Don’t spend hours looking for a model. We will help you to determine which is the quietest portable air conditioner for your home or office and what are its best and worst features. Read our portable AC reviews to find out which are the leading models in today’s market.
Let’s start!
Portable air conditioners can cool surfaces of up to 600 square feet and don’t need professional installing. But did you know that portable air conditioners dehumidify the air whilst cooling it?
Technology advances and portable air conditioners advance and improve with it. In this article, you’re going to read about the reasons you should buy a compact air conditioner instead of a fixed one, and why this technology is superior to others.
We read thousands of reviews, hundreds of product descriptions, and tested multiple devices to make the most comprehensive buying guide about portable air conditioners available online.
See The Quick Comparison Chart
What Is Exactly a Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner is a unit capable of sucking the warm air in the room, cooling and dehumidifying it, then blowing it back, lowering the room’s temperature.
Unlike a fixed air conditioner, you can move the portable version from room to room, with only a few setbacks. One of the setbacks is the fact that the portability is slightly limited. First of all, all portable air conditioners need installation via a window. You don’t necessarily have to worry about buying a window kit because manufacturers ship one in the package.
If on the other hand, you want to be able to move the portable unit between rooms, it might be easier and quicker to buy an extra window kit so you can connect the air conditioner from one window to another.
The window kit is a piece of plastic you can slide to adjust to your window’s width. Once adjusted, you just close the window over the plastic piece. The window kit has a hole you have to use to connect the exhaust tube.
Another setback is that all portable air conditioners have an exhaust tube. This tube is usually between 5 and 7 feet long and fits in the window kit. This is why the portability is limited. You can only place the air conditioner 5 or 7 feet away from a window, at most.
Once you connect the portable AC to the window kit and close the window, you can turn it on. This will make the AC suck the humid warm air, cool and dehumidify it, and then blow it back in the room.
Do I Really Need a Portable Air Conditioner?
While most homeowners prefer using a fixed air conditioner, the portable version is perfect for renters.
- First of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money installing it. In fact, you don’t have to spend any money, because a portable air conditioner doesn’t take long to install, and you can do it yourself.
- Second, you can take it away with you if and when you decide to move out.
- Third, not all landlords are nice and friendly. In fact, most of them don’t even want to hear about permanent modifications to their building, especially if you want them to contribute with some of the money.
- Forth, you don’t need to buy a unit to cool your whole house. You can buy one powerful enough to cool your largest room and move it around when necessary.
Top Uses for a Portable Air Conditioner
Another category of people who should think about buying a portable air conditioner is a small business owner.
Launching your own business is a tough and usually expensive project, so you usually can’t afford to spend as much as you’d like in your new location, so it might not be as good as you’d like.
Buying a portable air conditioner for your new business will help you;
- Keep your employees comfortable while they work.
- Ensure a cool environment for your business meetings.
- Make sure your customers and clients feel comfortable when buying from you or when they’re using your services.
Campers can enjoy the benefits of this technology, as well;
Portable air conditioners don’t necessarily have to be big and bulky. There are some smaller versions out there, and they can meet all the requirements a camper might have.
- You can use one to cool your tent during warm nights
- You can use one in your camper or in your truck when you want to sleep
As an alternative, you can check out some high-quality tent air conditioners.
A portable air conditioner will be great for pet owners. It will help you;
- Keep your pets cool in the summer when you take them camping
- Keep your car cool while your pets are inside and you’re out running errands.
- Even if the air conditioner keeps the air cool, you should still leave the window cracked for your pets when you leave them in the car.
Portable air conditioners can be used with great results for cooling computer server rooms. They can even be used as the primary cooling source for server rooms, but most companies prefer using them during the weekends when the central air conditioning is turned off.
Here are some of the benefits of using a portable air conditioner in a server room;
- Most server rooms don’t have windows, so you can vent them by leading the exhaust tube through a side wall or the ceiling.
- You can run the portable air conditioner only when necessary
- High humidity levels can harm the servers, but you can use the dehumidifying feature of the air conditioner to keep it low.
Best Portable Air Conditioners Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Whynter Store Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Emerson Quiet Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
HONEYWELL Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Honeywell HL Series 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon |
Best Portable Air Conditioner Reviews – (Updated List)
1. Whynter Store Air Conditioner
If your room is up to 450 square feet, this is the right product for you as it is powerful enough to cool down such a large space. An advantage of this device is that it can function in four modes-cool, dehumidify, auto, and fan. In addition to this, the fan has three different speeds to choose from. When you order this item, you will also get an extendable exhaust hose, a plastic window kit, and remote control.
