Best Lightweight Air Conditioners – 2022 Best Options Reviewed

Staying cool during hot summers is essential, no matter if you’re working in a stuffy garage, chilling in your small apartment, or using gym equipment in an enclosed basement. Your comfort is the number one priority.

If you need a compact but powerful system to cool a room in your home or property, you might be considering a lightweight air conditioner.

These products come with different types and specifications, which can make it challenging to choose the right one. 

Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work by compiling this ultimate buying guide, including the top products, factors to consider, and some tips for setting your budget.

This article introduces you to the world of light and small air conditioners.

Comparison of the Best Lightweight Air Conditioners

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Conditioner

You might want a lightweight AC for different reasons. Still, the goal of our article is to pave your way to a successful purchase. Here are a few factors that you need to keep in mind before going all-in on any choice.

Unit Weight and Size

As we’re talking about lightweight air conditioners, the first consideration should be their size and total weight. You might want one for a small space, a small window, or to alleviate pressure from your old and fragile frames. In any of the mentioned cases, you need to go for the tiniest one that still fits.

ACs are usually pretty heavy, but what makes them that way? Let’s “dismantle” a typical AC and understand what each part does.

• Metal Components: Any air conditioner is a heavy combination of metal components, a sturdy tank, and compressor parts.
  
  
• Liquid Refrigerant: It’s a dense and heavy liquid that flows through the coils and cools the hot air that enters the system.
  
  
• Evaporator Coils: The main goal of evaporator coils is to turn the refrigerant into a gas. Due to its temperature conducting properties, it easily passes the refrigerant’s coolness to the air. These are made from copper, which is pretty heavy. Technically, the manufacturers could substitute it with lighter aluminum, but copper is a better heat conductor, making it a more energy-efficient solution for ACs.
  
  
• Condenser Coils: These are also heavy, made from copper. Condenser coils’ primary function is to ready the refrigerant for cooling.
  
  
• Compressor Coils: These are in the unit to move the refrigerant between the condenser and evaporator coils.
  
  
• Smart Tech: Modern ACs also contain some technological components, like sensors, automation chips, and other intelligent elements.

As you may have figured out, the less space the casing has, the less power the unit can have. The reason for this is simple: there would be less space to fit more coils. In a smaller appliance, the copper elements can make up 60% of the total weight. This ratio gets smaller as the units get bigger and heavier.

When it comes to mini-split units, the indoor sections weigh much less: all the coils are outdoors. It’s the “muscle of the operation,” while the indoor unit contains all the tech advancements and is the “brain.”

BTU and Coverage

It’s logical to assume that units with fewer coils will have less capacity. That’s why most lightweight air conditioners can cover 150 to 350 square feet, not more.

British thermal units (BTU) is the power measurement of an AC. The lower the BTU, the smaller space the unit can cover.

Technology

The more research and development the company puts into building a unit, the more sophisticated it will be. For the best effect, an AC should combine energy-efficient technological solutions with intelligent components.

It might cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run.

Washable Filter and a Maintenance Indicator

It’s mandatory to check on your unit periodically to see if everything is in order. Changing or cleaning the AC filter at least once a month is essential for the unit’s longevity, maximum efficiency, and, most importantly, indoor air quality.

You’ll get the most of the appliance if you pay attention to how easy it is to clean it. Choosing a unit with self-diagnostics capability and maintenance indication is a nice bonus.

Oscillating Vents

As they move from side to side, these vents make the smaller units more efficient. They allow more consistent airflow and cover maximum space.

Location and Mounting Kit

You’ll need to work out where you’ll be keeping your lightweight air conditioner. Some options include window units, mounted units, or portable ones that sit on the floor. Each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of space, cost, and efficacy.

Ease of installation and the inclusion of a kit to help you fit the unit are also critical considerations. If you opt for a window AC, you’ll want to measure up and be sure that your first-choice product comes with the right elements to help you house it.

Features and Controls

There are several aspects of an AC unit that can make it more efficient or convenient.

You might want an oscillating vent, which means that air will move around the room more. Another option could be to get a unit with a warning light for when the filter needs changing.

Controlling your air conditioner is equally important. Some units use smart technology to put you completely in control.

Others might offer basic utilities, like a remote control so that you can adjust the temperature from anywhere in the room. 

Energy Efficiency

If you’re worried about leaving your AC running for many hours, you could opt for a product with an energy-saving mode or a sleep mode. 

It stops the fans from operating when they aren’t needed but will keep the unit going as necessary to maintain the temperature.

It’s possible to work out the energy efficiency of a specific product by dividing the BTU number by the number of watt-hours, which represents power consumption. That gives you the energy efficiency rating or EER; the higher the rating, the better.

Review of the Best Lightweight Air Conditioners 

The section below covers top-of-the-class lightweight ACs, proposing each model’s pros and cons and providing thorough descriptions.

