Portable air conditioners are a type of air conditioning unit that are designed to be moved from room to room. Although they can be installed permanently, they are generally used as temporary units. Portable air conditioners can either be window mounted or wall mounted.
A portable air conditioner works by using a compressor and an expansion valve to produce cold air. The compressor compresses a refrigerant, which causes the refrigerant to expand and become hot. The hot gas then goes through the expansion valve, which causes it to cool down and become liquid again.
When the refrigerant becomes liquid again, it absorbs heat from the surrounding area. This cooled gas then flows through an evaporator coil where it releases the heat to the room. The cooled gas then flows through a condenser coil where it is once again compressed and becomes a hot gas. The hot gas then goes back to the compressor where it completes the cycle.
Before we go any further, here is a few of my favorite “portable air conditioners” that have consistently earned praise from consumers and critics alike:
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What is the “best of the best” portable air conditioner?
If you are looking for The Best Portable Air Conditioner, it should be Whynter ARC-14s. After scanning hundreds of reviews and customer feedback, for third year in a row, Whynter is our clear winner.
For a reasonable price, Whynter packs quite the punch at 14,000 BTU. Quite frankly, it is the best 14000 BTU portable air conditioner out there. It’s sleek, stylish, efficient and eco-friendly. And the great thing about it is that you can also use it as a portable heater during winter.
Table of Contents
- Whynter ARC14S 14000 BTU Filter & Storage Bag, Platinum/Black, AC Unit Only
- LG LP1220GSR 12000 BTU Conditioner Refurbished
- Honeywell 10000 BTU Alexa Voice Control, Drain Pan And Insulation Tape
- Whynter 8000 BTU EcoFriendly Conditioner, White ARC-08WB
- Honeywell MN12CES 12000 BTU Thermal Overload Protection, Remote Control
- Frigidaire FHPC082AB1 Portable Air Control For Rooms, White
- NewAir AC10100E UltraCompact Portable BTU, 325 Square Foot Effective Range
- DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner Unit,dehumidifier,fan,programmable,window Venting Kit,EL376HRGFK
- Portacool PACJS2301A1 Jetstream 230 Evaporative Cooler, Black
- Honeywell 10000 BTU Alexa Voice Control, Drain Pan And Insulation Tape
What “size” portable air conditioner do I need for my space?
Before we move on to exploring other alternatives to Whynter Portable AC, I want to briefly talk about how the “power” of an air conditioner is determined and what size/power air conditioner you need.
The cooling power of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Generally speaking, a BTU is the amount of energy needed to cool or heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In air conditioner (AC) lingo, however, a BTU measures the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from the room. Therefore, the size of your area determines how many BTU- air conditioner you will need.
You don’t want a very low BTU – since it will be running constantly to get to your comfort zone. When an AC is underpowered for space, it’s not only not-energy-sufficient but it will not quite cool the space to your comfortable range. And, the air conditioner unit might burn out sooner too from the constant uphill battle.
On the other hand if the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. It is important to get a properly sized unit that will remove humidity effectively as it cools.
In order to figure out the right size portable AC unit for your space, do the following:
1. Find the square footage of the area to be cooled. To get the square footage, simply multiply the length of the space by its width. So, if my space is 10 feet wide and 16 feet long, your area is 160 sq. ft.
2. Then measure your square footage against the following chart from Energy Star. So, in my case (160 sq. ft. ), I will need a 6,000 BTU unit.
| Area To Be Cooled (Sq. Ft.) | Capacity Needed (BTUs) |
|---|---|
| 100 up to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 up to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 up to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 up to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 up to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 up to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 up to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 up to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 up to 1,000 | 18,000 |
| 1,000 up to 1,200 | 21,000 |
| 1,200 up to 1,400 | 23,000 |
| 1,400 up to 1,500 | 24,000 |
| 1,500 up to 2,000 | 30,000 |
| 2,000 up to 2,500 | 34,000 |
You also want to adjust your capacity based on the space occupancy and envirxonment. For example, if the room is very sunny, you should increase the BTU capacity by 10%. Similarly, if the room is very shaded, you can reduce the capacity by 10%. However, there is no need to get too hung-up on getting exactly right. As long as you are not too off, you should be good to go.
