The 10 best portable air conditioners of 2021 – comparison and guide
When the heat hits hard, his thing is to have an air conditioning or air conditioning at home … but this is not always possible.
The classic AC splits are a good proposal, but they are expensive and require installation work, something that involves asking for permits and an extra investment. Also, if you are in a rental home, it is very possible that the owner does not want to take charge of that investment.
So what can you do? The solution to your problems is a portable air conditioner for three basic reasons:
- It is much cheaper than fixed installation AC .
- If you install it on the window, you don’t need to do any work .
- If your rental contract runs out, or you are going to spend a season in another house, you can take it with you.
If you are thinking of buying a portable air conditioner, we have prepared a comparison of the best models on the market to help you make a good decision. To give you more options, we have also included an air cooler.
At the end of this article you will find a complete buying guide that we recommend you read, so that you are very clear about what features you should assess before buying your portable air conditioner.
What will you find in this guide?
Top 10 Portable Air Conditioners
10. RenFox
A mini cool air fan for short distances.
Refrigeration: –
Noise: 45 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 18 W
We start this list with a mini fan which, while not strictly a portable air conditioner, is a nifty solution to keep on hand. The RenFox is a desktop fan that cools the air thanks to an ice water tank.
As we say, it does not replace the air conditioning but it will give you a break when you are working in front of the computer or if you put it on the bedside table in the bedroom.
The grace is that it is very small and weighs very little . It has a top handle so that you can move it around without problems, so you can take it “on” wherever you want.
Consumption is also minimal, since it is connected via usb cable . In case you don’t have a computer nearby, include a plug adapter.
You can use it only as a fan or as a fan with water . For that it has a 400 milliliter tank, which you fill with water from the fridge or with ice and whose water level you will know thanks to a small window in the tank.
Programming is very simple : 3 fan speeds, with rotation or fixed direction of the air. And it also has a timer so that it turns off in 2 or 4 hours, especially useful if you use it in the bedroom at night and you are one of those who fall asleep with the fan on.
As a detail, you can turn on an LED light with 7 different colors , which is very relaxing, for example, at bedtime.
If you cannot, or want, to install a portable air conditioner but need a little extra cold , the RenFox air cooler is a cheap solution with minimal energy consumption.Pros
- Small and handy
- Little consumption
- Colored LED lights
Cons
- Doesn’t cool like an air conditioner
9. Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart
For those who want a 3 in 1 to cool, dehumidify and ventilate.
Refrigeration: 2,700 frigories / 10,000 BTU
Noise: 65 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 29 W
Do you want cold at home but cannot install an AC even in the window? Do you want the same device that covers several functions? Then the Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart will interest you.
We are facing a 3-in-1 tower that works as a fan, dehumidifier and cooler with a design that will give a modern air to the room.
It is suitable for dry climates , for its fan, and for humid climates , for its dehumidifier. You can set the temperature between 18 and 32 ºC . In addition, you can vary the air speed in low, medium and high .
The handling of this tower is very intuitive, through a backlit display and includes a small practical remote control if you don’t want to get up.
The programming includes a timer for automatic disconnection of up to 24 hours that you can adjust in increments of one hour.
Let’s see its main characteristics :
- It has a dehumidification performance of 23 liters / day .
- Noise levels minimum 48 dB and maximum 65 dB .
- For rooms between 29-49m2 .
In summary, as it is a cooling fan that, in addition, dehumidifies that it will be useful for all types of climates.Pros
- Modern design
- 3 in 1
- High dehumidification capacity
- Programmable 24 hours
Cons
- It’s heavy
- Takes up a lot of space
- It is somewhat noisy on the highest power
8. Icy Air
An evaporative cooler without air conditioning to cool the room.
Refrigeration: –
Noise: 56 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 70 W
First of all, a warning: despite its looks, with the Icy Air you are not buying a portable air conditioner but rather an air cooler. The price should already give you a hint about this, because it is considerably cheaper than an AC , however portable it is.
The operation is very simple: the fan vaporizes water from a 4.5 liter tank. If you want the water to be colder, you can refrigerate it with a sealed ice pack or directly with ice cubes. By releasing cold water into the room, a “breeze effect” is generated that lowers the temperature of the room a bit.
