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There’s nothing like having central air conditioning installed in your house to keep things cool as the weather warms up and humidity levels rise during the summer. However, having a window-type or inverter-type AC unit isn’t always feasible. What if the current house you’re renting won’t allow installation? Or what if the hot season is so brief you require cooling for a few weeks each year?
Many individuals use a portable air conditioner to keep temperatures under control without the hassles of a conventional AC unit installation. In this guide, we’ve identified the best portable ACs suited to your needs.
Carrier 1.5 HP PDCAR012CO Portable AirconThis portable aircon from Carrier has a cooling capacity of 12,600 kJ/hr, has a built-in wheels, has a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, and an LED display. This stylish model provides clean and quality air without any guilt. | TCL TAC09CPA/W 1.0HP Portable AirconPerfect for large rooms, TCL TAC09CPA Portable Aircon has an advanced air swing technology and air lever that covers a wide range of space. This smart, compact, and minimalist aircon has a direct wash filter and has a higher EER by 15%. | Chigo CHG-PR150A 1.5HP Portable Type Air ConditionerThanks to it's omnidirectional cooling pattern and 1.5 Horsepower, the Chigo CHG-PR150A is the one to choose if you want turbo cooling that produces cooler air but at the same time consumes less power. |
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The Carrier 1.5 HP PDCAR012CO Portable Aircon is the cooling mechanism of the century! With a cooling capacity of 12,600 kJ/hr, you can enjoy a day without breaking any sweat. It can also be controlled remotely, which makes life easier and more comfortable.
The cool breeze it gives reaches every spot and corner of your house due to its powerful cooling and you can transfer it to any room you wish with its built-in wheels. It’s stylish and flexible and comes with the latest removal pane, air swing technology, and LED display. What makes it more reliable is its efficiency to run without consuming too much electricity.
In addition, the PDCAR012CO Portable Aircon has a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, which means you can enjoy continuous cooling without feeling any guilt. This comfort cooler also has an EER of 9.37 kJ/W-hr. It’s affordable and environmentally friendly, making it truly the simplest way to cool your room.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ Strong cooling capacity ✔️ Stylish exterior design ✔️ Energy efficient ✔️ Durable build ✔️ Air swing function | ✖️ Slightly expensive compared to other models |
Take your cooling experience to the next level! With TCL TAC09CPA/W 1.0 HP Portable Aircon’s Dual Condenser Technology, enjoy clean and fresh air anytime and anywhere in your house.
This smart portable air conditioner is coupled with a compact yet user-friendly design, which allows the user to conveniently experience a cooler environment.
This portable AC unit also has a dual-fan motor, which enables the unit to produce less noise and cool the area quickly. It is also engineered to cover a wider range of ventilation due to its advanced air swing technology and air lever. Its built-in purifier allows the users to breathe safer air because it cleans and removes unwanted smells and allergens in the room.
In addition, the TCL PortaCool has a direct wash filter to keep itself clean and reliable all the time. Its energy consumption is more advanced due to its enhanced Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 15%.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ Evaporative cooler ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Fast Cooling Capacity ✔️ Dual Condenser Technology ✔️ 3 cooling and fan modes | ✖️ Can be loud compared to a window unit |
Portable air conditioner units are slowly building their own trend and way in the consumer market. The growing high demand brings a new meaning to the words “air conditioning unit.” With this, the Chigo CHG-PR150A 1.5 HP Portable Type Air Conditioner promotes a better living space as one of the leading manufacturers of AC units.
The home appliances company’s long-standing service in over 200 countries allows it to build portable AC units with an air conditioner horsepower of 1.5 HP. Its fan speed moves in an omnidirectional behavior, which enables it to effectively perform turbo cooling and produce cooler air. It can also cover a room size of 19-25 square meters.
It’s perfect for maintaining a more breathable environment and suppressing the hot air within the designated space. What makes it more appealing is the low energy consumption and high energy efficiency ratio despite running at full power.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ Sleep Mode ✔️ Self Diagnosis function ✔️ Cool rooms faster with Turbo Cooling | ✖️ A bit expensive |
One of the best portable air conditioners up to date that can offer great air quality and efficiently cool your room is the Everest ET10PORM-HF 1.0 HP Portable Aircon. With its high-quality compressor and wide-flow air design, this fast-cooling portable AC can offer cold air with a lower wattage than other portable ACs.
The silent mode feature also helps consumers enjoy a colder environment without the constant buzzing from the rotating fan noise.
