The Honeywell HL14CHESWK portable air conditioner is one of the most powerful units on the market and claims the ability to cool areas of up to 550 square feet. Much like the LG LP1217SHR, this is a multipurpose machine, offering dehumidifying and heating functions in addition to cooling.
It features an auto evaporation system to remove the moisture through the hot air exhaust in cooling mode. There’s no water collection tray in the unit but it comes with a water draining hose for use in heating and dehumidifying modes.
Is the Honeywell HL14CHESWK the best portable air conditioner for you? Read on to find out all you need to know.
Honeywell HL14CHESWK review: Price
The list price for the HL14CHESWK is on the higher side at $749.95, however current deal prices make it much more reasonable. While the manufacturer’s own store has it discounted to $669.95, Home Depot’s current offer is just $579.99, taking nearly 23 percent off the original price.
Honeywell HL14CHESWK review: Features
BTU Performance: (ASHRAE 128 STD) 14,000
BTU Performance: (U.S. DOE STD) 8,500
Dehumidify: (Pt/Hr) 4.65
Dry Air Flow: (CFM) 241
dBA Level: (Front) 52
Est. Cooling Area: (SQ. FT.) 550
Remote Controller: Yes
Timer: 24 Hr, On/Off
Fan Speed Cooling: 3
Fan Only Speed: 3
Window Installation Kit: Yes
Watts: 1,200
Product: (WxHxD) 18.9" x 31.3" x 15.7"
Net Weight: 74 lbs.
This unit has a 14,000 BTU - more than the popular Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 and smaller LG LP1017WSR. This was originally advertised as being able to cover up to 700 square feet, though the manufacturer has since corrected this to 550 square feet. This is still more than LG claims for its 14,000 BTU unit and means that it can easily cover a large bedroom, den or multi-car garage.
In the colder months, this unit can also be used to heat the room, which it does by reversing the air flow. One nice feature is that the fan has three speeds so that you have a range of options for its power. There’s also a full function remote to control the air conditioner. For the heating it is rated at a slightly lower 11,000 BTU, but this is more than powerful enough to heat a reasonably insulated room.
Rather than collect the water that is removed from the air during the cooling process in an internal tank, it uses the water to cool the compressor. This, in turn, causes the water to evaporate and be removed from the room with the hot air via the exhaust pipe. When the unit is in dehumidify or heating modes, the water can be removed using the water drainage pipe. While most units have this drainage option, few include the pipe, so it’s nice to see this one does.
Honeywell HL14CHESWK review: Performance
The consensus is that this unit moves a lot of air and does a great job of both cooling and heating it – depending on the setting chosen. Despite some clarity over the area that the unit can cover, it works efficiently in rooms up to 500 square feet.
Honeywell HL14CHESWK review: User reviews
Though there are not as many reviews out there for this product as there are others, they are very positive on its abilities. From the 29 reviews on Home Depot, 83 percent recommended the unit, and it scored a total of 4.1 stars.
Those positive reviews speak of the power of this air conditioner and its ease to operate. With simple installation of the window exhaust and the plugging in of the water hose (if needed), the unit is up and running and cooling the room in no time.
The negative reviews are mostly for those looking to heat spaces larger than 600 square feet. Factors such as insulation and direct sunlight also impact the unit’s power. A few users also commented on the accuracy of the thermostat, both for heating and cooling. This could be due to localized temperatures around the unit.
Should I buy the Honeywell HL14CHESWK?
Like the LG LP1017WSR, the Honeywell HL14CHESWK has the advantage of being useful in multiple conditions, replacing a heater and dehumidifier in addition to its cooling functions. Despite its three speed options, this unit will be too loud and powerful for smaller spaces. However, when you need maximum air movement, this is a great option.