If you don’t want that extra humidity, you can just use it as a fan. Choose one of its 3 speeds and leave the air direction fixed or rotating to find the best way to cool off.
It has a small remote control and a timer of up to 7.5 hours but, beware, it is continuously adjustable, that is, you can only leave it programmed in a single operating mode.
As it has the humidifier function, it is only recommended for use in dry climates. In a humid climate, cold air is short-lived and the humidity remains, making the wind chill worse.
The advantage over an air conditioner is that it does not need installation , so you can transport it through the different rooms of the house easily thanks to its handles and wheels. It is important, of course, that the room has some type of ventilation (such as an open door, for example) to prevent moisture from condensing.
The Icy Air also has a water filter and a dust filter that help keep the air clean.
Without being the definitive solution in hot climates, the Icy Air can be a good reinforcement for people who suffer from the use of air conditioning or do not want to invest too much money in air conditioning.Pros
- Cheaper than an air conditioner
- No installation needed
- Has air filter
Cons
- Not as cool as an air conditioner
- Continuously adjustable timer
- Not recommended for use as a water fan in humid climates
7. Klarstein New Breeze 7
A very easy-to-use air conditioner to cool medium-sized rooms.
Refrigeration: 2,200 frigories / 8,800 BTU
Noise: 63 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 2.6 kW
We already entered the field of portable AC. If your thing is not to stop to program complicated appliances, the Klarstein New Breeze 7 has many points to be what you are looking for: a simple air conditioner that starts immediately with its on / off button.
From there you can, if you want to use the air conditioning, regulate the temperature between 16 and 30 degrees . And, if not, you can keep the fan or humidifier function.
If we talk about cooling capacity, the manufacturer does not give the exact data, but we have calculated about 2,200 frigories. For the price it has, it is very reasonable and can be used for a medium-sized room, about 22 m² .
You will see that it has a drying mode, but don’t be fooled by the name: it actually refers to drying the water tank, not dehumidifying the room. Depending on the climate you are in, you will not be interested in that extra humidity, since it increases the sensation of heat. So if you opt for this option, remember that you must empty the tank by hand.
If you want to reduce the humidity of the environment, the air conditioning already does it without you having to ask it.
As for the fan, it works independently of the AC function, with 3 wind levels and adjustable directional air flow. If you do not want it to hit you directly, you can manually adjust the vertical louvers, or leave it with automatic horizontal oscillation so that it rotates only distributing the air around the room.
At bedtime you can activate the Night Mode , which maintains a constant temperature in the room, although the noise is not too low and may be annoying. You can also set the sleep timer for up to 10 hours, letting it cool the room at the beginning of the night and then shutting it off to give you a deep rest.
The programming has seemed very simple and you can modify it both from the integrated control panel and from the remote control.
Although it has wheels, if you want to move it around the room it is not the most comfortable since it lacks some side handles.
The Klarstein New Breeze 7 is a simple but well-functioning household appliance , without complicated programming and it simply cools well. What more could you want?Pros
- Good value for money
- Adjustable air flow
- Easy to use and program
Cons
- Does not include window adapter
- It does not have handles to move it more easily
6. Cecotec Force Clima 7050
For those looking for a brand fan, refrigerators and dehumidifier at a good price.
Refrigeration: 1,800 frigories / 7,000 BTU
Noise: 65 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 2.06 kW
The Cecotec Force Clima air conditioning is very similar to the 9250 version, which you will find a little higher on our list, with one important caveat: it has no heat option.
That is, it only allows cooling, ventilation and dehumidifier.
The cooling capacity is measured at 1,800 frigories or 7,000 BU. Therefore, it helps you to cool rooms of about 20 m², although its power has seemed a bit fair.
You can program it 24 hours and regulate functions such as its 2 speeds or the air flow, which can reach up to 300 m³ / hour.
You can also program the Night Mode. We have found this function very useful because it lowers the noise level a lot and reduces the temperature and air flow, something that is appreciated so that your throat does not dry out and you can rest with a constant and pleasant temperature.
It is a good option if you want to change rooms often as it weighs relatively little and is comfortable to transport thanks to its side handles and wheels.
It also seems practical to include a window kit to install the evacuation tube, reducing air leaks.