As far as draining this air conditioner is concerned, it features both continuous and manual draining. This product also has a programmable 24-hour timer thanks to which it is considered a budget-friendly option. You can easily set up this device in any room as it is mobile. Due to the upgraded technology used for the creation of this air conditioner, it minimizes condensate build-up. In case there is a power outage, the device restarts automatically on its last settings.
Pros:
- The washable pre-filter and the 3Mfilter make the cooled air also fresh and clean.
- You can quickly move the air conditioner from room to room, thanks to its casters.
- You can choose the different modes and the fan speed with the help of the adjustable digital thermostat.
- When you order this product, you will also get the exhaust hose and the window venting accessories.
Cons:
- If the region you live in is too humid, you will have to drain the tank of this air conditioner manually.
2. Emerson Quiet Portable Air Conditioner
Thanks to its newest technology, this Emerson air conditioner is quite efficient and, at the same time, easy to operate with. You will be provided with remote control with which you can adjust not only the temperature but also the speed of the fan and the timer. There is an option of setting the air conditioner to switch on or off automatically, which is very convenient and, at the same time, helps you save on energy bills. In addition to this, this device is equipped with a waterproof control panel. Do not worry if you splash water on it, the only thing you need to do is wipe it off.
Another thing which you will definitely find attractive is that you don’t need to empty any buckets of water as this air conditioner is auto-evaporated. Installing it is also a piece of cake thanks to its easy to attach exhaust hose. You can move this item easily as it has omni-directional casters.
Pros:
- After 250 hours of operation, the air conditioner will remind you that you need to clean the filter.
- Compared to other similar products, this one is one of the quietest.
- There are three fan speeds – this means that you can use this air conditioner all year round.
- This device features a 24-hour programmable timer, which saves you energy and money.
Cons:
- The wheels of this air conditioner appear to have difficulties moving on carpet.
3. HONEYWELL Portable Air Conditioner
This Honeywell portable air conditioner impressed us because it has multiple features to reduce the amount of work you would need to do. Installation is easy enough for anybody to perform, and all tools are included in the package. You can mount it either on a horizontal or a vertical window. You won’t experience any headaches with maintenance.
The unit is equipped with dual filters for pure air and double drainage options. Moreover, the unit will automatically evaporate the water. This leaves you without the responsibility of keeping an eye on a bucket. This air conditioner has a range of 350-450 square feet to keep the air fresh and cool in big rooms. You can choose from 3 fan speeds according to your preferences. Do not worry about your sleep – the sleep mode will keep the air conditioner’s noise to a minimum.
However, bear in mind that the unit produces quite a bit of noise on a standard mode. The timer allows you to program the air conditioner to specific temperatures at different times. You can only set it to hourly rates – no minutes are included in the programming. Another disadvantage is the lack of light on the buttons of the remote control. It will be relatively difficult to see them at night. You can easily store the air conditioner thanks to it being portable. However, make sure that somebody is helping you because the unit is heavy.
Pros:
- Wide range of area coverage
- Easy installation
- Clean and consistently cool air
- Easy maintenance
- Timer
Cons:
- The fan produces a noise when it is running during the day
- Quite heavy for one person to carry
- The timer works only in hour increments
4. Whynter 12,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter’s dual-hose 12,000 BTU features and auto-drain function to control the condensation and has three operational modes: cooling, dehumidifying and fan only.
The 12,000 BTU cooling capacity should allow this model to cool down surfaces of up to 400 square feet. You can use it to cool your home, your office or your small business. The dehumidifier uses an auto-drain technology that draws the moisture from the surrounding air and recycles it. This means you don’t have to drain the unit yourself any longer.
This model has a dehumidifying capacity of up to 96 pints per day, which is high. Keep in mind that if you live in a very humid environment you’ll still need to drain the water from time to time.
Pros:
- Easy setup – easier even than other portable models
- Remote control
- Good cooling capacity
- Accurate thermostat
Cons:
- Loud – most people will be able to sleep with one in the room, but it might take some getting used to it
- Large – this model will take up more room than other portable units
- Window kit can be improved
- Control panel light is too bright – even if you can sleep through the sound, the LED light of the control panel will disturb you. You cannot dim them down
5. Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter’s dual-hose 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner comes with a special antimicrobial filter. This model was designed with commercial applications in mind, and you can use it in server rooms or data centers. It should cool surfaces of up to 500 square feet.
This air conditioner uses a dual hose exhaust system. This means it uses the outside air to cool its components, while it cools the air inside.
The unit has three different modes: cooling, fan, and dehumidifying. When you set the cooling mode, it will both cool and dehumidify the air. The fan mode will circulate the air in the room, and you can use the dehumidifying mode all year round, just like you would a normal dehumidifier.
