If you’re reading this, we’re in the midst of another heat wave. Here are the best air conditioners for your home in 2022, as recommended by experts. As the second heatwave of 2022 arrives, we can expect more sweaty days and sleepless nights, in addition to hosepipe bans.
The best portable air conditioners can be an efficient way to keep your home cool while also maintaining your sanity. (For more information on sleeping in the heat, check out our guide to the best mattresses, pillows, and duvets.) And if you insist on working out in the heat, we also advise you.)
An air conditioner actively lowers the temperature of a room by running air through a refrigerating unit and fanning it back out, expelling the heat through a window. In contrast, even the best fan simply moves air around. While they are not cheap, a portable air conditioner (PAC) is a worthwhile investment for those who fear a heatwave. If you think this is a reasonable price for summertime comfort, keep reading for the best portable air conditioners in 2022.
How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work
Portable air conditioners draw in hot, stale, and humid air and blow it over a cold metal coil. Inside the coil is refrigerant gas that is significantly cooler than the air in the room. The air’s temperature decreases as it passes over the cold coil. This cold air enters and mixes with the room’s hot air, bringing the temperature down. In the meantime, the appliance draws in moisture vapor from the air in the room. There, it meets the surface of the cold coil. The air’s vapor condenses on the coil, drips off, and collects in a pan for simple disposal.
The refrigerant gas is sucked back into a compressor, which undergoes a phase change, transforming from a gas to a liquid. All its heat energy is currently concentrated in a small area. A fan blows over this hot coil, releasing the heat energy into the environment.
The air-condensed water, also known as condensate, can be disposed of in various ways. You can remove the pan and discard its contents. Or, the air conditioner may fling the moisture against the hot coil, where it is converted back into vapor and expel through the exhaust.
In the unlikely event that the portable air conditioner is located near a floor drain, the condensate can be drained into the drain via a tube. In other instances, the tube leading from the air conditioner’s drain pan can lead to a condensate pump that pumps the liquid water to the exterior of the building or another drain within the structure.
There are portable air conditioners with one hose and others with two. One-hose appliances draw in cooled room air and use it to cool the condenser coil, which is extremely hot. They exhaust the heated air outdoors. Two-hose models are marginally more complicated and may cost more than single-hose models. The first hose draws in outdoor air and uses it to cool the condenser coil before releasing the heated air through the second hose. Some of these dual-hose appliances are designed so that only a single hose is visible.
Whether a single-hose appliance is superior to a dual-hose model or vice versa is reasonable. There is no simple response to this. Since single-hose models exhaust indoor air to cool the condenser, they cause a slight pressure to drop inside the home. This negative pressure compels the living space to draw in more air from the exterior to maintain pressure equilibrium.
Manufacturers created the dual-hose design, which uses warm outdoor air to reduce the condenser’s temperature and solve the pressure drop problem. The appliance does not expel indoor air; consequently, the air pressure within the residence remains more constant. This is not an ideal solution; however, you are attempting to cool as you now have two large, warm hoses in the space.
How We Test
We place each portable air conditioner in the same room with tall windows that receive substantial sunlight. Then, we set the temperature on each air conditioner to 68 degrees and the fan speed to its maximum, aiming the unit at an 8-foot-away target. Then, using an infrared thermometer and thermocouples, we measure the temperature at four locations on the target. We also check the temperature of the appliance’s outlet (it should be consistent and hotter than what the air conditioner puts into the room). The devices are operated on a hard surface that amplifies noises.
To determine the cooling value of these appliances, we divide their cooling BTUs by their price. A significant number indicates that you receive more cooling BTUs for your dollar. We evaluated the LG LP1419IVSM and the Black & Decker BPACT14H, as well as several others that we believe are worth investigating due to their attractive features or because they received high marks from our colleague publication Good Housekeeping and its team of engineers.
10 Best Portable Air Conditioners Reviews
We’ve compiled a list of the best portable air conditioners currently available, followed by a buyer’s guide to help you determine precisely what you’re looking for in a portable air conditioner or fan. Keep scrolling to discover our top-recommended summer cooling products that are certain to meet your needs!
1. Best Overall: Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL HE Inverter Ultra Quiet Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 12,000 BTU
- Ultra-Quiet Operation
- 26 Feet Further Airflow Distance
- Flexible Airflow Direction
- Simple & Space Saving Installation
- Works with Alexa/Google Assistant
- Includes Remote Control & Window Kit
- Easy to install and move
- Very fast cooling
- Quiet
- Phone, remote, and voice control
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Pricey
- Doesn't support energy reporting, HomeKit, or IFTTT
- Massive exhaust tube
2. LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 10,000 BTU (U.S. DOE)/ 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE)
- Estimated Cooling Area 500 Sq. Ft
- Efficient, Energy Saving Inverter Technology
- Optimal Low Noise Performance
- Dual Inverter Technology
- 4 Different Cooling Fan Speeds
- Portable
- 79.99 lb. Weight Could Make It Hard For Some People To Move It
- Fairly Expensive At Nearly $1,000
3. Best Quieter: Frigidaire GHPC132AB1 Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 13000 BTU
- Wi-Fi Connected with The Frigidaire App
- Clean Air Ionizer
- Quick Glance Light
- Dehumidifying Dry Mode
- Easy-to-Clean Washable Filter
- Works with Amazon Alexa & The Google Assistant
- Portable Design
- Remote Control
- You can have AC almost anywhere.