As for maintenance, it has a warning so you know when the tank is full. It is very easy to empty, with a small spigot to which you place a container underneath. It is also convenient to access the filters to clean them (remember that this is essential to maintain energy efficiency and reduce consumption).
Like the Force Silence, the Force Clima is sold as ultra-quiet, but its 65 dB is within the average, so do not be overconfident: you will notice it when it works, something unavoidable in any device of this type.
For a price of around € 200, the Cecotec Force Clima 7050 portable air conditioner meets our expectations.Pros
- Includes window kit to install the evacuation tube
- Quieter night mode with reduced temperature and air flow
- Lightweight (less than 20 kg) so you can move it comfortably
Cons
- It is not ultra-quiet, as it makes some noise
5. Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima Compact 8
A powerful air conditioner that requires little maintenance.
Refrigeration: 2,000 frigories / 8,000 BTU
Noise: 63 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 2.01 kW
The Dolceclima Compact 8 is from Olimpia Splendid, a brand perhaps little known in Spain, but which has been in the air conditioning sector for more than 50 years. With this background, this portable air conditioner presents a very correct operation, with three basic functions: air conditioning, fan and dehumidifier .
It has a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTUs, equivalent to about 2,000 frigories, which allows it to cool rooms of around 20 m² , maybe a little more if you don’t need a very low temperature.
If that power falls short, perhaps what you need is the Dolceclima Compact 10 , with 10,000 BTU / 2500 frigories. Although for our taste the price difference with the Compact 8 is too great, you can consider this option if you do not want to risk buying something that is too small for you or does not cover the entire room.
What we liked the most about the Compact 8 is that it does not have a tank that you have to empty, since it automatically eliminates condensation through the ventilation tube .
Therefore, maintenance is very simple: you only have to take care of cleaning the filter from time to time, which, in addition, is easy to access, releases with a click and washes under the tap.
In addition, it has three modes of use: automatic, night and turbo. To control them you have an LCD display on the device itself, plus a remote control. Both allow programming within 12 hours .
The assembly is very intuitive and includes a kit to attach the ventilation tube to the window . To transport it from one room to another, you can easily move its 22.5 kg of weight thanks to the side handles and wheels.
By way of evaluation, the Dolceclima Compact 8 offers great value for money for cooling medium-sized rooms.Pros
- The water tank does not have to be emptied
- Window kit included
- Compact design and easy to transport
Cons
- Does not work as a heater
4. Trotec 2010
An air conditioning-heater with a German guarantee.
Refrigeration: 1,800 frigories / 7,000 BTU
Noise: 65 dB
Heat function: yes
Power: 3.5 kW
The Trotec brand may not sound familiar to you, but don’t think you’re dealing with a stranger. It is a German company that responds to what one expects from such a nationality: reliability, toughness and trust.
The Trotec 2010 can be the solution to your problems if you live in a climate where you need an extra cold in summer and another heat in winter. That’s what a 4-in-1 is for: cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidifier .
And, in addition, it has a very simple operation:
- A panel with an LED screen and membrane buttons so that you do not have to force when pressing
- Remote control
- 24-hour programming and automatic shutdown timer
- Air outlet with adjustable direction and 2 flow levels
- Automatic mode, in which you simply indicate the temperature you want to achieve in the room and it regulates itself to achieve it.
- Emptying the water tank with drain hose
- Antibacterial air filter , which traps dust and animal hair
The noise level is around 65 dB . It is a correct figure and falls within the usual in this type of household appliances. It is right on the edge of being annoying, so you won’t be able to give it a lot of “cane”, for example, if you want to watch TV in the living room.
As usual, it has transport wheels and side handles.
The only but that we can get out of this portable air conditioner is that it does not include a kit to install it on the window , although it will not be difficult to find a compatible one, since its measurements are standard.
In short, the Trotec 2010 is a good option if you want to have cold and heat at home , without having to do installation work.Pros
- Cooling and heating in one device
- Dust and antibacterial filter
- Practical Automatic Mode that regulates itself
Cons
- Does not include window mounting kit
3. Infiniton PAC 97
A portable air conditioner for large rooms and quite quiet.