Pros:
- Effective cooling – it really gets the job done
- Good air filter – the antimicrobial air filter seems to stop more particles than other filters
- Remote control
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Pretty loud – many people won’t be able to sleep with this unit in the same room
- Low-quality window kit – you should really shop for another one because the one it comes with will let in bugs and heat.
- You need to place a pan under it to collect the water.
6. Honeywell HL Series 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
14,000 BTU single hose portable unit should cool units up to 550 square feet and has four different functions.
The first and most important function is cooling. You can use this function at three different speeds.
The second function is heating. While the cooling system is capable of producing 14,000 BTU and cooling areas of up to 550 square feet, the heating system is able to produce 11,000 BTU and warming up areas of up to 400 square feet.
The third way you can use this model is as a fan. When the outside temperatures are mild, you use this function to circulate the air inside a room.
The fourth function is dehumidifying. This model is able to remove up to 111 pints of moisture in 24 hours.
Pros:
- Great cooling capacity
- Quiet – the noise produced can be classified as white noise. You’ll be able to sleep with this unit in your bedroom
- Good dehumidifying capacity
- Remote control
- Looks nice
Cons:
- The heater is not very reliable – when you set this model on the heater mode, the thermostat will turn it off with an error of 10 – 12 degrees in either direction.
- Window kit could be better
7. JHS Smart Portable Air Conditioner
This air conditioning unit stands out because it can function with the help of a mobile app. Thus, it allows you to leave your house without any worries. The app will enable you to control the air conditioner even from miles away.
The unit is designed for personal use, which means it can cover areas as big as smaller bedrooms, kitchens, or offices. Excellent additions are the caster wheels and the handles for light transportation from room to room. Such portability requires temporary installation, and this product offers precisely that. You only need a horizontal or vertical window. Everything else you will need for the mounting is included in the package. It won’t take you more than 10 minutes.
This air conditioner combines three applications in one. It will cool and purify the air at the same time. If your room suffers from the weight of excessive humidity, the dehumidification feature will suck the unnecessary moisture out. Bear in mind that the thermostat might find difficulties correctly measuring the temperature in the room. Thus, it might be more convenient to use the manual settings. The air conditioner produces white noise. This might irritate some people who are more sensitive to sound.
Pros:
- Remote control through a JHS mobile app
- Easy and quick installation
- Portable
- Humidifier, dehumidifier, and purifier all in one
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Produces relatively loud white noise
- No energy saving mode
- Encounters difficulty correctly measuring the temperature in the room.
8. Honeywell HL Series 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Honeywell’s single hose 12,000 BTU portable unit combines three technologies in the same appliance.
You will be able to benefit from a cooling and dehumidifying function that will be able to cool down surfaces of up to 450 square feet.
The dehumidifier mode will remove up to 86 pints of moisture each day. This unit benefits from an auto-evaporation system that recycles the condensed water, so you won’t have to dispose of it in normal humidity conditions.
The third function is the fan mode. This mode allows you to recirculate the air in the room with the help of three different fan speed settings. This unit has a special sleep mode you can enable to keep the room temperature constant during the night.
Pros:
- Very good cooling capacity
- Quiet – most people won’t have any trouble sleeping with one in the same room
- Remote control
Cons:
- Hard to drain – even if this model should recycle the condensed water in normal humidity conditions, it doesn’t do it well. Draining it is rather difficult
- Inaccurate thermostat – the thermostat will stop the cooling before the temperatures reach the value you want
9. Titan 14000BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Titan’s single hose 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner has four operation modes you can access individually and it’s the perfect fit for your home or office.
The Cooling mode produces 14,000 BTU which should be able to cool surfaces of up to 550 square feet.
The Dehumidifying mode is able to remove up to 71 pints of moisture every day. You can use this feature independently all year.
The third operating mode is Fan. You can use this mode in three different speed settings, allowing you to circulate the air in the room.
The last operating mode is Auto. This mode changes between Cool and Fan in order to keep the temperature at the level you specified.
Pros:
- Nice cooling capacity
- Precise thermostat – This might not seem important, but some thermostats stop the air conditioner with errors of up to 10 degrees. This one is spot on.
- Good dehumidifier – if you live in a humid environment this model can get up to 4 gallons of water or more each night
- Remote control
Cons:
- Bad packaging – the manufacturer should really improve this aspect
- The exhaust hose is rather short
- Window kit could be better
10. Fannel Mini Portable Air Conditioner
You will find this air conditioner highly efficient and versatile. The unit completes three-way tasks as an air cooler, humidifier, and purifier. With these features combined, you don’t need to think about how to provide continuous clean, moist air for your family. Excellent results can be achieved easily after an effortless operation on your side. Bear in mind that this is a personal air conditioner, and it will not be able to cool big rooms. It functions conveniently for smaller rooms and offices.
