Are you tired of having to buy separate appliances to cool your room and purify the air? Thanks to technological advancements, manufacturers have created multi-purpose appliances to save space and energy.
One such appliance is the air conditioner and air purifier combo, which not only circulates cool air but also improves air quality. However, with this technology being relatively new, finding the right one can be a daunting task.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide highlighting the features of the best air conditioners with built-in air purifier filters. In this article, we’ll review the top three air conditioners with air purifiers, helping you make an informed decision.
By purchasing these multi-purpose appliances, you can save both money and space while improving your indoor air quality. So, keep reading to find out what features to consider when purchasing an air conditioner and air purifier combo.
Our Recommendation for Best Air Purifier Air Conditioner Combo in 2024:
The dual hose system of the Whynter ARC-14SH is highly efficient and cools rooms faster compared to single-hose units.
It functions not only as an air purifier with an activated carbon filter and a washable pre-filter for improved air quality but also can cool large spaces of up to 500 square feet with its 14,000 BTU rating and 3-speed fan level.
Additionally, it serves as a fan, dehumidifier, and heater, offering versatile functionality. With its onboard control panel, wireless remote control, and comprehensive digital display, operating and customizing settings is straightforward.
This air purifier and AC combo utilizes 100 percent CFC-free R-32 refrigerant, making it eco-friendly, and is suitable for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
Read More Information: Best and Latest Air Purifiers in Market
Best Air Purifiers Air Conditioners Combo
Editor Choice
01 – Honeywell HL10CESWK – Overall Best Air Purifier Air Conditioner Combo
Reasons To Avoid
We have personally used and researched the Honeywell HL10CESWK air purifier and air conditioner combo unit and found it to be an exceptional product with many benefits.
First and foremost, this stylish and lightweight air purifier AC unit is easy to move from room to room. It offers 10,000 BTUs of power, sufficient to cool a room of up to 450 square feet effectively and uniformly.
Adjustable Fan Speeds and Sleep Mode Feature
This air conditioner and air purifier in one features adjustable fan speeds that can be set to low, medium, or high, facilitating easy regulation of temperature, especially at night.
One of the standout features of this combo unit is the sleep mode. When enabled, the unit runs continuously for ten hours, ensuring you stay cool throughout the night. Additionally, its auto-evaporation system makes the unit low maintenance, handling the draining of collected moisture.
The dual filter design ensures clean air circulation within the room, a crucial benefit for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
User-Friendly Installation and Durable Components
The window vent is so well-designed that it requires no sealer for installation, simplifying the setup process. The HL14 unit’s high-quality components and vents make it a durable and reliable unit.
Although the unit struggles to keep the room cool during mid-day and late-day when intense sun hits, it still performs within the noted square footage range. The continuous drain produces a lot of water in a desert climate, an issue we plan to discuss with Honeywell engineers. However, overall, it surpasses comparable models from LG, Edgestar, and others.
Another advantage is its effectiveness in dehumidification mode on humid days. It typically alternates between dehumidification and AC cool mode, cooling the room within an hour with blackout shades. The energy efficiency of the unit also keeps the monthly electric bill reasonable.
One downside is the need to empty the water bucket twice a day on hot, humid days. However, the AC cool mode produces less water compared to the dehumidification mode, and the unit is relatively quiet, falling within the white noise sound range.
Overall Assessment and Unique Features
What sets this combo unit apart from its competitors is its dual filter design, ensuring clean air circulation within the room. Additionally, the unit’s easy setup and the window vent’s no-sealer-required design make it very user-friendly.
Key decision-making factors for this category include efficiency, durability, ease of use, and maintenance. The Honeywell HL10CESWK air purifier and air conditioner combo unit excel in all these areas.
This combo unit has evolved from previous models by incorporating a dual filter design for clean air circulation and an auto-evaporation system to reduce maintenance. It is also more energy-efficient than previous models, making it a cost-effective solution for cooling and purifying the air in your home.
In conclusion, we consider the Honeywell HL10CESWK to be the best air purifier and air conditioner combo unit on the market. Our firsthand experience supports that this combo unit delivers on its promises, is easy to use, and performs exceptionally well in all areas.
