Introduction

An effective way of controlling the heat and moisture levels in your home and workspaces is by choosing the best portable air conditioner. You can choose from large-sizes, with the capacity to cool entire buildings. Portable options are also available, designed for air regulation in smaller spaces. With the wide range of options available in the market, it is necessary to compare a number of portable models before settling on the best portable air conditioner for your indoor space. Look out for a sleek and contemporary design, which will make it comfortable to move around and position in the rooms. Enough coverage of the indoor space will ensure complete air circulation for effective cooling. Portability and coverage are the main factors to consider in this case.

Portable Air Conditioners

Product Review

To get you started in choosing the best portable air conditioner, consider the following reviews of best portable air conditioners available in the market.

1. LG LP1417GSR 115V – Automated for Improved performance

If you are looking for a portable air conditioner that uses automated functions for higher capabilities, this is the right pick for you. It is equipped with an LED display and remote control to ensure easier control and settings. Using its unique auto evaporation system, you can enter settings to ensure continuous air conditioning even when you are out of the room, for up to 24 hours.

Additional features included in the design side handles and caster wheels. These make it convenient to move the air conditioner from one room to the other. As it weighs 75 pounds, you can easily drag it around to air-condition the hotpots areas that would otherwise remain untouched in the course of use.

The overall design makes it possible to blend the device with any type of room décor. This way, you can have little to no additional spending trying to make the design fit with your overall interior décor.

Adjustable louvers prove convenient in the case of adjusting fan speeds. This goes along with the inclination of the air discharge, meant to eliminate any remaining hotspots. Though it is designed for rooms that measure up to 500 sq. ft., this portable air conditioner records optimal performance when used in a relatively smaller space. A potential limitation for this model is that you might have to put up with the need to frequently drain water from the reservoir.

Pros:

·              Sleek attractive design

·              Auto-evaporation system

·              Remote control and digital display

Cons:

·              Frequent water drains

2. Whynter ARC-14S – For a Faster Cooling Experience

Choosing the Whynter ARC-14S will give you a cooling experience that works faster than other models in the same range of portable air conditioners. It has dual hose functionality that gives an optimal cooling experience. An additional and unique feature in this model is its patented auto drain technology. Using this feature, the moisture collected during the cooling process is recycled and used for further cooling of your indoor space.

A programmable timer lets you enter settings on how long you want the air conditioner to run. The automated system has a digital display and remote control functions, increasing the ease of use and settings for a 24-hour cycle.

You can choose from any of the three modes; fan, dehumidifier, or air conditioner. For a continuous optimal cooling experience, install the device in a space that is 500 sq. ft. or smaller. This will prove enough space for the best cooling experience. You can also switch between 2 fan and cooling speeds to achieve an added and unique level of flexibility.

Pros:

·         Three operational modes

·         Dual hose functionality

·         Auto drain technology

Cons:

·         Influenced by humidity levels

3. Della Portable Air Conditioner – Reduced Noise Levels

For minimal energy consumption and significantly reduced noise levels, you can choose the Della Portable Air Conditioner. It makes use of advanced heat technology to create energy from the air. This reduces the need for continuous heavy power usage. The air conditioner uses a programmable unit, which you can set to run on and off for up to 24 hours.

The additional remote control functionality that comes with the device puts the ease of control at your fingertips. Automated functionality using a smartphone app is a great addition to the Della portable air conditioner, considering that you might move it around the house often. An LED digital display creates ease when you want to switch between the constant fan, dehumidifier, heater, or auto-fan.

The window kit is an additional unique feature, which allows you to place conditioner in any room within your indoor space. The hose might appear to be made of weaker material compared to the rest of the device parts. Cooling can cover up to 700 sq. ft. of your indoor space, and performs optimally at 500 sq. ft. of room space.

The additional self-evaporation will ensure you save time on the additional task of emptying water from the device. A downside to this is that the built-in dehumidifier might record average performance in areas with high levels of humidity.

Pros:

·         Reduced noise levels

·         Expandable window kit

·         Reduced energy consumption

·         Programmable timer and remote control

Cons:

·         Need to empty bucket in high humidity areas

4. hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

An easy to install portable air conditioner with a built-in dehumidifier that functions better than traditional dehumidifiers. Its gravity-powered drainage system enables you to continuously empty water collected through the dehumidification process as it primarily cools your indoor space. The device runs smoothly with low noise levels enabling you to have a quiet time as it continues to run in the background.

