Everything You Need to Know About This Convenient Cooling Option

Portable air conditioners are a great way to cool rooms in your home that don’t have standard AC installation. The Insignia portable air conditioner is a popular choice for delivering powerful, versatile cooling without the need for permanent installation. Keep reading to learn all about this handy appliance!

What is an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

An Insignia portable AC is a freestanding, movable air conditioning unit. It doesn’t need to be secured in a window or mounted on a wall. The Insignia portable air conditioner has a vent hose that fits into a window bracket. The bracket blocks the window while allowing the hot air exhaust to vent outside.

Portable units have the components of a fixed AC built into a compact body on wheels. The Insignia portable AC contains the cooling system, condenser, evaporator, and fan. It rolls from room to room providing cool air when needed.

Where Can I Buy an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

The most popular place to buy an Insignia portable air conditioner is Best Buy. As Insignia is Best Buy’s signature brand, you can find different models of Insignia portable ACs in Best Buy stores and on their website.

You may also be able to find Insignia portable air conditioning units on Amazon or other appliance retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart. However, inventory and prices may vary between retailers. Your best bet is checking with Best Buy directly for the latest Insignia portable AC models.

How Much Does an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Cost?

Insignia portable air conditioner prices typically range from $250 to $500. The price depends on the cooling capacity and features. Smaller units under 10,000 BTU range from $250 to $350. More powerful 12,000 to 14,000 BTU units cost $400 to $500.

Compared to other brands, Insignia portable ACs are very competitively priced. You get great value for the cooling performance thanks to Best Buy’s affordable pricing. Portable units from LG, Whynter or other brands can cost $150 to $300 more for the same BTU capacities.

What Sizes or BTU Options are Available?

Insignia offers portable air conditioners in a range of sizes to meet cooling needs for different room sizes:

• 8,000 BTU – Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft
• 10,000 BTU – Cools rooms 150 to 300 sq ft
• 12,000 BTU – Cools rooms 300 to 400 sq ft
• 14,000 BTU – Cools rooms 400 to 500 sq ft

The 8,000 and 10,000 BTU models are ideal for bedrooms or home offices. The larger 12,000 and 14,000 BTU ACs can handle cooling larger living rooms, family rooms and open concept spaces.

Always choose an AC with more BTU capacity than the actual square footage for the most efficient cooling. Portable units need extra power.

Does the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Have a Remote Control?

Most Insignia portable air conditioner models do come with a handy remote control. This allows you to control the portable AC from across the room. You can turn the unit on or off, adjust the mode, change the temperature, set the 24-hour timer, and control the fan speed.

Having a remote makes using and adjusting the portable air conditioner much more convenient. Some models have remotes that even include LCD screens to display the current settings. Checking each model’s details or remote features is wise before buying.

How Do I Install an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

Installing an Insignia portable AC is quick and easy, with no tools required! Follow these steps:

1. Place the unit near a window, ideally 6 feet or less away.
2. Extend the vent hose and attach it to the window bracket.
3. Adjust the bracket to fit your window, seal the opening around the bracket.
4. Make sure the vent hose has a slight downward angle for drainage.
5. Plug in the unit, extend the exhaust pipe, and enjoy the cool air!

The vent hose can reach up to 5 feet long so the portable AC doesn’t need to be right next to the window. Just position it near an outlet and where you want the cool air directed. The window bracket can work for horizontal and vertical sliding windows.

How Do I Clean the Filter on an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

Regular cleaning of the filter is important for an Insignia portable air conditioner to run efficiently. It’s quick and easy:

1. Turn off and unplug the unit.
2. Remove the filter, usually located behind the front panel.
3. Rinse the filter under warm running water, scrubbing it gently with a brush.
4. Shake off excess water and let the filter dry completely before replacing it.

Also vacuum the filter a few times per season to remove dust buildup. A clean filter optimizes airflow and performance. Aim to clean it every 2-4 weeks during peak AC season for top cooling power.

What Are the Reviews for the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

The Insignia portable air conditioner gets overall positive reviews from owners for its value, performance, and ease of use. Many praise it as an affordable and functional portable AC option. Satisfied customers say it cools effectively and isn’t overly complicated to install or use.

One frequent compliment is how quiet Insignia portable units operate, with little bothersome noise even when running on high fan speeds. Negative feedback is rare but occasional complaints mention leaks, plastic smell or weak airflow. However most agree Insignia portable ACs work very well for the reasonable price tag.

Is the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Energy Efficient?

Insignia portable air conditioners have decent energy efficiency for portable units. They have Energy Star certification, meaning they meet federal standards for efficiency. Reviewers often comment on how surprisingly affordable it is to run their Insignia portable ACs to keep electric bills manageable.

Exact energy usage depends on the model and your local electricity costs. An estimate for a 10,000 BTU unit running 6 hours per day at a national average of $0.14/kWh would cost around $25 monthly to operate. This is on par with more expensive brands while delivering the same amount of cooling power.

How Loud is an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

A major advantage of the Insignia portable air conditioner is very quiet operation. These units have sound levels ranging from 51 to 56 decibels on the highest fan setting. That’s just slightly louder than an electric toothbrush or refrigerator. The lower fan speeds are even quieter.

Reviewers say the Insignia portable AC is much more peaceful than window units and many competitors’ portable models. You can comfortably use it to cool bedrooms without disrupting sleep thanks to the minimal noise. Quiet performance is a big selling point.