To enjoy quality mist air, fill the tank with cold water, and add an ice cube. Make sure that you clean the unit every week. You can use a narrow brush to reach every corner. Make a habit out of this for long-lasting results. There are no requirements when it comes to the type of water. However, some types of water have higher mineral content, which makes maintenance even more crucial. A significant advantage of this unit is the water tray design. It will allow you to place and move the air conditioner anywhere without the risk of a wet surface.
Pros:
- Cooler, humidifier and purifier all in one unit
- Easy maintenance
- Water tray design
- Portable and easy to store
Cons:
- Requires weekly cleaning
- Only for personal use
The Quietest Portable Air Conditioner Reviews (Updated List)
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Honeywell 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
De’Longhi Whisper Cool Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Honeywell 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Global Air Portable Air Conditioner Cooling/Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
Whynter 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon |
1. Honeywell 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Honeywell’s single hose portable air conditioner with 12,000 BTU cooling capacity has a dehumidifying capacity of up to 79.2 pints per day. The cooling capacity should allow this unit to cool areas of up to 450 square feet. When the air is cooled, it is also dehumidified so you’ll feel more comfortable.
This model benefits from a special electrostatic filter developed by 3M which will keep most dust particles, pet hairs, bacteria, and fungi from floating through the air. You can program this unit to turn on or off at certain hours with the help of a timer. This way, you can make sure your home will be cool once you finish work.
The dehumidifier has an auto-evaporation system that will allow it to recirculate the condensed water, so you won’t have to drain the unit unless you live in a very humid area.
Pros:
- Superior cooling capacity
- Quiet – most people won’t have problems sleeping in the same room with a working unit
- Good air filter
- Remote control
- Looks good – not very important in an air conditioner, but a plus
Cons:
- Window kit could be better
- Exhaust hose should be longer
2. De’Longhi Whisper Cool Portable Air Conditioner
De’Longhi’s single hose 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner has a special Whisper Cool function which will produce 50% less noise. This model has four operating modes you can use all year round.
The first, and most important, operating mode, is Cooling. With a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, this unit will cool areas of up to 500 square feet.
The Heating operating mode allows you to use the unit during the cold season as well and does not take long to raise the temperature in a room. If the outside temperatures are mild, you can use the fan only operating mode to circulate the air through the whole room.
The fourth operating mode is dehumidifying. You can use this mode individually for the whole year. This model can remove up to 86.65 pints of moisture each day. The condensate recirculation feature recycles this water so you won’t have to dispose of it.
Pros:
- Remote control
- High-quality air filter
- Very good cooling capacity
- Whisper mode – this mode really lowers the noise. Everybody should be able to fall asleep with this unit in the same room
Cons:
- Window kit should be improved
- Short exhaust hose
3. Honeywell 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Honeywell’s 10,000 BTU single hose portable air conditioner has a 3M electrostatic filter that helps with keeping the air fresh and clean.
This unit can cover a surface of up to 350 – 400 square feet, providing the best cooling and dehumidification. Besides the cooling function, you can individually opt for a fan-only function you can control with three different fan speed settings or a dehumidifier function you can use to gather up to 70 pints per day.
This model has an auto-evaporation system that will recycle the condensation water so you won’t have to dispose of it regularly in normal humidity conditions. One of the best features of this model is the electrostatic air filter. It will block most of the bacteria and dust and keep the air fresh.
Pros:
- Superior air filter
- Good cooling capacity
- Quiet – Most people will be able to sleep in the same room with this unit without any kind of trouble. You can barely hear it
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The thermostat is not spot on – it may have some slight errors
- The display is too bright – you need to cover it up at night if you want to get a good night’s sleep
4. 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Cooling/Fan
Shico’s 10,000 BTU single hose portable air conditioner has a self-evaporative system that will recycle most of the condensed water, so you won’t need to drain the unit in normal humidity conditions.
The 10,000 BTU cooling capacity should cool surfaces of up to 300 square feet. The airflow is distributed evenly throughout the room with the help of a 4-way direction.
This model has two air filters. You should periodically remove the first and wash it, but you should change the second, charcoal filter once every season to make sure the air is fresh.
This unit has an automatic operation mode which will allow you to keep a constant temperature in the room. Once this mode is activated, the air conditioner will cool the room to reach the specified temperature and then it will use the fan to recirculate the air in the room.
Pros:
- Good cooling capacity
- Very quiet – most people won’t have trouble sleeping with a working unit in the same room.
- Remote control
Cons:
- You still have to drain the unit if the environment humidity is over 80%
- Window kit could be better
5. Whynter 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter’s single hose 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner has four operational modes you can run independently: Air conditioner, Fan, Auto, or Dehumidifier.