Features and Specifications:
| Recommended Room Size (Up To) | 350 to 700 Sq. Ft. |
| Ashrae Cooling Capacity | 10000/12000/14000 BTU |
| Dehumidification Capacity Per Day | 80/86/111 Pints |
| Exhaust Hose Length | 10.6″ to 59″ |
| Dust Filtration | Washable Dual Filtration System |
Read More Information: Best Air Purifier and Dehumidifier Combo
02 – Whynter ARC-14SH – Best Air Conditioner with Air Purifier
Reasons To Avoid
The Whynter ARC-14SH is a portable air conditioner that also functions as an air purifier. With a 14,000 BTU rating, it can cool a room up to 500 square feet and features a 3-speed fan level and dehumidifying capability.
Its dual hose system cools faster and incorporates advanced drain technology that recycles collected moisture. Additionally, it can function as a fan, dehumidifier, and heater.
Air Quality Improvement
One of the standout features of this portable air conditioner with an air purifier is its activated carbon filter and washable pre-filter, which contribute to improved air quality. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are sensitive to allergens or suffer from respiratory issues.
The onboard control panel, wireless remote control, and comprehensive digital display make it easy to operate and customize settings.
The unit’s dual hose system also sets it apart from its competitors. Single hose units are less effective as they take cool air from the room and push hot air out the window. Dual hose units, like the Whynter ARC-14SH, isolate room air and cool it more efficiently.
Design Flaws to Consider
However, the unit does have some design flaws that could be improved upon. The drain hose connection is too low and requires a slim drain-pan to remove water. Sealing all around the hose joints could also improve heating and prevent air leakage.
Additionally, the unit generates about 2 times more heat than a space heater and uses the same amount of power, which could be a drawback for some users.
We found that the Whynter ARC-14SH works well as an air conditioner, but its dehumidifying ability could be improved. The drain hose connection is too low, and water from the cooling coils flows down a drain slot directly onto hot coils below, making it challenging to dehumidify.
The unit has been used as a heater and works fine but may not be the best choice for temperatures below 40 degrees.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Air Quality and Cooling
Overall, we consider the Whynter ARC-14SH to be the best air purifier and air conditioner combo. Its dual hose system, activated carbon filter, and washable pre-filter make it an ideal choice for those looking to improve indoor air quality while also cooling their space.
Additionally, its eco-friendly use of 100 percent CFC-free R-32 refrigerant and comprehensive digital display make it a smart choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Despite some design flaws, we believe that the Whynter ARC-14SH is a solid choice for anyone in search of a portable air conditioner and air purifier combo.
Features and Specifications:
| Hose Configuration | Dual hose |
| Dehumidifying Capacity | 101 pints/ day |
| Temperature Range | 61°F – 89°F |
| Maximum power consumption | 1300 W / 11.6 A |
| Drain Options | Continuous and Manual |
Read More Information: Best Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo
03 – COSTWAY Evaporative – Portable Air Conditioner and Air Purifier Combo
Reasons To Avoid
The COSTWAY air conditioner and air purifier combo is a versatile product that offers multiple functionalities. This portable air conditioner and air purifier combo can function as a cooler, heater, dehumidifier, and air purifier, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for your indoor space.
Notable Features and Benefits
The product has three-speed fan levels that can match your needs, and it also features a PTC heater that keeps your room warm during the cold seasons. The swing feature ensures that heat is evenly distributed across the room.
The air conditioner and air purifier have a 7-liter water tank and two ice-crystal boxes that provide cool air in your indoor space. Additionally, the product also detects and cleans air pollutants, sanitizing the air that you breathe.
It eliminates most air contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, odors, and smoke, ensuring that you breathe clean and fresh air.
Maintenance and Care
However, the product requires proper maintenance for optimum performance. The manufacturer’s setup instructions may not be descriptive enough for some buyers, and regular maintenance is essential to prevent leaks and bad smells.
Before using the cool setting, make sure the green filter is wet, and when putting the tank into the unit, ensure that the right side of the black lip rides along the white tab that holds up the pump when the tank is out of the unit.
The green filter needs to be rinsed every few days to prevent bacteria growth and grime buildup. The filter is a track system for the water to work its way back down to the tank, and the screen that covers the filter filters out things like cat hair.
