BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 9,000 BTU, BPACT08WT, 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. **7 Year Update*** Still going strong! I also rarely clean it or the filter. I just realized that it’s now November 2025 and while I used it every day, I’ve forgotten to clean the filter since April! Yikes.

Before finally deciding to purchase this AC unit, I was concerned with some of the reviews. I had seen reviews mentioning that the hose from the unit to the window popped off easily, I read that the condensation was so bad that drip pans were filling up everyday. I also heard that it was no effective at cooling down a room. I’m pleased to say that none of this was the case for me. I live in San Antonio, Texas where the heat and mild-moderate humidity make life miserable, especially in a house where my bedroom gets very poor AC ventilation. My 500 sq ft room would often hit 84-87 F during the peak of the day and would float around 78-80 at night (I use a digital thermometer in my room. After the use, my bedroom, it quickly cooled my 86 F bedroom down to a nice 74 (which almost feels cold to me now). At night, my room gets down to the mid 60s. While the 8000 BTU unit doesn’t cool to 64 degrees (which is the coldest setting, which I leave it on when I use it), it’s still a lifesaver for me. Also keep in mind that this part of Texas has been seeing 95-105 F weather daily, and it consistently maintains my room at 30 degrees colder than the outside temperature even with 2 west facing windows that catch the hot afternoon sun. My energy bills did not seen a noticeable increase after the first month (which is the best part for me). The hose has never once popped off, even when i move it around a few inches one way or the other while cleaning. The window kit has worked great and the foam insulation provided also seems to work great. The noise level is a noticeable, but for me, I’ve mentally tuned it out and can still make calls and use zoom without anyone mentioning the noise. It measured at about 53 decibels from the middle of the room. Which, for reference, would be comparable to being outside in light rain. It almost feels like having a relatively quiet white noise machine, or being in a hotel with window units on. As for drainage, or condensation, there is almost none. However, I never use the dehumidifier setting. Every time I pop off the rubber guard for the water outlet, there’s not even a drop of water, even with 50% humidity in my house (measured with the digital thermometer). It could be different for those living in tropical climates like Florida or those who use the dehumidifier setting, but it hasn’t felt necessary for me. Set up took less than 30 minutes, most of which is was spent trying to figure out the window kit installation without using the manual, as well as double checking that I created a good seal with the foam provided. Overall, this AC has been awesome for me, as someone who gets hot and sweaty very easily, I now sometimes get cold in my room during the day. I’m able to leave it off when I go to work or leave the house, and can turn it on when I get home, and it’s able to cool the room by 5-7 degrees within an hour. My room went from being, by far, the hottest in my house, to now being the coldest, by far. I’m completely happy with this AC and would 10/10 do it again. Hope this helps!

As someone who never reviews products, I feel compelled to warn all consumers about this portable AC unit. Do NOT buy this unit under any circumstances!!! I researched different portable AC units throughly before buying this one (and paying a significant amount) and can easily say it was the biggest waste of money. I bought this unit last summer and followed all the manual instructions for setting it up. I didn’t put the temperature too low and only used the unit for about 5 hours a day during peak mid day heat. It even had its own 15 amp outlet so no other electronics would interfere with the unit. Sadly, after barely a month of use, the unit suddenly stopped working and the screen went blank. After speaking with customer service I was told that it “must’ve died” and “this happens from time to time.” Obviously I was extremely disappointed that a product I just purchased only lasted a month but luckily I was within my one year warranty. After countless back and forth and several weeks later Black and Decker replaced my broken unit and with a new one. They also refused to provide a new warranty on the new unit. I used this new unit for less than a month at the end of the summer before storing it away for the cold season. This brings us to this summer. I set up my unit without issue and it was running perfectly for about a month… before it died. The new unit that was meant to replace my old one died JUST like the old one did after using it for less than 2 months total. It’s ridiculous that this has happened to me twice. It’s especially shameful that Black and Decker refuses to help me with this issue and won’t even offer any sort of repair services. I tried to be a responsible consumer by researching this brand and making what I thought was the best decision for my comfort but I was completely wrong. This product is so cheaply made that it won’t last more than two months. Black and Decker also refuses to take accountability and help me in this situation. This is especially frustrating given the fact that the units keep breaking in the middle of the summer during peak heat!! I live on the top floor of my building and the heat is becoming unbearable. I can easily say I will never buy any of their products again. I hope this review serves as a warning for potential customers. DO NOT BUY THIS AC UNIT OR ANY BLACK AND DECKER PRODUCTS!!