When Would a Lightweight AC Come in Handy?

While lightweight ACs are appropriate for various conditions, some spaces require more precise weight and size solutions. Versatility is another reason for choosing a more compact unit. Below, we’ve described a few situations where these appliances best work their magic.

Space and Size Limits

This is one of the most obvious reasons to choose a smaller and lighter AC. Small apartments, trailers, food trucks, basements, and garages are where a portable unit or a small-window system might be handy.

First of all, you don’t need an awful lot of BTUs to cool a smaller area. Second, you might not have much space to install a larger unit either. If you’re going for a window AC, the frames might be narrower and more fragile in all these cases.

Choose a lightweight appliance, and your life will become that much cooler.

Where the Wall-Mounted Version Won’t Cut It

Although the indoor sections of wall-mounted ACs are lighter than window or portable ones, there are situations where you don’t want the permanence or don’t have walls, to begin with.

Summer patios, temporary buildings, and field tents are a few examples of areas that might require a lightweight AC.

User’s Physical Limitations

Light, compact units are ideal for people who can’t deal with bulky appliances and need portability and convenience, all in one package.

These options have effortless maintenance with removable filters and easy drainage, accessible for elderly individuals and people with disabilities.

Where Would a Lightweight Air Conditioner Come in Handy?

There are several locations where you could use a lightweight air conditioner. If central air doesn’t reach a space, or if you need to keep one area particularly cool, you might consider one of these units.

Attic Rooms

Heat often gets trapped at the top of the house, which means that even in moderate climates you might need help to stay cool. Also, your existing system might not be doing enough to reach the uppermost floor. A lightweight unit is an excellent option for these spaces, as it’s easy to carry up the stairs and install. 

Bedrooms and Offices

Rooms like offices and bedrooms are where you require the most comfort. If you spend all day in one room working or want to be cool enough to sleep at night, a lightweight unit is a practical option. It provides cooling for smaller spaces but is powerful enough to bring the temperature down quickly.

RVs and Workspaces

If you have an RV, a workshop, or a shed, you’ll still want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It can be challenging to install a larger AC system, which is why lightweight units are a fantastic option. They’re easy to install and don’t require ductwork. They also work efficiently in smaller spaces.

Window vs Portable Lightweight Air Conditioners

If you’re searching for a small and light unit, your choice is between the mis. While they are similar in some ways, you can read on to learn which is a better pick for you.

Efficiency

Experiments show that window units if installed correctly, are more energy-efficient than portable ACs. Any aircon generates heat during operation. Most of the window unit’s heat-producing part is outside.

The portable variety has all its components in your space. Plus, the longer the exhaust hose, the lower the unit’s efficiency. 

Budget

Most window ACs are initially cheaper than portable ones. The latter also loses at the energy-efficiency front. Thus, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution, look around for a window air conditioner.

One Room at a Time

While window ACs work for only one room, you can use the portables in several. However, depending on where and how you mount it, the latter might become a stationary appliance.

The Issue of Choice

In the case of both units, you lose something. Window ACs block the pane — sometimes forever, as these can double as heaters.

Portable ones take up floor space and have awkward exhaust hoses dangling from a window or ceiling (or other venting positions).

The Issue of Taste

While both units can be bulky and clunky, some models look better in both categories. The only consideration here is that the hoses on portable units are usually quite ugly to look at. 

Top Brands in the Lightweight Air Conditioner Space

Research and development in air conditioner manufacturing are of utmost importance. Older brands have had more time to develop technologies and shape their approach to manufacturing. In most cases, market-leading brands have more experience with common issues.

Let’s see which one excels at lightweight AC manufacturing.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire is an American subsidiary of the European Electrolux company that has been around for decades. At first, it was famous for its refrigerators. Now, it also manufactures lightweight, portable, whole-house, and commercial HVAC solutions.

LG

This is one of those brands that put a country on the international radar. LG has been around since the end of the 1950s and counts more than 72,600 employees worldwide.

The company is best known for its home and entertainment appliances, but it’s also huge on automotive parts manufacturing in Asia.

As you might know, the company produces TV sets, mobile devices (smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets), and home appliances (washers, vacuum cleaners, and microwave ovens).

Air conditioner variety includes mini-split, window, and portable units. It excels in infusing the appliances with smart systems.

Honeywell

Honeywell is a company based in North Carolina, USA. It’s well-known for various products, like security safes, thermostats, heaters, and paper shredders.

The brand also has branches that work on aircraft and missile manufacturing under other names.

The company is best known for its sleek and light air conditioners that function for decades.

hOmeLabs

This household appliances retailer is part of a larger company called Mohawk Group Holdings. It’s based in New York, although it’s a global business with offices in Canada, China, and the Philippines.  

