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Dreo 12,000 BTU Portable AC: At a Glance
Our rating: 4.8/5
Until recently, if you didn’t have a central HVAC system, your main options for keeping cool were noisy window air conditioners or oscillating fans. Portable air conditioners have only been around for a few years, but they’re quickly becoming the most popular go-to solution for cooling individual rooms or small spaces.
I tested Dreo’s new 12,000-watt portable AC unit as part of a broader test to find the best garage air conditioners, and it ended up earning the top spot in the lineup. However, its use isn’t limited to garage or workshop cooling. This portable AC unit is well-suited for cooling any room up to 350 square feet. Ahead, find out how the Dreo air conditioner performed, what I loved about it, and what I think would make this handy cooling appliance even better.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | |
| Quickly and efficiently cools spaces up to 350 square feet | Rooms larger than 350 square feet may not be adequately cooled | |
| Enhanced dehumidifying included | ||
| Emits just 46 decibels (dB) of sound on lowest speed | ||
| Syncs via app for monitoring and control via smartphone |
What is the Dreo portable air conditioner?
The AC515S measures 28.13 inches high by 17.32 inches wide by 14.37 inches deep, so it’s a relatively compact unit. I really liked its castor wheels, which made it easy to roll from one spot to another.
The Dreo AC515S is a 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner designed for cooling rooms with up to 350 square feet of floor space. It plugs into a standard household outlet and comes with an adjustable window exhaust kit that fits double-hung or slider windows with 17- to 53-inch openings.
This Dreo air conditioner features an LED display on the front and can be operated manually from a line of touch buttons above the display. It also comes with a remote control and alternatively syncs to a wireless home network for convenient programming and monitoring. I found it simple to operate with all three methods.
| Dreo Portable Air Conditioner Specs | |
| BTUs | 12,000 |
| Noise level | 46 dB at lowest speed |
| Room size | Up to 350 square feet |
| Accessories | Window kit, remote control |
Key Features
The Dreo portable AC dehumidifies for added comfort while putting out cool air. Most AC units draw a measure of moisture from the air as part of the cooling process. However, the AC515S features enhanced dehumidification, and I could select the desired humidity level in the room. The best humidity level is probably based somewhat on personal preference, but I find a level around 40 percent to be the most comfortable.
This is a single-hose model, which means the hose that connects to the window kit is an exhaust hose, not an intake hose. Double-hose models feature both intake and exhaust hoses. I prefer the single-hose concept as it’s less to fiddle with and makes for a cleaner overall look. The air intake on the Dreo is on the back of the unit—it draws ambient air directly from the room.
The AC’s Wi-Fi capability puts it in a whole new category. The remote is great, don’t get me wrong, but with the app installed on my smartphone, I was able to set daily schedules; monitor the level of humidity; check the room’s temperature; and switch between cooling, fan only, and dehumidifying. The app installation was simple—I scanned the QR code from the Start-Up card to download the app and then followed the steps to sync the app to the unit.
Photos: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Cooling Comfort and Efficiency
One of my favorite features was the set of swing louvers on the upper front of the unit. Rather than blowing cool air in one direction, the louvers lift and fall to direct the air in a wave pattern. Compared to the other garage air conditioners I tested, the Dreo seemed to offer better circulation throughout the room.
A possible downside to this unit—and I didn’t personally experience it—is the potential to create a pressure differential in the room since the air is drawn in through the unit’s backside, and the warm exhaust air is directed through the hose out the window. In theory, this could cause negative pressure in a room, which could suck in warm air from other rooms or from outdoors and reduce efficiency.
In my tests, the Dreo cooled the air in my 240-square-foot garage from 80 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 45 minutes. Your times may vary, given the insulation in the walls and the outdoor temperature. Plus, the Dreo comes with a ground-fault circuit interrupter plug designed to cut power to the AC to protect users from electrical shock and ground faults.
Competitive Pricing
At the time of writing this review, the Dreo portable air conditioner sells for about $460 at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart. Other portable AC units designed to cool approximately the same amount of floor space (up to 350 square feet) range in price from $375 to $650. The Dreo is right in the middle in terms of price.
I feel the Dreo has an advantage over similar models in noise output. It emits just 46 dB of sound on its lowest setting, comparable to the sound of moderate rainfall. I found the sound akin to white noise. After a few minutes, I tuned it out, and it was more soothing than annoying. For me, the level of convenience Dreo offers via the remote and, especially, its Wi-Fi capability makes it a good choice for the money.
Is the Dreo portable AC right for you?
If you need a portable unit to cool a room 350 square feet or less, the Dreo A515S air conditioner is tough to beat. It’s particularly well suited for those who want more control of the humidity level in a room, and its relatively low noise level of around 46 dB is a plus over most window AC units, which can be pretty loud.
Like all air conditioners, however, it’s most efficient in well-insulated rooms and areas with moderate outdoor temperatures. With 12,000 BTUs, the Dreo comes with more cooling power than some other popular models, and I found the waving louver design helped disperse the cool air uniformly. You will need a window in the room where you intend to use it. My garage didn’t have a window, so I built a temporary wall frame in the walk-through doorway to fit the window exhaust kit.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Dreo portable AC inside my home or in a workshop setting. It quickly cools down the room temperature and reduces humidity for even greater comfort.
Where to Buy the Dreo Portable AC
Buy the Dreo portable AC unit at:
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.