The best portable air conditioners offer an effective and convenient solution for cooling down a hot room, making them an invaluable asset for people looking to beat the summer heat. By providing a personal, localized cooling system, portable air conditioners offer a simple and cost-effective way to stay cool and comfortable.
Best Overall | Bang for Your Buck | Best on a Budget | Most Portable | Best Personal |
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BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner |
Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner |
SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner |
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Conditioner |
Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus |
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An affordable option with versatile 3-in-1 functionality, designed for smaller spaces, and featuring intuitive controls for ease of use and efficient cooling. |
Innovative dual hose-in-hose design for balanced air circulation, inverter technology for energy efficiency, and smart control options for optimal comfort. |
Budget-friendly option with built-in dehumidifier, convenient remote control, and easy setup for comfortable cooling in small to medium-sized rooms. |
Compact and energy-efficient personal cooling solution with evaporative technology, suitable for small spaces and hot, dry climates. |
Ultra-portable air conditioner featuring eco-friendly evaporative cooling, USB connectivity, and quiet operation, perfect for personal use in small spaces. |
What Is a Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner is a compact and mobile cooling unit that can easily move from one room to another. It works by extracting heat from the indoor air and venting it outside through a hose. Portable air conditioners are perfect for cooling small to medium-sized rooms and are excellent for renters or homeowners who don’t want to install a permanent cooling system. Portable air conditioners offer an effective and convenient solution for cooling down a hot room, making them an invaluable asset for people looking to beat the summer heat. By providing a personal, localized cooling system, portable air conditioners offer a simple and cost-effective way to stay cool and comfortable.
Why Buy a Portable Air Conditioner?
One of the primary reasons someone would buy a portable air conditioner is to cool specific areas of their home without having to install a permanent unit. Portable ACs are easy to move around and can be placed in any room that needs cooling. This makes them an ideal choice for people who live in apartments or rental homes where they may not be able to install a traditional AC unit.
Another reason someone might choose a portable air conditioner is that it is generally more affordable than central air conditioning systems. They are also more energy-efficient than window-mounted units, which can help to reduce energy bills. Additionally, portable ACs are easy to use, with straightforward controls that let you change the temperature and fan speed to your liking.
Portable air conditioners are also an excellent option for people who live in areas with hot and humid summers. These units can help reduce indoor humidity levels, making your home feel more comfortable and improving indoor air quality. If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer months, a portable air conditioner might be just what you need.
Portable Air Conditioners: What to Look For
While shopping for a portable air conditioner, you must consider several features to ensure you make the right purchase. Here are ten criteria to keep in mind:
Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT
Image credit: BLACK+DECKER
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The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner tops our list with its top-of-the-line personal air conditioner that you can quickly move into any room you choose. Its compact size of 16.5″ x 11.7″ x 27.9″ is perfect for keeping you cool during the hot summer months and ensuring a good night’s sleep. This 3-in-1 portable air conditioner includes a dehumidifier and fan, making it a versatile and efficient option. The convenient remote control and top-mounted control panel with LED display make it easy to set the temperature just right. The slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, and 24-hour timer are impressive features that make it even more convenient. With casters on the bottom and side handles, it’s easy to move this little air conditioner from room to room. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-install window kit, making it a literal breeze to set up and use. All these combined make the BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner the best mobile air conditioner on the market today.
Bang for Your Buck: Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL
Image credit: Midea
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The Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner is a revolutionary choice for those seeking efficient cooling and heating solutions. With its innovative duo hose-in-hose design, this unit ensures balanced air circulation while preventing hot outside air from seeping in, thanks to its industry-first technology. Engineered with inverter technology, it offers more cooling/heating with significantly less electricity consumption compared to traditional units, saving over 40% energy. The optimized air duct system empowers this unit to deliver 2X faster and stronger whole-room cooling experiences. Additionally, it offers multi-season comfort with superior heating capabilities.