It is equipped with wheels for easy movement from one room to the other and to the nearest window spaces. Using an accompanying hose, you can attach it to the nearest window using sliders and adapters. This makes it possible to cool a room measuring up to 600 sq. ft. with optimal cooling performance for 450 sq. ft. of space.

The conditioner also comes equipped with an automated control system. You can use a remote to control the different functions or make use of its digital display to enter settings.

Frequent filter cleaning and wiping the grill is recommended for the continued optimal and quality cooling experience. The blockage of filters will lower the device performance and increase the chance of breakdowns. The possibility of skipping the regular need for clean-ups is one of the limitations of using the hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.

Pros:

·         Runs quietly with no disruptions

·         Indicator light to signal filter cleaning

·         Window slider, adapter and security bracket

·         Wheels for easy movement around the rooms

Cons:

·         Periodic filter and grill clean-ups

·         Lacks built-in reservoir tank

5. DeLonghi Pinguino PACEL290HLWKC-1A – Higher Convenience for extra comfort

Offers an improved cooling experience in larger spaces for this range of portable air conditioners. The DeLonghi Pinguino PACEL290HLWKC-1A can work in a space measuring up to 700 sq. ft. with optimal performance in smaller spaces. You can switch between 4 modes varying from cooling to heat.

Advanced settings allow you to adjust the area size you want to cover in the cooling process. This is a unique feature that will save you more on energy costs. The settings can be set to normal for maximum air conditioning.

Remote control will create ease for entering and setting the conditioner to the desired levels. The digital display complements the remote controller, enabling you to enter settings directly on the device.

The inbuilt BioSilver filter prevents bacterial growth as it comes into contact with moisture. This is a great addition to the significantly reduced noise levels, which helps in ensuring a conducive indoor space. The smooth running of this conditioner makes it stand-out, apart from the periodic need to empty the water pan. This might prove a disadvantage, as excess moisture build-up might lower its performance.

Pros:

·         Significantly reduced noise levels

·         Mode switch for different temperature control options

·         Bacterial resistance using bio silver filter

·         Energy saving

Cons:

·         Reservoir tank frequently fills-up

6. Honeywell MM14CHCS – For extra security and comfort features

For extra security and comfort features, the Honeywell MM14CHCS air conditioner ranks higher than other devices in the same category. It is equipped with a protective mechanism against thermal overload to ensure the conditioner serves you longer. For comfort, the conditioner runs quietly as you switch between any of the different modes. You can choose between heat, fan, and dehumidifier to serve an area between 550 and 700 sq. ft.

A double filtration system is a great addition and will help extend the conditioner’s length of service and performance. The easy filter-cleaning procedure eliminates the need for time-consuming clean-up processes. The additional window kit enables fixing the hose on vertical and horizontal-styled windows, which makes it convenient for modern room styles.

The evaporation system eliminates the need for emptying out water time and again. The convenience is further enhanced by the use of remote control and digital display functionality. A 24-hour timer enables you to control the temperature in different rooms for a given period of time.

As an energy-saving option, this portable air conditioner will enable you to enter settings for low energy consumption in rooms that are not in use.

Pros:

·         Double filtration system

·         Thermal overload protection

·         Auto-evaporation system

Cons:

·         Need to empty water in high humidity areas

Buying Guide

Size

Choosing the right air conditioner in terms of size should make consideration of your indoor space and the conditioner’s capability. A small-coverage conditioner such as the hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU serves best in 450 sq. ft. of space. In comparison, conditioners designed for larger spaces will give you the best experience on wider floor space. Having an inappropriate size might prove ineffective for cooling and leave behind moisture after automatically switching off. Choosing the appropriate size will ensure you get quality experience at a fair price. Picking the right conditioner will also save you additional maintenance costs and fees in energy bills, repairs, and maintenance. Other factors that will determine the size of the air conditioner you pick include other heat-generating devices in the room, room insulation, and level of indoor humidity.

Ventilation and Exhaust

Getting rid of the exhaust is an important part of the air conditioning process. Traditional indoor designs might lack the ample space required for ventilation. In this case, picking a conditioner that comes with a window kit will create ease when getting rid of the exhaust. Most air conditioner models have window kits as add-ons. Using a slider and adapter, you can ensure there is ventilation for the efficient elimination of exhaust. Whether you choose to install the ventilation through a wall, drop ceiling, or window, it is necessary to ensure that the system works for the benefit of your indoor space.