The air conditioner mode should cool spaces up to 500 square feet. The Fan operating mode has three different fan speeds you can use to circulate the air around the room.
You can run the dehumidifier setting as you would a normal dehumidifier to keep surplus moisture from harming your home. This setting can draw up to 71 pints of moisture per day, a large quantity.
The air filters are a great addition to this model. You can wash the pre-filter any time you want ( the recommended period is once every two weeks) and combine it with the activated carbon filter to keep the air clean and fresh.
Pros:
- Superior air filters – these air filters really do their job well.
- Good dehumidifying capacity
- Accurate thermostat
- Quiet – most people should be able to sleep in the same room with this unit without any trouble
Cons:
- Tricky setup – You might have problems connecting the exhaust hose to the machine. We contacted the manufacturer and the instructions are to carefully expand each end and thread the connector on the hose, but in a counter-clockwise direction
- Not portable – because mounting the exhaust hose is tricky, we don’t recommend moving this unit
How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
Portable air conditioners work pretty much the same as refrigerators, but instead of cooling a small, well-insulated place like the inside of a fridge, they cool an entire room.
Air conditioners use some chemicals that convert quickly from a gas to a liquid and back. These chemicals are used to transfer the heat from the warm air inside a room to the outside air.
Each machine has three parts:
- A compressor
- A condenser
- An evaporator
In a regular air conditioner, only the evaporator is located inside the house, while the compressor and condenser are located on the outside part. Portable air conditioners have all the working parts in the same place, inside the house.
The chemicals we mentioned before arriving at the compressor as a low-pressure gas. When they reach the compressor they are cool, but once inside they are packed together and increase in temperature and energy.
They leave the compressor as a high-pressure hot gas and go in the condenser. The condenser uses metal fins to reduce the gas’s temperature, so the gas cools rapidly and transforms into a liquid.
This liquid drains into the evaporator through a narrow hole. In the evaporator, the pressure drops and the liquid begin evaporating as a gas.
As the liquid evaporates and changes into a gas, it collects heat from the air around it. Other metal fins help with the thermal exchange, and by the time the chemicals exit the evaporator, they are a cool, low-pressure gas again.
This gas will return to the compressor to start the process all over again.
The evaporator is also connected to a fan that circulates the air inside the room. Hot air rises above the cold one because it’s lighter, so a vent is positioned to suck it into the air conditioner and lead it to the ducts.
This hot air is used to cool the chemicals in the evaporator. Because these chemicals collect heat from the air around them, the air cools and it’s blown back inside the house through lower ducts.
The same process is completed over and over until the room reached the right temperature.
Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide
The human body is highly adaptable. This is why our ancestors have populated most of the known world since ancient times. Humans have adapted to extreme conditions, from bitter cold to searing heat.
But adapting isn’t done right away. In fact, it took several generations for our ancestors to adapt to diverse conditions.
Thanks to modern technology, we no longer have to adapt to extreme conditions because we can modify the environment to our liking.
One of the worst living conditions on the planet is being warm while the humidity is high. In normal conditions, when you feel warm, the body cools itself through perspiration. But when the humidity is high, the body cannot cool itself fast enough.
This may lead to several conditions and illnesses, some more serious than others, from heat rash, to heatstroke and organ failure.
Luckily for us, modern technology has a simple fix for warm environments. Air conditioning. We no longer have to suffer the heat, we can just replace the warm air with a cool one, and stay comfortable in our homes and offices.
Even though the solution is simple, installing a permanent air conditioner can be trickier than it seems. Some people are tenants. Every person who was a tenant, or who has tenant friends knows that not all landlords are friendly and that most of them don’t like permanent modifications to their buildings.
Sometimes, you don’t even need a fixed air conditioner, but a mobile one. You might have a room or two in the house which you don’t use regularly. Why go through all the trouble of installing a fixed air conditioner, when you can move a mobile unit around the house when needed?
Portable air conditioners were specially designed to make our lives easier. Here’s a buying guide that should help you learn which are some of the features the best portable air conditioner has to have.
6 Features Portable Air Conditioners Should Have!
Dehumidifier
This is an important function. Most models act as a dehumidifier once the air conditioner is turned on, but some of them can function only as a dehumidifier, without air conditioning.
Relative humidity levels of over 60% can lead to mold or mildew growth, so it’s healthier and better for your home to keep the humidity levels at 30 – 50%. Having a separate dehumidifier function on your portable air conditioner will allow you to use it in the winter, as well as in the summer.Heating Function
Most people buy a portable air conditioner to make themselves more comfortable during the summer, but some models can do more. Some models are able to produce heat, so you will be able to use them during winter. This is a great feature, and you should keep it in mind. It will make the device more versatile and useful throughout the year.