Does the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Have a Dehumidifier Function?

Most models of Insignia portable air conditioners do feature a built-in dehumidifier function. This is useful for removing excess moisture from humid rooms. The portable AC collects water from the air into an internal bucket while in dehumidifier mode.

You simply select the dehumidifier setting and the desired humidity level you want it maintained at. Cooling and fan functions shut off and it draws buckets of water from the air, significantly reducing stuffy stickiness. It’s a great added function alongside the AC capabilities.

Can the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Cool a Large Room?

The more powerful 12,000 and 14,000 BTU Insignia portable AC units can effectively cool large spaces up to 500 square feet. Strong airflow volume combined with high BTU power gives these models the capacity to chill expansive open rooms.

Direct the cool air where needed most and close doors to non-essential areas of the home. Keep the portable unit centrally positioned to circulate air through the entire space. Powerful Insignia portable air conditioners can cool open living rooms, basements and more with proper placement.

Does the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Come With a Window Installation Kit?

Yes, an easy window installation kit is included with the Insignia portable air conditioner. The kit contains everything needed to securely place the vent hose in a window for hot air exhaust.

You get a window bracket that adjusts to fit different window widths. Adhesive foam strips allow you to seal up the gaps around the bracket for efficient air venting. There are also plastic panels to install for sliding windows. Detailed instructions walk through the simple window installation process.

How Do I Drain the Water from My Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

Insignia portable ACs remove moisture from the air into an internal bucket. When full, the unit automatically shuts off and indicates the bucket needs draining before continuing.

To drain it:

1. Remove the bucket from the back of the unit
2. Pour out the accumulated water
3. Replace the empty bucket into the unit
4. The AC will resume normal operation

Additionally, you can attach a drain hose to empty the water continuously without having to manually drain the bucket. Just make sure there is downward slope for proper water flow.

What is the Warranty on an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner?

Insignia portable air conditioners come with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for 1 year from the original purchase date.

Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. Contact Best Buy support for any malfunction issues to determine if a replacement, repair or refund can be provided under the warranty terms.

You can also add Best Buy’s Geek Squad 2-4 year extended protection plans for further peace of mind. This adds extra coverage beyond the 1 year warranty period.

How Do I Troubleshoot an Insignia Portable Air Conditioner That’s Not Cooling?

If your Insignia portable AC is not cooling properly, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure the unit is on Cool mode, not Fan or Dehumidify modes.
• Check the internal air filter and clean if dirty.
• Vent hose should have cool air coming out when on. If not, the hose may be blocked.
• Close all doors, windows and drapes so cool air doesn’t escape the room.
• Make sure no furniture is blocking the front air intake.
• Try adjusting the thermostat temperature lower.
• Allow up to 15 minutes for the room to cool down after turning on.
• If issues persist, unplug and restart the unit.

If none of these steps restore cooling function, the portable AC likely needs repair service. Contact Insignia support about warranty coverage or replacing the unit.

Is the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Easy to Move?

Yes, Insignia portable air conditioners are designed to be lightweight and easy to move on smooth wheels. The 8,000 to 12,000 BTU models weigh from 45 to 80 pounds. The compact build and rear casters let you roll the unit from room to room with little effort.

Larger 14,000 BTU units weigh around 100 pounds. While heavier, the wheels still allow you to reposition the unit down halls or between rooms when needed. Just make sure to drain the water bucket before moving so it doesn’t spill during transport.

Can I Use the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner in Rooms Without Windows?

You can use an Insignia portable AC in rooms without windows by venting the hot air exhaust through a door. Use the included vent panel to secure the flexible duct in a slightly open doorway instead of a window.

Keep the door propped open just wide enough to fit the exhaust vent. Cool air will remain inside the room and hot air releases out the doorway. This creative venting allows basement rooms, garages or other windowless spaces to benefit from portable AC power.

Does the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Have a Sleep Mode or Timer?

Most models do come with a 24-hour programmable timer. This allows you to set the Insignia portable air conditioner to automatically turn on or off at specified times. It’s a helpful feature to cool rooms before you wake up or return home.

Some units also have an energy saver sleep mode. This slowly raises the temperature a few degrees over several hours. You stay comfortable while sleeping but it prevents over-cooling that wastes energy overnight.

Both the timer and sleep mode help optimize the comfort and efficiency of the Insignia portable AC throughout the day and night.

How Does the Insignia Portable Air Conditioner Compare to LG or Honeywell Models?

Insignia portable air conditioners offer similar cooling capacities and features compared to popular brands like LG and Honeywell. In fact, many internal components are sourced from the same manufacturers.

The biggest difference is the price – Insignia portable ACs cost $150 to $250+ less than comparable models from LG, Honeywell, Whynter and others. You still get great performance and quiet operation.

While pricier brands often have sleeker designs and more warranty coverage, Insignia units deliver excellent value if cooling power is your main priority. Unless you need premium styling or extended warranties, an Insignia will perform just as well for hundreds less upfront.

Key Takeaways on the Insignia Portable AC:

• Cools rooms from 150 to 500 sq ft without permanent installation
• Costs only $250 to $500 for robust value
• Quiet and energy efficient operation
• Caster wheels allow easy repositioning between rooms
• Includes window venting kit for quick setup
• Positive reviews praise its price, power and quietness

Overall the Insignia portable air conditioner is a smart choice for affordable spot cooling throughout your home. Don’t overpay more for similar performance – let this versatile unit bring cold comfort on a budget!