Refrigeration: 2,500 frigories / 9,800 BTU
Noise: 64 dB
Heat function: no
Power: –
The first thing that caught our attention about this Infiniton PAC 97 is the noise level. Just 64 dB, which is really good for the 2,500 frigories it gets. That is to say, little noise for a lot of power , something that we will appreciate especially if we use it in the living room or bedroom at night.
The Infiniton focuses on offering air conditioning in three modes: cooling , fan and automatic. The fan mode is a fan, which will be very useful to keep the air moving without having to pull the AC, controlling energy consumption. Of course, here you will not find the heating option.
But that is not all:
- Night mode. It generates even less noise, since it works at low speed. You program the ideal temperature and the temperature rises one degree every two hours, stopping at two degrees.
- Max mode. A cold push to skip the temperature that you have programmed by default. Don’t throw too much of this away because it will show on your electricity bill.
The operation is with an LED control panel integrated in the upper part and a remote control so you do not have to get up every time you want to change the programming. If you use it at bedtime, the sleep timer, which lasts up to 24 hours , will be very useful .
It also has a buzzer that jumps when the water tank is full, to prevent it from dripping. And the filter, on the back, is very accessible. It is important to remove it and clean it every two weeks or so to ensure efficient operation.
If you want to cool a large room (up to 30 m²) but want to keep the noise level as controlled as possible, the Infiniton PAC 97 is a good choice.Pros
- Good power
- A little quieter than average (64 dB)
- There is a good quality price relation
- Includes installation kit for the window
Cons
- It does not allow to regulate the air outlet direction
- Has no heater option
2. Cecotec Force Clima 9250
A hot and cold air conditioner so that you can take advantage of it all year round.
Refrigeration: 2,270 frigories / 9,000 BTU
Noise: 65 dB
Heat function: yes
Power: 2.63 kW
This portable air conditioner has four functions: refrigerator, ventilated, dehumidifier and heater , so you can leave it installed in summer and winter.
In addition, it incorporates the UltraSilence system trying to respond to users who cannot stand high noise levels, something that can be very annoying in rooms such as the living room, bedroom or a work office.
Therefore, it emits around 65 dB , depending on the way you use it. To give you an idea, it is the noise you can expect in a crowded cafeteria. Not bad, and certainly not thunderous, but in our opinion we expected a little less noise.
If we leave this point aside, the truth is that this Cecotec has a good value for money .
The maximum air flow is 350 m³ / hour, which you can regulate in two speeds, and it offers smartcontrol with digital display and remote control to program it up to 24 hours. The cooling capacity is 2-2700 frigories (9,000 BTU) that cool a room of up to 25m² .
If you are concerned about the maintenance part, with this Cecotec that is not a problem. It has an easyclean system so you can remove the filters without problems and an indicator that alerts you when the water tank is full.
In short, this Cecotec Force Clima 9250 is a good device to have installed throughout the year .Pros
- Simple cleaning and maintenance
- Includes installation kit for the window
- With heater option
Cons
- It has no LED display
- Not that quiet despite the UltraSilence system
1. De’Longui Pac N90 Eco Silent
A simple and very very powerful portable AC.
Refrigeration: 2,450 frigories / 9,800 BTU
Noise: 63 dB
Heat function: no
Power: 2,5 kW
De’Longui sounds safe to you because of its coffee makers, one of the best in their field; but also the brand has a wide catalog of kitchen and home appliances . This is the case of this PAC N90 Eco Silent, a portable air conditioner that stands out for two main features:
- The power, 9,800 BTU, is one of the highest that you will see in this comparison. It will serve to cool a room of up to 83 m³ .
- The noise level, 64 dB, indicates that it is silent, especially considering the maximum power. Think of it as the same noise made by others with much less cooling capacity. If you use it at medium-low power, you will hear it little.
As usual in an air conditioner, the N90 Eco Silent works as a dehumidifier , and is capable of filtering up to 34 liters in 24 hours. It is a lot of water, so it is interesting to know that it does not have a deposit and that it evacuates the humidity directly to the outside through the ventilation hose of the window kit that it includes.
You will see a plug at the bottom to empty the internal circuit, something you must do when the summer is over to keep it in good condition.
If you want to move it, it has wheels and handles so you can move it comfortably.
At the top is the control panel, with a thermostat and a programmable timer up to 12 hours . For more convenience, you can also operate it with a small remote control.