Thermostat Function
This function will allow the air conditioner to keep the air temperature at a specific value. Even though most people don’t think about this function, it will make the room more comfortable because the unit will turn on when the temperature is higher/lower than the setting and off when the desired value is reached.
This will also make the portable air conditioner more environmental-friendly because it will no longer run all the time.Timer Function
The timer function will allow you to set a specific period in which the air conditioner can run. Once that period is reached, the air conditioner will turn off. This is very helpful for units that don’t have a thermostat function.
Adjustable Airflow
Some air conditioning models have a single setting for their airflow, which is straight. This might meet all the necessary requirements for most households, but sometimes it doesn’t. If you have to place the air conditioner unit facing another window, or a door, a straight airflow might lead to an ineffective cooling. This is why adjustable airflow is better. Some models can even change and adjust the airflow automatically. A changing airflow will cool a large room better than a fixed one.
Remote Control
Most portable air conditioners have a remote control, but some don’t, unfortunately. This allows you to control the air conditioner remotely, without having them sit up and go to it.
Single-hose or Double-hose?
Now, there are two types of portable air conditioners.
- single hose,
- dual hose.
You might be wondering what’s the difference between them. Here is dual-hose vs. single-hose portable AC.
Well, a single-hose system will suck warm air from the room, cool it, and return most of it back in the room.
During this process, some of the air is used to cool the unit and will be blown out the exhaust hose.
This process will determine a small negative pressure to form in that room because a small amount of air is being removed constantly.
This will lead to some air from the adjacent rooms to enter the room with the air conditioner. Because the new air is not conditioned, the cooling efficiency will be affected.
A dual-hose system sucks air from the outside through a hose to cool the unit. The exhaust is then expelled through the second hose.
This will not create a negative pressure in the room, but it will lead to a slightly less efficiency because warmer air is used to cool the compressors.
A dual-hose unit will also use two internal fans, which means it will use more energy.
Even though experts have been testing both systems for years, there is no conclusive proof that one system works better than the other.
How Much Power Does A Portable Air Conditioner Use?
Every time you think about the amount of power needed to run an appliance, you have to know its Energy Efficiency Rating or EER. So, how much electricity does a portable AC unit use?
The highest EER value of portable air conditioners is 9.5. This means that, if the unit has 14,000 BTU, it will consume 14,000/9.5 = 1,473 W
An EER of 9.5 is not a high one. So a unit that’s not very energy efficient with 14,000 BTU will consume 1,473 W/ hour.
If a unit has an EER rating higher than 10.0, it will be very efficient. The national standards in the U.S. require that all air conditioners have an EER rating higher than 8.0.
Outstanding Benefits of Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners will never be able to cool an entire house, like a central air conditioner.
Even so, portable ac units still offer many advantages and benefits. Here are some of them:
- Low price – they only cost a fraction of what a central air conditioner does
- No Installation – you only have to mount the window kit
- Somewhat portable – you can move the unit around the room as long as you keep the exhaust connected
- Good for rented apartments – because they don’t need installing, you can use them and take them with you if you move
- Reliable outdoors – you can use a portable air conditioner for cooling while you’re camping
- Good dehumidifying – All models dehumidify the air while they cool it. Some even have a separate dehumidifying function you can use all year round.
Do You Need a Quiet Portable Air Conditioner?
Buying a quiet portable air conditioner is more difficult than it seems because today’s market is full of different brands and models, each of the advertising as the best available. Here is a list of things you should know before you make a purchase, no matter the manufacturer,
5 Tips To Get The Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
Portable Air Conditioners Are Relatively New
This is one of the most important things you have to keep in mind. It is not old technology. That is why new and better models appear each day Technology advances and portable air conditioners advance with it. That’s why you should never listen to advice like “I had a portable unit 5 years ago and it was very loud, so don’t buy one.”That statement might be true, but today’s technology is surely better than it was 5 years ago. Just look at your cell phone or on your laptop and you’ll know the truth of it.
New Portable Air Conditioner Units Are Quieter
Manufacturers understood by now that one of the greatest flaws this technology has is the noise level. Unlike the fixed or the window air conditioners which have the motor outside the building, portable ones have it running in the same room you’re using it. This is automatically louder than an exterior motor. This leads to a race between manufacturers to produce the quietest model, that’s why newer models always produce less noise than previous ones.
Higher BTU Levels Need a Larger Motor!
When you’re looking for an air conditioner, portable or not, you’ll notice that the cooling capacity is measured in BTUs.
BTUs stands for British Thermal Units or the amount of heat it can change with cool air in an hour.
Units with a higher BTU level will be able to displace a larger quantity of warm air and replace it will cool air, but they will need larger motors to do that.
