Soleus Air Conditioner Review: A High-Quality Brand?

Published by 
AllThingsHVAC
Last updated: 
May 31, 2024

What Is the Soleus Air Conditioner LX-140?

The Soleus Air LX-140 is a versatile and powerful portable air conditioner suitable for cooling a variety of settings. Its maximum airflow of 225 cubic feet per minute (CFM) is one of the highest available for a portable unit . In addition to cooling, the LX-140 can circulate air and dehumidify, removing up to 2.5 pints of moisture from the air per hour. This is especially valuable in humid climates. The integrated water tank collects the moisture, which can be emptied when full.

The unit is energy efficient and portable, though at 83 pounds it may be heavy for some to move around . Overall, the Soleus LX-140 provides excellent cooling performance for its price point.

Product Specs

The LX-140 features a three-speed adjustable fan and an evaporative cooling mode with 14,000 BTU of cooling power, sufficient for cooling spaces up to 525 square feet . It can be used as a portable unit or optionally installed in a window using the included kit. The integrated exhaust hose allows venting hot air outside.

The 60-pint built-in dehumidifier can be safely vented into an attic or ceiling without introducing humid air into the environment. The sleek design allows the LX-140 to integrate well into any room's decor.

Pricing

Portable air conditioners typically range from $200-$300 for basic models that cool smaller rooms, up to $600-$700 for higher-end units with added features like WiFi, voice control, and compatibility with smart home systems . Industrial-grade models fall at the higher end of the price range.

Comparison to Similar Products

To provide additional portable air conditioner options, we compared the Soleus LX-140 to several other units currently on the market:

  • Honeywell Air Conditioner MN10CESWW
  • FRIGIDAIRE Cool Connect Smart Portable Air Conditioner
  • LG LP0817WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner

Honeywell CL25AE

The Honeywell CL25AE portable air conditioner has a 10,000 BTU cooling capacity suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet. It features a three-speed fan, dehumidifier function, and cooling modes. Annual energy costs are low at around $90, but it is not as energy efficient as some other models .

With an airflow of 174 CFM, the CL25AE takes about 30 minutes to noticeably cool a room. The dehumidifier runs constantly, removing up to 2.8 pints of moisture per hour, but requires window venting as there is no internal tank.

The simple remote control includes a timer but lacks a sleep mode or auto-restart function. The short 3.9 ft exhaust hose means the unit must be close to a window or vent. This model earns a 3-star rating due to the lack of an internal tank and short hose, though it may still suit those with an easily accessible window.

Warranty

The CL25AE has a 5-year compressor warranty and 1-year appliance warranty.

Whynter ECO-Friendly 11000

The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is an energy-efficient, feature-rich portable air conditioner ideal for home use. With an airflow of 200 CFM, it can cool rooms up to 550 square feet . The dry mode removes up to 3 pints of moisture per hour, while oscillating louvers help circulate air for fast, even cooling.

This unit is relatively energy efficient with an estimated annual cost of $94. At just 53 decibels, it is notably quiet for a portable air conditioner . Built-in WiFi allows control via smartphone or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. Additional features include a built-in ionizer, remote control, and machine-washable filters.

Warranty

The FGPC1244T1 has a 5-year compressor warranty and 1-year limited warranty.

LG LP0817WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner

The compact LG LP0817WSR is designed for cooling small spaces up to 200 square feet, making it ideal for a small home office or bedroom. Like the other units, it excels at dehumidification. At just 27 inches tall, it is easy to move and fits well in any room, though it does produce noticeable white noise when running.

Despite its modest price, the LP0817WSR includes useful features like a remote control, easy-to-read LED display, 24-hour timer, auto-restart, and auto shut-off. An optional window kit is available for a more permanent installation. This unit provides good value as a budget-friendly portable air conditioner.

Warranty

The LP0817WSR has a 1-year limited warranty.

Conclusion

In comparison to the other portable air conditioners reviewed, we give the Soleus LX-140 a 4-star rating. While it may lack some of the advanced features found on pricier models like the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1, it provides excellent cooling performance and convenience at its price point.

The LX-140's high airflow and cooling capacity make it suitable for most homes and offices, while the built-in dehumidifier with internal tank sets it apart from competitors that require window venting. The optional window kit adds installation flexibility.

On the downside, the standard 1-year warranty falls short of the 5-year compressor coverage offered by some others, and there is no remote control included. However, the LX-140's quiet operation and superior cooling power make it a solid choice overall.

Depending on your specific needs, such as cooling a larger space or desire for smart home integration, one of the other reviewed models may be a better fit. But for an effective, straightforward cooling solution, the Soleus LX-140 delivers strong performance and value.

Sources:

  1. Soleus Air LX-140 Product Manual
  2. "Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide." Consumer Reports, 2020.
  3. "Honeywell CL25AE Portable Air Conditioner Review." Your Best Digs, 2023.
  4. "FRIGIDAIRE FGPC1244T1 Portable Air Conditioner." FRIGIDAIRE, 2023.

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