Did you know that the first modern air conditioner was invented with the sole purpose of protecting ink and paper in a publishing company? Now, these units are something we cannot live without, and we often thank God that they exist.
However, central air conditioning can be quite expensive, and you may want to get yourself something less bulky or something that won’t be attached to your wall. Do not worry, we have the answer- the best ventless air conditioner. This type of unit is portable, easy to clean, and not expensive to use.
Picking the right model for your office or home can be quite the challenge, so we want to help you by introducing our reviews of ventless air conditioners that we find the most reliable these days. Once you look them up, continue reading to see all the useful info and tips we have gathered for you.
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What is a Ventless Air Conditioner?
During the hot summer days, everyone looks for an efficient way to keep their home cool and comfortable. A ventless air conditioner does just that. However, when looking for a unit, it is essential to understand fully what ventless air conditioners are. Even though they are most efficient in dry environments, ventless ACs can still perform well in places with relative humidity levels.
In general, ventless air conditioners are compact air-cooling units that do not have an exhaust hose and are highly portable so you can move them from place to place with ease. Unlike central or window ACs, ventless air conditioners do not need permanent installation. You can install them by yourself without the need of an expert.
When is a Ventless Air Conditioner a Good Option?
Ventless air conditioners are perfect for dry climates since they add moisture back into the air to cool it. However, with ventless ACs, there must be a constant supply of fresh air so that you can avoid overly-saturating the air in your room. They don’t have to be connected to a window, and you won’t have to break your wall or ceiling to install them.
Let’s have a look at some of the situations in which a ventless air conditioner is an excellent option for cooling your air.
- When you want to cool down a specific room only.
- When you want a cooling system for a particular room as a supplement to your extensive HVAC system. (Find a reputable HVAC contractor by ACCA)
- When you are renting the place, you live in, and you just don’t want to spend money on a more expensive air conditioning system.
- When portability is the most important thing for you, and you want a unit that you could use in a couple of places.
Benefits of Having a Ventless Air Conditioner
The top heating and cooling units surely have more benefits than disadvantages. We have outlined them all in our special articles. However, both ductless heating and cooling should be considered. So, let’s have a look at some of the benefits ventless air conditioners have:
Low energy consumption and competitive price
Window ACs can cost around 50% more than a standard ventless portable AC, and about 70% to 90% more to run. Since ventless portable ACs are designed for small spaces, they are also designed to consume less power when compared to a window or central air conditioning unit. So, if you want to save some money, and you have a small space to cool, such a device would be perfect for you. You may also look into our reviews of most energy-efficient AC units.
No need of waterproofing
Portable ventless air conditioners, unlike window ones, do not have any parts exposed to the outside, so you don’t have to agonize about them getting damaged by the weather. In comparison, window units are partially exposed to the outdoors so they often require some sort of weatherproofing cover that will keep them from deteriorating. Well, with a ventless unit, you just don’t have to worry about that.
Continuous Supply of Fresh Air
One of the most significant aspects of a ventless air conditioner is that it does not utilize any chemicals and often features air filters whose purpose is to remove impurities from the air.
Also, ventless air conditioners do not dry out the air, but rather add moisture back into it, through the damp pads. For this reason, ventless ACs are ideal for dry climate because they can help maintain healthy humidity levels.
Some ventless air conditioners can be used as dehumidifiers. However, they cannot be used in a basement with no windows, and if that is the area you want to dehumidify, then we would recommend that you go check our buying guide on getting a high-quality dehumidifier for basement.Great Portability
One of the advantages of using ventless air conditioners is how light-weight they are compared to their counterparts. They often have handles on the side and caster wheels that help you move them from place to place. This makes them exceptionally portable and suitable for regular travelers.
Such units are very mobile, and if you want an AC that can be used in different rooms, bear in mind that ventless air conditioners are designed just for that.Eco-Friendly
Another upside ventless air-conditioners have is that they cool up your room without harming the environment. Unlike most window and central AC units which use chemicals that could damage the environment, ventless ACs employ a natural process that uses motion and water to cool the air. This process does not add any ozone-harming pollutants or chemicals to the environment.
Quiet Operation
In case you are a light sleeper, you will surely appreciate this feature. Window and central ACs are known for their distracting and irritating noises, while most ventless air conditioners tend to operate quietly.
Most models produce a maximum of 55 dB on high settings and 50 dB on low settings, and even though there are some exceptions, the majority of ventless ACs offer quiet operation.Easy to mount and maintain
Since ventless air conditioners do not need permanent installation, they are also the easiest AC units to install. You do not need to be a professional to mount such a device in your room, and you can do it with some basic tools and minimal knowledge in less than an hour. The two most important steps are identifying a suitable spot and plugging in the power cord.
