When it comes to beating the summer heat, having a reliable air conditioner can be a true lifesaver. If you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled with finding the perfect cooling solution for your home.
Window units can be a hassle to install, and central air isn’t always an option for everyone. That’s where the Magnavox P-14NPE portable air conditioner comes in—a simple yet effective way to cool rooms up to 700 square feet.
In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience using this unit, including its pros, cons, maintenance tips, and how it stacks up against other brands.
Before we get started, if you’re looking to purchase the Magnavox portable air conditioner, I recommend checking out local retailers like Walmart or online stores such as Amazon for competitive pricing and quick shipping.
My Experience With Magnavox Portable Air Conditioner
I first got the Magnavox P-14NPE when my old window unit broke down right in the middle of a heatwave.
I needed something quickly and was looking for an option that was easy to set up, effective, and didn’t require complicated installation.
The portable air conditioner from Magnavox ticked all the right boxes for me.
This model is sleek and compact but powerful enough to handle large spaces up to 700 square feet, which worked perfectly for my living room. The LED display was easy to read, and the remote control added a layer of convenience, allowing me to change the settings without getting up from the couch.
Plus, the flexible installation kit with a washable filter and exhaust hose made it easy to set up in just under an hour.
Pros of The Magnavox Portable Air Conditioner
- User-Friendly Operation: One of the best features of this unit is how straightforward it is to use. Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, the controls are intuitive, thanks to the digital fully functional remote and the clear LED display. I could easily switch between modes (cooling, dehumidifying, and fan), set the temperature, and use the timer feature.
- Portable and Space-Saving: If you’re like me and live in a smaller space, portability is a huge advantage. Unlike bulky window units, this air conditioner can be easily moved from one room to another, depending on where you need it most. With wheels on the bottom, I could glide it into different rooms without any hassle.
- Effective Cooling for Larger Spaces: Despite its compact size, the Magnavox portable air conditioner packs quite a punch. With 14,000 BTU, it cools rooms up to 700 square feet in no time. In my experience, the room temperature dropped significantly within 20 minutes of turning it on, making it ideal for larger rooms like living areas, bedrooms, or even small apartments.
- Dehumidifier Functionality: This unit also acts as a dehumidifier, which is a bonus if you live in a humid climate. I noticed the air felt much less sticky after running the dehumidifier function for a couple of hours, adding to my overall comfort.
- Washable Air Filter: I appreciated the washable air filter that comes with the unit. Not only does it help improve air quality by trapping dust and allergens, but it’s also easy to maintain. I simply removed the filter, gave it a quick rinse, and popped it back in—no need to purchase costly replacements.
Cons of The Magnavox Portable Air Conditioner
- Noise Level: While the Magnavox air conditioner does a great job of cooling, it’s not the quietest unit out there. On the highest fan setting, the noise level can be somewhat distracting, especially if you’re trying to have a conversation or watch TV. If you’re a light sleeper, this might not be the best option for a bedroom.
- Short Exhaust Hose: Another downside is the length of the exhaust hose, which is around 59 inches. Depending on where your window is, this may limit where you can place the unit. In my case, I had to rearrange a few pieces of furniture to ensure proper ventilation, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
- Limited Control via Remote: The remote control, while convenient, has some limitations. For example, it doesn’t always work well if you’re not directly facing the air conditioner. I’ve had to reposition myself or point the remote in just the right direction to get it to work.
- Water Drainage System: One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to drain the water from the unit, especially when using the dehumidifier mode. While the drainage process itself isn’t difficult, it does require some attention. Depending on the humidity levels, you might need to empty the water reservoir daily or every couple of days.
Maintenance Tips For The Magnavox Portable Air Conditioner
Maintaining the Magnavox portable air conditioner is relatively easy, but there are a few key things you should keep in mind to ensure it runs efficiently:
- Clean the Filter Regularly: As I mentioned earlier, the air filter is washable, which is fantastic. I recommend cleaning it every two weeks to ensure optimal performance. Dust and debris can accumulate quickly, especially during peak usage, so staying on top of this is crucial.
