Customer Reviews

DeLonghi PAC290 Portable Air Conditioner

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Portable air conditioners are popular in parts of Europe and Asia but never here in the States. They differ from our traditional window- or wall-mounted ACs in that they reside entirely inside, hence draw air from inside the room. There's an exhaust hose that connects to the outside. The upshot is they are energy efficient and work well, but for mysterious reasons they are really expensive. Probably because they are niche markets. DeLonghi is the best brand in this category and the EER rating on this 10,000 BTU unit is high while you can still run it on regular 110V, no need for converting to 220V as with older 10,000+ BTU ACs. The DeLonghi appears to be well built and it has four wheels so you can move it around. But the high price... If it were less than half of that, I think everyone should get one.

Within 30 days of periodic use, this unit has leaked water, thoroughly soaking the oriental rug on which it was placed. Further, the water soaked through from the second floor to the first and dripped on our leather chair. I have followed all installation and use instructions to the letter. The included Service Manual from DeLonghi provides no "troubleshooting" advice only a State listing of authorized service centers--of course this happens on the weekend.
This disappointment comes on the heels of a 2 week delivery time using the "Free Super Saver" shipping.
Overall, highly disappointed with this purchase and trying to return the item.

Cools well and efficiently; I've used one for three years and never had any of the scary problems other reviewers have reported. BUT, it it is loud, big, and refilling the water container is a pain (though you can operate (less well) without it.) I would recommend a window mounted device instead, unless you need either portability (no complicated window installation necessary,) or use in a room that only has windows that open outwards (the type you can't install a window AC in.)

I bought one of these a few years ago and couldn't wait to return it. When you have an AC unit in a room, it generates heat -- there's a reason that a window unit hangs *outside* the room. There is heat dissipation along the exhaust hose also, and at the window: if your window has 2 sections, the heat can rise just outside the lower section, and re-enter at the window dividers. At least, understand that a 10000 BTU unit in the room does not equal the same outside the room, because the room is not insulated from the machine. I had this unit in a small bedroom -- maybe it was windy in there, but it really wasn't any cooler. The unit did act as a dehumidifier, and required a fair amount of emptying. Anyways, don't, don't buy this thing -- it does nothing, and it's expensive.

I tried to set up this air conditioner in my home last night. The unit does not have the on/off, temperature or time control buttons in the control panel, so the only way I have to turn the unit on or off is to disconnect it. The alarm light comes on about 10 minutes after the air conditioner starts, the A/C shuts off and the unit becomes a very expensive fan. I have called customer support but have received no response as yet.

I bought this in 2002 because my landlord doesn't allow window units, due the dripping and ugliness factor of window units. This machine has worked perfectly for five years of extremely hot summer days and nights. I set it on maximum cool and fill it with water twice a day. Spent a lot of money, but well worth it! Yes it is heavy and noisy and after five years it rattles a little. I spilled candle wax down it by accident two years ago but it still keeps working! One thing I have been doing that may be the reason for it's trouble free existence is that I flush it every summer month with descaling fluid.

I work at an electronics retail store that sells a lot of air conditioners, so I have had an opportunity to test most of them. Out of all the portable air conditioners on the market I found this to be the most sturdy and able to provide the best amount of cooling for the space it takes up. The best part about this unit is that you do not need to add water to it to get ice cold air. Unlike all other portable air conditioners, you dont needs to add any water to this unit, which is incredible convenient if you live in an apartment like I do. I bought one of these for my apartment and one for my parents last year and the units are working great. The one drawback is that this unit is very heave but the wheels help with that. I guess the weight is a good indicator of how well this unit is made, i expect it to last a long time.

I had this unit since 2002, and it has survived 2 moves, a lot of wear and tear, dragged up and down stairs, and a broken off plastic switch on the front, and it keeps working. It cools much better when filled with water. It never leaks, not once. I replaced the exhaust hose in 2010, after it broke. The main housing is metal. It sounds like an airconditioner, and has a periodic swishing sound when *not* filled with water.

Overall, a very reliable and satisfying appliance. I know this unit is no longer available, but I am adding this review as a comparison for others looking at air conditioners.