Best Portable AC Units – 2022 Buyer’s Guide

Do you need to endure a hot summer in a house that doesn’t have central air conditioning?

A portable air conditioner may be just the appliance you need if you want to cool your room effectively. Without worrying about window units and venting.

Many apartments may not allow window air conditioners due to design restrictions, but portable air conditioners can do the job as long as you can vent the hot air. Let’s check out what makes portable units attractive for cooling a room, and also look at the best models available.

Comparison of the Best Portable AC Units 

Does a Portable AC Really Work?

You may be wondering if a portable unit is really efficient. The answer to that is yes, it certainly is if you use it for the intended purpose. A portable AC will work for small, medium and large sized rooms, based on its BTU power.

It will require warm air to be vented outside to be effective, and the condensate will need to be drained. They come in a range of capacities that can handle residential, commercial and industrial requirements.

A Portable AC can cool a room as effectively as a window unit, as long as it is well vented.

What to Look For When Buying a Portable AC Unit

There is a wide variety of different options available for you to choose from. However, before making your purchase, you need to consider a few factors. We’ve listed down a few factors that you need to consider that make these portable air conditioners a good option for you. 

Cooling Power 

You need to consider the cooling power of the unit. If the unit doesn’t provide you with the right cooling power for your room size, then the air conditioner will be of no use to you. To make sure that you’re purchasing the right unit, you need to look at the BTU rating of the cooling unit. This rating helps to measure the cooling power of the air conditioner. 

Now, if you want an air cooling unit for a smaller room, then a unit offering 8000 BTUs would be a good option. But if you want an air cooling unit for your living room or any room that is of 600 sq. ft., then an air conditioner offering 14000 BTUs is more suitable for you. 

Noise Level

You will also need to consider a unit that has a low noise level. Also, it is better to opt for an option that is both cost-effective and has features that allow it to save energy.

One Hose vs. Two Hose Units 

Single hose portable units are inefficient in cooling the room. Because the air that is sent out of the hose is the air from the inside of the room that has been dehumidified. Energy is wasted to dehumidify and cool the incoming air.

However portable AC models that possess two hoses to direct the warm and cooled air to proper locations are much more efficient. They behave much more like traditional window air conditioners. The air is drawn into the unit through the intake, where it is cooled and then sent back into the area.

The unit heats up through the cooling process, and the intake hose pulls air from outside the home to cool the air conditioner down. A second hose sends all of the warmed air outside of the home. With this efficient exchange of air, the dual hose system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard as the single hose option.

Dual hose systems may require a little more work to set up. But they are generally easy-to-install and require no additional maintenance.

Reviews of the Best Portable AC Units  

To buy a good portable unit, you must consider its functionality, price and the cooling requirements in your home or office.

Advantages of a Portable AC Unit 

Choosing a portable unit has many advantages over window units or mini split ACs. Firstly, you don’t have to pay for expensive installation, it is quick and simple enough to do yourself. Almost all portable ACs come with window installation kits to help you vent the warm air outside.

Secondly, they are easy to reposition and move around within your home. So you can cool the room you want, without cooling extra rooms. This is particularly useful for apartments which have air-conditioning in some rooms, but not in others. It also helps for events where air-conditioning is needed for a few days, but not on a permanent basis.

Unlike traditional window units, portable units allow you to make full use of your window, giving you an unobstructed view. Except for a small area for venting out the warm air, in case you will be using the window to vent. If natural light or views are important for you, this can be a strong factor.

One of the biggest advantages of portable ACs is that they require minimal installation and can be moved from room to room as needed. This means less inconvenience to set up.  And you only have to cool the room you want to, which cuts down on electricity bills.

Portable ACs are also an excellent option for RVs or campers. As well as for recreational homes without air conditioners.

Disadvantages of a Portable AC Unit 

Along with their pros, portable units also have some cons. They are typically noisier than window units because portable units are located entirely inside the room. Whereas the window unit noisiest part is located outside.

Secondly, these units do have placement restrictions, due to the need for venting warm air and draining condensate. So they can’t be just placed anywhere, but need to be located near a vent or window, as well as a power outlet for power.

Some units come with condensate pans that fill up with water that is removed from the air, during the dehumidification process. Since it is an integral part of the air conditioning process, this cannot be avoided. Although some of the newer models have an auto-evaporation technology that bypasses this. It can be a bother to have to drain the pan when it fills up.

Venting Your Portable AC Unit

All portable ACs must be vented correctly to function properly. Venting the warm air allows efficient cooling, as the temperature within your room is lowered, while the excess heat is dumped outside. Operating the AC without proper venting won’t work, it will just increase the temperature of your room! The warm air can be vented anywhere outside, whether through the window or a vent. It can even be vented into other rooms if you don’t care about heating them a little.

You may be wondering how easy it is to install the AC. Don’t worry! It’s usually very quick and easy-to-install the venting. And a standard window kit that comes with the AC includes a window bracket, one or two vent hoses, and the vent hose adapters. The average vent hose extends 4 to 5 feet, so you need to install yours close to a window.

