It's that time of year again - lounging under sunny skies, sipping ice-cold drinks, and firing up the grill. Summer is an excellent time for spending time outdoors with family and loved ones. However, beating the heat in your home can be a whole different story.
If you don’t have central AC or make air conditioner mistakes that waste money, then a portable air conditioner might be the solution for you. While window conditioners work wonders, portable AC units are an attractive option, especially if you'd like an air conditioner that can be moved from room to room or easily stored away.
Do portable air conditioners work as well as window air conditioners?
If you have the ability to use window-mounted air conditioners, you’ll probably have an easier time achieving maximum comfort in your space. Portable AC units that are comparable in power tend to be more expensive. While portable air conditioners are easier to transport, they do tend to be larger and louder than their smaller window counterparts. Make sure you have enough space for one.
Do portable ACs have to be vented out a window?
Yes, a portable AC unit will be useless without an exhaust hose. Portable air conditioners need to be vented outside because they extract hot air from the room. Most people vent through a window, wall, ceiling, or even their own front door!
How do you find the best portable air conditioner for your space?
While shopping for the best portable AC, pay attention to the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) or Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity (SACC) ratings. Too strong, and you’ll waste unnecessary power. Too weak, and you’ll still use too much energy. Finding the right balance is crucial.
Here are our top picks for portable air conditioners:
Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
- Cooling power: over 14,000 BTUs
- Features: fan with three speeds, dehumidifier
- Flexible placement with an extended exhaust hose
De’Longhi Pinguino SMART Portable Air Conditioner with Heat and ECO Real Feel
- Cooling power: suitable for rooms up to 700 square feet
- Features: fan, dehumidifier, heat pump for year-round use
Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
- Cooling power: 8,000 BTUs
- Features: quieter operation, easy access for cleaning, remote control
Blaux Classic Desktop AC
- Cooling power: suitable for personal use
- Features: lightweight and compact design, adjustable speeds
Frigidaire FHPH132AB1 Portable Room Air Conditioner
- Cooling power: low noise operation
- Features: built-in dehumidifier, programmable timer, smart auto restart
Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with Heater
- Cooling power: 14,000 BTUs
- Features: heat settings, storage bag, remote control
Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier
- Cooling power: suitable for rooms up to 400 square feet
- Features: eco-friendly, dehumidifier function
Dyson Pure Cool Me Personal Purifying Fan
- Cooling power: personal cooling and purifying
- Features: HEPA filter, compact design
Hisense 10000-BTU DOE (14000-BTU ASHRAE) 115-Volt Grey Portable Air Conditioner Wi-Fi Compatibility
- Cooling power: suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet
- Features: LCD remote control, smart connectivity
Zero Breeze Mark 2
- Cooling power: battery-operated for camping
- Features: powerful cooling, long run time
Honeywell Portable Evaporative Tower Cooler
- Cooling power: portable and easy to use
- Features: acts as a humidifier, multiple cooling settings
Now that you're equipped with the best portable air conditioners for any space, you can beat the heat and enjoy a cool and comfortable summer. Stay cool, my friend!
(Note: Images and product information sourced from respective retailers)