- Check and Drain the Water Reservoir: The unit will stop running if the water reservoir gets full, so it’s important to check it regularly. Emptying the water isn’t complicated—there’s a drainage plug at the bottom of the unit, and you can easily drain it into a container.
- Inspect the Exhaust Hose: Make sure the exhaust hose is free from kinks or obstructions. A blocked hose can cause the unit to overheat or work less efficiently. I found it helpful to give it a quick inspection every couple of weeks.
- Position the Unit Properly: For the best performance, keep the unit at least a few inches away from walls or furniture to allow proper airflow. This will also help prevent the unit from overheating and ensure even cooling throughout the room.
Comparing Magnavox Portable Air Conditioner To Other Brands
While I’ve been quite satisfied with the Magnavox P-14NPE, it’s always worth exploring how it measures up against other popular portable air conditioners on the market.
Here’s how the Magnavox compares to the Pelonis Portable Air Conditioner, Sherum Air Conditioner, and Arctic Air Pure Chill.
- Pelonis Portable Air Conditioner
The Pelonis Portable Air Conditioner is another mid-range option with similar features to the Magnavox model.
It boasts a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, which is slightly lower than the 14,000 BTU offered by Magnavox.
This makes the Pelonis more suitable for smaller spaces—think bedrooms or small living areas up to 450 square feet.
One area where Pelonis shines, however, is its quieter operation. If noise is a concern, Pelonis is generally quieter than Magnavox, especially on lower fan settings.
That said, for larger spaces, the Magnavox is the better option thanks to its greater cooling power.
- Sherum Portable Air Conditioner
Sherum offers a lightweight and portable air conditioner that is known for its ease of use, much like the Magnavox.
However, Sherum tends to focus on smaller models, which are more ideal for cooling personal spaces like home offices or bedrooms.
With a cooling capacity of around 8,000 BTU, Sherum units are designed for much smaller areas, and they don’t perform as efficiently in larger rooms compared to the Magnavox, which can handle spaces up to 700 square feet.
One of Sherum’s key selling points is its energy efficiency, making it a good option for those looking to save on electricity. However, if you’re looking to cool a large area or need faster cooling, Magnavox takes the lead.
- Arctic Air Pure Chill
Arctic Air Pure Chill is in a different category altogether, designed primarily as a personal air cooler rather than a full portable air conditioning unit.
The Arctic Air Pure Chill is incredibly compact, ultra-portable, and operates quietly, which is great for personal use in small areas like desks or nightstands.
However, it’s important to note that Arctic Air units don’t have nearly the same cooling power as the Magnavox P-14NPE.
These units work by cooling the immediate area around you rather than cooling an entire room.
If you’re looking for something to cool a large living space or bedroom, the Magnavox is far superior. Arctic Air is more of a personal cooler for specific use cases rather than a replacement for a full-size air conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s tough to pinpoint the absolute best, as it depends on individual needs. However, brands like Whynter, LG, and Honeywell consistently receive high marks for their performance, durability, and innovative features.
Magnavox air conditioners are produced under the Magnavox brand, which is owned by the Philips corporation. They are known for manufacturing a wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances.
Draining the Magnavox portable air conditioner is easy. There’s a drainage plug located at the bottom of the unit. Simply place a container beneath the plug, remove the cap, and let the water flow out. You may need to do this regularly if you’re using the dehumidifier function or in areas with high humidity.
The average lifespan of a portable air conditioner is around 5 to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regularly cleaning the filter, draining the water reservoir, and checking the exhaust hose can help extend the unit’s life.
Wrapping Up
All in all, the Magnavox P-14NPE portable air conditioner is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable way to cool large spaces. It’s easy to use, portable, and offers solid cooling power for rooms up to 700 square feet.
While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the noise level and short exhaust hose, these are relatively minor considering the value it provides.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, I highly recommend considering the Magnavox. You can find it at major retailers like Walmart or purchase it online for fast shipping. Just remember to stay on top of the maintenance, and it will serve you well for years to come.