The material is almost like construction paper with a hard coating over it, making it semi-absorbent and causing it to smell over time. Rinse the green filter well with water unless it is quite dirty, then you can use dish soap. Dump out the old water at the start of each day and rinse the green filter.
The air conditioner purifier is suitable for areas with high humidity, but it may not cool down the room as much as expected. It’s recommended for a 10×10 space or a small room, not for a big room or area. The air cooler part of the device works very well in rooms with low humidity.
The air conditioner with an air purifier is a good adjunct to cooling a room that has no humidity and helps to keep down the central A/C bill. The heater component makes it a good value for the price.
The device beeps when the water compartment is getting too low, and it has a timer that goes up to 8 hours and different modes for speed and air type.
The air conditioner and air purifier also has a ‘swing’ fan feature built-in, and the noise level is low, making it more convenient than a window unit. It works great for a patio or a small 4-season room.
Overall Verdict and Assessment
Overall, we believe that the COSTWAY air conditioner and air purifier combo is a great value if it continues to work. Its multi-functionality, air-purifying feature, and low noise level set it apart from its competitors.
The key decision-making factors for this air purifier’s category are its cooling and air-purifying abilities, its maintenance requirements, and its noise level.
The COSTWAY air conditioner and air purifier combo perform well in all of these areas, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable air conditioner and air purifier combo.
Compared to previous models, this portable AC and air purifier have improved air-purifying abilities, a more efficient cooling system, and a low noise level.
Its maintenance requirements remain the same, and regular cleaning and upkeep are still essential for optimal performance.
Features and Specifications:
| Water Tank Capacity | Up to 6L |
| Wind Speed | 3-level adjustable |
| Timing Function | 8 hours |
| Included Accessories | 2 ice boxes |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
Read More Information: Best Air Purifier Heater Combo
Does an Air Conditioner Work as an Air Purifier?
Air conditioners and air purifiers are two different appliances that serve different purposes. However, with advancements in technology, some manufacturers have developed air conditioner and air purifier combos that perform both functions in a single device.
Air conditioners are designed to cool and dehumidify the air by removing moisture and heat from the room. They work by drawing in warm air from the room and passing it over a series of coils filled with refrigerant.
As the refrigerant cools, it absorbs the heat and moisture from the air, producing cool air that is then circulated back into the room.
On the other hand, air purifiers are designed to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, and smoke from the air.
They work by drawing in air from the room and passing it through a series of filters that trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.
So, does an air conditioner work as an air purifier? The answer is no, an air conditioner alone does not work as an air purifier.
While air conditioners can help improve indoor air quality by reducing humidity levels, they do not have filters that are designed to remove pollutants from the air.
However, some air conditioner and air purifier combos are designed to perform both functions in a single device. These appliances typically have built-in air purifying filters that trap pollutants and allergens, producing cool and purified air.
This means that with an air conditioner with purifier, you can achieve both cool and purified air from a single product.
Considerations Before Buying an Air Purifier and Air Conditioner Combo
When looking to purchase a portable air conditioner air purifier, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some key factors to consider:
Types of Filters Available
The types of filters available in the AC and air purifier combo play a crucial role in filtering out harmful particles from the air. The following types of filters are commonly available:
a. Pre-Filters: These filters can capture larger particles and prevent them from entering the AC unit, keeping it clean.
b. HEPA Filters: These filters can capture microscopic particles such as allergens, dust, germs, and dander up to 0.03 microns in size and remove 99.97% of airborne particles.
c. Activated Carbon Filters: These filters can absorb unpleasant odors and smoke while also capturing allergens, dust, mold, and pet dander/hair.
d. UV Sanitization: This technology uses UV rays to kill bacteria, germs, and dust mites.
e. Ionic Filters: These filters release an ion-charged cloud to eliminate dust particles, but they require cleaning of surfaces.
Coverage Area
The coverage area of the AC and air purifier combo is an important consideration when purchasing. The cooling capacity of the unit is directly proportional to the size of the room it can cover.
An undersized AC won’t cool the room adequately, while an oversized AC with excess BTUs will draw more energy and may cause a premature breakdown. To determine the required BTUs, you can estimate the cooling strength of the AC.
Portable Air Filters for Conditioners
There are four types of portable air filters for conditioners: Pre Filters, HEPA Filters, Activated Carbon Filters, and UV light sanitizers. Pre-filters capture large-sized air contaminants such as hair, dirt, and mold spores, while HEPA filters capture microscopic particles such as allergens, dust, germs, and dander.