Single or Dual Hose Model?

Single and Dual Hose models operate differently from each other, resulting in a difference in room air pressure. The single hose model uses a single hose to draw air from the room. The air intake is cooled and released back into the room. The same air intake is also used for cooling the air conditioner as it continues to run. You might expect some negative pressure in your indoor air experience while using the single hose model. In a dual-hose model such as the Whynter ARC-14S, one hose is used for air intake, cools it, and releases it back into the surroundings. The second hose draws in air for use in cooling the conditioner as it continues to run. The performance of a dual hose model might decline in highly humid areas.  

Drainage Condensate

The process of eliminating moisture build-up in the air conditioner varies from one model to another. You can choose a model with a self evaporative mechanism, which does not necessitate the periodic and manual emptying of collected water. Another option is the gravity-fed drainage system. In this case, water is released through a gravity-powered drainage hose. This is a great option for models such as the hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU that lack an inbuilt reservoir tank. Using pumps or buckets are additional alternatives when emptying water from an air conditioner. Considering the drainage will help you choose an air conditioner that meets your time and budget needs.

Efficiency

Energy-efficient air conditioners could save you large sums in energy bills. Checking a conditioner’s score on a rating scale will let you determine its level of energy efficiency in the course of use. The Honeywell MM14CHCS has settings to regulate energy consumption in each room. You can adjust to full usage in one area of your indoor space while reducing energy consumption in a different room. You can expect to have higher energy efficiency with the use of any portable air conditioner with varying degrees from one model to another.

Electrical Outlets Requirements

The electrical outlet is easy to manage for most portable air conditioners. There are no special requirements in electrical outlets for most portable air conditioners. This makes it easily manageable when assembling and setting up the device for use. Complex outlets are usually associated with high-power air conditioning units. These are used for commercial purposes and often beat the purpose of portability.

Noise Level

Using a decibel measurement can help you decide how much noise you can put up with when deciding on a suitable portable air conditioner. Consider the decibel rating for the air conditioner when running at its highest speed. Having extra features such as sleep mode can ensure you get silence when expected. Adjusting the air conditioner position, the type of carpeting in the room, and the fan speed can affect the noise levels from the device. For a portable air conditioner with a decibel rating of 50-60, you can expect to have a quieter indoor experience.

Maintenance

Carrying out regular maintenance procedures will ensure your portable air conditioner gives you quality service for longer. You can set it and leave it to run without regular checks. The effect of this is a reduced lifespan and lower-level experience. Some procedures to carry-out for maintenance purposes include proper installation of parts, completely draining out water before storage, and cleaning of filters. The maintenance process might seem repetitive but will enable you to get longer and efficient service.

Cooling server and Computer rooms

Server and computer rooms usually have a higher level of temperatures compared to other indoor spaces. In this environment, portable air conditioners serve as supplemental cooling devices for the existing air conditioning system. Maintaining cool temperatures in server and computer rooms might require a consideration of the venting spaces and air conditioner hose capabilities. You might choose to direct the exhaust through holed walls or drop ceilings. Whichever the option you choose, ensure the amount of BTUs matches the required cooling needs in your rooms.

Heating options

Using a reversal mechanism, portable air conditioners can release heat into the surroundings instead of cool air. Switching between the different modes in most air conditioners will enable you to have heat dispensed into the air and warm-up your indoor spaces. Portable air conditioners come equipped with either a pump or electric coil for the heating mechanism. You can expect to have higher energy consumptions in the case of electric heating compared to the alternatives using heat pumps. Opting for the electric-powered heat function will prove a benefit in cooler surroundings, where the pump-powered heat function might not perform optimally. In winter, having a portable air conditioner with an efficient and dependable heating function will save you money on additional heating device purchases.

Conclusion

Portable air conditioners are the best choice for indoor spaces lacking a central air conditioning system. The low energy consumption, portability, and ease of installation that comes with the portable air conditioners make them suitable for use in the kitchen, bedroom, office space, and any other indoor space. 


About Author 


Hi, I'm R. Kamau Gakara, a freelance writer with several years' experience in content writing. I work with small business owners and individuals site owners to help market their brands through Search Engine Optimized content. You get in touch for help with your project. 

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