Best Portable Air Conditioners, According to an HVAC Expert

Whether you live in an area with a warmer climate year-round and are looking to supplement an existing ceiling fan or central air system, or are looking for a standalone air conditioning unit, a portable air conditioner can help. “Portable air conditioning units can easily be moved from room to room and do not look unsightly as a window unit sticking out the window,” says Chris Walters, HVAC expert, holder of Class A license in air conditioning and refrigeration in Texas, and owner of The Training Center of Air Conditioning & Heating based in Houston, Texas. “There are various reasons to choose portable air conditioning units with the main reasons being the ability to economically cool only one space, avoid HOA restrictions on window units, or spot-cool a particular area.”

To find the best portable air conditioners on the market, we chatted with Watlers about factors people should consider when shopping for a portable air conditioner including cooling capability, features, and energy efficiency. We also asked him for his portable air conditioner recommendations to complement the list of those we compiled via online research after examining product information and customer reviews.

Our picks for the best portable air conditioners

What to consider when choosing a portable air conditioner

Cooling capability

The point of purchasing a portable air conditioner is to cool your home or wherever you wish to cool. That said, it’s important to be knowledgeable about how their cooling capacity is denoted by BTUs (British Thermal Units). Walters notes that most portable air conditioners commonly have a cooling capacity between 7000 and 1400 BTUs. However, some may have a capacity that deviates slightly from this range. “Be mindful that bigger units require more power,” says Walters. “Manufacturers typically give a room size that can be cooled listed in square footage—this is a maximum room size, so keep that in mind.”

Features

As far as what features to look for when shopping for a portable air conditioner, you’ll want to look for one that is easy to operate. The last thing you’re going to want to do when you spend a lot of money on a new gadget is to wonder about whether or not you’re going to break it by pressing the wrong button or shifting a piece that isn’t supposed to be moved out of place. LED display screens are great so you can easily make decisions during the night or if you’re in the dark. An extendable extension cord and/or hose is also beneficial if you don’t have access to an extension power cord or have a window that is further back. If you’re someone who values a personalized cooling experience, look for those that offer a variety of fan speeds and settings.

Many portable air conditioners also serve as dehumidifiers, so make sure to take note of that, too. If conservation is important to you, opt for a portable air conditioner with an environmentally friendly refrigerant. The features you’ll find in a portable air conditioner will vary depending on the air conditioner brands you consider.

Energy efficiency

When considering portable air conditioners, you’re going to ideally want to choose one that is energy efficient (or at least is somewhat energy efficient). “Portable air conditioning units are rated in CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio),” explains Walters. ”The higher the number the more efficient it is.” You’ll notice that many portable air conditioners have CEER ratings between 6.0 and 15. The CEER measurement is calculated by taking the amount of a portable air conditioner’s BTUs per hour and dividing that total by the amount of electrical energy inputted denoted by watts (W).

Is a dual-hose portable air conditioner better than a single-hose model?

Both single-hose and dual-hose portable air conditioners have their pros and cons. Walters notes that single-hose portable air conditioners will act more like spot coolers. However, he adds that dual-hose portable air conditioners better help to maintain a room balance.

Do portable air conditioners work better than window units?

Although they are similar, portable air conditioners and window units both have pros and cons that should be considered before deciding which is best for you. Portable air conditioners may be more aesthetically pleasing than window units because they do not stick outside of a window. Walters notes that this may be particularly favorable, especially for those who live in HOA communities with regulations against window units. On the other hand, Walters explains that window air conditioner units may work more seamlessly and without exhaust and drain issues since the water produced from condensation simply drips outside.

How we selected the best portable air conditioners

To create my list of the best portable air conditioners, I spoke with an HVAC expert about what factors to consider when shopping, including cooling capabilities, features, and energy efficiency. Additionally, I conducted online research to complement our expert picks based on product information and reviews.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much does a portable air conditioner cost?

The cost will depend on the type of portable air conditioner you’re interested in and the brand. However, Walters notes that most portable air conditioners come with a price tag within the $300 to $700 range. “The more expensive models are inverter type and have the quietest operation and ability to ramp up and down as needed versus on or off.” Although a price tag of $300 to $700 is common for most portable air conditioners, you may find some on the market for a couple of hundred dollars, more or less.

Is a portable air cooler/conditioner effective?

A portable air cooler/conditioner can be an effective appliance. However, Walters advises that one needs to ensure they are purchasing the right size to match the space where they intend to use it. “Because they [portable air coolers/conditioners] plug into existing wall outlets, they are more limited in size than a window unit,” he explains. “Typically, 14000 BTUs is the largest size available [which is] enough for most single rooms.” He adds that most portable air conditioners are not designed to cool multiple rooms.

Where is the best place to put a portable air conditioner?

According to Walters, the best place to put a portable air conditioner is near a window as that is where the exhaust hoses need to be connected. Since most hoses on a portable air conditioning unit are only a couple of feet in length, he advises connecting a hose to the window within a couple of feet of a unit’s exhaust port.

Do portable air conditioners need water or vents?

Portable air conditioners do not need a water supply. That said, “they create several gallons of water during operation that must be sent out the exhaust hose,” says Walters. When it comes to vents, Walters notes that it is important to ensure that the vent of your portable air conditioner faces the outside to work properly.