10 Best Air Conditioner For Basement 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers a versatile solution for cooling and heating spaces up to 700 sq. ft., making it ideal for large basements. With a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (10,000 BTU DOE) and heating capacity of 12,000 BTU, it is equipped to handle varying temperatures throughout the year. The unit also functions as a dehumidifier, which is essential for basement environments that often struggle with humidity control, and as a fan.

Its SEER of 6.2 and lack of Energy Star rating might indicate higher energy consumption, which can be a drawback for energy-conscious users. However, the smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, add convenience. The 'Follow Me' remote control feature ensures precise temperature regulation by acting as a thermostat. Installation is relatively straightforward with the included window kit, making it accessible for most users.

The noise level at 54 dB may be noticeable but is generally acceptable for basement settings. Weighing 35 pounds, its portability is a significant advantage, especially if you need to move the unit between different rooms. While it has some energy efficiency limitations, its multifunctionality, ease of use, and smart features make it a strong contender for those needing a versatile air conditioning unit for their basement.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner offers a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC), which is suitable for spaces up to about 500 to 550 square feet, making it a reasonably good choice for most basements. It’s a three-in-one unit that not only cools but also acts as a dehumidifier and fan — an important feature for basements where moisture can be a problem. The unit includes a handy 'Follow Me' remote control which lets you set the temperature accurately from across the room, improving convenience. It comes with an easy-to-install window kit, so setup should be straightforward if your basement has a suitable window for venting.

The noise level is around 52 dB, which is moderate and slightly noticeable but not overly loud, allowing for reasonable comfort during use. However, it does not have an Energy Star rating and its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is 5.8, which means it’s not the most energy-efficient option available, so expect moderate electricity usage. Being portable with caster wheels and side handles, you can easily move it if needed. The water capacity for dehumidifying is 0.8 liters with auto water evaporation to reduce manual draining.

This product provides a good balance of cooling power and humidity control for a basement, though if energy efficiency or very quiet operation is a priority, there might be better options available.

The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner (model AC515S) is a solid choice for cooling basements or rooms up to about 300 square feet. With a strong 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, it can efficiently bring down temperatures in moderately sized spaces. It also offers humidity control through its 3-in-1 functionality—cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes—that helps keep basement moisture in check, which is often a concern down there. Noise is kept at a relatively low 46 decibels thanks to a special noise isolation system, so it won't be too disruptive in quiet environments.

One notable convenience is its drainage-free design under normal humidity levels (below 85%), meaning less hassle with water removal during typical basement conditions. It also comes with a window mount kit and drain hose for higher humidity contexts, adding installation flexibility. The unit is portable, so you can move it where needed without permanent installation.

The unit has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 6.1, which is moderate but not the most energy-saving option available. If you run it frequently, energy costs might add up. While it supports smart controls via an app and voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home, this might not be essential for everyone and could add complexity for users unfamiliar with smart devices. The unit is relatively tall and may require sufficient floor space. The Dreo AC515S delivers powerful, quiet cooling with useful humidity control features ideal for basement use, especially if you want a portable, easy-to-use unit that can be controlled remotely. Just keep in mind the moderate energy efficiency and check that your space can accommodate its size.