The smart portable air conditioner is capable of filtering bad odors and air pollutants to ensure fresh indoor air all the time. It’s affordable and easy to use! Additionally, its main selling point outlined is its sensor control, which allows a smarter experience and powerful cooling with the unit.
If you’re looking for one, an alternative to this aircon is the Everest etm05wdr3 unit.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ Great exterior design ✔️ Highly efficient ✔️ LED Display ✔️ Healthy air filter ✔️ High-quality compressor | ✖️ Air vents need to be adjusted manually ✖️ Not ideal for large rooms |
Say goodbye to the hot air in your room with a smarter and more convenient portable AC unit. The Dowell Portable Aircon 1.5 HP Air Conditioner truly packs a punch with its three AC modes. Users can enjoy the cool, fan, and dry modes whenever they are at home.
It has a 12,000 BTU capacity, which enables it to perform high cooling and act as a dehumidifier. It truly is one of the leading portable air conditioners.
Consumers will also appreciate its three types of modes, which enable them to manually control the fan speed. Moreover, its ability to self-diagnose and self-clean also adds to its overall selling capacity compared to its other contenders.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ 4 cooling modes ✔️ Auto swing function ✔️ Eco-Pro Technology ✔️ Washable pre-filters ✔️ 3 fan speeds | ✖️Not as energy efficient as other models |
The Midea 1HP Portable Air Conditioner Non-Inverter FP-54APT010HENV-N56 is one of the best portable air conditioners for excellent air quality. It produces strong and cool air while still being efficient. With a 9000 BTU/hr cooling capacity and an omnidirectional caster, your room will automatically feel comfortable, especially during warm seasons.
It has an indoor sound of 53 dBA and can remove 1.4 liters of moisture per hour. Its top-notch design and technology bring satisfaction to consumers. The affordability and low ozone-depleting refrigerant place the portable AC ahead of its competitors.
Its best features are its built-in ionizer, which emits negative ions into the air, and an anti-dust filter that aids in the capture of particles such as pollen and dust, which can cause allergies.
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✔️Energy saving ✔️Active carbon filter ✔️Great moisture removal | ✖️ Less cooling power compared to other units |
Among the most portable air conditioning units in the market, the Hanabishi 1HP HPORTAC-10 HP Portable Aircon shines the most when it comes to eliminating warm air in small spaces without the area becoming unbearably cold.
It offers its consumers three different cooling modes, with the dry mode acting as a dehumidifier to make the cooling procedure more effective. The fan mode allows the users to manually control the fan modes.
An added plus, you don’t need to drain water continuously due to its built-in self-evaporative system. It is also capable of maintaining a low noise output even after running for a certain period of time. It has an auto-restart, manual swing, and remote control function.
If you prefer to turn off your AC after falling asleep, the unit also features a timer that allows you to set how long it’ll run until it turns off. This is particularly useful if you want to save up on energy consumption.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️Auto-restart function ✔️Low noise ✔️3 cooling modes ✔️Evaporative system | ✖️ Lower cooling capacity |
Consumers with germaphobia can finally enjoy cleaner portable air with Fujidenzo’s 1HP Inverter Grade Portable Aircon. With its latest technology, this portable AC has three dynamic filters that are fully capable of extinguishing air pollutants.
The company has engineered a built-in Air Purifying Filters Bio Filter, which can remove germs and bacteria. Its Hepa filter is efficient in removing 99.7% of molds, pollen, and other harmful airborne particles, while the High-Density Filter can improve the overall filtration process of the portable air conditioner.
This purifying feature of the unit easily earns itself the title of best portable air conditioner for the health-conscious. In addition, users can also rely on its Follow Me Technology to keep themselves cool at any time. Its built-in thermostat aids in further extending the cooling range.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️Follow Me Technology ✔️Air purifying filters ✔️Affordable | ✖️ Not as cold as other units |
While portable conditioners are already quite compact in size, the HAILANG Portable Mobile Air Conditioner is possibly the most compact of them all. Its size makes it ideal for individuals living in dorms and small apartments. If you have limited space and can’t have a window-type unit installed due to building restrictions, then this unit is your best bet.
It offers powerful dehumidification for those hot, humid days and can quickly cool a room due to its four core technologies, high-performance motor, and two-way converter. It also has an EER of 8.7 and a cooling capacity of 11,000 BTUs.
