A portable air conditioner is convenient because it is well...portable! That means that you can take it with you. I'm going to go over what exactly a portable air conditioner is, different types of air conditioners, what to consider when buying one, features to look for, maintenance, and more. The outside temperature is bound to rise as we begin to hit the dog days of summer, so let's get started.
For more in-depth information on the top ten products, we have chosen. Click on the individual review button in the table below.
Here Are The Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2018!
Product Image | Product Name | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ontel AA-MC4 Arctic Air Personal Space Cooler | ||
 | Honeywell Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner | ||
 | Honeywell MN12CES Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier & Fan | ||
 | Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan | ||
 | LG LP0817WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control | ||
 | Amana AMAP121AD Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control | ||
 | BLACK+DECKER 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Unit | ||
 | Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier and Fan | ||
 | COSTWAY 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Dehumidifier Function Window Wall Mount w/Remote Control (Air Conditioner) | ||
 | Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner |
What Is A Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner also called a portable AC or PAC, is a self-contained portable system that will cool single rooms. Most portable ACs will sit on the floor and are quick to set up. A lot of models come with wheels so that you can move the portable AC into different rooms.
How a Portable Air Conditioner Works
After learning all the interesting information I've included in this article, you may be wondering how a portable air conditioner works. So here is how it works:
- The gas, which is called a refrigerant, can quickly move from a low to a high-pressure situation, and it can also change the gas into a liquid. This is what makes your air conditioning feel cool.
- The low-pressure gas is sent through a compressor where the gas is pressurized rapidly, which converts the cool gas into a heated, high-pressure gas.
- The hot gas begins to pass through the condenser coils, which are meant to reduce the temperature of the gas. From here it turns into a liquid form. The liquid is still at high pressure, but it is cooler.
- Next, the liquid passes into the evaporator coils and its pressure drops. It then turns back into a gas.
- The cooled gas goes back to the compressor, as though it were to start the process all over again.
- Hot air from the house is brought in past the evaporator coil, and it is cooled. Then a blower pushes it back out into the room, which is what makes your house cool.
Different Types of Portable Air Conditioners
There are not too many different types of portable air conditioners. That said, you will need to choose which kind you will want to get. Here is a list of the types of portable air conditioners:
Tabletop Portable Air Conditioner
A tabletop portable air conditioner is basically a small portable air conditioner that can fit on a table, hence the name. Because it is small, it is also a cheap portable air conditioner.
Portable Car Air Conditioner
A portable car air conditioner is made for cooling your car during the hot summer months. Similar to the tabletop portable air conditioner, this is a small portable air conditioner.
Stand-Alone Air Conditioner
A stand-alone air conditioner is designed to sit upright without falling over. Most free standing room air conditioners are a little larger than other types of portable air conditioners.
Soleus Air Portable Air Conditioner
The Soleus Air portable air conditioner is a quiet type of air conditioner. This is a nice option for those who do not want too much noise in their home.
Different Types of Air Conditioners
Besides the types of portable air conditioners, there are also the different types of general room air conditioners. I'll go over each type here.
Portable Air Conditioner
The first type of air conditioner is a portable air conditioner. This is the type of air conditioner we are discussing today. As I mentioned earlier in this article, a lot of portable air conditioners have wheels so that you can easily move them from room to room. Portable air conditioners can also be called a portable AC or PAC.
Window Air Conditioner
A window air conditioner is designed to be installed inside a standard window. Sometimes they are installed inside a measured and prepared wall hole. This type of air conditioner can cool large or small rooms. A lot of window air conditioners feature heat modes, programmable timers, and digital control boards.
Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
Similar to a window air conditioner, the through-the-wall air conditioner is designed to be installed through a wall inside a chassis sleeve. Through-the-wall air conditioners are available in higher cooling capacities than window air conditioner models and weigh slightly more.
Ductless Mini-Split System Air Conditioner
This type of air conditioner is very quiet and features two basic parts: a large condenser unit that installs outdoors and one or more compact wall-mountable blower units that are placed strategically inside the area you want to cool.
PTAC Cooling and Heating
The PTAC, which stands for Package Terminal Air Conditioner, is popular in hotels, assisted living facilities, offices, and sun rooms. It can cool a room of any size, and most brands allow you to control multiple units from one location.
Recommended Bestsellers
- Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09”) in rooms up to 700 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom.
- 3-in-1: Our 8400 BTU DOE (14000 BTU ASHRAE 128) portable air conditioner includes a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner (59.8 lbs.) has a convenient remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display.
- Impressive Features: Set the temperature just right with this ac portable air conditioner. Our ac unit portable also has a slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, & 24-hour timer.
- 【Fasting Cooling】- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is suitable for rooms up to 350 square feet. And when the weather gets hot, our air conditioner could drop the indoor temperature to 61℉.