Larger motors might be more efficient, but they’re also noisier. The noisiest part of the unit is actually the compressor. So you have to make sure you pick the right sized air conditioner to fit your room.
Choosing the Right BTU Level
There is no definite rule on choosing the right BTU level, but most experts agree that you need 8,000 BTUs for 200 square feet. This does not mean you need a double amount of 400 square feet. If your room is bigger than 200 square feet, just add another 1,000 BTUs for every extra 50 square feet. These figures are just for guidance. If your building is not insulated, if you have heat leaks, or if the region you live in is really warm, you might need more BTUs.
Portable Air Conditioners Have Different Shapes and Sizes
When you’re looking for a portable air conditioner, the BTU level is not the only thing you should think about. You should also think about the size and weight of the unit. One needs to figure out where they’re going to place the unit most often and look for a model that fits. You have to keep in mind that most manufacturers recommend an 18 – 20 inch of free space around the unit, for it to work efficiently. If you’re planning on moving the air conditioner around the house, keep in mind that some models can be heavy, so make sure you can lift them over door stops or steps.
What Is The Noise Level Standard In Decibels For Air Conditioners?
Noise intensity is measured in decibels (dB). The smallest audible sound in total silence is 0. A sound 10 times more powerful will measure 10 dB, while a sound 100 times more powerful will measure 20 dB.
To give you a fair estimate, you should know that a normal conversation reaches between 40 to 60 dB, while a gunshot can be as loud as 140 dB.
Air conditioner noise is unavoidable. This is true about all types of air conditioners, not only portable ones.
The noise level emitted by your air conditioner can be extremely important when you decide on buying a portable unit. These units will emit somewhere between 36 and 83 dB, depending on the model and the design.
The quietest models will emit somewhere between 36 – 46 dB, which should be quieter than a normal desk fan.
On average, portable air conditioners will emit between 53 and 68 decibels, so you can compare the noise with a whisper for the first, or a loud conversation for the latter.
You should also keep in mind that these decibel ratings are taken right next to the air conditioning units. It’s normal for the noise level to decrease as you get further from it.
Under How Many Decibels Is a Portable AC Considered Silent?
Whenever you use a portable air conditioner, you should expect some noise. Most of it is made by the compressor, but even the air blowing from the unit will make some.
A normal urban household with various appliances has a sound level of 50 dB, so it’s safe to say that an air conditioner that emits under 55 dB is silent.
Keep in mind that this noise level is measured right next to the working unit. The further away you stand from it, the lower the sound level will be.
While this noise level is considered low by most people, some might have problems sleeping when hearing it. This is why manufacturers developed several models that emit below 50 dB, which is very low. Most models usually emit this noise level when functioning at the lowest level and higher levels will be noisier.
How Do I Tell If a Portable Air Conditioner Is Quiet?
Finding a quiet portable air conditioner can be tricky in today’s market when every manufacturer advertises its model as the quietest. Luckily for you, we tested the best models out there, so you only have to read our portable air conditioner reviews to find out which ones are quiet.
If you’re one of the people who would rather do all the work personally, you can check the manufacturer’s website before purchasing a model. Most will specify the unit’s noise level while working.
Generally, units that have a noise level between 55 and 70 dB are quiet for an urban environment. If you’re looking for a very quiet model, look for a unit that emits less than 60 dB. You can even find some with noise levels under 50 dB, which will sound like a distant whisper.
TIP – You can further decrease the noise level of a portable air conditioner by placing it on top of a soft pad as well with an AC unit pad. A good AC unit pad will cancel out most of the compressor’s vibration, so you’ll only head the airflow.
Are Quiet Portable Air Conditioners More Expensive?
The answer to that question is: Not necessarily.
Manufacturers realized by some time now that this is one of the most important buying criteria for the average customer, so they compete against each other to develop the most silent portable air conditioner yet.
The price is usually determined by the unit’s power or BTU capacity, not by its quietness.
Portable Air Conditioner Vs Window Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners and window air conditioners have much in common and the most important aspects are identical: they’re both cheaper and easier to install than a central, or a ductless air conditioner.
Both systems have some advantages and disadvantages we will explain below.
Window Air Conditioners;
Pros:
- Cheap, sometimes cheaper than portable models
- Easy to install
- Relatively quiet
- High level of BTU
- Good exhaust
- Good dehumidifiers
- Most double as heaters
Cons:
- Might block a window completely
- Some installation is still needed
- Only fit standard sized windows
- Might rumble against the window sills
- Doesn’t cool the entire home
Portable Air Conditioners;
Pros:
- Cheaper than central air conditioners
- Easy to install.
- Adjustable, exhaust fits most window types
- Relatively quiet. Some models can be extremely quiet.
