There are a few basic differences between a window and a portable air conditioner. Both require a power outlet and a space to be positioned. Windows are subject to federal energy efficiency standards that have been in place for over 25 years. Portable air conditioners are not subject to federal energy efficiency standards, but the Department of Energy has set new standards for portable units that will not take effect until 2025. In addition to their size and weight, portable units tend to be noisier than window models.
How to Choose the Best Portable Air Conditioner
There are several factors to consider when buying a portable air conditioner. The top contender is the one with the highest cooling capacity, but it will also be the noisiest. There are also a number of other options, but this one is best for smaller spaces. The LG LP1419IVSM is our top pick from 2020 to 2022. It features an inverter compressor for quieter operation. It also has the same smart home features as the Midea Duo, including a built-in accordion hose. We like this one for its lower price compared to other models on the market.
Another portable air conditioner that gets high marks is the hOmeLabs unit. This device has a convenient built-in handle, and remote control, and is easy to install. However, hOmeLabs doesn’t offer a complete range of portable air conditioners. But, they do have a stand-alone device that can cool rooms up to 14,000 BTU. Its design and construction are similar to that of Apple’s iPhone.
Another portable air conditioner that can cool rooms is the DELLA free-standing model. This portable air conditioner features a record-breaking dry airflow metric of 450 CFM. It can pump out 450 cubic feet of air per hour, making it more than twice as fast as other models. It has an efficient dehumidification feature that can remove 4.63 pints of water per hour. This unit also has a programmable timer to help you set the temperature you want.
What to Look For When Shopping For a Portable Air Conditioner
When you’re looking for a portable air conditioner, you’ll want to be sure to get the right one for the space you’re using it for. Here are some things to look for in a portable AC:
BTUs
When shopping for a portable air conditioner, it’s important to consider the number of BTUs. The more square feet a room has, the more cooling power you’ll need. Also, consider the area’s climate and how much sunlight it gets. For example, if the room gets a lot of shade, you’ll need fewer BTUs than if the room receives a lot of direct sunlight. And remember to factor in the number of people that are likely to use the room.
To determine how much cooling power you need, you’ll need to calculate the square footage of the room in question. For example, a portable air conditioner needs to cool at least 20 BTUs per square foot of floor space. However, there’s no exact formula for determining this number. To calculate your space’s BTUs, measure the length and width of the room, and add up those numbers. Don’t forget to account for obtuse shapes and ceiling height. If you’ll be placing the air conditioner outside, the room will require 10 percent more BTUs.
ASHRAE
When shopping for a portable air conditioner, look for the ASHRAE standards. Some air conditioners are listed with both ratings, which is a good thing. However, you should also look for the SACC rating, which accounts for environmental factors. This rating provides a weighted average of BTU/hour. The older ASHRAE standards are not as thorough, so SACC ratings may appear lower. Most portable ACs made after 2017 are listed with the SACC rating, and some manufacturers list both.
If you need a portable air conditioner to cool a larger area, you can get one with the ASHRAE rating. These air conditioners are made for special purposes such as industrial settings, information technology settings, and other environments. Despite their size, they are not practical for residential or office settings, although they may be used when the primary air conditioning system is not operating. You can find an ASHRAE rating by looking for an ASHRAE seal.
SAAC
The SAAC portable air conditioner provides a cool breeze for homes and offices. This model features thoughtful features like a dual-rotor compressor with variable speed control and a built-in hose for easy setup. A convenient storage pocket makes this model easy to transport and store. It is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to transport to different locations. The unit is extremely energy efficient, and has excellent noise and vibration control. It delivers cool air evenly throughout the room.
This floor-standing portable air conditioner is designed to cool spaces of up to 450 square feet quickly. Its 10,000 BTU cooling capacity is equivalent to the 14,000 BTU model of the ASHRAE. Its ETL safety certification means it’s safe to use. The unit quickly cools rooms to 61 degrees Fahrenheit and dehumidifies up to 90 pints of moisture per 24 hours. Its features include an air slider bracket, foam seal, and an exhaust hose. Its airflow is up to 202 cfm.