You might be interested in our guide to the best humidifier with demineralization filter.
Our #1 Pick for The Best Portable Air Conditioner Overall
We also talk about a few other alternatives below, but for the most people who are looking for a reliable portable air conditioner, Whynter ARC-14S is our top recommendation.
1. Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner (14,000 BTU): The Best Portable 14,000 BTU Air Conditioner
Whynter ARC14S 14000 BTU Filter & Storage Bag, Platinum/Black, AC Unit Only
- portable ac unit: our portable room air conditioner keeps your room cool while aligning with better environmental standards and helping reduce your energy consumption
- multipurpose: portable ac air conditioner with dehumidifier features a cooling range of 500 square feet and 3 operational modes: air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier
- auto-drain technology: our dual-hose portable ac units for rooms use and recycle moisture collected during the cooling process to produce cool air and feature a dehumidifying capacity of 71 pints per day
- powerful, efficient, and quiet: this energy star rated 14,000 btu portable air conditioner features cfc-free green r-32 refrigerant and lead-free rohs-compliant components; noise is kept to under 56 dba
- includes: portable air conditioner comes with protective cover, window kit, remote control, activated carbon air filter and washable pre-filter, and user manual; exhaust hose extends up to 60 inches; window kit measures 6.5 inches w by 20-46 inches l
Whynter Portable Air Conditioner Review
Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner cools really well. At 14,000 BTUs you can easily cool your average 500 sq. ft. of space.
Note: Our previous #1 choice, Whynter ARC-14SH was out of stock for a while due to high demand. It’s back in stock now. Click here to check the sale price.
It has very compact design, is CFC free and is strategically designed for minimal energy consumption. It measures 35.5 by 19 by 16 inches. Four multi-directional casters let you easily wheel it from one room to another.
You can operate it in three different modes – air conditioner, fan or dehumidifier.
It has 24 hour programmable timer that lets you control temperature to your desired comfort zone. You may also program the unit to activate or shut off at preset times using the timer. The cooling range is 61°F – 89°F and heating is 61°F – 77°F.
It’s equipped with Dual Hose Exhaust for Optimal Airflow and Efficiency.
The “Dual Hose” system is an extremely important part of portable air conditioning. You can buy a portable Air conditioner with either a single or dual hose system. A single hose system uses just one hose to pump hot air out of the building. The problem with this is that this reduces the air pressure inside your home, and, as a result, hot air from the outside to come in through cracks in doors and windows.
This makes Whynter also an excellent choice for people who are looking for The Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner.
On the other hand, dual-hose units like Whynter ARC-14S, cool the hot air that’s already inside the house and return it to the room from where it came to begin with. So, it is essentially recyling the indoor air and not dealing with cooling the outside air. To keep itself from overheating, a second intake hose draws in air from the outside to cool the unit and then pumps it right back out again.
Even though this Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner comes pretty close, we like Whynter better for its overall reliability and usability.
Whynter comes packed with everything you need to get it installed and running right out of the box including – a remote control, plastic window kit, two exhaust hoses, carbon air filter and washable pre-filter.
Read what customers have to say about Whynter ARC-14S here.
Check Out Whynter ARC-14SH on Amazon.
Looking for a great grill to entertain your family and friends? Check out this guide to the best propane grill.
Other Top Rated Portable Air Conditioner Reviews
2. LG Electronics Portable Air Conditioner: The Best Portable 12,000 BTU Air Conditioner
LG LP1220GSR 12000 BTU Conditioner Refurbished
- 12,000 btu portable air conditioner uses standard 115-volt electrical outlet estimated cooling area 400 sq. ft. / (room size 20 ft. x 20 ft.)
- programmable 24-hour on/off timer cools on your schedule. dehumidification up to 5.93 pts. per hour
- auto-restart saves your settings for when power is restored to the unit
- washable mesh filter. easy roll caster wheels allow for easy movement across most floor surfaces
- window installation kit
The common question that gets asked often is are LG portable air conditioners any good?
