Portable Air Conditioning for a Room: The Benefits
Portable A/C units for homes cool individual rooms. They take in room air, cool it and send the air back into the room, venting warm air outside through an exhaust hose in a window. Controls on the units allow you to adjust settings such as fan speed and temperature.
Small Room Air Conditioners: Alternative or Extra Cooling
These small room air conditioners give you a simple alternative to window air conditioners and central air conditioners. They’re relatively easy to install and can be a good option for rooms with no existing cooling system or rooms you don't need to cool all the time. A portable A/C unit for a home can also supplement larger systems and help cool apartments or rentals where you're unable to install a permanent unit.
Room A/C Units: Portable Cooling Where and When You Need It
Easy setup and the portability of a compact design and wheels allow you to move this type of small room air conditioner from one room to another and reinstall it with minimal effort.
Portable A/C Units for Homes: Compatibility
Room A/C units portable enough to move from room to room must be compatible with your windows. Units fit different window sizes and those designed for single or double hung and sliding windows won't work with casement windows, which open by swinging outward.
Choosing the Best Portable Room Air Conditioner
While in general the best portable air conditioner is one that cools quickly and is easily portable, there are other things to consider when looking for the best portable air conditioner unit for your home or a specific room. The best choice depends on your needs.
Portable Air Conditioning for Room Sizes
Whether you want to cool your kitchen, home office, guest bedroom or any other room in the house, choosing the best portable A/C for the size of the room is beneficial. The right A/C cools a room efficiently. An undersized unit won’t cool adequately, while one that’s too large won’t remove enough humidity and will leave the air feeling damp. To find the proper A/C for your space, determine the square footage of the room you want to cool by multiplying the room’s length by its width. You also need to know the British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating of the A/C, which indicates the amount of heat it can remove from a room. A higher number means more cooling power for a large room. Compare your room size to the BTU rating:
- The best portable room air conditioners for 250- to 299-square-foot rooms have BTU ratings from 4,000 to 6,500.
- The best portable room air conditioners for 300- to 500-square-foot rooms have BTU ratings from 5,000 to 8,000.
- The best portable room air conditioners for 501- to 700-square-foot rooms have BTU ratings from 8,000 to 12,000.
Portable Small Room Air Conditioners and Efficiency
The best portable room air conditioners have high energy efficiency ratios. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) indicates the efficiency of an A/C unit. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the A/C.
Room A/C Units: Portable Air Conditioner Features
The best portable air conditioner has features that make the device more versatile and convenient. You can find air conditioners with multiple functions in addition to cooling. A dehumidifier mode removes moisture from the air without cooling. A fan function simply circulates air in the room. Some portable air conditioners have a heating capability, allowing you to keep the temperature comfortable year-round. Make sure you configure the unit for each mode. For example, cooling mode requires warm air exhaust, while the dehumidifier function requires access to a drain to remove the moisture the unit collects. If your portable air conditioner has a heater function, the heating unit will have a separate BTU rating, meaning the room size it fits may be different.
There are other features available:
- As an air conditioner cools the air in a room, it also removes moisture. Water collects in the unit. Self-evaporating air conditioners reduce the need to drain this water.
- A programmable timer can be set to turn the unit on and off at specific times so you reduce energy consumption by operating the air conditioner only when needed.
- A remote control adds convenience. You can adjust settings, and turn the air conditioner on and off from across the room.
- A lamp-off feature can turn off the panel display lights so they don't make the room uncomfortably bright at night.
Portable Air Conditioner Setup and Maintenance
Select a location near a window and an available power outlet. Note that the manufacturer may specify that you plug the device directly into the outlet with no extension cord. Setup is relatively quick and easy and should require just a screwdriver to complete. Install the unit's adjustable window panel and connect the exhaust hose. Allow the unit to stand upright for at least an hour, and it will be ready to operate.
Portable air conditioners require simple maintenance. Disconnect the unit from power before you begin.
- Drain the water from the unit as needed. Depending on conditions, even self-evaporating units may need draining.
- Clean the air filter every two weeks or as directed by the manufacturer.
- Regularly wipe the air conditioner down with a damp cloth to remove dust. Wipe up excess moisture with a dry cloth.
Portable or Window Air Conditioner: Which Is Best for You?
Portable air conditioners and window air conditioners are two options that offer a cooling alternative to a central air conditioner or a ductless mini-split air conditioner. Use this information as a guide to help you choose the one that’s best for you.
Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioner Over a Window Unit
- Portable air conditioners offer relatively quick and easy installation.
- You can move a portable air conditioner from one room to another to cool different areas.
- Portable air conditioners might be more acceptable under homeowners association (HOA) or rental company rules.
Benefits of a Window Air Conditioner Over a Portable Unit
- Window air conditioners don’t take up floor space.
- Window air conditioners have a more built-in look in your home interior.
- Window air conditioners direct most of the noise they create outside.
Pricing and efficiency vary widely among both portable and window air conditioners, so always look at units with similar cooling power when comparing one type to another.
Portable Air Coolers
Unlike an air conditioner, which uses a chemical coolant to cool the internal air, an air cooler, also known as evaporative cooler, uses a fan and water pump to cool down the existing air. Air coolers add humidity to the air instead of removing it. One of the best places to put an air cooler is in front of an open window so that it pulls in the hot, humid air and blows out cool air. For better ventilation and to allow for a steady flow of fresh, dry air, it’s best to keep additional windows open to prevent the inside air from becoming too clammy and uncomfortable. The best air coolers for use depends on the room size. Be sure to look for “cooling area,” “area covered” or similar wording in the model’s description or specifications.
Get More Help Finding the Best Portable Room Air Conditioner
You can easily compare models with different capabilities, features and price ranges when you shop portable air conditioners on Lowes.com. You can also shop for portable air conditioners at your local Lowe’s, where an associate can discuss your cooling needs with you and help you find the perfect solution to keep you comfortable.