The focus is on appliances, including air conditioners, purifiers, and dehumidifiers. The company also sells refrigerators and kitchen appliances, such as freezers, refrigerators, and air fryers. It’s a small firm that’s making a name for itself in this specific industry.

Keystone

Now we come to a specialist in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling). Keystone focuses solely on solutions for temperature regulation and provides a range of products and services for home heating and cooling. 

It’s an international company, although you’ll most likely find its products through third-party retailers, such as Amazon, Home Depot, and Walmart. Its products include air conditioners, dehumidifiers, fans, evaporative coolers, and refrigeration.

Benefits of a Lightweight Air Conditioner

Light and small air conditioners have plenty of advantages if you know what to search for. Below are a few of them, explained.

Portable and Convenient

As we’ve already mentioned, the lightweight units are easier to deal with and maneuver. If you’re choosing a portable AC, cooling all your house with one appliance is realistic. If you’re searching for a window unit, you’re only going to be cooling one room.

Almost No Installation

Yes, you might have to know how to use a screwdriver so that you can attach a window kit or secure a window unit, but that’s about it.

Installing these lightweight appliances is a DIY job for one handy person. You just need to follow simple instructions.

With portable units, you don’t even need to break a sweat.

Fewer Restrictions, More Comfort

If you’re renting your apartment, or the building management code won’t allow permanent units, the lightweight, portable ones can be a saving grace for you. Take your AC when you move or enjoy the cool without getting your claws out with the building manager.

Dehumidification and Other Functions

Cooling isn’t the only function lightweight ACs accomplish. Most of them have three or four modes:

• Cooling
• Heating
• Dehumidification
• Fan only

As all ACs include an air filter, they also purify the air. Most advanced models also have ionization functionality. The unit releases particles, which neutralize the dust and harmful elements in the air. 

Price Points of Lightweight Air Conditioner

As with many appliances, there are different price brackets for the range of products. Sometimes that can be an easy way to spot a product that meets your needs in terms of budget, and it can be a good indicator of features and specifications.

$150 – $250

The lower price range typically applies to compact units. They’re small in size but also power, so you can expect these products to be 5,000 BTU and suitable for cooling 150 square foot spaces.

It’s common for units at this lower price to have basic controls, for example, a range of two fan settings controlled by dials. These products don’t usually have remote controls, energy-saving modes, or other functions like dehumidifying.

$250 – $350

The middle price range is where you’ll find quite a lot of lightweight air conditioners that are standard size. You’ll see portable and window units in this bracket. Typically, portable products will be high-end with Wi-Fi controls and remotes.

Most options in this price bracket provide cooling and dehumidifying capabilities. They’ll often be mid-sized units of around 6,000 to 10,000 BTU, covering rooms of 260 to 300 square feet.

$400+

The higher price range includes units that are 10,000 BTU or more. They’re more powerful and can cool medium to large-sized rooms. They often come with a wide range of features, such as sleep mode, energy saving, remote controls, and several different settings for fan and cooling speed.

Many products are multi-purpose, as they offer cooling and dehumidifying. You’ll also find specialist design units in this category. For example, air conditioners for non-standard fittings like casement windows are often over $400.

Who Should Not Buy a Lightweight Air Conditioner? 

While these products undoubtedly have some advantages, they aren’t necessarily right for everyone. Here are a few situations where purchasing a lightweight AC might not be your best option.

As a Whole Property Solution

If you’re looking to keep every room in your house or property cool, then a lightweight air conditioner could be an expensive and inefficient option. You’ll need units in every room and have to start them running to get each part of your home chilled when you want to use it.

For larger properties, you’ll want a more substantial and coordinated system such as central air or an evaporative cooler and ductwork to control the temperature.

Insufficient Space for Installation

Lightweight air conditioners are typically portable or window units. Either way, you’ll need to install the product or its vent in one of your windows. 

If you don’t have a space suitable for that, you might want to consider having a professional install a wall-mounted split system instead.

You can get support for installing lightweight units, but most are DIY jobs. If you don’t feel comfortable making sure it fits your window just right, and there’s another cooling option available, it’s worth taking that into account.

If You Desire Both Heating and Cooling

If you live in a moderate climate and would like an all-in-one system, a lightweight air conditioner won’t meet your needs. They usually only provide cooling and dehumidifying. On the other hand, heat pumps and wall-mounted split-systems can generally be reversed in winter to help you maintain a comfortable temperature.

Conclusion 

Choosing a lightweight AC doesn’t need to be a hassle. Once you define your needs, the process is as easy as choosing a pair of shoes. If it fits your size, weight, coverage, and energy-efficiency specifications, the appliance will be looking at you from our list.

People Also Ask

While we’ve talked about brands, advantages, and specific models of lightweight units, we’ve left some questions unanswered. Read below to get more answers about the safety and weight of this AC category.