The answer is quite simple. Of course, they are. LG is a reputable brand that has been around for a really long time. They manufacture excellent electronic devices, including portable air conditioners.
LG Electronics Portable Air Conditioner is a 12,000 BTU unit that you can use to cool a fairy decent sized room (about 450 sq. ft.).
It has the oscillating air vent technology which circulates the dispersed air more efficiently. That means, no hot spot will be left untouched.
It also comes with the programmable 24-hour on/off timer, LCD and a remote control.
The only beef I have with this unit is – the noise is a bit louder than I expected but it isn’t terrible – it’s a consistent white noise that you start tuning out in no time.
Click here to read customer reviews of LG LP1214GXR.
3. Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner : The Best Portable 10,000 BTU Air Conditioner
Honeywell 10000 BTU Alexa Voice Control, Drain Pan And Insulation Tape
- save energy, save money: perfect for targeted spot cooling in rooms up to 450sq. ft., save huge electricity bills cooling only the room you need versus whole-house central ac.
- control from anywhere: smart wifi control means you can control the dehumidifier remotely whether you are working at the office, on vacation or 2 levels away from your basement! use voice commands to power on, change temperature and fan speed settings.
- advanced safety features: thermal overload protection for added safety & peace of mind. dual dust filtration extends product life and performance by keeping internal system clean. etl certified to meet applicable & strict u. s. safety standards.
- easy maintenance: filter clean alert & washable filter designed to protect from dust & hair to extend product life & performance. clean filter under a faucet for easy upkeep. window kit comes with adjustable window bracket, and insulation foam tape.
- designed for comfort: enjoy simple digital control with 3 fan speeds, 24 hour energy saving timer & remote control included wi-fi enabled and compatible with amazon alexa voice commands, this smart portable ac can be controlled from almost anywhere.
Honeywell’s AC is a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner that works well with space around 350-400 square feet.
It is comparatively quiet, and has sleek, modern look.
It comes with the digital LED display, feather-touch controls, and a full-function remote control.
The auto-evaporation system allows for hours of continuous operation (without having to empty water / bucket).
The installation is a breeze. You’ll get the unit up and running in less than 10 minutes.
Click here to read customer reviews of Honeywell 10000 BTU Portable AC.
4. Whynter ARC-08WB Portable Air Conditioner : The Best Small Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter 8000 BTU EcoFriendly Conditioner, White ARC-08WB
- three operational modes: air conditioner, fan or dehumidifier
- self-evaporative system - exhausts most or all condensate under average ambient conditions
- cfc free r-410a refrigerant, lead free rohs compliant components
- remote control with full functionality. coverage sq. ft - 250 q. ft
- upgraded plastic window kit included. max. window kit length = 48" , min. window kit length = 26.5"
If you are looking to cool smaller area, then 8,000 BTU Whynter ARC-08WB is a great solution.
It also comes with self-evaporative system that self-controls condensation – so you will not need a bucket to drain the water out.
Its compact and easy to setup in smaller / tight spaces.
Now, if you are looking for the best portable air conditioner for high humidity, this portable AC is the way to go.
It’s a single hose venting system with three operational modes – air conditioner, fan or dehumidifier. A full functional remote control and window kit is included.
Read customer reviews of Whynter ARC-08WB here.
5. Honeywell MN12CES Portable Air Conditioner : The Best Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner
Honeywell MN12CES 12000 BTU Thermal Overload Protection, Remote Control
- [powerful, safe & dependable] cools rooms up to 400-550 sq. ft. thermal overload protection for added safety & peace of mind.
- [easy install & maintenance] washable filter designed to protect from dust & hair to extend product life & performance. filter cleans easily under a faucet for easy maintenance. full set window kit included for quick & easy installation for vertical and horizontal windows (max. hose length is 4 feet).
