Choosing the Best Portable AC

If you want to stay cool without having to break through your home’s walls or install a window AC unit, portable air conditioners are an affordable, convenient alternative. They’re available in a variety of sizes and can be easily moved from room to room with the help of an exhaust hose that vents out a window. Plus, many models feature caster wheels for maneuverability and multiple modes of operation including a fan and dehumidifier.

Portable ACs work by using a refrigerant that converts from a liquid to a gas and back again when heated, thus cooling the room. They have a cooling capacity that can range from small to large, and they typically include a remote control. Some even come with a built-in heater so you can use them year round. They’re also a good option for people who live in rented properties https://www.outlookindia.com/business-spotlight/chillwell-portable-ac-reviews-don-t-buy-chillwell-ac-until-you-read-this-news-270584 and can’t modify their homes, such as by installing ductwork or tearing out old windows.

One big downside to portable air conditioners is that they can’t be vented directly through the wall like a traditional central or ductless system, meaning you’ll need to vent them out of a window. The most common way to do this is by using an included window kit that sits in a vertical or horizontal sliding window and attaches the exhaust hose. Some models are fully self-evaporative and don’t require a drain hose, while others are compatible with a gravity or condensation pump for more efficient water removal.

Choosing the Best Portable AC

While any portable air conditioner can provide effective cooling, not all are created equal. For example, some units are more energy-efficient than others because they’re rated to emit a lower amount of heat into the room. Other factors, such as how well a portable air conditioner is vented, also affect its energy consumption and overall efficiency.

The Serene Life SLPAC10 is a good example of a highly efficient portable AC that doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but still delivers impressive results. In our tests, it lowered the temperature of a 76-degree room to 73 degrees in just 90 minutes and maintained that temperature for an hour.

We recommend avoiding any portable air conditioner that has a BTU rating of more than 10,000 because these tend to generate more heat than they can effectively cool. In an attempt to combat this, some manufacturers have changed their BTU ratings from the ASHRAE standard (which evaluates a unit’s cooling capacity under different conditions) to the DOE standard that takes into account a portable air conditioner’s actual output under real-world conditions.

If you plan on purchasing a portable air conditioner, we suggest reading its manual carefully to learn how to properly set it up in your room. For instance, if you extend the exhaust hose beyond its recommended length, it may void your warranty or cause the air conditioner to work inefficiently. In addition, don’t forget to regularly clean the filter and dust out the vents.