8 Best Portable Air Conditioners to Buy
There are many types of portable air conditioners, so it can be difficult to choose which one is best. Here, we’ll review the Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan, Whynter Elite ARC-122DS, Black Decker BPACT08WT, and Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners. To help you choose a portable air conditioner, we’ve provided a user’s guide for each unit.
1. Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan
If you’re looking for a high-quality indoor evaporative cooler, you might consider the Honeywell CL25AE, a 25-litre evaporative cooler. This device is great for use indoors and will cool your home or office space down in a matter of minutes. Compared to other evaporative coolers, this one is highly efficient. Its fan will also help cool the air inside the unit.
Unlike other portable evaporative coolers, the Honeywell CL30XC has a large water tank that can cool up to 450 square feet. It also comes with an angled control panel. It also boasts a one-year warranty and a remote control for easy operation. Aside from that, the Honeywell CS10XE is also very affordable and has a great rating on the Walmart website.
Its water-based cooling system is highly effective in environments with maximum relative humidity of 60 percent or less. Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan is very versatile and can be used for either indoor or outdoor rooms. Its large water tank and three fan speeds make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes with a washable dust filter and remote control, which is handy for controlling its operation.
2. Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Portable Air Conditioner
With a dual hose system that facilitates better cooling and space usage, the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS is an ideal solution to warm spots in small spaces. This compact air conditioner is easy to set up and offers cooling relief for any room, no matter its size. Its slim, modern design makes it an ideal addition to any room. This air conditioner comes with an extended warranty and is suitable for home use.
This Whynter portable air conditioner is one of the most powerful air conditioners on the market, providing up to 12000 BTU of cooling capacity. The machine’s compact design makes it easy to transport around the house. It is also equipped with a dehumidifier mode, which can remove up to 76 pints of moisture within 24 hours. The Whynter Elite ARC-122DS features a dual hose system for better air intake and constant air pressure. This allows it to operate quieter and efficiently compared to similar single-hose units.
Another notable feature of the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS is its programmable settings. You can select one or more operating modes to customize its cooling and dehumidification capabilities. You can also select from three or four operational modes. In addition, this unit features a fully programmable thermostat with a 24-hour timer. A two-year warranty and a one-year replacement policy ensures that you won’t have any problems with your unit.
3. Black Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
The 8,000 BTU Black+decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioning System is a 3-in-1 air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan. It is made of environmental-friendly R410a refrigerant and comes with an easy-to-install window kit. If you’re looking for a portable air conditioner that will provide comfortable cooling for the whole room, look no further.
The BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner is a great choice for the average home. It provides cooling, dehumidification, and circulates air, and is quiet enough to use during sleep. It comes with side carrying handles and rolling castors for easy transport. Installation is quick and easy with everything included in the package. Designed to work in double hung and sliding windows, the BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner provides reliable cooling for a comfortable home environment. It features an electronic programmable controller, so you can adjust the temperature with ease.
Another feature of the BPACT08WT is its compact size. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to install and operates on 8000 BTU of cooling power. It is 95% pre-assembled, and comes with a remote control to adjust temperature and power settings. The unit is quiet, and takes about five to ten minutes to reach the desired temperature. A 24 hour timer is also included.
4. Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
The Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is the most energy-efficient model in its class. With an EER rating of 12.0, it uses less energy than the standard 8.5-EER-rated units. Its noise-dampening technology makes it the quietest dual-hose portable AC in the market, with the highest noise level reaching 52 dB. In addition, it has a durable, lightweight design that makes it easy to move from one room to another.
The Whynter Dual Hose has an impressive cooling capacity of twelve thousand BTU. It features 3 fan speeds and a constant air pressure to rapidly cool the entire room. The unit also features digital temperature control and self-evaporation technology for superior moisture removal. Moreover, it comes with a washable prefilter and carbon air filter. With these features, it is more than adequate to cool 600-800 square feet of space.