- [designed for comfort] enjoy simple digital control with 3 fan speeds, 24 hour energy saving timer & remote control included
- [3-in-1 appliance] powerful cooling in the summer, dehumidifier for humid days (removes up to 66 pints/ 24 hours with continuous drain option for long unattended operation), fan circulates air for everyday comfort.
- 12000 btu (ashrae-128 standard) / 6500 btu (doe+ 2017 standard)
Now, if you are looking for slightly better strength from a Honeywell brand, Honeywell MN12CES will get the job done for you.
This 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner has a sleek, modern design and cools and dehumidifies areas up to 450 square feet.
It includes other Honeywell standard features such as full-function remote, digital LED display, precise feature-touch controls, automatic on/off timer from 1-24 hours and comparatively quieter operation.
The no-drip design and auto-evaporation system offers hassle-free continuous operation for hours without having to worry about water-drips.
Online users have given it interesting reviews. Read customer reviews here.
6. Frigidaire FHPC082AB1 Portable Air Conditioner : The Best Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioner
If you have a fairly small area, such as a home office room, Frigidaire FHPC082AB1 will get the job done for you.
Frigidaire FHPC082AB1 Portable Air Control For Rooms, White
- move it to any room to maintain a pleasant temperature
- control the temperature prolifically with 2344.57 w cooling power
- stay comfortable with this air conditioner, which effectively cools rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
- provides enough cooling in your room with 3 fan speeds
- included remote control for easy changes from across the room
With the capacity of around 5,000 BTU, it’s ideal for around 200 square foot of space. The multi-speed fan features three different fan speeds for more cooling flexibility.
The design is sleek and it looks rather cool. Integrated side handles and caster wheels making it easy to move your unit from one room to another.
The clean air ionizer removes pollen and impurities from the air providing relief for allergy sufferers . It also has the antibacterial filter which reduces bacteria, room odors, and other airborne particles.
Keep in mind, this unit is for a very small area. If you think you might need something more, splurge a little bit and get a higher BTU portable AC.
7. NewAir AC-10100E Portable Air Conditioner : The Best Compact Portable Air Conditioner
NewAir AC10100E UltraCompact Portable BTU, 325 Square Foot Effective Range
- personal ac - this small portable air conditioner is perfect for small spaces up to 325 square feet
- features - with self-evaporative technology, air filter, and a 12-hour timer, this unit has it all
- eco-friendly - the efficiency booster lets you add water to let the compressor run on less power
- quality - this portable air conditioner is made with quality materials, to keep you comfy all day
- newair - with good quality products and excellent customer service, newair is a name you can trust
NewAir AC-10100E is another great 10,000 BTU model, great for spaces around 325 sq. ft.
It’s compact, sleek and highly energy-efficient. The auto-evaporative system ensures hours of continuous operation without having to drain water out.
It has a standard electronic control panel, an on-board air purification system, a 12-hour timer, sleep mode and adjustable fan speeds.
The only issue I have with this unit is that the exhaust does not tilt as much as I would like to. But that’s not a dealbreaker.
8. De’Longhi Smart Portable Air Conditioner : The Most Quiet Portable Air Conditioner
DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner Unit,dehumidifier,fan,programmable,window Venting Kit,EL376HRGFK
- year-round comfort — portable cooling plus heating
- cools extra large rooms. supplies 12500 (ashrae)/7200 (sacc) bru cooling power where it is needed most
- cooling power. cools rooms up to 550 square feet in total area
- multi-function for maximum comfort. 4-in-1 unit features cooling, dehumidifying, fan and heat
- save energy, cool the room you're in. by cooling only the room you’re in, you can raise your household thermostat and lower your energy bills
De’Longhi Smart AC is a great alternative to our top pick Whynter ARC-14SH. It’s just a little too pricey.
It works as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, fan, and heater all-in-one, so you can use it year-round. The 24-hour programmable timer allows you to operate the unit only when you need it.
It has a Whisper Cool function specifically designed to reduce noise by as much as 50 percent – so it’s fairly quiet.
