The Best Portable Air Conditioners for Your Home

During the hot summer days, having an air conditioner in your home can make a huge difference in your comfort and well-being. But what if you're looking for something that you can easily move from room to room or transport on vacation? Portable air conditioners are designed to provide efficient cooling wherever it is needed. In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of a portable air conditioner, things to consider before buying a portable air conditioner, the top 3 portable air conditioners on the market, and 3 essential accessories for portable air conditioners.

Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are a wise investment for anyone who wants to cool their homes quickly and efficiently. They come with a host of benefits that make them a convenient and smart choice for people who want to beat the heat without the hassle of a central HVAC system.

Portability: Unlike traditional air conditioning units, portables can be easily moved around the house depending on your cooling needs.

Cost-Effectiveness: Portable air conditioners allow you to cool only the areas you need, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing your bills.

Easy Installation: You don't need professional help to set them up; you just have to plug them into a power outlet and connect the hose to the window or door.

Versatility: Portable air conditioners can be used in a variety of settings, such as homes, offices, and even outdoor events.

With all these benefits, it's no wonder why portable air conditioners are growing in popularity as an alternative way to stay cool during the hottest months of the year.

Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner

There are so many options on the market, and it can be challenging to determine which portable air conditioner is right for you. To make the right choice, there are several factors to consider, such as the room size, noise level, energy efficiency rating, and portability.

Room Size: Be sure to measure the size of the room you will be cooling so you can choose an air conditioner with the appropriate cooling capacity. You'll need to ensure that the BTU (British Thermal Unit) capacity of the air conditioner is suitable for the space.

Noise Level: Unlike window air conditioners, portable air conditioners work inside your room, and any device that generates airflow will make some level of noise. If you plan on using your portable air conditioner in your bedroom, you'll want to choose a unit with quiet performance.

Energy Efficiency Rating: Higher-rated models will consume less energy, resulting in lower electricity bills. Look for an air conditioner with an energy efficiency rating of EER 11 or higher to ensure that your unit is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Portability: If you need to use your portable air conditioner in different rooms frequently, then ensure it has wheels and handles for easy maneuverability. This can really save you a lot of effort.

Top 3 Portable Air Conditioners on the Market

To help you quickly select the suitable portable air conditioner, we will introduce three popular models on the market in this section.

ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

The ZAFRO portable air conditioning unit, with an 8,000 BTU capacity, offers a perfect solution for cooling rooms of up to 200 sq ft. And it provides three-in-one functionality, including Cool, Dry, and Fan modes, along with a user-friendly digital display and compact remote control for a comfortable environment. In addition, the unit boasts a customizable 24-hr timer to cool the room between 61°F-90°F in summer, as well as a sleep mode and low noise level of ≤54dB to avoid disturbances during the night. With only $250, you can invest in the ZAFRO 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner and enjoy a cool and comfortable summer.

Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner

This unit costs around $500 but comes with a host of valuable features, including a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and dual-hose operation to quickly cool up to 500 square feet of space. It also boasts three fan speeds, a programmable timer, and an automatic restart function for power outages. While it does weigh around 80 pounds, its four wheels make it easy to move around. It also comes with a washable pre-filter and activated carbon filter to help purify the air. Overall, the Whynter ARC-14S is a fantastic and efficient option for keeping your home comfortably cool during the summer months.

De'Longhi 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

The De'Longhi 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner is an impressively powerful device that can evenly and effectively reduce the room's temperature of up to 700 sq ft. Priced at around $700, this air conditioner boasts a remarkably quiet noise reduction of up to 4 dbA, and a power saving mode that can provide an energy-saving of up to 30% in energy consumption. Additionally, the device boasts a unique feature called the Cool Surround Smart Sensing technology, which continuously monitors the room's temperature, humidity, and position of anyone in the room. Therefore, its multi-functionality ensures it will be a valuable addition to any household.

3 Essential Accessories for Your Portable Air Conditioner

If you have a portable air conditioner, you should think about some crucial accessories to maintain the unit's smooth running and optimal cooling performance. Plus, these accessories enable installing the air conditioner in the appropriate space you want to cool.

Portable Power Stations

Power is the foundation for the operation of all electrical appliances, including your portable air conditioner. Thus, a portable power station is an essential accessory for your air conditioner, especially when you experience a power cut in a hot summer. And there is a wide range of good-quality products available on the market, such as the Anker PowerHouse 767.

This robust portable power station boasts an impressive 2048Wh capacity and a substantial 2400W AC output, allowing easy and convenient power supply to an array of devices. The system is versatile enough to power a host of appliances, such as life essentials like refrigerators and microwaves, as well as power-hungry professional equipment, including high-output lights and air conditioners. Apart from that, this power station is capable of simultaneously powering high-demand appliances, including but not limited to coffee makers and hair dryers. With the Anker PowerHouse 767, your portable air conditioner will be free from power problems.

Filters

Air conditioners require filters to eliminate airborne particles, thereby maintaining the unit's cleanliness. Reduced airflow and cooling power may occur when filters are congested with particles. Hence, it is vital to change the filter regularly. You can choose from a wide range of filters compatible with portable air conditioners of any size and shape, some of which have antimicrobial components to prevent mold and mildew in moist areas.  Other filters have electrostatic charges that help capture undesirable particles such as dust, smoke, pollen and mold, for cleaner air circulation. Remembering to change the filter every three months can drastically improve your unit's efficiency and durability.

Vent Kits

Venting is an essential requirement for all types of portable air conditioning units. However, there might be circumstances where it's not always possible to have a conventional window that can be used to vent the hot air out. In that situation, one needs to explore other alternatives for effective cooling. Subsequently, one can consider acquiring a unique venting kit to complement the existing unit. In cases of rooms or office spaces with drop ceilings but no access to windows, it might be wise to utilize drop ceiling vent kits. By utilizing this type of kit, the portable air conditioner's hot air is channeled towards the drop ceiling, thus enhancing the cooling process.

Conclusion

To conclude, this buying guide should have provided you with all the information needed to make an informed decision when selecting the best portable air conditioner for your home. It is always important to take into account both your budget and your needs in order to make an educated decision. Keeping room size, energy efficiency, and portability all at the forefront of your mind can help ensure that you get the most value out of your purchase.

FAQ

Are portable AC worth buying?

If you're looking for an easy way to cool down specific areas of your home, then portable AC units may be worth considering. While central AC units may be more effective at cooling down your entire home, they can also come with a hefty price tag. Portable AC units, on the other hand, are typically more affordable and can be moved from room to room as needed. They may not be as powerful as central AC units, but they can still provide much-needed relief on hot summer days.

Is it OK to run a portable air conditioner all day?

Yes, a portable air conditioner can run all day. Modern-day portable air conditioners are constructed with safety features that can protect them from overheating or burning out, making them safe for extended use. However, it's important to keep in mind that running your portable air conditioner all day will add up to your energy bill. So, it's recommended that you look for an energy-efficient model that can save you money on your electricity.