Aside from its cooling capability and size, this unit has an indoor sound pressure of only 50 dBa. The user can even make it quieter by activating its Sleep Mode.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️Small and compact size ✔️Four Core Technologies ✔️Fast Cooling | ✖️ Not suitable for bigger rooms |
If you’re not keen on purchasing units with complicated functions and would prefer to have a more straightforward unit, the Union UGPAC-12002 portable air conditioner is the right unit for you.
This model has unique touch controls with backlit remote settings, which enables consumers to seamlessly navigate the portable unit in dark places inside their rooms. What makes this product in demand is the automatic sliding panel and cooling capability. In addition, it can act as a humidifier with its dry mode.
The unit also comes with a touch control panel that displays the current temperature and allows you to control and adjust settings as you see fit.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️Cool and dry functions ✔️Automatic sliding panel ✔️Touch control panel with LED screen | ✖️ Slightly expensive |
In terms of the speed of the fan, the ROWA 09RCP-P 1.0 HP Portable Aircon is in line with its leading competitors like Hanabishi. Its enlarged front air outlet and two-fan speed air enable it to widen the range of cooling. Its low noise feature, despite the fast cooling setting, possibly makes it the quietest portable air conditioner on this list.
Consumers report it to be easy to install due to its user-friendly design and comprehensive user manual. This portable AC also has a self-cleaning feature and can cover a room size of 30 square meters.
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✔️Quiet operation ✔️Best value ✔️Energy saving features ✔️Self-cleaning feature | ✖️ Less cooling capacity ✖️ Not ideal for large rooms |
The Ariel AMJ10 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile unit designed to provide efficient cooling, heating, and dehumidifying functions for spaces ranging from 12 to 15 square meters. With a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, it effectively maintains a comfortable environment in small to medium-sized rooms.
The unit features a soft-touch control panel and comes with a remote, allowing for convenient operation. Its self-evaporating system reduces the need for manual drainage, enhancing user convenience. Additionally, the adjustable air outlet and air swing louver ensure optimal airflow distribution throughout the room.
Users appreciate the AMJ10’s low noise levels and easy-to-clean filters, which contribute to a pleasant indoor experience. The inclusion of a 24-hour timer allows for customizable operation, promoting energy savings.
Equipped with R410A refrigerant, the unit aligns with environmentally friendly standards. Its compact dimensions (756 x 350 x 350 mm) and portability make it suitable for various settings, including homes and offices.
Overall, the Ariel AMJ10 offers a comprehensive solution for year-round climate control, combining functionality with user-friendly features.
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✔️ Multi-function: cooling, heating, and dehumidifying ✔️ Soft-touch control panels + remote control ✔️ Self-evaporating system | ✖️ May require professional installation |
The CENSTECH 4-IN-1 Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile device that functions as an air cooler, fan, humidifier, and natural wind simulator, making it suitable for various climates and personal preferences. Its 2-gallon water tank allows for up to 20 hours of continuous cooling, and the inclusion of upgraded ice packs enhances its cooling efficiency.
The unit offers four modes—Cooling, Sleep, Normal, and Nature—coupled with three fan speeds, providing users with customizable comfort settings. Its 120° oscillation ensures even air distribution, effectively cooling spaces up to 300 square feet.
Designed with user convenience in mind, the CENSTECH 4-IN-1 features a remote control with a 17-foot range and a touch control panel with clear icons for easy operation. The device operates quietly at 50dB, making it suitable for use during sleep or work. Safety features include a bladeless design and a 1-15 hour timer for smart auto shut-off.
Its portable design, complete with 360° swivel casters and a built-in handle, allows for effortless movement between rooms.
Overall, this unit offers a comprehensive cooling solution with added functionalities that enhance indoor air quality and comfort.
Pros | Cons |
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✔️ 4-in-1 multi-functionality ✔️ 1-15 hour timer ✔️ Remote control | ✖️ More expensive than regular portable ACs |
If the summer heat is just too unbearable in your area and you’re planning on getting a cooling system, the first decision you must make is whether to get a portable air conditioner or a window-type air conditioner.
Normally, a window-type AC unit is the ideal choice, but if you can’t have a window air conditioner installed due to the architectural design of your house or building restrictions, portable air conditioners are the best option. It’s also ideal if you want a portable air conditioner that you can transfer from room to room.
Additionally, a portable air conditioner is a suitable choice for rooms that don’t have the single- or double-hung windows that window units require or for a space that isn’t used regularly, such as a guest room.
Stand-alone AC units cool a space by sucking in heated air, cooling it, and then distributing it throughout the room. Warm air is vented outdoors through a drain hose attached to your window through a window slider. Most portable ACs come with an exhaust hose, remote control, and window seal or window slider, so installation is the least of your worries when it comes to these units.