A patented condensation system ensures air is being recycled for maximum efficiency and drain-free operation. The BioSilver air filter inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
Besides the price, an issue that I have with De’Longhi is that it does not have movable vents so you can’t redirect the air without moving the machine itself.
Read reviews from recent customers here.
9. Portacool PACJS2301A1 Portable Air Conditioner : The Best Evaporative Cooler
When you need something heavy-duty, and if you are in a drier climate, Portacool PACJS2301A1 is your portable Air Conditioner. It can lower temperatures up to 30-degrees Fahrenheit and works well up to a 700 sq. ft. space. That is pretty chilled!
Portacool PACJS2301A1 Jetstream 230 Evaporative Cooler, Black
- stay cool & comfortable: the portacool jetstream 230 delivers cooling comfort to the single-person workspace. it is an efficiently designed cooler that offers maximum versatility for usage in open or condensed workspaces. featuring oscillating louvers, low-water shutoff and kuul comfort evaporative media, this cooler is an impressive cooling solution for spaces where traditional methods of cooling are inefficient - individual workstations, small patios, pet kennels or hobby areas. we do not recommend this product being used inside homes or closed spaces where no ventilation is available.
- provides cooling through evaporation: portacool's state-of-the-art evaporative cooler is an energy-efficient solution to beat the heat. it uses superior evaporative cooling media to draw air and create a refreshing stream of cool air, similar to the cooling sensation of stepping out of a swimming pool or feeling a cool breeze blowing over a lake. if you're looking for a cooling solution that's better than a fan and more environmentally friendly than air conditioning, consider portacool's evaporative cooler.
- leading evaporative cooler: portacool is the leading manufacturer of portable evaporative coolers. since 1990, portacool has been using the evaporative cooling process to provide a cool and comfortable environment in areas where other cooling solutions may be impractical. whether you're in an open area, outdoors, or spaces with doors and windows that are open on a regular basis, portacool is the perfect solution.
- kuul evaporative technologies: kuul comfort evaporative media is designed exclusively for portacool evaporative coolers. kuul media is the driving force behind our superior cooling performance. the high-efficiency, cross-fluted media configuration maximizes the evaporative process and the advanced resin technology improves the strength, longevity, absorption and cooling efficiency, making this media long lasting and durable. kuul evaporative media is manufactured in our facility located in center, texas and is the only evaporative media made in the usa.
- made in the usa: manufactured in center, texas with domestic and global parts. our customer care team is also based in center, texas where you can talk to a real person for customer service or technical support.
It is an evaporative cooler, which means that it cools air through the evaporation of water. In other words, it reduces the temperature of dry air through the phase transition of liquid water to water vapor (evaporation).
Keep in mind that evaporative cooling increases humidity and is well suited for dry climates.
The unit is made of a durable one-piece, rust-free, leak-proof molded polyethylene housing.
It is maintenance-free for the most part. However, evaporative coolers require a constant supply of water to wet the pads. There is a convenient water level sight tube and sump drain, as well as a 3/4-inch water hose connection for longer running.
Portacool PACJS2301A1 has received great reviews from current owners.
Read the customer reviews here.
10. Honeywell 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier & Fan : The Best Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier
Honeywell 10000 BTU Alexa Voice Control, Drain Pan And Insulation Tape
- save energy, save money: perfect for targeted spot cooling in rooms up to 450sq. ft., save huge electricity bills cooling only the room you need versus whole-house central ac.
- control from anywhere: smart wifi control means you can control the dehumidifier remotely whether you are working at the office, on vacation or 2 levels away from your basement! use voice commands to power on, change temperature and fan speed settings.
- advanced safety features: thermal overload protection for added safety & peace of mind. dual dust filtration extends product life and performance by keeping internal system clean. etl certified to meet applicable & strict u. s. safety standards.
- easy maintenance: filter clean alert & washable filter designed to protect from dust & hair to extend product life & performance. clean filter under a faucet for easy upkeep. window kit comes with adjustable window bracket, and insulation foam tape.
- designed for comfort: enjoy simple digital control with 3 fan speeds, 24 hour energy saving timer & remote control included wi-fi enabled and compatible with amazon alexa voice commands, this smart portable ac can be controlled from almost anywhere.