- High level of BTU
- Good exhaust
- Somewhat good at dehumidifying
- Some double as heaters
- Somewhat portable
Cons:
- Pricier than window air conditioners
- Limited portability
- Some models can be noisier than windows air conditioners
- Don’t cool the entire home
- Sometimes the water is collected in a tank that has to be emptied regularly
- Only some double as heaters
Cooling Capacity
Neither window air conditioners nor portable ones were designed to cool entire homes. They were designed to cool a single room or to supplement the central air conditioning.
While neither of them was designed to cool multiple rooms, you can still use a portable air conditioner to cool more than one room, but not at the same time.
What’s more effective at cooling indoor living spaces? Which one to choose a portable air conditioner or a tower fan? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of the best tower fans, before you buy one.
Installing
Window air conditioners can only be used in a single room because they have to be installed on the window sill.
The main downside of this is that you can’t install them except if the window is standard-sized. Another downside is the fact that it blocks that window.
While portable air conditioners need installing, you only need to install the window kit. This kit is made out of plastic and you can adjust its width to fit various windows. If you don’t have a window and the AC unit has to go through the wall, check our guide here for the highest-quality through the wall air conditioners.
Another advantage is that the exhaust hose connected to the window kit is usually between 5 and 7 feet long, so you can move the unit when needed. This allows you to direct the cool air to different parts of the house during the day.
Heating and Dehumidifying
Window air conditioners are also relatively efficient heaters during the cold season. This feature is not commonly used with portable models.
Most portable air conditioners are less efficient at dehumidifying than window units.
This happens because many manufacturers design portable systems without a good dehumidifying mechanism, working instead as a regular dehumidifier, by collecting water in a tray that must be emptied regularly.
Check out our list of top things that you need to consider before buying a space heater.
Is one better than the other?
Now, when people compare these air conditioning systems, they usually ask whether one is better at cooling than the other.
But here’s the thing: Cooling a room properly depends on a lot of factors, such as the room’s dimensions, its purpose, the number of working appliances in the room, the local climate, and not least of all, the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
It doesn’t matter if you choose a window or a portable air conditioner, as long as you choose the right size for it.
Noise Levels
If you believe a window air conditioner will be more silent than a portable one just because the compressor is placed on the outside of the building, you might be wrong.
The air conditioner vibrates while it’s working. This vibration might lead to a rumbling noise when the air conditioner hits the window sills.
The noise levels of portable units produce vary greatly between models, and some models can be quieter than a desk fan, while others can be noisier than a window air conditioner.
The bottom line is,
If noise is a decisive factor for you when you’re looking for an air conditioner, a quiet portable unit is definitely the better choice.
Cost
It’s generally true that a larger and more powerful air conditioner will cost more. This high cost is usually justified if the air conditioner has the right size. Of course, there are ways to save on air conditioning costs. For that, it is important to know how much running a portable air conditioner costs in the first place.
Usually, a portable air conditioner will be pricier than a window air conditioner with the same cooling capacity. The price difference is generally around 80 – 100$.
The cheapest portable air conditioners have more BTUs, a higher cooling capacity than the cheapest window air conditioners, so it’s normal for them to be more expensive.
If you are interested in reducing your AC’s electric bills by up to 40%, we advise you to check out these smart wifi AC reviews! you can also check our list of top-rated energy-efficient air conditioners.
Venting System
Both types of air conditioners work in the same way. They remove the warm air from a room and send it somewhere else, generally outside.
Portable air conditioners take the hot air outside through a flexible exhaust hose. Some models have two exhaust hoses, one for leading the hot air outside, and the other for taking air from outside.
These hoses are easily installed with window installation kits. You can also vent a portable air conditioner through the ceiling, doors, or walls.
Window air conditioners are fixed. They sit on window sills and have the front side in the room, while most of the unit sits outside the window. If the fit is not perfect, it can either leak hot air while extracting it or cool air while producing it.
As an alternative, you can prefer a ventless air conditioner.
Power Consumption
Measuring exactly how energy efficient a portable air conditioner is pretty tough, and many of them don’t have Energy Star ratings. That does not mean they are not efficient, though.
Wrap Up
Portable air conditioners are improving quickly. Some of the models available today are twice as good as the units sold in the same price range two years ago.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of models available, and each is advertised as the best there is.
It’s difficult to find out which is the best portable air conditioner and also the quietest portable air conditioner you can buy, but you can make an informed decision after reading our comprehensive buying guide.
With the latest technology advancements, you can use a portable unit all year round, not only in the summer. New models can be programmed to turn on/off at certain hours, you can use them as a dehumidifier only, and you can even use them to warm a room during the cold season.
Read our portable air conditioner reviews to find out which is the right model for you, and what are its best and worst features.