- 【Energy-saving】- Compared to the SEER of other portable ac in the market, ZAFRO is 6.3, so ZAFRO could spend the least amount of money for the same cooling capacity. It’s an ideal choice for many families.
- 【4 Modes & Low Noise】- Our air conditioner combines 4 modes - Cool/Dehumidifier/Fan/Sleep and equipped with 2024 generation of high-efficiency compressor, which achieves low noise(≤45dB) level to ensure no interference in night.
- 3 In 1 Multifunctional & 24Hrs Timer: R.W.FLAME 8000BTU(ASHRAE) portable air conditioners contains three different functions and two fan speed settings. Cooling,Humidifier and Fan modes to meet your various needs in the all season. LED display touch screen to control the powerful unit. When you are lying in bed or on the sofa, you can operate the unit with a remote control. Remote control distance: 196IN.
- Powerful AC Unit: Portable air conditioners is designed for your living room, bedroom , kitchen etc. Fast and effective cooling for rooms up to 350 Sq.Ft. Temperature Range: 62°F ~ 86°F. The sleeping mode of the portable air conditioner allows you to be extra quiet at rest. Our air conditioning releases fresh air and collects moisture to provide you with a healthy and comfortable environment.
- Sleep Mode & Low Noise: Our portable AC units are equipped with high efficiency compressors to achieve low noise (≤54dB) levels, ensuring no interference on this summer night. The sleeping mode of the portable air conditioner allows you to be extra quiet at rest. Our air conditioning releases fresh air and collects moisture to provide you with a healthy and comfortable environment.
- ❄️【𝟒-𝐈𝐍-𝟏 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬】TEMEIKE Swamp Cooler functions as an Air Cooler, Humidifier, and a Fan. Unlike conventional ACs, the evaporative air cooler provides optimal cooling and humidity, enhancing your living and work spaces without excessive drying, helping to keep skin hydrated. Tailored for areas like the Southwestern US, California, and New Mexico, where summers can be uncomfortably dry.
- ❄️【𝟒 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 & 𝟑 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬】Enjoy personalized cooling with our portable air conditioner which features 4 modes: Cooling/Sleep/Normal/Nature. Adjust settings to your preference and enjoy optimum comfort. Customize airflow with 3 fan speeds (low-13ft/s, medium-20ft/s, and high-27ft/s) for the perfect breeze. With 12 cooling combinations, find the perfect match for all your needs. Indulge in the customized cooling you deserve with our air conditioner portable for room!
- ❄️【𝐍𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞 & 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲】No hoses, no assembly needed. TEMEIKE ductless air conditioner can be used after being unpackaged. Unlike traditional wall-mounted ACs, our windowless air conditioner operates at a mere 65W, slashing installation and maintenance costs while cutting electricity usage by up to 60%. Plus, the easy-to-clean removable cooling pad simplifies upkeep.
- 【Efficient Cooling & Atomization】1200ML Portable air conditioners are equipped with a high-performance motor and a unique air-duct,3 cool mist humidification mode, which are able to reduce the surrounding temperature up to 45-50℉ and within 2 seconds provide you a powerful, cool, refreshing airflow rather than to be caught off by a heatwave，Moreover, you can also add cold water or ice cubes on top for a better cold breeze. The compact and handheld design is perfect for home, kitchen, bedrooms,offices, outdoors, and camping.
- 【Adjustable 3 Mode & 3 Wind Speed】Room Air Conditioners has 3 modes (Natural Wind/Low Cool Mist/High Cool Mist) & 3 wind speeds (Low/Natural/Mid/High) with 120°Up and down adjustable wind direction. The combination of multiple modes and wind speeds gives you more choices. It is recommended to add ice cubes for a better experience, USB charging port can be powered with a power bank, laptop, adapters, mobile power sources, computers, and vehicle chargers, no adapter included. Please use >2A, 5V and above mobile power supply for portable air Conditioners
- 【2-8H Timer & 7 Color Night Light】Evaporative Air Cooler has 4 kinds of intelligent timing modes (2H/4H/6H/8H), Essential oils can be dripped into a cool fan sponge which Allows you to enjoy a deep sleep or a nap without the headaches and colds caused by prolonged cool breezes. 7-color night light automatically changes, cooling fans for rooms/bedroom, create a comfortable and relaxing sleeping environment(Light can be turned off)
Things To Consider Before Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
If you are looking for portable air conditioners, you will first need to consider what type, size, and style you are looking for. You will also need to consider how large your home is, and how many rooms you want to cool. I'm going to go over a list of considerations to ask yourself before purchasing a portable air conditioner.
How Big Of a Space Do, I Need To Cool?