Many portable units also assist in keeping the humidity levels comfortable. The user can increase the unit’s fan speed and lower its temperature if they want more power or simply let it rest in sleep mode. Some high-end models have voice control, are compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa, and can come with additional features like a built-in dehumidifier or a dual inverter compressor to cool rooms faster.
Many people use portable air coolers in rooms where they have some window access to avoid getting the room flooded with water. While not as strong as a window AC, a portable air conditioner is straightforward to utilize and is typically seen in workplaces and rented apartments.
The decision to invest in a portable air conditioner hinges on individual needs and circumstances. These units offer advantages such as portability, making them suitable for renters or those seeking cooling solutions in multiple rooms. Ease of installation is another key factor to invest in a portable air conditioner, especially for individuals uncomfortable with or unable to perform complex HVAC installations.
While a portable air conditioner is generally more affordable upfront compared to central or split systems, it’s essential to consider long-term operational costs, as they may be less energy-efficient. These units are ideal for smaller to medium-sized rooms, and noise levels should be considered, as they can be louder than other AC types.
Additionally, aesthetic considerations, additional functions like a remote control, space requirements, and proper ventilation for the unit should be taken into account before making a purchase. A portable aircon should be placed near a window since it vents out hot air.
Ultimately, the suitability of a portable air conditioner depends on specific preferences, space size, and intended usage.
Portable air conditioners can be a convenient cooling solution for specific needs, offering flexibility and portability that traditional HVAC systems cannot. They work well in small to medium spaces, particularly when paired with a window venting kit for proper ventilation.
Units like the Midea air conditioner or a dual hose unit can provide more cooling capacity and improve cooling performance by efficiently separating air intake and exhaust. These units can also be ideal for those seeking a budget portable air conditioner that’s easy to set up using a standard wall outlet. Many models now include heating capabilities through a heat pump or heating mode, making them versatile for year-round use.
However, portable air conditioners can have limitations, such as a lower cooling performance for larger spaces compared to window or split AC systems. The installation process is straightforward but requires careful placement of the window panels and the drain hose to ensure efficiency. Some units, like dual hose portable ACs, offer improved cooling ability and help maintain the desired temperature for up to eight hours with minimal adjustments.
Despite their compact size, these systems may struggle to cool effectively in poorly insulated rooms or when competing with outdoor heat, but they remain a practical alternative for those without access to a traditional HVAC system.
When looking for the best portable air cooler keep the following qualities in mind.
More cooling power means having a higher BTU rating, and this is the most important factor to consider when you’re choosing your very own AC unit. British Thermal Units, or BTU, are used to quantify the power of portable air conditioners and their cooling capacity. The greater the space it can cool, the more BTU rating it has.
As much as possible, aim to buy a portable air conditioner unit with at least 11,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) and above, particularly if you’re planning on using it for a living room or a large bedroom. For optimum cold air for tiny rooms with a floor space of 15-25 square meters, around 8,000 to 12,000 BTU rating should be enough.
A bigger room, such as a living room or a large guest room, requires portable aircons to be at around 12,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU. Any larger and you’ll have to settle for a window-mount AC unit to blow cold air into your room.
Aside from BTU, you can also determine your portable air conditioner’s cooling capacity using the ASHRAE rating. This rating is given to portable ACs that have passed testing methodology given by the American Association for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (ASHRAE), which is the world’s leading technical society in those domains.
The Department of Energy (DOE) does not typically provide a specific “Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity British Thermal Unit rating” for portable aircons. Instead, they set energy efficiency standards and provide Energy Guide labels for appliances, including air conditioners, which indicate the estimated annual energy use and efficiency ratings based on standardized testing procedures.
Whether you’re looking for the strongest or the quietest portable aircon, you should first think about how much it’ll cost in terms of electricity bills. One of the downsides of other portable air conditioners is their high power consumption, so you must get the most efficient portable air conditioner that can cool your entire room without burning a hole in your pocket.
Most portable air conditioners’ main selling point is their portability. You should be able to move the unit around the house without worrying about wear and tear, abrasion, malfunctions, and other outside factors. Make sure to test portable air conditioners to see if they can be transported without compromising their ability to make rooms colder. Aim for a reputable brand to ensure you get a model with a high-quality build.