The Whynter Dual Hose is also available in a model without a hose, making it even more convenient to transport. It is equipped with an advanced auto-drain technology that recycles the moisture collected during the cooling process. This is an added benefit for the owner, as it eliminates the need for regular emptying. Its versatility makes it the perfect solution for both hot and humid conditions. In addition to portable air conditioning, Whynter also sells portable ice makers, cigar humidor coolers, and deep freezers.
5. DeLonghi Penguino Portable Air Conditioner
The DeLonghi Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner is a compact, energy efficient air conditioning unit for rooms up to 450 square feet. With its fully functioning remote control, this compact air conditioner can cool your room whenever you need. The unit is easy to set up, comes with caster wheels and a durable castor base and features a user-friendly design. The machine is powered by environmentally friendly refrigerant gas and uses an adjustable thermostat.
The DeLonghi Pinguino portable air conditioner is easy to set up and uses a flexible hose to cool the room quickly and efficiently. It is a good option for offices, shops and any place where a continuous air conditioning solution is needed. The machine comes with a window kit and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs. Alternatively, you can order a window kit separately from the supplier.
This portable air conditioner has a good reputation in the industry, which means you can be assured of quality and durability. The air conditioner is made from premium quality parts and features excellent components. A manufacturer’s warranty protects the unit against defects. Its base warranty is one year, but you can also extend it to 3 years. If you are considering buying a portable air conditioning unit, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for a year or more.
6. LG Smart Portable Air Conditioner
The LG Smart Portable Air Conditioner is one of the most efficient and powerful models on the market. Its dual inverter compressor means it runs more efficiently and quietly. It’s fully functional LCD remote control makes it easy to use. It’s quieter than other portable air conditioners and has an easy-rolling caster base for portability. It also features remote control and a programmable timer for cooling the room.
Another notable feature of the LG Smart Portable Air Conditioner is its Wi-Fi capabilities, making it an ideal option for busy households. Its Wi-Fi connection allows it to connect to your phone and control the air conditioner remotely from anywhere. It can cool a room up to 450 square feet and weighs only 63 pounds. It also supports voice commands, making it easy to control from anywhere.
The LG LP1419IVSM is a top choice in this price range. Its 14,000 BTU capacity and quiet, dual inverter compressor make it one of the best portable air conditioners to buy. It is the best portable air conditioner in terms of cooling capacity, noise level, and other important metrics. It also offers a five-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about the longevity of your unit.
7. Whynter ARC-12SDH Portable Air Conditioner and Hea
The Whynter ARC-12SDH is a compact, sleek air conditioner that has an impressive 12,000 BTU cooling capacity. This unit features auto-drain technology and dual hose pumps to keep the air in the room cool. It has three operational modes: dehumidification, cooling, and fan. The dehumidifying option helps the air conditioner dehumidify without the use of additional cooling.
The Whynter ARC-12SDH Portable A/C is an energy-efficient and lead-free air conditioner. This unit features an advanced auto drain system that recycles the moisture it collects during the cooling process. Moreover, dual hose operation provides fast cooling. Other features of this air conditioner include an extended intake and exhaust hose and a window kit.
8. Frigidaire Gallery Portable Air Conditioner
The Frigidaire Gallery Portable Air Conditioner is a smart portable air conditioner that offers convenient remote temperature control. It features LED lighting and a mesh grill, which blends in seamlessly with any room. With its easy-to-clean washable filter, the Gallery Portable Air Conditioner can keep rooms at a comfortable temperature. The system’s Quick Glance indicator lights let you know when the air conditioner is working efficiently. You can also adjust the fan speed, which is great for apartment dwellers.
It is also compatible with Apple products, and the Frigidaire Gallery Portable Air Conditioner is available for $649. The FFPH1422U1 is compatible with iPhone, iPad Mini, and iPod Touch. If you’re using an Android smart device, you can download the app on Google Play. To operate the unit, simply follow the instructions provided by the app. The FFPH1422U1 can also be controlled remotely by an app on your smartphone. The unit also features an auto-swing air vent, an on/off timer, and an on/off indicator light.