It seems to us that it does not allow a high level of programming , but it does allow enough to regulate the temperature to your liking or choose between the 3 levels of air in the fan.
Overall, this De’Longui PAC N90 Eco Silent gives us a good feeling : the body looks robust and with good materials. If we add power to this, we have one of the star recommendations on our list.Pros
- Much higher power than average
- Low noise level in relation to its power
- Includes kit to install it on the window
Cons
- The high power is reflected in the price
- Programming functions too simple
Our recommendations
The best value for money portable air conditioner: Trotec 2010
Not the cheapest you will find in this list (for that read) portable air conditioning but, in our opinion, the Trotec 2010 itself is the one that has better value because it offers 4 functions in 1: to already typical of AC, fan and dehumidifier, we add the heating.
This means that you can leave it installed in summer and winter, and take advantage of it throughout the year . For the price it is, it is a good deal.
We also like the automatic mode , in which you set the room temperature and the thermostat regulates itself to keep it constant.
In addition, the antibacterial air filter ensures good environmental hygiene, as long as you take care to clean it when you play.
The only but that we see is that it does not include the window mounting kit and, if you are going to leave it installed in a semi-fixed way, it is important that you do it in good conditions, leaving the exit to the outside as isolated as possible.
Otherwise, it will be difficult to find a good performance AC and heater at a better price than the Trotec 2010.
Best cheap portable air conditioner: Cecotec Force Clima 7050
If our air conditioner is portable, it is already much cheaper than one that requires fixed installation. But if price is still a decision factor , it is normal that we decide to go to a white brand, less known, but that can give us good results anyway.
However, with the Cecotec Force Clima 7050 we can take home a guaranteed brand without leaving a lot of money down the road. The price of this Cecotec is around € 200, and going below that price is complicated in any model.
That it is cheap does not mean that it is bad, quite the contrary. For that price, power, features and noise level are within the average , so you can rest easy.
If you are looking for some more extra or you want to refrigerate a very large room, it may not be your model (extras and power are paid). But if you want an air conditioner that gives you a reasonable result at a good price , you can look at the Cecotec Force Clima 7050 with good eyes.
Best Silent Portable Air Conditioner: De’Longui Pac N90 Eco Silent
Most of the air conditioners on this list are around 64/65 dB. So does the De’Longhi Pac N90 Eco Silent, but the difference with the other models is basic: the power of this portable AC is higher than average .
This means that with the same annoyance you get more cooling (around 2,500 frigories), either because you want to radically lower the degrees or because you are going to use it in a very large room.
That is if you use it at maximum power, because if you leave it in silent mode, for example at night, you will not notice it (something yes, it is inevitable).
Bear in mind, of course, that power raises the price , and the brand is also noticeable when paying, so this is not the cheapest appliance on our list.
But if we add a minimum maintenance to decibels and power , because you do not have to empty the water tank, and a very simple programming level , so you do not mess with the buttons, the choice as portable and silent AC is clear: the De’Longhi Pac N90 Eco Silent is our number 1.
Best portable tubeless air conditioner: Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart
We have already seen it, but it is important to make it very clear: even if it is called air conditioning, if it does not have a tube that goes to the outside, you will not get too high a level of cold . If you have this clear, go ahead with the purchase, because you will also be saving a lot of money compared to a traditional AC.
Our recommendation is the Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart for two basic reasons:
- The size and tower-shaped design make it much more pleasing to the eye. If you are not going to invest in a portable AC, you do not need a “dead” in the room, but something light and manageable.
- It is a 3 in 1 , being able to use it as a fan, air cooler and dehumidifier.
We also like that the operation is very simple , with that backlit LED panel that, again, gives a touch of design and a remote control.
In short, if you want more than a fan, the Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart is our recommendation.
Comparison of the best portable air conditioners
Do you still have doubts? Here are the main features of our recommended models of portable air conditioners and air coolers so that you have it clearer at a glance.
Note: if you see this table on mobile, scroll it with your finger to see all the columns.
| No. | Model | Refrigeration | Noise | Heat function | Energy classification / Power | Weight | Measurements (cm) | Price |
|---|
Guide to buying the best portable air conditioner
Are you preparing your home or office for when the high temperatures begin? Buying a device that helps you get through the warmer weeks of summer is usually the solution. But which?
