Hisense 8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - WiFi Enabled, 4 Modes (Cool/Heat/Fan/Dehumidifier), Remote Control, Covers 550 sq.ft - White (Renewed) - Perfect for Bedrooms, Living Rooms & Home Offices

Hisense Smart SACC 8,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with Heat Pump ReviewIntroductionLiving in Palm Bay, FL, means dealing with both hot summers and mild winters, so a versatile air conditioner is essential. As a retiree spending most of my days in my home office and bedroom, I needed a reliable, cost-effective cooling solution. The Hisense Smart SACC 8,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with Heat Pump seemed like the perfect fit. Here's my experience with this unit and how it has integrated into my daily routine.Personal ExperienceSetting up the Hisense AC was straightforward with the snap-assembly window kit. Within minutes, it was up and running, providing immediate relief from the Florida heat. My typical day involves working in my home office and relaxing in the bedroom, both of which are connected by a short hallway that I've blocked off with a thermal curtain to isolate these rooms from the rest of the house.In the mornings, I set our central AC to 83°F and use the portable AC to cool my office and bedroom down to a comfortable 75°F. Around 5 PM, the central AC kicks back in to cool the entire house to 77°F, so that the house is cooled down when my wife arrives home between 6 and 7 PM. This approach has proven to be both effective and economical.Key Features and BenefitsDual Hose System: This feature helps cool down the room more efficiently by balancing air pressure, which I noticed made a difference compared to my previous single hose unit.4 Operating Modes: While I’ve primarily used the cooling mode and occasionally the dehumidifier mode during humid nights, it’s good to know that the heating feature is available if needed. I haven't used the fan mode or hooked up the drain hose for heating yet, but having the option is reassuring.Remote and App Control: The ConnectLife app is fantastic, allowing me to set pre-programmed settings and even set the fan speed to "auto," a feature not available on the unit itself or the remote. Through some research, I discovered that the remote and AC unit use Hisense iFeel technology. This means the remote sends the temperature at its location back to the AC, acting as an additional sensor. This ensures more accurate temperature control and enhances comfort.Performance AnalysisThe cooling performance is robust for an 8,000 BTU unit, efficiently bringing down the temperature in my 300 sq. ft. space (two 12x12 rooms and a small hallway). It's much quieter than my older single hose unit, though you can still hear the compressor. I would compare the noise level to that of a mid-sized microwave oven. I haven't used the heating mode yet, but the dehumidifier mode works great during the swampy Florida nights when the central AC is running.Refurbished Unit ExperienceAlthough this is a refurbished unit, it showed absolutely no cosmetic signs of imperfections and works perfectly. I did register the unit with Hisense to activate the 2-year Hisense warranty, which adds peace of mind.Energy Efficiency and Cost SavingsAs an analytical and technical person, I did all the math prior to purchasing the AC to ensure it was the most cost-effective solution for my needs. Here’s a detailed analysis:Cooling Capacity: The Hisense AP55023HR1GD has a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU, which is suitable for spaces up to 550 square feet. Given that I am cooling two 12x12 rooms (each 144 square feet) and a small hallway, the total area is approximately 300 square feet. This falls well within the capacity of my portable AC unit, ensuring effective cooling.Energy Efficiency: By using the portable AC to cool a smaller, confined area during the hottest part of the Florida day, I am reducing the load on my central AC system. This targeted cooling approach ensures that I am not wasting energy cooling unoccupied spaces.Cost Savings:Portable AC Cost: The portable AC costs approximately $0.17 per hour to run. Over 10 hours (8 AM to 5 PM), this amounts to $1.70 per day.Central AC Cost: The central AC costs about $0.55 per hour to run. By setting it to 83°F during the day and 77°F from 5 PM to 10 PM, I use it for 5 hours at a cost of $2.75 per day.Total Savings: If I were to run the central AC for the entire day (15 hours), it would cost $8.25 ($0.55/hour * 15 hours). By using the portable AC for 10 hours and the central AC for 5 hours, my total daily cost is $4.45 ($1.70 + $2.75). Therefore, my daily savings amount to $3.80 ($8.25 - $4.45).Pros and ConsPros:Quick and easy installation with the snap-assembly window kit.Efficient cooling and heating with the dual hose system.Multi-functional with four operating modes.Convenient control via remote and app.Easy maintenance with a washable filter.Cons:The unit is quite bulky and may be cumbersome to move between rooms.At 75 pounds, it's heavy for one person to handle.The noise level, while not excessive, is noticeable during quiet nights.RecommendationFor anyone needing a comprehensive climate control solution for a mid-sized room, the Hisense Smart SACC 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat Pump is a solid choice. Its versatility and ease of use, combined with efficient performance, make it a worthwhile investment. However, consider the size and noise level if these factors are critical for you.Overall ImpressionOverall, I'm pleased with the Hisense AC unit. It delivered on its promises of efficient cooling and heating, with added convenience through smart controls. The minor drawbacks are overshadowed by its performance and functionality, making it a valuable addition to my home.