With smart control features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with voice control devices like Alexa and Google Assistant, managing your indoor climate has never been easier. Despite its powerful performance, the Midea Duo operates ultra-quietly, with a noise level as low as 42dB, ensuring peaceful surroundings in your home.
Best on a Budget: SereneLife SLPAC8
Image credit: SereneLife
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The SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner is the best budget portable air conditioner today due to its many impressive features. With 8,000 BTU of portable cooling power and 350 sq ft of coverage, it can convert any place with a comforting and chilly ambiance. Not only does it cool the air, but it also comes with a built-in dehumidifier and a fan mode with 3-speed settings. The sleek and free-standing design makes it an aesthetic centerpiece in your office, bedroom, living room, meeting room, garage, and more. It also has many features for ultimate convenience, such as a built-in 24-hour timer, automatic swing mode, and automatic self-evaporation technology. Setting it up is also quick and easy, with the exhaust kit and removable air filter. With all these features, the SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a comfortable environment at an affordable price.
Most Portable: Evapolar evaCHILL EV-500W
Image credit: Evapolar
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The Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Conditioner is the perfect solution for portable, efficient, cost-effective personal cooling. With its 3-in-1 cooling system, it not only cools but also humidifies the air while catching large dust particles. The device is super portable with a handy handle, four fan speeds, and one button control. It efficiently cools your space by 9-25°F, making it an ideal solution for hot and dry climates. Unlike personal air conditioners, evaCHILL doesn’t use Freon-like liquids, and the temperature drop results from the water evaporation process, making it 100% safe for breathing. The device is powered by patented evaBREEZE technology, providing an exceptional cooling effect thanks to the outstanding evaporative properties of the cartridge material. It consumes only 7.5W, up to 100x less than an AC unit, making it energy-efficient and cost-saving. The evaCHILL is hygienically persistent, and no cleaning is required thanks to the natural material produced from basalt.
Best Personal Air Conditioner: Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus
Image credit: EvaPolar
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The Evapolar evaLIGHT Plus is the ultimate personal air conditioner on the market today. Made with 80% ABS plastic, 15% electronic components, and 5% EvaBreeze material, it is free-standing and comes in black. This ultra-portable air conditioner has USB connectivity, touch controls, a wheel control, and a luxury LED light. It cools and humidifies the air using evaporative technology while catching large dust particles. With a digital display showing in-and-out temperature, a removable water tank, and a sleep timer, it offers a natural way to cool your personal space without using Freon-like liquids. The energy-efficient device consumes only 10W, up to 100 times less than an AC unit, saving on bills. The cartridge inside the device contains natural material from basalt, making it 100% safe for breathing. It is the best personal air conditioner for hot, dry climates, providing a remarkable cooling effect thanks to the outstanding evaporative properties of cartridge material.
Can portable air conditioners cool large rooms effectively?
Portable air conditioners are typically designed for small to medium-sized rooms. While some models may offer higher BTU ratings for increased cooling capacity, they may not be as effective in cooling larger spaces compared to central air conditioning systems. It’s essential to choose a portable air conditioner with the appropriate BTU rating for the size of the room you intend to cool.
Do portable air conditioners require venting?
Yes, most portable air conditioners require venting to expel hot air generated during the cooling process. This is typically done through a window venting kit included with the unit. Proper venting is essential for the efficient operation of the air conditioner and to prevent heat buildup in the room.
Are portable air conditioners energy-efficient?
Portable air conditioners can be energy-efficient, but their efficiency may vary depending on factors such as BTU rating, SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, and usage patterns. Models with higher SEER ratings are generally more energy-efficient and can help reduce energy consumption and utility costs.
Can portable air conditioners also provide heating?
Some portable air conditioners, like the Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner featured in this article, offer heating functionality in addition to cooling. These units are equipped with heating elements that allow them to provide warmth during colder months, offering year-round comfort in any season.
How do I maintain and clean my portable air conditioner?
Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your portable air conditioner. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters regularly, removing and cleaning the condensate tray, and ensuring proper venting to prevent blockages. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific maintenance guidelines for your model.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in a humid environment?
Portable air conditioners can help reduce humidity levels in indoor spaces by extracting moisture from the air during the cooling process. However, in extremely humid environments, additional dehumidification may be required for optimal comfort. Choosing a portable air conditioner with a built-in dehumidifier function, like the SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner, can help address high humidity levels effectively.
Are portable air conditioners noisy?
Portable air conditioners may produce noise during operation, with noise levels varying depending on the model and settings. Look for units with lower decibel (dB) ratings if noise is a concern, or consider features like “ultra-quiet operation,” such as the Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Conditioner, which operates at a noise level as low as 42dB.
Can I control my portable air conditioner remotely?
Many modern portable air conditioners come with remote control functionality, allowing you to adjust settings such as temperature, fan speed, and mode from a distance. Some models also offer additional smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with smartphone apps and voice assistants for convenient remote control and scheduling, as seen with the Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner.
Are portable air conditioners easy to install?
Portable air conditioners are generally easy to install, requiring minimal assembly and setup. Most units come with window venting kits and installation instructions, making it simple to set up the exhaust hose for proper ventilation. Additionally, portable air conditioners typically do not require permanent installation like traditional window or central air conditioning units, making them ideal for renters or temporary cooling solutions.
What is the difference between single hose and dual hose portable air conditioners?
Single hose portable air conditioners intake air from the room, cool it, and expel hot air and moisture outside through the exhaust hose. Dual hose portable air conditioners, like the Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner, feature two separate hoses—one for intake and one for exhaust. This design helps maintain balanced air circulation indoors and prevents hot outside air from entering through gaps, resulting in more efficient cooling and energy savings.
Can I use a portable air conditioner without a window?
While portable air conditioners typically require venting through a window using an exhaust hose, alternative venting options may be possible depending on the unit and the room layout. For example, some models may offer options for venting through a sliding door, drop ceiling, or wall vent. However, proper ventilation is crucial for the efficient operation of the air conditioner and should be considered when determining the installation location.
How do I determine the appropriate size portable air conditioner for my room?
The cooling capacity of a portable air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). To determine the appropriate size for your room, consider factors such as room size, ceiling height, insulation, sun exposure, and the number of occupants. A general guideline is to aim for approximately 20 BTUs per square foot of space, but it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or use an online BTU calculator for a more accurate assessment.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in a camper or RV?
Portable air conditioners can be used in campers or RVs to provide cooling comfort during travel or camping trips. However, it’s essential to ensure the unit is compatible with the power supply available in your camper or RV and to consider factors such as size, weight, and venting requirements for installation in confined spaces.
Are portable air conditioners environmentally friendly?
Portable air conditioners can be more environmentally friendly than traditional air conditioning systems, especially if they are energy-efficient and use eco-friendly refrigerants. Look for units with high SEER ratings, inverter technology, and refrigerants such as R-32, which have lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to traditional refrigerants like R-410A. Additionally, opting for models with energy-saving features and smart controls can further reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2023
Midea Portable Air Conditioner
Image credit: Midea
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The Midea Portable Air Conditioner is a top-of-the-line unit that provides powerful cooling for spaces up to 200 sq. ft. and comes equipped with SMARTCOOL technology, which includes fan and dehumidification functions. It has an ASHRAE rating of 10,5800 BTU and meets the 2017 SACC standard. This portable AC unit is also WI-FI enabled and voice-controlled, so you can control it from anywhere using a smartphone app, Alexa, or Google Assistant. The effortless digital controls make setting the time, temperature, and mode from across the room easy, while the washable air filter ensures clean air. It has an adjustable window bracket that fits openings from 26.5-48″, and installation is so straightforward that anyone can do it. The Midea Portable Air Conditioner is the best bang for your buck portable air conditioner, offering a decent range of features at an affordable price.