When it comes to maintaining, the cost and maintenance requirements of a ventless portable AC, are much lower than those of a window or a central AC unit. A ventless air conditioner does not require to be vented outdoors. On the other hand, window ACs often need two people for installation since they are way too heavy. One person has to hold the device, while the second one adjusts the window around. Well, with a high-quality ventless AC, you won’t have to deal with all these things.
Best Ventless Air Conditioners Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Honeywell Indoor Portable Cooler |
| View On Amazon | |
BLACK + DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
Ivation 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
COSTWAY 10000 BTU Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon | |
JHS 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon |
Best Ventless Air Conditioner Reviews – (Updated List)
In this part, you will find our suggestions for the most reliable units available on the market nowadays. They aren’t listed in any specific order, and you can decide for yourself which product will be the ONE.
1. Honeywell Indoor Portable Cooler
This Honeywell Indoor Portable Cooler is perfect for hot/dry climates in which humidity levels are less than 60%. The unit has excellent design and looks really great, however, even though it is not that big, it is a bit hard to move around.
This cooler has low power consumption – 102W, and it features an activated carbon air filter that is washable. The filter traps odors, dust, and pollutants, and is highly effective. The device is suitable for rooms of up to 175 sq. feet. However, since this is a ventless unit, you will need to regularly open the windows so that some fresh air can come in. During winter months, the unit can also be used as a dehumidifier.
The Honeywell Indoor Portable Cooler features a detachable water tank for easy cleaning. However, we noticed that when it comes to refilling, even despite the removable reservoir, the process is a bit hard. Since the unit is portable, you also have to refill it very often. On the other hand, you get multiple fan options, remote control, digital display, and an energy-saving timer.
PROS:
- Timer for unattended operation
- Low power consumption
- Remote control
- Activated carbon air filter
CONS:
- Heavy to lift
- You have to refill it often
- Requires constant opening of windows
2. BLACK + DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
If the area you plan to cool is between 100 – 150 square feet, then the BLACK + DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner is a suitable option. The unit is very portable due to its castors and integrated carry handles. If you have a proper window next to which you can mount this device, we are sure you won’t be disappointed.
The vertical motion of this portable air conditioner creates a powerful and steady airflow that can provide consistent temperature in any room of your house. The device features a slide-out filter that rinses easily under a faucet and is easy to clean. This BLACK + DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner operates with 75Db on the high setting; however, we find it to be a bit loud sometimes.
The maximum length of the unit’s exhaust hose is 4 feet and 11 inches, and you also get a window kit. The remote control and the LED digital display are also significant advantages since you will be able to operate the unit easily.
PROS:
- Remote control
- Great portability
- LED digital display
- Powerful
CONS:
- The instructions written in the manual are not consistent
- It must be installed next to a window
- A bit loud
3. Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Air Conditioner
The Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner may be compact and portable, but it is also really powerful. This device can cool rooms that are up to 350 sq. Ft. in size. Its weight stands at no more than 45/49 lbs. Thanks to the smooth-gliding wheels, you can quickly move the unit from room to room without a problem.
This Honeywell MO08CESWK uses a self-evaporation system, which means you won’t require a bucket or a tray to dump the water. The device may also be used as a dehumidifier and is equipped with dual drainage options for rooms with higher levels of humidity.
The thing that we didn’t like about this unit is that it does not operate as quietly as it should, and the installation is harder than expected. We noticed that the hose connectors are also unreliable. On the other hand, we really loved the washable dual filtration system. The filters are easy to sanitize, and there is a filter-clean alert that reminds you when it is time to do it.
PROS:
- A washable dual filtration system
- Compact but powerful
- Self-evaporation system
- Can be used as a dehumidifier
CONS:
- Hard to install
- A bit loud
- The hose connectors are weak
4. Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
The Whynter ARC-14S definitely deserves its place on our list, and its awards are the proof: Good Housekeeping’s “2020 Best Overall”; Consumer Report’s 2021 Highest Score.
This product is stylish and features advanced self-evaporating technology, which recycles and uses moisture collected during the cooling to produce cold air and minimize the build-up of condensation. While the device looks exceptionally good, there are some things that can be better. The cool intake and the hot exhaust ports are side by side with no barrier, and that leads to excess electrical usage. Also, we can’t say that this is the quietest unit you’ll find.
However, the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner has three operational modes: air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan. This device is indeed powerful and can cool up to 500 square feet of space. The carbon air filter and the washable pre-filter will ensure that the air is fresh and clean. An installation set is also included, though the installation instructions are not very clear. The maximum power consumption is 1250 W / 10.8 A.
PROS:
- Self-evaporating technology
- Three operational modes
- Can cover mid- to large-sized rooms
CONS:
- Loud
- The cool intake and hot exhaust ports are placed side by side
- Poorly written instructions
5. Ivation 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The Ivation 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a compact and practical unit that is suitable for spaces of up to 400 sq/ft. You can use it in your home, office, camper, cabin, and many other places. The installation is not that easy. However, it might be worth the hassle as the device has many advantages.