My room faces West in San Jose, CA. When I get home in the afternoon it's just miserably hot. I told myself that I wasn't going to do another Summer like the last one so I went on the hunt for a solution. I shopped and shopped. Read all the reviews and checked all the prices. This Black + Decker is what I chose and I'm very glad that I did. It performs as I hoped it would. The remote is a great feature although you can do everything that's needed from the panel. It only took about a half hour to unpack and install. The only problem I had was with the vent system. I just couldn't get the hose to stay put on either end. I had read in the reviews that some buyers used duct tape to resolve the issue. I called B + D tech support just to see if I was doing something wrong. They were informative and helpful but told me that the vent hose should install securely without the use of duct tape. No way. So off to Home Depot for duct tape. I found some 2" wide 3M stuff for about six bucks and it worked perfectly! I even found the tape in a white color which made it a little more attractive (as far as duct tape goes). I did need to use an extension cord. The instructions advise not to if possible, but I wanted the unit on its own dedicated outlet. No problems thus far. I turned it on and it cranks cool air! It's got a good thermostat system. It will run for awhile and then kick off until the temperature drops below the desired setting then kicks back on. When the compressor isn't on the fan is. The noise level? Well, that's why I gave it four stars. But I expected that even though I had hoped it would run a bit more quietly. All in all I'm happy! The unit is reasonably priced and it was on my doorstep within two days. An all around great buy. But I haven't gotten a power bill yet. I read in the reviews that it only bumped the power bill up about twenty bucks. We'll see. If it's much more than that I will add to this review.

We got this when we experienced a nightmare with our home AC unit. Being renters has it's perks, but also it's drawbacks too. Having to wait six days for the AC to be repaired, only to have it blow cold air for barely two days to turn right around and stop blowing cold again, we had to wait seven more days! Due to the problem apparently being wiring, we're not holding our breath that it'll last. Living is SWFL this can be a problem during the Summer (luckily this time it WASN'T). We weren't so bothered by it, however we have a few cats that we really began to get concerned for, especially since one is a senior cat. So we looked around for a "portable AC unit" that wasn't a window unit, since we're renters and those are INSANELY priced to begin with! We found this unit and let me tell you it's a blessing! We got it to be used for emergencies such as mentioned above, as well as me and my roommate both working the 3rd shift it's miserable trying to sleep in SWFL heat during the day! We actually purchased a used one but in a "Like New" condition and the only problem with it was the prongs to the power plug were bent, but I blame the USPS for that because I saw the box lying on it's side in the bed of their truck, never mind all the cautions on the box about NOT lying it on it's side. So after bending the prongs back into place and waiting the 24 hrs to test it, it works like a dream! It's shocking actually at how cold this little machine blows and will be perfect if another emergency occurs! The noise level even at it's highest fan setting is really no louder than a large box fan, makes the perfect white noise. As for the drainage, we've only tested it so I'm not sure about how well it drains yet but I'm sure it works just as great as everything else on this machine. Controls are really easy and set up is too, I only had to fight with connecting the exhaust hose to the piece that attaches to the back of the machine, but a little strength got it right on! Those complaining about the noise, I'm not sure what they were really expecting from a "portable AC", but even when the exhaust kicks in it's not too bad. Window units are louder than this little thing. And the wheels on it make moving it around easy. Only other thing I have to say is about the few "bad" reviews about this product's heat function not working; I'm not even sure they paid attention and purchased the correct model... This unit comes in many different models, all of which seem to have a heater function EXCEPT for the BPACT08WT 8,000 BTU. No where on this particular model's page does it say ANYTHING about having a heater option and the instruction manual even states that some models have Heater functions included, but that this one does not have that. If you're looking for one with both AC and Heater functions, please review the entire product, do some research and when in doubt, ask a question. Because it's not fair to rate a product so poorly with a nasty review that does IT'S FUNCTIONS perfectly fine just because you were too impatient to read up fully on the item in question or even ask the seller a quick "Hey, does this one have a heater too?" Plus the ones with the heating function tend to SAY Heater in the item's title, and run a little bit more expensive. ;)

This BLACK+DECKER portable AC has been an absolute lifesaver in my RV during the peak of summer heat. With outside temps in the 90s plus and heat indexes hitting 111°, my two rooftop AC units struggled to keep the RV comfortable. This unit completely changed the cooling performance inside. ✅ Major Cooling Improvement In the front section of my RV (about 19’ x 11’), this portable AC keeps the space cool even at the hottest part of the day. My front rooftop AC barely needs to run now, and the rear AC doesn’t have to work nearly as hard. It cools the RV fast, making cooking and daytime use far more comfortable. 🛠️ Smart RV Installation Setup I used a foam board cut to fit tightly in the window, sealed it with HVAC tape, and added an exterior HVAC cover to prevent water intrusion in the air outlet tube. The result: no leaks, no water intrusion, and a tight, insulated seal even without shade. This setup made a huge difference in overall cooling efficiency. 💧 Self‑Evaporating System = Zero Hassle After almost three weeks of continuous use, I haven’t had to drain the unit once. It has a built in self-evaporating function. Does not require the drain to be open or emptied on a regular. You have the choice to leave drain open but need to purchase a very low drain pan It will shut off and alert you if it ever needs draining. RV use requires more frequent filter cleaning—I clean mine every three days to keep airflow strong. 🔊 Quiet & Comfortable For my standards, the unit is quiet, especially considering how much cooling power it provides. The Follow Me remote feature is accurate, though it doesn’t remember its last setting and must be re‑enabled each time you turn the unit on. ⚠️ Minor Drawbacks The Follow Me feature should remember its last setting. My only regret is not buying a higher BTU model for future flexibility but it get the job done for my current needs. The 5,300 BTU SACC rating is the number to pay attention to—this unit performs well, but more power is always helpful in an RV. 🎯 Overall Impression This portable AC is absolutely worth it for RV owners dealing with extreme heat. It dramatically reduces strain on rooftop AC units, keeps the RV cool even in brutal temperatures, and makes daily living—especially cooking—much more comfortable. It’s reliable, efficient, and a huge upgrade for summer RV life.