- It cools quickly
- It’s not noisy
- The design is nice
- There’s an Eco-Mode
- It’s equipped with an electronic air purifier
- It’s not quite as “portable” as you might think.
- It is somewhat tricky to set up
- Not inexpensive
4. Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 24-hour timer prevents waste and saves money
- Sleep Mode auto-controls the air temperature at night
- R32 refrigerant is safe for the environment
- 14,000 BTU (7,700 BTU DOE) provides strong cooling power
- 3 fan levels: low, medium and high. Also features an auto-fan setting when in the cooling mode which adjusts the fan speed as is appropriate.
- Keeps air both dry and cool
- Reduces humidity in your room
- Doesn’t take up too much floor space (16.5″ x 11.7″)
- Quickly cools up to 700 sq. ft.
- Weight is 62.4 lbs. (Amazon has the incorrect weight listed in specs)
- Fits unobtrusively into bedrooms, dorms, RVs, and dorms
- 1450 watts
- 10.8 amps
- Sleep mode tones down the noise so you can sleep peacefully
- Cools down up to 350 square feet
- Some customers still complained about the noise level
5. Best Design: GE 9,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- GE 9,000 BTU PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER is designed to efficiently cool small rooms up to 250 sq ft; easy window installation kit with no cutting required included so you can start cooling right away; 6,250 BTU SACC
- 3-IN-1 PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER- Built-in air conditioning, two fan speeds, and dehumidifying capabilities provide flexible and optimal home comfort; ideal for bedroom, guest room, office or studio apartment
- AUTO EVAPORATION TECHNOLOGY- Under most room conditions, the AC will evaporate any water the unit collects while cooling, so theres no need to drain or collect excess water
- DIGITAL CONTROLS WITH REMOTE- LED controls with included remote make it easy to clearly see and manage your settings from anywhere in your room; use remote to conveniently adjust louver direction
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES- Easy-roll casters, continuous fan mode, removeable and washable filter, 24-hour on/off timer, auto louver, and auto restart provide ease of use and maintenance
- Window kit included
- Simple LED display
- Moderately priced
- Installation tricky for some
- Occasional noise
6. Budget Pick: SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 8000 BTU COOLING POWER
- Digital Remote Control Air Conditioner
- Low Noise Level Motor Rolling Wheels
- Moisture Removal / Dehumidifier
- Freestanding Room Air Conditioner
- Compact design
- Easy to use
- Cooling, dehumidifier, and fan modes
- Comes in higher BTU versions
- Only cools rooms up to 225 square feet
7. Best Dual Hose: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 14,000 BTU
- CFC free GREEN R-410A refrigerant
- Cool up to 500 sq. ft. space
- Digital and remote control
- Three operational modes
- Improve air quality
- Multi-functional & Energy Saving
- Powerful cooling abilities
- Eco-friendly refrigerant
- Activated carbon filter
- Auto-drain technology
- Large size
- Heavy
8. Best Evaporative Cooler: Honeywell Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler
Key Features
- 288.00 watts
- Breeze You Can Feel
- Ice Compartment for Refreshingly Cool Air
- Combats Irritating Dryness
- Weather-Resistant for the Outdoors
- Detachable Water Tank for Easier Operation
- Convenient Remote Control
- Set It & Forget It Timer
- No ventilation required
- Three humidity settings
- Indoor/outdoor design
- Programmable for up to seven hours
- Works best in dry climates
- Not a true air conditioner
9. DeLonghi PACEM360 WH Penguino Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- Powerful, Versatile Cooling
- POWERFUL COOLING FOR 400-SQ FT. ROOMS. Indulge in the simple luxury of cool air and less humidity with 3-in-1 settings. A handy remote and intuitive controls let you find your custom comfort level for every day and night.
- ENERGY-SAVING AND EFFICIENCY-BOOSTING. With Less Wasted Energy, this energy-efficient model is up to 17% more effective than previous models, helping you drive down energy usage over time.
- A QUIETER COOL. Choose the low setting for quiet operation and peaceful cooling.
- DUST FILTER. The washable net filter screens impurities such as dust and hair; preventing them from recirculating into the unit then releasing into the air. Plus, it cleans easily by simply running under the faucet (recommend twice a month).