Activated carbon filters absorb smoke, gases, odors, and capture allergens, dust, mold, and pet dander/hair. UV Sanitation kills bacteria, viruses, and dust mites.
Can I Put A HEPA Filter In My AC?
Traditional AC systems often lack the ability to filter out microscopic particles, such as allergens, dust, and viruses. This is where HEPA filters come in.
HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.03 microns in size, removing up to 99.97% of airborne particles from the air. HEPA filters are commonly used in medical facilities, clean rooms, and other environments where air quality is critical.
If you are concerned about indoor air quality and want to improve it, you may be wondering if you can install a HEPA filter in your air conditioner. The answer is yes, in some cases.
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that not all AC units are compatible with HEPA filters. Traditional AC units are designed to work with a specific type of filter, and using a filter that is not compatible can damage the system or reduce its effectiveness.
If you have a central air conditioning system, the chances are that it’s not compatible with HEPA filters. Central AC units typically use thicker filters, which are designed to capture larger particles and protect the system from damage.
Replacing the filter with a HEPA filter can reduce airflow, cause the system to work harder, and potentially lead to a breakdown.
However, some modern air conditioning systems are designed to work with HEPA filters. These systems typically have a built-in filter compartment that can accommodate a HEPA filter.
If your AC unit has a filter compartment, you can check the manufacturer’s specifications to see if it’s compatible with HEPA filters.
If your AC unit is not compatible with HEPA filters, there are still options available to improve indoor air quality. You can consider using a portable air purifier that comes with a HEPA filter. These devices can be placed in individual rooms and are designed to capture allergens, dust, and other pollutants.
Do I Need an Air Purifier if I Have an AC Filter?
Air conditioners and air purifiers are two different appliances that serve distinct purposes, but they are often compared and sometimes even combined in a single unit. It’s essential to understand the differences between them and how they complement each other.
Air conditioners cool and dehumidify the air by circulating it through a filter. The filter’s primary function is to trap larger particles such as dust, pollen, and pet hair, but it is not designed to capture small particles like bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
On the other hand, air purifiers are designed to remove small airborne particles and pollutants that can cause respiratory problems and allergies.
Air purifiers can trap tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander, smoke, mold spores, and bacteria. They work by using different types of filters, such as HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, or UV-C light.
While air filters in an AC can capture some larger particles, they cannot capture the same amount of smaller airborne particles that an air purifier can. Thus, it is not enough to rely solely on an AC filter to clean the air in your home thoroughly.
Moreover, AC filters are designed to protect the HVAC system, not improve indoor air quality. When an AC filter becomes clogged, it can reduce airflow and put stress on the AC system, leading to higher energy bills and potential equipment breakdown.
Therefore, an air purifier is a valuable addition to your home to complement your AC system. The two appliances work together to provide clean and healthy indoor air. The air purifier can capture the small particles that the AC filter cannot and provide an extra layer of protection for your family’s health.
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Summary of Best Air Conditioner With Air Purifier Combo
Speciality
Model
Price
Overall Best Air Purifier Air Conditioner Combo
Honeywell HL10CESWK
Best Air Conditioner with Air Purifier
Whynter ARC-14SH
Portable Air Conditioner and Air Purifier Combo
COSTWAY Evaporative
Final Words
The Honeywell HL10CESWK is an excellent choice for those in need of a portable air conditioner with an integrated air purifier. With its lightweight and stylish design, it is easy to move around the house and blend in with any decor.
The 10,000 BTUs of power can effectively cool a room up to 450 square feet, making it a suitable option for most living spaces. The adjustable fan speeds and sleep mode make it easy to regulate the temperature and achieve a comfortable environment.
Moreover, the built-in air purifier can effectively remove harmful particles and allergens, ensuring clean and fresh air. Overall, the Honeywell HL10CESWK is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable air purifier and air conditioner combo.
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Hello! I’m the founder and editor-in-chief of Caresfresh.com. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and enjoy testing, reviewing, and writing about air purifiers and other home products.
I care about making sure that people have the information they need to make informed decisions about the products they buy for their homes. When I’m not working on my website, I like spending time with my family and friends.