If you are heating a significant amount of space, you will need more BTUs (British Thermal Units). If you only need a small amount of space cooled, you will not need as many BTUs. Although you may want to buy the air conditioner with the most BTUs, this can be more expensive. You should only buy a portable air conditioner with high BTU numbers if you were cooling a large room.
How Much Noise Can I Handle?
Portable air conditioners are going to create some noise. There is no way to get around that fact. However, you can buy a portable air conditioner that is not as noisy as some are. One such type is the Soleus Air portable air conditioner, which does not make too much noise.
Where Will You Put the Portable Air Conditioner?
This is a rather basic question that only you can answer. If you do not have much floor space, perhaps a tabletop portable air conditioner will work well for you. But if you do have floor space, a free-standing air conditioner may work well for you. Consider beforehand where you will place your air conditioner so that you know which kind to get.
Do You Need an Air Conditioner For the Car?
If so, you will want a portable car air conditioner. A portable car air conditioner will be small and is not made for cooling large spaces. But it works perfectly for a car.
Features and Functions Found in Most Portable Air Conditioners
Here are some standard features found on most portable air conditioners:
- All portable air conditioners are going to cool your home. That is the purpose of an air conditioner.
- A dehumidifier mode will remove moisture from the air without making it cool.
- A fan will help circulate air in the room. This will help make your entire house cool.
- Some portable ACs will be able to heat the room. This means that you can use the air conditioner year-round, even during the Winter.
- Self-evaporating air conditioners will help reduce the need to drain the water that your air conditioner collects.
- A programmable timer allows you to set the air conditioner to turn off and on at specific times.
- A remote control allows you to turn the air conditioner off and on, even if you are far away from the AC.
- The lamp-off feature allows you to turn off the panel display lights so that at night your house isn't bright.
How To Install a Portable Air Conditioner
Installing a portable air conditioner is very easy. Remember first to read the instructions, since each brand may instruct you to install it differently. Also, make sure to choose a location that is near a window and outlet.
1. Install the Included Window Adapter Kit
Almost all portable air conditioners come with a window adaptor kit. Note that some portable air conditioners may not come with this kit, or your window may not work with it. But if everything does work, you will want to connect the exhaust hose that came with the portable air conditioner to the air conditioning unit. To do this, connect the window connection bracket or adapter to the other end of the exhaust hose. Then run the exhaust hose to the window, and place the window connection bracket or adapter into the open window. Secure the hose in place by taping it and shutting the window.
2. Plug It Into Your Output
Plug your air conditioner into the output, and you are ready to go!
Maintenance
Portable air conditioners do require some maintenance. Remember to always disconnect the air conditioner from power before beginning the following steps:
- Every once in a while, you may need to drain the water. If your air conditioner has a self-evaporating feature, you may not need to drain it. However, sometimes even that type of air conditioner does need to be drained.
- About every two weeks, you will need to clean the air filter. However, the manufacturer may direct you to clean it sooner or wait longer.
- Once in a while wipe the air conditioner with a damp cloth to remove dust. Wipe up excess moisture with a dry cloth.
Safety Tips for Using a Portable Air Conditioner
Set It In a Place With Low Traffic
Make sure that you set up your portable air conditioner in an area where it can't get knocked over. Make sure that no one can trip over it, and that no one will be bumping into it. If you have pets or young children, you may want to block that area off. However, make sure that you can reach the air conditioner for when you need to drain the water, clean the air filter, and follow other instructions.
Keep It Clean
For your portable air conditioner to work right, you will need to keep it clean. Make sure to follow all care instructions given by the manufacturer. As well as follow the care instructions I've given you earlier.
Do Not Keep It In the Rain
If any part of the air conditioner will be outdoors, such as connections, make sure it is waterproof. Do not store a portable air conditioner outdoors, as this can ruin the appliance and cause safety issues.
Who Should and Shouldn't Buy a Portable Air Conditioner
Are you tired of the heat of summer? Then a portable air conditioner may be what you're looking for. But unlike a regular air conditioner, a portable air conditioner can be moved from room to room. If you buy the right kind, you can also travel with it in your car. Another nice feature is that a portable air conditioner does not waste as much energy as other air conditioners. Therefore, if you don't want to spend too much money on air conditioning, a portable air conditioner is a good option for you.
Although a portable air conditioner does not use as much energy as some air conditioners do, it still does waste energy. If you have a large room to cool down, you will need more BTUs, which means you will be using more energy. Another con about portable air conditioners is that you need to drain the water often. Portable air conditioners are also a little noisier than other air conditioners.
Recommended Best-Sellers
- Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09”) in rooms up to 700 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom.
- 3-in-1: Our 8400 BTU DOE (14000 BTU ASHRAE 128) portable air conditioner includes a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner (59.8 lbs.) has a convenient remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display.
- Impressive Features: Set the temperature just right with this ac portable air conditioner. Our ac unit portable also has a slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, & 24-hour timer.