At 10,000 BTUs, Honeywell easily cools areas up to 500 square feet. Though it’s ideally suited for square footage between 350 and 500.
It’s a 4-in-1 portable unit that combines air conditioner, dehumidifier, fan and heater all into one single unit. It also comes with a full-function remote control for use from across the room.
You’ll love the Digital LED display and precise-feature touch controls. The fan runs 3 speeds and the automatic shutoff timer ranges from 1 to 24 hours.
4 castor wheels let you easily move it around and from room to room.
When you purchase Honeywell, the box comes with everything you need – which includes a flexible exhaust hose and an easy-to-install window venting kit. You can easily remove the window vent when the AC is not being used.
It has fairly powerful air flow at 265 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute).
Despite being a fairly heavy-duty portable air conditioner, Honeywell runs pretty quiet. It’s sound output is only 54 dbA.
It’s no bucket, no-drip design uses auto-evaporation system – which lets you continually operate the AC for hours without having to drain water or empty a bucket.
Its 10,000 BTU heat pump will keep you warm during the winter as well. The heat pump covers area up to 400 square feet.
Read some reviews from recent buyers here.
How to install a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable Air Conditioner Maintenance
Filters
Read the instructions carefully regarding cleaning and replacing your air conditioner’s filter. Regular cleaning not only helps your filter last longer but also allows the air conditioner unit to work more efficiently. You might have to clean the filter more often if you live in a dusty environment or have pets and kids.
Ventilation
Even though portable air conditioners do not require permanent installation, they do need to vent out the condensed hot air. Most portable air conditioners come with an easy-installation window kit or venting kit.
Positioning
You want to pay attention to the environment of the room where you are placing your portable air conditioner. A dirty or dusty room has small particles that can find their way into the units motors, eventually clogging them – or causing mechanical or electrical problems. Also, if you live in a very humid area, the air conditioner unit will absorb all the excess moisture thereby producing excess liquid. You might want to consider installing a drain tube so that you don’t have to drain the air conditioner often.
Exterior
You should make the habit of cleaning the exterior of your portable air conditioner unit with a clean, damp cloth on a regular basis. Be sure to turn off an unplug the unit before you wipe off the exterior. Avoid chemicals and detergents that can be abrasive.
Condenser Coils
Your portable AC unit will work more efficiently if you keep its condensor coil free of grime, dirt and grease. If the coil is looking grubby, use coil cleaner to keep it nice and clean. Also, if you see any ice build-up on the coil, it needs to be defrosted. Some units come with self-defrosting mechanism that will prevent any frost build-up. But if you keep seeing frost build up, it might indicate an issue with the unit itself – you need to get it checked out.
Storage
At the end of the season, be sure to store your portable AC unit properly. Drain all water from the unit and make sure that the unit is completely dry. Pack it in a box and store it in a dry location where water or moisture is not likely to cause any damages.
How Is The Water Handled By A Portable AC?
Portable air conditioners remove moisture from air thereby producing water that needs to be drained in some way. Depending on the type of unit you purchase, there are several ways the extra water gets managed.
Bucket Removal
Common portable air conditioner units have buckets inside them that collect excess water. This bucket needs to be emptied on a regular basis based on manufacturer’s guidelines and your usage. You will have to plug in the stopper or turn the unit off, empty the bucket and then replace it before the cooling process starts again.
Gravity Drain
Most of the portable AC units come equipped with a drain port where you can attach a drain hose and dump water continually into a drain or some other location.
Condensation Pump
Some models are equipped with condensation pumps to pump the water out. The pumps force the water through the hose to drain out of the window.
Self-Evaporation
Fully self-evaporative models evaporate all moisture themselves – so there is no need to drain any water out. These units are very popular since their operation is hassle-free and they can be left unattended for a longer period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window?
Most portable air conditioners do require hot air be vented out through a wall or a window. In order to make sure that the room does not heat up, you must position your portable air conditioner near a window or a wall and install the exhaust hose to vent hot air out of the room.