This portable air conditioner features five convenient modes: cool, dry, fan, auto, and sleep. You could use it as an air conditioner or as a dehumidifier. Its space-saving design is also very convenient, and the unit has roll caster wheels that will help you move it from place to place. Bear in mind, though, that the device won’t work in windowless rooms such as attics or basements.
If power is lost because of an outage, the unit will automatically restart around three minutes after the power resumes, due to its auto-restart function. The remote control and electronic LED display are also nice perks to have. However, we found the bottom drain to be a bit inconvenient as you have to lift the device to drain the lower drain pan.
PROS:
- Five modes
- Can be used as a dehumidifier
- Moves easily
- Auto-restart function
- Remote control
CONS:
- Loud
- Inconvenient bottom drain
6. COSTWAY 10000 BTU Air Conditioner
The castor wheels this device has, guarantee its smooth movement across most floor surfaces. The compact design is ideal for limited space, such as a dormitory, apartment, etc. This COSTWAY Air Conditioner is suitable for rooms of up to 400 sq. ft. You will also save time with the installation since there is no need for a hose for the water drain due to the auto-evaporation system.
The device offers multiple modes: cooling, dehumidifying, fan, and sleep. The remote control will let you operate the machine from every point of the room, and the digital LED display controls will offer precise temperature adjustment. The COSTWAY 10000 BTU Air Conditioner has two fan speeds and a dehumidifying capacity of 50 pints per day.
The device is not that loud. However, its plastic parts tend to rattle a bit. We also didn’t like the material the exhaust hose is made of- unreliable plastic. On the other hand, the unit is easy to clean due to the slide-out filter.
PROS:
- Auto-evaporation system
- 50 pints per day dehumidifying capacity
- Multiple functions
- Remote control
CONS:
- The plastic parts tend to rattle
- The exhaust hose is flimsy
7. JHS 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The JHS 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner can cool a room of up to to 300 sq. ft. and offers great portability. It is equipped with all-direction stainless castors and a convenient handle on the top. This way, you can quickly move the air cooler.
Its built-in dehumidifier can remove up to 50.7 pints of moisture per day, and the device features multi-function appliances: air conditioner, fan, and 3-in-1 appliance. The fan has two speeds, and even that they are not as powerful as one would like, the device tends to operate louder than advertised- 54dB. On the other hand, this portable air conditioner is durable and sturdy.
The installation is also easy, and you get a window kit included. We didn’t like, however, the fact that the exhaust hose does not fit onto the unit properly. So you may have to spend some more time fixing that. Still, the JHS Air Conditioner has a 24-hour programmable timer and an adjustable thermostat, and both of these are important. You also get a remote control and a LED digital display panel.
PROS:
- Adjustable thermostat
- Multi-function appliances
- Remote control
- All-direction stainless castors
CONS:
- Louder than advertised
- The exhaust hose does not fit onto the unit properly
- Not that powerful
8. EdgeStar AP12000HS Portable Air Conditioner and Heater
The EdgeStar AP12000HS Portable Air Conditioner and Heater can cool up to 425 Square Feet. With this device, you get a window kit (56 inches max), and an extendable exhaust hose that is up to 49″.
The design of this product is excellent, and the unit does not only look good but is also energy-efficient.
You can run this unit continuously for around a dollar per day due to its low power consumption rates and its high “energy-efficiency” ratio- 10.0. You also get a 2-hour programmable timer. The one thing that we didn’t like, however, was the low placement of the water drain.
The thermostat, on the other hand, is reliable and can be displayed in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. You can program it to temperatures from 61 degrees F – 77 degrees F. The dehumidification capacity of this EdgeStar product is 78 pints per day. The quiet operation and the 3 fan speeds are also things we liked about this unit. Unlike the included window paneling, the washable pre-filter and the replaceable carbon filter are reliable.
PROS:
- Dehumidification capacity of 78 pints per day
- Quiet
- Energy-efficient
- 3 fan speeds
CONS:
- The included window paneling is unreliable
- The water drain is placed too low to drain into a pan
How Do Ventless Air Conditioners Work?
These units draw in hot air from the area they are placed in and pass it over water-soaked cooling pads. There, water evaporates into the air and then takes the heat from the air molecules, resulting in lower air temperatures. The now cooled air is distributed throughout your room by the fan. Just have a look at our list of the best tabletop fans, too.
In order to evaporate water into the air, the unit also uses ambient heat from the surrounding air molecules. Then, the water vapor absorbs heat from these air molecules. If you want to maximize the efficiency and the performance of your ventless AC unit, you can place it closer to an opening, such as a window or a door. This way, you will allow fresh air into your space, and your unit will perform better.