Portable air conditioners are a good option for basically three reasons:
- They are reasonably priced (fixed devices are much more expensive).
- They do not require work to be installed (although some adaptation does).
- You can move them when you need it (with some nuance that I explain below).
Another option that many users choose are air coolers, also (wrongly) called air conditioners in some guides. It is not the same as a portable air conditioner and sometimes there is some confusion.
To make your task easier, we are going to explain what you have to take into account to choose the portable air conditioner you need (and not screw up with the purchase).
Is it a portable air conditioner for you?
It is the device you need if:
- Your apartment is for rent and you do not want to carry out a fixed installation.
- You have a limited budget.
- You need it for a second home that you do not frequent much, where an air with better benefits is not necessary.
- You have a small office or business premises.
- You live in a building where the community does not allow the installation of compressors outside.
In any of these cases it is a good option.
Types of air conditioners
To buy well, the first thing you have to decide is what you want. So I’m going to give you a quick summary of the types of air conditioning that you can find in the market:
- Split : composed of two pieces, a quieter and more compact interior, and an exterior compressor that is the one that produces the cold (or heat) and where the noise is generated. They need professional installation and are priced higher. They also have more cooling capacity.
- Window: composed of a single piece. They are cheaper than split and also louder (the compressor is integrated). To install them, you have to make a hole the size of the device to fit it, usually under a window.
- Laptops: they are the protagonists of this guide. They consist of a single mobile device (they usually have four small wheels), plus a hose with an outlet to the outside. They are compact and inexpensive and their main advantage is that they do not require installation.
There are also other, more complex types of air conditioning that use hidden ducts in the walls or in false ceilings, but we are not going to get into them in this guide.
Finally, I want to name you air coolers (also called evaporative coolers ) because they are another option that you can consider. These are devices that cool the air by evaporating water.
And why do I put them apart and not with the others? Well, because, and this is important, the air cooler is not an air conditioner, but a kind of fan with a humidifier.
Portable air conditioner vs Air cooler (or evaporative cooler)
Indeed, they are two different types of apparatus. However, it is quite common for users looking for a device with portability to confuse them … and then get disappointed.
When in doubt, there is a basic key to avoid mistakes:
An air conditioner always has an outlet to the outside . If the device you are going to buy does not have it, then it is NOT an air conditioner.
And what is? Well, another type of device that, in all probability, fulfills its function, but does not cool as much as an AC.
What is an air cooler
It is a household appliance whose external appearance is quite similar to a portable air conditioner. However, for it to work we just have to plug it into the mains . Nothing more.
Unlike a normal fan, which only sets the air in motion, the cooler cools the air using steam .
It has a reservoir, usually at the back, that has to be filled with water. It can get very cold or you can even add some ice cubes to melt and maintain the temperature.
The fact of vaporizing water makes it especially interesting in very dry climates, where simply by increasing the ambient humidity we will already notice an improvement in comfort.
In addition, a quality cooler has filters to purify the air before expelling it , something that a traditional fan does not have.
What are the main differences with an air conditioner ? The air cooler:
- It has a lower energy consumption .
- It can work with open windows to renew the air (this is interesting at night).
- You don’t need an outside outlet.
- And finally, it does not provide a level of ambient cooling similar (not even close) to an air conditioner.
So they don’t work? Yes, they work… at your level. That is, you have to know what you are buying.
A cooler improves the wind chill by circulating humid air, but does not lower the room temperature by a few degrees .
But if those features are enough for you, it can be a great buy.
What is a portable air conditioner
A portable air conditioner is usually the choice of those who cannot or do not want to carry out installation works or who allocate a tight budget to this expense.
The truth is that it is a very good solution because, unlike coolers, these devices ARE an air conditioner. In addition, it is much cheaper than a split .
How it works is this: the device takes in the air in the room (the windows must be closed), then cools it inside and expels it to cool the room.
In this process, a quantity of hot air is generated that has to be expelled through a hose that must have a path to the outside, normally through a window or a terrace door.
There are several ways to install that output, they are all pretty straightforward:
- You can install a rigid panel on the door or window frame , with a hole for the hose. It is a recommended method for sliding sashes, which will simply close to the panel.