- 【Fasting Cooling】- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is suitable for rooms up to 350 square feet. And when the weather gets hot, our air conditioner could drop the indoor temperature to 61℉.
- 【Energy-saving】- Compared to the SEER of other portable ac in the market, ZAFRO is 6.3, so ZAFRO could spend the least amount of money for the same cooling capacity. It’s an ideal choice for many families.
- 【4 Modes & Low Noise】- Our air conditioner combines 4 modes - Cool/Dehumidifier/Fan/Sleep and equipped with 2024 generation of high-efficiency compressor, which achieves low noise(≤45dB) level to ensure no interference in night.
- 3 In 1 Multifunctional & 24Hrs Timer: R.W.FLAME 8000BTU(ASHRAE) portable air conditioners contains three different functions and two fan speed settings. Cooling,Humidifier and Fan modes to meet your various needs in the all season. LED display touch screen to control the powerful unit. When you are lying in bed or on the sofa, you can operate the unit with a remote control. Remote control distance: 196IN.
- Powerful AC Unit: Portable air conditioners is designed for your living room, bedroom , kitchen etc. Fast and effective cooling for rooms up to 350 Sq.Ft. Temperature Range: 62°F ~ 86°F. The sleeping mode of the portable air conditioner allows you to be extra quiet at rest. Our air conditioning releases fresh air and collects moisture to provide you with a healthy and comfortable environment.
- Sleep Mode & Low Noise: Our portable AC units are equipped with high efficiency compressors to achieve low noise (≤54dB) levels, ensuring no interference on this summer night. The sleeping mode of the portable air conditioner allows you to be extra quiet at rest. Our air conditioning releases fresh air and collects moisture to provide you with a healthy and comfortable environment.
- ❄️【𝟒-𝐈𝐍-𝟏 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬】TEMEIKE Swamp Cooler functions as an Air Cooler, Humidifier, and a Fan. Unlike conventional ACs, the evaporative air cooler provides optimal cooling and humidity, enhancing your living and work spaces without excessive drying, helping to keep skin hydrated. Tailored for areas like the Southwestern US, California, and New Mexico, where summers can be uncomfortably dry.
- ❄️【𝟒 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 & 𝟑 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬】Enjoy personalized cooling with our portable air conditioner which features 4 modes: Cooling/Sleep/Normal/Nature. Adjust settings to your preference and enjoy optimum comfort. Customize airflow with 3 fan speeds (low-13ft/s, medium-20ft/s, and high-27ft/s) for the perfect breeze. With 12 cooling combinations, find the perfect match for all your needs. Indulge in the customized cooling you deserve with our air conditioner portable for room!
- ❄️【𝐍𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐞 & 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲】No hoses, no assembly needed. TEMEIKE ductless air conditioner can be used after being unpackaged. Unlike traditional wall-mounted ACs, our windowless air conditioner operates at a mere 65W, slashing installation and maintenance costs while cutting electricity usage by up to 60%. Plus, the easy-to-clean removable cooling pad simplifies upkeep.
- 【Efficient Cooling & Atomization】1200ML Portable air conditioners are equipped with a high-performance motor and a unique air-duct,3 cool mist humidification mode, which are able to reduce the surrounding temperature up to 45-50℉ and within 2 seconds provide you a powerful, cool, refreshing airflow rather than to be caught off by a heatwave，Moreover, you can also add cold water or ice cubes on top for a better cold breeze. The compact and handheld design is perfect for home, kitchen, bedrooms,offices, outdoors, and camping.
- 【Adjustable 3 Mode & 3 Wind Speed】Room Air Conditioners has 3 modes (Natural Wind/Low Cool Mist/High Cool Mist) & 3 wind speeds (Low/Natural/Mid/High) with 120°Up and down adjustable wind direction. The combination of multiple modes and wind speeds gives you more choices. It is recommended to add ice cubes for a better experience, USB charging port can be powered with a power bank, laptop, adapters, mobile power sources, computers, and vehicle chargers, no adapter included. Please use >2A, 5V and above mobile power supply for portable air Conditioners
- 【2-8H Timer & 7 Color Night Light】Evaporative Air Cooler has 4 kinds of intelligent timing modes (2H/4H/6H/8H), Essential oils can be dripped into a cool fan sponge which Allows you to enjoy a deep sleep or a nap without the headaches and colds caused by prolonged cool breezes. 7-color night light automatically changes, cooling fans for rooms/bedroom, create a comfortable and relaxing sleeping environment(Light can be turned off)
Conclusion
I hope that this guide has answered all the questions you may have had about portable air conditioners. Best of luck as you stay cool this summer and try to find the best air conditioner for you!
Related Article: The Top Ten Best Baby Sunscreens of 2018