Here is a Step-by-Step Guide to Set up Your Portable AC

1. Attach any hose connectors/adapters and insert the hose (or hoses).

2. Extend the adjustable window kit to the length of your window. If necessary, trim the window bracket to fit your window snugly. Your specific model may come with screws to keep the window kit in place. Then close your window to secure the kit in place.

3. Connect the vent hose to the window kit.

4. Once your unit is properly installed and vented, just plug it in and program your settings. Now you’re all set.

Draining the Condensate 

Like all air conditioners, portable units also draw moisture from the air and dehumidify it. The water or condensate needs to go somewhere, and there are three ways the units can handle it.

Fully Evaporative

With the newer models, the fully evaporative technology allows ACs to do away with condensate reservoirs or buckets. This means you'll never have to deal with the collected condensate water. These are popular models thanks to the convenience and continuous operation.

Gravity Drain with Condensate Pump

Another option for portable models is a gravity drain. You simply attach a hose to the drain port and direct water into a drain or another location. This option means you need to figure out where the water should go, such as out the window or into a drain.

Buckets to be Emptied

Most standard portable air conditioners have buckets or reservoirs that need to be emptied periodically. Depending on your humidity and time of use, the frequency may vary from every 8 hours to once a month. The condensate will collect inside the unit. And you'll simply have to turn it off, empty the bucket, and then replace it before cooling starts again. Most units have an auto-switch that turns off the unit once the water reaches a certain limit for safety.

Care and Maintenance 

To keep your portable AC in top working condition, some regular maintenance will be very useful. Make sure that you place the unit in a place that is free from dust and dirt – this will prevent your AC motor from getting clogged or dirty. Clean the filter often, and ensure that the carbon filter is replaced every 4-6 months.

Clean the rear vents with a vacuum brush attachment occasionally. Also, clean the exterior of the unit occasionally, and keep it out of direct sunlight to protect the surface and finish.  Ventilation and drainage are both important. Ensure that the exhaust hoses are straight and don’t have any kinks in them.

To clean the condenser coils, you can use a spray of a mixture of water and lemon juice or vinegar.

Conclusion

A portable AC unit can be one of the most useful appliances in your home. Especially when you are facing the humid summer heat without any ACs. It can preserve your window view and let in natural daylight while saving utility costs by keeping only one room cool at a time.

If you are looking for the best model for your needs, consult the list we’ve compiled above. Learn the tips you need to keep your AC unit in top condition, and it will reward you the care with years of uninterrupted service.

People Also Ask

Since summer is right around the corner, you need to consider how you’ll be able to keep the hot air and humidity from ruining your time. This is why you need to invest in a cooling unit to make your life a whole lot easier. 

But before you make your purchase, you must have questions that you want answers to. Well, we have compiled some basic things that most people wish they knew before they made their purchase. 

Are Portable AC Units Any Good?

The good thing about using a portable air conditioner is that you won’t have to block your window, especially if it’s the only source of natural light in your apartment. With these portable air conditioners, you have the flexibility of being able to choose where you want the unit to be. 

Moreover, with this cooling unit, you don’t have to worry about the whole installation process. All you have to do is simply fit the exhaust hose in its place with the window and then simply plug the unit in. Voila! It’s ready to be used. 

Is a Portable AC Better Than a Window Unit?

The thing about portable air conditioning units is that they are very easy to install compared to a window AC, whereas with a window AC, you don’t have to worry about the unit taking up space in your room. 

The majority of the time, homeowners’ associations do not allow people to use window units as they hang outside the window. Now with a portable AC unit, you don’t have to worry about that. 

A portable unit offers you mobility; you can move it from room to room. While there are some benefits of using a portable AC unit, at the end of the day, it really does depend on your preference and requirements. Both the AC do their jobs well; it’s mainly the one you prefer that matters. 

How Long Do Portable AC Units Last?

The lifespan of an air conditioner depends on various factors, such as how often you use your air conditioner, how well you maintain your cooling unit, etc. Usually, you can expect an air conditioner to last about 10 to 15 years. 

Cooling units that are often neglected and are used more frequently can last up to 10 years. However, with moderate usage, they can be expected to last for at least 20 years. If properly maintained, you can expect your cooling unit to last 20 to 25 years. 

Can You Use a Portable Air Conditioner in a Room With no Windows?

One of the most common questions is if it’s possible to use a portable air conditioner in a room that doesn’t have a window. And the answer is yes, you can. You can use an air conditioner to cool a room without a window; all that you will have to do is vent your AC so that it performs well. 

Does a Portable AC Need to be Vented?

You need to understand that even portable air conditioners release a hot stream of fumes. This is one thing that happens inside the engine; hence a lot of people are unaware. 

Apart from that, even the room temperature air makes its way into the unit through the registration process. This way, the warm room temperature air gets trapped through the cooling radiator. This causes the blower to emit hot air back into the room, which beats the purpose of having an AC in the first place. Hence, it is important to vent hot air.