What Kind of Portable Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Many people enjoy the spring and summer months, and if you’re the outdoorsy type, there’s plenty to do. However, sometimes you want to come in from the heat and enjoy your home. So the climate inside should be comfortable and when it’s not, it can cause sleepless nights and irritable days.

Having air conditioning is a must for millions of people in warm and/or humid climates. When the air conditioner unit goes out, you must decide on replacing it or repairing it. You may be set on getting a portable air conditioner, but may need to answer the question: What kind of portable air conditioner do I need?

The window unit is out of the question if you live in an apartment building that doesn’t allow them. Therefore, compact air conditioners solve your cooling needs. They can freeze a room just as well as a window unit.

The Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioner

Having too many units to choose from could confuse a buyer, especially if the price is right. However, there are a lot of features to look for. You should consider the size of the unit and the room. Think about the model or brand name, whether it’s energy efficient, the noise level, ventilation, etc. Does it come with a warranty and if not, how much is it to buy?

Cut energy cost with a portable air conditioner. Turn it off whenever you leave the house or room for long periods. One feature opposites love is it supplements the central cooling unit when two people like different temperatures in the home.

 How to Tell Which is the Best Portable Unit?

Although most portable models come with a dehumidifier, all air conditioners remove humidity from the air and home. That’s why you have that drip from the window units. Portable units store moisture from the air and you must dispose of the moisture. Maybe you’ll have to dump a pan of water from time to time, pump the water out, or connect a hose so it drains outside when using a portable air conditioner. That’s something to think about when choosing a model.

• A portable air conditioning unit with 8,000 BTU is capable of cooling 150-200 sq. ft. You can purchase a Black and Decker mobile unit for around $265. It’s ideal for small spaces like a camper, dorm room, or office. Need a bigger one?
• Whynter is another name to know if you’re looking for a larger unit. It’s about 14,000 BTU and has three modes of operation: dehumidifier, fan, and air conditioner. It blows cold air faster than most portable air units. The Whynter unit has won the Good Housekeeping’s Award and Consumer Reports 2020 Highest Score Award.
• Midea does it again with only 10,000 BTU. It cools spaces up to 200 sq. ft. while providing a humidifier and fan function. Use it in your home or office, or take it on vacation and use it in the camper on the ride and when you park. It comes with a window kit for the exhaust hose, so there’s nothing else to buy. You don’t need any other tools to complete assembly.

Remember, the larger the unit, the more they’ll cost. You can spend up to $900 on a brand name mobile unit. Just because it has a famous name doesn’t mean it’s better than a not-so-popular brand. If you choose a smaller model, again, their prices are lower. You can expect to pay between $300-$500 on a decent unit. Typically, you get what you pay for.