- Supports continuous draining
- Comes with a remote
- Needs to be drained
- Not particularly energy efficient
10. Shinco 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features
- 2 Fan Speeds
- 3-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY
- LED Display and Simple Selections Panel
- Self-evaporative system
- Quick installation
- Durable castors wheels
- Special Accessories for DIY
- Large dehumidifying capacity of up to 19 liters per day
- Low noise output
- Easy to use and assemble
- Has to be placed near a window to work
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
You can expect dissatisfaction if you purchase a portable air conditioner that is not designed to do the job you need it to do. You must find a product that will fit in your available space, is affordable, and fulfills your primary needs.
To find a portable air conditioner that meets all your requirements, you must consider all of these factors during your search.
Cost
The price of portable air conditioning units for residential use can range from $150 to $800 and exceed $10,000 for commercial use. The price difference can be attributed to various factors, the most important of which is the air conditioner’s cooling capacity. If you want a portable air conditioner that can cool a large living room, you can expect to pay more than if you want one designed for a small bedroom.
Numerous portable air conditioners also function as heaters or dehumidifiers; these additional functions and extra features, such as remote controls and programmable timers, drive up the price. Like most products, they purchase portable air conditioners from a brand known for producing durable, high-quality units that may cost more initially but will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to purchase a replacement for many years.
Air Conditioner Filter
As you likely already know, air conditioners consume a great deal of energy, so the sticker price is only a tiny portion of the total cost of a portable air conditioner. Energy Star says cooling costs account for approximately 13% of the average household’s energy bill. Be sure to consider energy efficiency when determining the most economical options.
Lastly, don’t forget other recurring expenses, such as replacing air filters. Determine the cost of a replacement filter and the frequency of its replacement. If the filter must be replaced frequently, the associated expenses will add up quickly.
Size
Some individuals purchase portable air conditioners to install them in a single room. Others place a premium on portability, desiring to be able to move their air conditioner from room to room or place to place. If you fall into the latter category, you must choose a portable air conditioner. Consider both the size and weight of the air conditioner. Does it fit in your vehicle? Can you pick up the item on your own? Does it include wheels to facilitate portability?
Even if you intend to permanently keep it in a single location, you must ensure that it will fit in that location. Make sure the product specifications match the available space by measuring the area. Consider whether you’re willing to rearrange the space to make it work in the chosen location.
Room Size
For many buyers, the size of the space to be cooled is more important than the size of the air conditioner. Most portable air conditioners cannot cool an entire house or apartment; they are better suited for cooling individual rooms, such as the bedroom or living room. Then, it would be best to consider how large a room they can cool.
Manufacturers use BTUs to measure the cooling capacity of their air conditioners. The greater the number of BTUs, the larger the space an air conditioner can cool. We’ve created the following chart based on different room sizes to understand better how many BTUs you’ll need.
Keep in mind that walls and doors can hinder the movement of cool air. You will likely be disappointed if you have a 1,000-square-foot apartment with multiple rooms and expect one 18,000 BTU portable air conditioner to cool the entire space. In this case, you would be better off purchasing a weaker air conditioner for each room or moving your portable air conditioner to the room you are currently using.
Additionally, it would help if you accounted for fluctuations in each room’s ambient temperature. For instance, the ambient temperature will rise if your bedroom is exposed to sunlight for most of the day. The same is frequently the case with other heat-generating appliances, such as an oven or range. If you intend to cool a space that fits these conditions, it would be prudent to consider this and increase the BTUs.
Energy Use
Your energy consumption may increase depending on how you use the air conditioner. (Unless you’re using it to decrease your central air usage). Fortunately, Energy Star provides a directory of rated portable air conditioners that enables comparisons of the energy efficiency of individual models.
Prioritize finding an air conditioner with a programmable thermostat that shuts off automatically when the room reaches the desired temperature if saving money on energy costs is essential to you. And ensure that your unit is clean and well-maintained, as an air conditioner that must work harder due to improper maintenance will consume more energy.
Ventilation
Because portable air conditioners release hot air, you must place yours near a window. Most portable air conditioners include a window venting kit and clear instructions on installing the unit so that it vents correctly. Most of them are relatively simple to assemble, making them portable from room to room.
Check the maximum width of the window kit if you intend to place the air conditioner in a location far from the window. Some models come with kits that allow you to set the air conditioner away from the window, while others must be placed close to the window. Depending on the model you purchase, you may be able to buy an extension hose or vent kit that enables you to relocate the unit to a more convenient location.
Dual versus Single Hose
You can choose between two standard hose configurations for the ventilation of your portable air conditioner. These include single- and dual-hose air conditioning units.
Air conditioning units with a single hose use the same hose for air intake and exhaust. Although it will still cool the space, it will have to work harder and be less efficient than a dual-hose air conditioner.