Do you want a portable air conditioner that can connect to the net and is compatible with Google Assistant, or a smart remote control app on your phone, or do you prefer a more straightforward unit that only has the functions you need available on a remote control included with the unit? Are there purifying filters included in the unit? Do you want a built-in dehumidifier or a dual inverter compressor? An evaporative cooler function will be ideal if you’re too lazy to drain your cooler, while a unit with a flexible but sturdy exhaust hose is a great option if you prefer not to have water pooling inside your room.
Both dual-hose and single-hose portable air conditioners have their advantages and drawbacks, and determining which is better depends on individual needs and circumstances. Dual-hose models tend to be more efficient in cooling large spaces and can provide quicker cooling compared to single-hose units. They also maintain better air pressure within the room and are more effective in their cooling process and removing hot outdoor air from the space.
Dual-hose portable air conditioners use two hoses: one for intake and one for exhaust. Both hoses connect to the same window. While the exhaust hose removes heat like usual, the intake hose has two jobs: it prevents negative pressure and cools down the inside of the machine. A dual-hose portable air conditioner is a better choice if you have an older home or sources of air leaks, like drafty windows or doors. A single-hose model takes in ambient air from your cooled room, causing outdoor air to enter through leaky windows or fans.
However, most portable ACs with two hoses are typically bulkier, heavier, and more expensive than single-hose units. On the other hand, single-hose portable ACs are generally more affordable, easier to install, and more portable due to their lighter weight and smaller size. They are suitable for smaller spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between dual-hose and single-hose portable air conditioners depends on factors such as room size, budget, cooling efficiency requirements, and personal preferences.
Is portable aircon better than aircon?
It all comes down to the size of your room and the frequency of your usage. Do you prefer a small unit you can put away during colder months, or would you rather have a unit in cool mode 24/7?
You need to remember that the downsides will also have to be considered along with their useful features. A window AC may require professional installation while a portable AC comes with an exhaust hose that may look unflattering. When space permits, window units are the best choice over portable ACs. Window air conditioners are more efficient, have better cooling, and have lower power costs.
A portable air conditioner, on the other hand, can be wheeled anywhere you need it. It is quicker and easier to install than window units and can be readily stored when you don’t need it. To make it short, the better unit solely depends on your needs and the space you have.
Does a portable AC use a lot of electricity?
Portable air conditioners typically use more electricity than window units but less than central air systems. Their energy consumption depends on the unit’s size (measured in BTUs), efficiency rating (EER or CEER), and how long they run. While they’re not the most efficient option, models with higher efficiency ratings or dual-hose designs can reduce electricity usage compared to standard single-hose units.
Is portable aircon an inverter?
An inverter air conditioner is distinct due to its separate compressor. However, the major difference between an inverter-type AC and a non-inverter unit is the capacity of the compressor to vary the speed of its motor according to the temperature of the room. Once a room reaches the desired coolness, inverter air conditioners reduce the speed of the compressor motor to save on power consumption.
Non-inverter motors, on the other hand, only operate at maximum speed and then shut down when the room reaches the target temperature. Most portable ACs are non-inverter, though there are significantly expensive models that have this specification.
Which brand is the best portable air conditioner?
There are many brands of portable air conditioners on the market, and the right portable air conditioner brand can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Do all portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window?
Yes, all portable AC units must be vented out a window, as they work by extracting hot air from a room and expelling it outside through a hose. Without proper ventilation, the hot air will remain in the room and the air conditioner will not be able to effectively cool the space.
What is the disadvantage of portable AC?
While portable AC units have many advantages, there are some potential disadvantages to consider when deciding whether to purchase one:
It is without a doubt that air conditioners are a worthwhile investment, particularly for home comfort. Due to their steep prices, purchasing one needs careful deliberation. Whether you’re looking for a unit with intuitive controls and Google Assistant compatibility or a powerful model that can cool one room faster, it’s important to determine which features you’d actually need before making your purchase.
After all, you don’t want to get stuck with a unit you can’t even properly use. If you need air conditioner purchasing tips, reviews, or guides, you can read our blog on our website for more insights.
Coming from one of the pioneering mobile room air conditioner suppliers, the Carrier PDCAR012CO comes out on top in terms of performance, value, and efficiency. You can expect it to be incredibly cold, which is ideal for hot days, and with a build that’s made to last.
This is a portable model with the cooling capacity of a window unit, and while the price tag might not be as low as you want it to be, it makes up for it with strong cooling power.
Aside from its cooling power, the unit also has a simple yet elegant design that can surely fit in with any room. The 1.5HP motor will easily handle your air conditioning needs and keep an entire room cool.