- For practicable windows (with a hinge on one of the sides) or tilt and turn there are insulating textile covers that are very easy to install.
- Another possibility, only if you are going to leave the appliance in a fixed location, is to cut the glass and seal the edges when you have adjusted the air outlet hose.
This is important: the appliance is portable, has transport wheels and can be moved from one room to another. But consider that it is not as simple as unplugging in one place and plugging in another, because you will have to move the installation of the exhaust hose .
How to install a portable air conditioner
Before buying, you should keep two basic things in mind:
- Study the system that you are going to use for the exterior route before buying your device and do not leave it until last. This way you will avoid surprises.
Some models include the exhaust hose, window adapter, and installation kit, but not all. So check yours and, if it does not include it, go choosing your adaptation system.
Thus, when you have your new appliance at home you can put it to work right away (and you will avoid scares if you are missing any part).
- Put the device as close as possible to the window where you are going to install the external track so that the tube has the least possible travel.
Bear in mind that it is going to expel air at high temperature (if you have ever passed in front of an air conditioning outlet, you will know what I am talking about) and you are not interested in having a hot tube inside a room that you want to cool .
So that you can see it more clearly, here is a video that explains the simple assembly of the window kit of a portable ac:
Features to consider when buying your portable air conditioner
If you’ve already got down to business choosing your portable air conditioner, keep these 5 key features in mind:
1. Surface
It is the first thing you have to look at: how many square meters does the room you want to refrigerate have? The answer already serves as the first filter to start discarding models.
In the market you can find simpler appliances for rooms of less than 15 m 2 to others much more powerful that guarantee you more than 25 m 2 refrigerated.
2. Frigories
It is a concept that you will quickly become familiar with as soon as you enter the world of air conditioners.
To put it succinctly, it is a unit of measure (frigories / hour) that tells you the capacity of the appliance to absorb heat and cool a room in one hour .
Therefore, the more frigories, the more cooling capacity (and also the device is usually more expensive).
How do you know how many frigories you need? It depends:
- They influence the square meters that you have to refrigerate. Logically, if the room is larger, you will need more cooling capacity.
- The orientation of the house or room. If you look south it will be warmer and you will need more frigories. And if the sun hits you directly for several hours a day.
- The number of people that will usually be there (calculates an average increase of 150 frigories for each person).
There is a standard to help you calculate. It is usually established as a reasonable average 100 frigories per square meter. Therefore, if you are going to put it in a 12 m 2 room you will need about 1,200 frigories.
From that generic figure, you have to study your particular conditions (and the figure will surely go up).
Important: some air conditioners measure refrigeration in BTUs, not in frigories. It is the most widely used measurement system in Anglo-Saxon countries. Approximately 1 frigory = 4 BTUs .
3. Noise
This is especially important if you plan to use it in the bedroom or in a living room to study or work. You will notice that the splits are much quieter because they have the compressor on the outside. But a portable air conditioner, having the main motor built in, is going to make more noise.
Please take this into account before buying. Still, you can try to choose models with low decibels. Most are around 65 dB .
4. Energy label
Consumption is important, because you can be sure that your electricity bill will go up. Therefore, the recommendation will always be that you choose one with the energy classification A or A + .
The normal thing is that the new models are already energy efficient, but look at it the same in the specifications. Sometimes there are offers of old devices to withdraw stock and then come the scares on the bill at the end of the month.
Something that can help you reduce spending is using the timer. Most models have it and it is practical to limit consumption, since you will not leave the device on if you get lost for a long time.
5. Extra: with heat pump
Not all appliances are also used for heating, so if you are interested in this dual use, you have to look for models that include it. They are usually somewhat more expensive, but perhaps what you spend on one side you will save by not having to buy a radiator.
It is also a good idea if you need to save space at home , by having both functions in the same device instead of having them in two separate devices.
Maintenance tips
Finally, take care of your portable air conditioner so that it is in optimal condition for many years.
For that the best thing you can do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions , surely the instruction manual tells you everything you have to do for good maintenance.
However, as a general rule, always keep these two things in mind:
- Clean the filters regularly.
- Avoid moisture condensation , especially by monitoring the appearance of mold, emptying the tank often and ventilating the room from time to time.