As we said, ventless air conditioners do not use a hose for ventilation. Instead, they have a tank of water and use the natural process of water evaporation to cool the warm air in your room. Bear in mind that portable air conditioners are not necessarily ‘ventless’, while all ventless ACs are actually portable. That’s why you need to be very cautious when you decide on a product.
Also, keep in mind that if you want to breathe healthy air, an air conditioner won’t be enough. Air purifiers are a great option when it comes to cleaning the air in your house. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you check our buying guide on getting the most reliable air purifier for allergies.
Drawbacks of Using a Ventless Air Conditioner
These units surely have a lot of positive characteristics. Still, there are some reasons why you should stay away from ventless portable air conditioners. Let’s have a look:
Lower efficiency
It is only logical that ventless air conditioners are not as powerful as a window or central ACs. Ventless ACs are suitable for small places with a dry climate. They are a cheaper option if, for example, you want to keep just one room fresh.
Ventilation Problems
When getting a ventless air conditioner, you need to make sure that the room you are about to use it has a window or a door. This is because of the ventilation problems you may encounter. Since the unit is ‘ventless’, it keeps on circulating the same air in your room. For this reason, if you want fresh air, you will have to open your windows or doors from time to time.
Not a Good Option for Enclosed Spaces
As we already mentioned above, ventless ACs are not suitable for rooms with no windows or doors, or other openings. On the other hand, a central air conditioning unit can be used to cool enclosed spaces without a problem. Therefore, when purchasing an AC unit, you need to consider where you will use it and why exactly you want it.
Ventless Air Conditioner Buying Guide
There are many factors that you need to be careful with when you are in the process of deciding on a particular unit. Here are some of the things you have to take into consideration if you want to find the most reliable device:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ventless Air Conditioner
Cooling Capacity
Always look at the amount of space a particular unit can cool. Some smaller models can cool up to 300 sq. ft., while some can cover up to 600-650 sq. ft. For this reason, you will need to know how big of a room you are going to be dealing with.
How portable is it
Most ventless air conditioners are highly portable. They come with wheels and handles and can easily be moved from place to place. This, however, is not the case with all ventless air conditioners. Some models can actually be pretty heavy, and if they don’t have wheels, transporting them becomes a difficult task.
Aside from weight, you should also think about the height of the unit. Let’s say, for example, that you have to put the unit in your car. If you pick a unit that is too bulky, this won’t be possible.
Water Tank
Ventless air conditioners have a tank in which you put water. Usually, the bigger the container, the better the cooling. For this reason, you need to make sure that the model you get has a reasonably sized tank. We would recommend that you look for a unit with a tank with a capacity of more than 7 gallons. Also, keep in mind that if the container is more significant, you will not have to refill it that often.
Noise Level
With AC units, noise is always an essential factor. Ventless air conditioners are not that noisy as window and central ones, however, you still have to look at the characteristics and the reviews a particular product has. Most models have their Dba rating included in their description, so you won’t have a problem with that.
A good practice of thumb is that you look for units that have a rating of around 50Dba or below. Also, do not forget to read the reviews and the comments of the products, as all manufacturers tend to describe their units as ‘perfect’ and ‘quiet’; however, the situation may be different, and reading the opinions of other customers is never a bad idea.
Timer/ Alerts
Waking up in the middle of the night because you have to take care of the cooler is definitely frustrating. This can be avoided if you decide on a unit that has a timer option. You will be able to set it to shut down automatically, and this way, you will also save energy.
Also, look for a unit that has low-water alerts. This way, you will know when to refill the device, and it won’t have to work with low water levels (which can be bad for the unit).Ease of use and cleaning
Do not forget that you have to refill and clean your unit. If you want that to be easy, look for a ventless air conditioner that has a detachable tank. Plus, many ventless ACs come with remote control, which makes the changing of settings super easy. Also, you can control your unit from a distance. Please check out our list of top-rated coil cleaners for air conditioners.
Run-time
Some units offer around 3 hours of run-time, and sometimes, this may not be enough. Choose a ventless air conditioner that can provide at least 8 hours of run-time. Bear in mind that the dimensions of the tank play a vital role in how long the run-time is.
Wrap Up
The way we see it, you are now experts on how to find the best ventless air conditioner. After reading our complete buying guide, you now realize that there are many things you need to keep in mind and various products to choose from. That’s why we hope that our reviews of ventless air conditioners have helped you, and you were able to find the right unit.
If you liked our article, we would be happy if you shared it with your friends and family. Also, should there be anything you would like to tell us, do not hesitate to write a comment or send un an email- we love getting feedback from our readers.
We have plenty of other articles devoted to finding the most suitable unit for your personal needs, so if you enjoyed this one, make sure you check them out as well. Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!