Soleus PH4-13R-01
Pros:
Fills an important niche, reasonable noise level, good controls. Great functions (a/c, heat pump, dehumidifier)
Cons:
If one honestly evaluates their needs against the units features, there should be none.
The Bottom Line:
If one needs portable 13000 btu a/c quickly, or because of other restraints, this unit is a good choice. Make an honest evaluation of need vs. features; avoid wishful thinking.
|
|
Overall Rating:
|
 |
|
Author's Review
I noted the generally poor reviews for portable a/c's here, including the Soleus. Me thinks that they are to some degree due to unrealistic expectations ad incomplete evaluation before purchase.
NOTE THAT THIS ITEM IS AN A/C, HEAT PUMP, AND DEHUMIDIFIER IN ONE PACKAGE. THE HEAT PUMP WILL PROVIDE TWICE AS MUCH HEAT AS A RESISTANCE HEATER OF THE SAME WATTAGE. So you can use it this winter also!
This unit fulfilled my needs exactly. I needed a source of cooling quickly to confront increasing Southeast AZ temps into the 100's. I cannot use window units. I did not have time to schedule an installation of central a/c or evaporative cooling solution before sweltering.
Noisy? Yes, somewhat, but how could it be quiet with the whole compressor in the box in the living room? Not much more noisy than a 13000 btu window unit. Come on folks, get real. So if you put this 13000 btu a/c in a 10x10 room, get ear plugs, or a smaller unit.
Capacity? Not the most efficient unit due to the hot hose to the window. Hey, wrap insulation of sorts around it. Even a towel.
Window kit rinky dink! Really? Aren't they all, including window units? I will eventually replace it with parts that provide insulation, not the cheap plastic provided. Not that difficult. But I can see some non-handy folks being challenged by this... just as they would by a window a/c installation
Size? 13000 btu. No larger than a similar window unit, just a different shape.
Style? Looks ok to me.
Water collection? Except under the most difficult conditions, this unit purges it's own water. Not a problem.
Controls? very versatile, with every function that has been thought of so far for portable/window units. Timer, sleep, heat/cool/dehumid., fan hi/med/lo/auto, etc.
The only thing I cannot address yet is the reliability - will it last a few yeas?