What “power” portable air conditioner do I need?
The cooling power of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The size of your area determines how many BTU- air conditioner you will need. You don’t want a very low BTU – since it will be running constantly to get to your comfort zone. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. It is important to get a properly sized unit that will remove humidity effectively as it cools. As a general rule, an air conditioner needs 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. So if your room is 400 square foot, you would need around 8,000 BTU.
Is there a portable air conditioner that doesn’t need venting?
Portable Air Conditioners cannot be without vent because as part of the heat exchange process they need to exhause hot air as they produce cold air. The hot air will cancel the cold air and actually increase the room temperature if it is not vented out of the room.
What size portable AC unit do I need?
As a general rule, an air conditioner needs 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. In order to get the BTU capacity for the portable air conditioner, simply multiply the square footage of your room by 20. So, if your room is 500 sq. ft., you would need around 10,000 BTU.
Do all air conditioners have to be vented?
The most straightforward answer is ‘Yes’. As part of the heat exchange process they need to exhaust hot air as they produce cold air. Portable air conditioners pull in warm air, cool it down, and push out the cold air from the front of the unit. However, the byproduct of this process is hot air, which needs to be vented out of the room.
Does a portable AC use less electricity?
Portable Air Conditioners use significantly less electricity than central air conditioner. They are especially useful if you need to cool only a certain section of the house or just a room. There are energy efficient portable air conditioners which cut down your electricity costs even further.
Is portable AC good?
Why you should choose Portable Air Conditioner over others depends on multiple factors. Portable Air Conditioners are very good at conveniently cooling a certain area where installing traditional air conditioners is a hassle. Now, there are energy efficient portable air conditioners which cut down your electricity costs significantly and are very good at cooling your room down.
What size room will a 12000 BTU air conditioner cool?
A 12,000 BTU air conditioner will cool between 450 sq.ft and 550 sq. ft. of living space. As a general rule, an air conditioner needs 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. A 12,000 BTU unit will be just the right size for a room that is 25 feet long and 20 feet wide (500 sq. ft.).
What size room will a 15000 BTU air conditioner cool?
As a general rule, an air conditioner needs 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner will cool between around 750 sq. ft. of living space. For example, a 15,000 BTU unit will be just the right size for a room that is 30 feet long and 25 feet wide (750 sq. ft.).
Is it safe to leave portable air conditioner on all day?
It is technically safe to leave your portable air conditioner on all the time. Most of the new Portable Air Conditioners come with “Smart Energy Save” option that lets you set a desired temperature and automatically shuts itself off once that temperature is reached.
How do portable air conditioners work?
Portable air conditioners remove moisture from air thereby producing water that needs to be drained in some way. Depending on the type of unit you purchase, there are several ways the extra water gets managed. Fully self-evaporative models evaporate all moisture themselves – so there is no need to drain any water out. Some models are equipped with condensation pumps to pump the water out. “Gravity Drain” portable AC units come equipped with a drain port where you can attach a drain hose and dump water continually into a drain or some other location. “Bucket” ACs have an in-built bucket that needs to be emptied on a regular basis based on manufacturer’s guidelines and your usage.
Conclusion
In this article we have reviewed several top rated portable ac units – from smaller models to evaporative coolers. The information and reviews presented in this guide should help you analyze different models and their features to make the right choice for your needs. Stay cool!
Heading to the beach? Check out our guide to the best folding beach wagons that work great in the sand.
References
- Whynter Portable Air Conditioners
- Energy Star
- LG Portable Air Conditioners
- Honeywell Portable Air Conditioners
- Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioners
- NewAir Portable Air Conditioners
- De’Longhi
Neil Trevor
Neil loves to travel. Whenever he finds some time to take a break in a cafe, he loves to sit down, sip a cup of cappuccino and write. Chief travel editor at WhatRocksAndWhatSucks.com, right now Neil probably is somewhere in Europe (or in South America, who knows!). Reach him at neil@wraws.com or on WhatRocksandWhatSucks.com.