Dual-Hose Air Conditioning Units: This configuration has one intake hose and one exhaust hose. Because it has two separate hoses, this portable air conditioner is more energy-efficient and will cool your room approximately 40% faster than single-hose models.
Both designs will cool the space in which they are used. However, we recommend using a portable air conditioner with dual hoses because they are more energy efficient, can cool your space more quickly, and have stable air pressure. This is particularly important when attempting to cool larger rooms.
Noise
Air conditioning units are audible. Whether you purchase a window, ductless, or portable air conditioner, you will experience a small amount of noise. This noise will be minimal and described as “background noise” that you will probably not even notice. However, it remains an important consideration when purchasing a portable air conditioner.
If it’s essential to find an air conditioner that doesn’t add too much noise to your home when running, you can find models designed to be quieter than average. If manufacturers have made an effort to make an air conditioner quieter, you can bet that they will mention it in their promotional materials. But ultimately, one of the best ways to determine the noise level of an air conditioner is to read customer reviews. If you hear complaints about how loud the air conditioning is, you know it’s not for you.
Installation
In general, portable air conditioners should be easy to install; otherwise, they would not be able to claim the “portable” moniker. Connecting the window kit for ventilation will be your primary concern.
Your portable AC unit should come with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to do this, and anyone with essential do-it-yourself experience around the house should expect the process to be quick and straightforward. If you lack DIY expertise, you may want to enlist a friend’s assistance, but customer reviews can give you an idea of how challenging the installation will likely be.
Suppose you intend to take advantage of this air conditioner’s portability and frequently move it from one room to another. In that case, it may be prudent to purchase an additional vent kit and install it in the second room. This will simplify the process, as you only need to set up the hose(s) rather than ensure that the vent is installed correctly in the window.
Ease of Use
Portable air conditioners will be relatively easy to operate, but there are a few factors to consider that will affect the amount of effort required. Initially, you have the controls. Are they sensible? Can you determine precisely how to configure the air conditioner to perform the desired function? Next are ongoing maintenance concerns, such as keeping the unit clean and the exhaust hoses free of debris. Most include a filter that must be replaced, one more thing to remember and stay on top of so you don’t compromise your home’s air quality.
None of these factors will add significant work to your life, but they are essential when shopping for the best air conditioning unit for your home. Consider how much you’re willing to deal with and whether selecting a model is worthwhile based on the frequency of required maintenance.
Aesthetic
Your portable air conditioner will take up space in the rooms where you spend the most time. If you care about the style and aesthetics of your living space, you will want an air conditioner that successfully combines function and form.
Portable air conditioners are available in a variety of aesthetic designs. You should be able to find something that matches your aesthetic preferences with a little bit of searching, even if most of them come in a basic range of colors (think black, white, and grey).
FAQs
Depending on the relative humidity of your space, you may have to empty your portable air conditioner every eight hours. However, you will not typically have to drain your portable air conditioner this frequently.
It may seem counterintuitive to keep your portable AC unit away from sunny and warm rooms, but the sun’s heat can overwork your unit. An overworked unit will have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, while you can certainly position the unit in a warm room, you should avoid placing the unit itself in direct sunlight.
If you remove the vent hose, the air conditioner will cycle the room’s air between cool and dry and hot and humid. Since most air conditioning units consume about 1,000 watts of electricity, this would heat the room rather than cool it.
These air conditioning units are like self-contained heat pumps in that they collect heat from a room and release it through an exhaust vent. However, portable air conditioners do not need to vent out a window if you can find another way to expel the heat.
What is the electrical consumption of a portable air conditioner? Medium-sized portable air conditioners consume 2900 watts per hour on average. Large units can exceed the energy consumption of even central air conditioners, consuming approximately 4100 watts per hour of electricity.
The health benefits of air conditioning are amplified when air conditioning is combined with air filtration. Effective air filtration can eliminate VOCs, cigarette smoke, certain viruses, and allergens such as pet dander and dust mite allergen.
There is no need to refill a standard portable AC. The reservoir must be filled with ice and water if you have an evaporative portable room air conditioner, also known as a swamp cooler.
Conclusion
Dealing with high summer temperatures can be difficult, especially if your budget or home’s layout prevents you from doing so. Adding one or more traditional wall-mounted air conditioning units to your home can be costly. Still, until that opportunity arises, you can settle for this great alternative at a fraction of the price.
Portable air conditioners are intelligent and energy-saving solutions that provide greater flexibility in cooling your favorite space while reducing your energy bill. After comparing and reviewing our top-rated products, the Lasko Wind Curve Portable Fan comes out on top. This tower fan is one of the most cost-effective cooling options on our list, and it comes from one of the most reputable brands in air conditioning. It will provide you with everything you need to maintain your ideal body temperature during warmer days and nights.
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