This ac cools very well. I love everything about it, except for the noise. It’s almost unbearable. I bought another ac unit before this Black and Decker model that was defective (another brand). The first ac unit shut off after it cooled and never turned back on. So I bought this Black and Decker model since a friend recommended it. I’ll start by saying it cools my room VERY quickly. Like within 2 minutes my room can go from 78 to 75. It’s insane how quickly it works. That exceeded my expectations. I bought this unit because I overheat when I sleep and the person I live with doesn’t want me setting the house ac too low. I prefer 72-74 degrees, so that I don’t wake up drenched in sweat. I like that it comes with the remote. My grievance with this unit is the noise. The unit’s fan noise is good. It’s a moderate whooshing sound comparable to a typical standup fan. That’s great white noise. However, when the compressor kicks on and the ac is actively cooling, the noise is unbelievably loud. It makes an incredibly loud, disruptive buzzing and vibrational sound. Imagine your neighbor standing outside your window with their lawn mower. That’s what it’s like. Another annoying noise is the beeping. Every button you press on the remote or the machine makes a loud beep. There’s no way to disable that. There’s no “silent mode”. That’s stupid product design if you ask me. It wouldn’t have been that hard to make a silence beep button on it. The instructions manual said it’s it makes noise, it’s on uneven ground. This is not true in my case. It’s on hard flooring and it’s level. The weird part is, if I prop the unit on an angle like the Leaning Tower of Piza, it runs slightly quieter. Another weird thing about this unit is that the lower I set the temperature, the quieter the buzzing noise is. I don’t understand why! So I have to run the unit colder than I would like (69-71 degrees). If I set it any warmer than that, the buzzing sounds like a lawnmower. I speculate it’s running at 60-70 decibels when it’s SUPPOSED to run at less than 55DB. I am no stranger to portable ac units. Yes, they all make some kind of noise. Of course they do. They are ac units after all. But this is the loudest one I’ve ever been around. It’s so noisy, it’s hard to fall asleep with it on. I have to shove my earplugs deeeeeep into my ears and sleep with a pillow over my head. Even then, I still sometimes have trouble. I don’t know how y’all other reviewers are saying this is a quiet unit. I think maybe the one I have is defective. Maybe there’s a loose or broken component inside it. I don’t know. On the plus side, the loudness of it prevents any other noises from waking me up. My family’s noises NEVER wake me, and that used to be a problem before. Neighbors don’t wake me up, knocking, or doorbells. So I guess being loud has some benefit. To wrap up, I don’t think I would recommend this unit unless noise doesn’t bother you and you sleep with earplugs. The buzzing is enough to drive me crazy. Then again, maybe my product is faulty. Even if that’s the case, not a good look for Black and Decker. I thought they had quality products, but I won’t be buying from this brand again.

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 Rooms This 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 Consistent This 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 Quick The 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 Experience I’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!

We've had this unit for a few months now. It did take time to come and I was a bit worried at first about that but maybe there was a supply issue? The unit itself is amazing!! We only use it in our bedroom, a fairly small room and it keeps the space quite cool/cold!! Having had it for a few months I would say it has possibly added 10-15$ to the electricity bill. That is far lower than I thought it might end up being!! So, I am grateful for that!! #worthit

Works perfect.

This ac is very powerful, it functions great and very easy to set up.

The unit does an ok job as cooling but I keep getting the FT warning and the unit shuts down every hour saying the water compartment is full. How can it be full in one hour? Horrible!

Installation is easy. The design, blowing upward is better than another unit I have which vents to the side. It's being used to cool an open living room, dining room and kitchen, easily cooling the whole space. I do appreciate the auto function, completely shutting the unit down once the selected temperature setting has been achieved. The only reason for deducting one star is that it's slightly louder than my other unit, but not loud by any means, deserving 4 and 3/4 stars.