Sharp CVP12LX Portable Air Conditioner Review

When we converted our garage into a combination workshop/design studio a couple of years ago we probably didn't give enough consideration for the air-conditioning needs of the project.  Since the air handler for our central air system is located in the garage we had always assumed that tapping into the central system was going to be the answer.

But as the project was nearing completion a couple of air-conditioning technicians cautioned us from taking this route.  They argued that too much air-conditioning power would be drawn away from the living areas of the house.  No, we wouldn't want that.

Dwindling Choices

Since our garage has no windows and its walls are concrete we quickly eliminated either a window or wall-thru unit. We started focusing on upright portable units.

After a good deal of internet research and examining a number of units at local retailers we were inmpressed with the Sharp CVP12LX Portable Air Conditioner.

Sharp CVP12LX Portable Air Conditioner

This attractive streamlined unit produces 11,500 BTUs and is thermostatically controlled.  Unlike many portable units that condense removed humidity in a water tank that requires periodic emptying, the Sharp CVP12LX Portable Air Conditioner is self evaporating requiring no emptying of tanks if the unit is properly vented.  In our installation venting is through a small grilled vent located at the bottom of the concrete wall.  This unit comes with a venting kit that will allow several venting alternatives.

Controls

Full thermostatic control, control of fan speeds and mega cool options are found on the Remote Control only.  Do not lose the remote!  Controls on the main unit are limited to on/off and retain the last settings input via the remote.

The main unit contains a mounting cradle for the remote control.

Performance & Efficiency

One sacrifice of portable units is their efficiency.  At 8.5 EER, the Sharp CVP12LX Portable Air Conditioner is a middling performer in this regard.  Fortunately, the 300 cubic feet of air it moves per minute gives it quick cooling power.

The Sound of Silence

One of the key features of the Sharp is the almost complete absence of operating noise.  No, it's not quite as quiet as our Bosch Dishwasher, but as air conditioners go it is "library quiet".   Of all the models we tested from various manufacturers it was by far the quietest.  For installations in living spaces where people will be sleeping it will fit the bill nicely.

My Viewpoint

Though we didn't have any practical alternatives to the type of air conditioner we're using, the Sharp CVP12LX Portable Air Conditioner has proved to be a good, reliable choice for our garage conversion.  Over the last 2+ years it has given us trouble free performance.  We recommend it.