom window.

It has a four-way airflow system and uses environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant. Inside is a full DC inverter system, including a variable-speed dual-cylinder compressor and brushless DC motor.

My first thought before testing it was that it was going to be too loud. Far from it; I was amazed at how quiet it is. Zafro states the noise level is as low as 38 dB in sleep mode. 360-degree caster wheels are on the bottom of the white 14.25 by 16.5 by 27.2 inches, 55.68-pound unit. Using it in a closed master bedroom for a week, as well as an open family room of about 600 square feet, the Zafro 16,000 BTU portable air conditioner was impressive.

The cooling capacity is 16,000 BTU, the temperature range is 61 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the energy efficiency is CEER up to 12.8, which Zafro states consumes significantly less power than traditional fixed-speed portable air conditioners.

The tool-free setup is easy since there is no permanent installation or HVAC work needed. The main part of the installation is connecting the exhaust hoses to the window panels using the included window adapter kit. Butterfly bolts connect and secure the panels for an airtight fit. Once the panels are properly sized, insert non-adhesive sealing foam to fill any gaps to create a complete seal between the panels and the window frame.

The butterfly bolts also make it easy to fine-tune the fit for maximum tightness. Finally, attach the exhaust hose to the window panel, press the latch to lock it in place, and connect the other end to the Zafro AC unit.

You can control the AC with the unit's onboard controls, a remote, voice commands with Alexa and Google Home, or the Zafro app. The LED display and control panel have everything you need for the on/off, modes (cool, dry, fan, sleep, extra, eco), temperature, timers, and a child lock. There’s also a handy reminder to clean the air filter. To clean the filter, just hose it off.

The unit will also need to be drained from time to time, as explained in a simple graphic in the quick start guide. It can run for up to three full days before it needs to be drained.

zafroshop.com

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Dreo’s TurboPoly Fan 765S 2-in-1 is a versatile fan that’s perfect for circulating air throughout your home.

It can be used as a pedestal/floor fan, extending from 39 inches up to 44 inches. And in seconds, it can be converted to a desktop/nightstand fan measuring 19.3 inches tall. Whichever way you use it, airflow will increase instantly. With or without air conditioning, a fan will help you feel cooler and more comfortable.

The TurboPoly Fan 765S ($159.99) features MotionSync Intelligent 3D Airflow, six airflow modes, including a customized sleep mode, and 12 airflow speeds. With a maximum air reach of 120 feet, it will oscillate 100 degrees vertically and 150 degrees horizontally. The operating sound is rated at HyperSilent 20 dB.

Everything is controlled with the included glow-in-the-dark wireless remote or the Dreo companion app. A small display in the front center of the grille displays the settings. With an airflow rate of up to 15,000 cubic feet per minute, dirt and dust can build up, so it needs cleaning from time to time. The TurboPoly Fan 765S is designed to be easy to clean, starting with taking off the front grille.

Another choice is the higher-end Dreo TurboPoly Fan 704S ($149.99) pedestal fan, with 1400 CFM airflow that reaches up to 110 feet.

The 704S delivers quiet, whole-room airflow in a stylish design, featuring an adjustable steel base from 37.5 to 43 inches and omni-directional oscillation. With dual-axis oscillation, it can rotate up to 150 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically. Using the wireless remote, the Dreo mobile app, or voice controls (Alexa and Google Assistant), you can control up to 9 speeds across 6 wind modes. A built-in display on the fan shows the current settings.

Inside is an optimized brushless DC motor producing the airflow. It also has a quiet sleep mode, with a noise level as low as 20dB. Cleaning it is also easy, removing the grill and blades.

https://www.dreo.com/products/turbopoly-fan-765s