10 Best Portable Air Conditioners To Keep You Cool In 2022
10 Best Portable Air Conditioners To Keep You Cool In 2022
Picture this: You’re dealing with a bout of hot weather. As in, you can't even sit on the couch without your thighs sticking to it because of all the sweat pooling under your legs. You need air conditioning ASAP, but don't have the time or space to install a window unit. That's where your new BFF comes in: a portable air conditioner. With portable air conditioners, the instructions are simple. Just plug in the cord and boom! You've got super cool, icy air filling your home in minutes.
If you're ready to leave Perspiration Station, it's time to snag a portable air conditioner of your own. Luckily, the editors at Women’s Health have done the hard work for you by finding the 10 best portable air conditioners of 2021, according to online reviews:
- Fast-Acting Portable Air Conditioner: Black+Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Remote-Controlled Portable Air Conditioner: LG LP1419IVSM Smart Wi-Fi Portable Air Conditioner
- Most Aesthetically Pleasing Portable Air Conditioner: Frigidaire Cool Connect Smart Cylinder
- Quietest Portable Air Conditioner: Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Portable Air Conditioner For Double Duty: SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner With Built-In Dehumidifier
- Best Portable Air Conditioner For Bigger Spaces: Honeywell HF0CESWK6 Portable Air Conditioner
- Most Eco-Friendly Portable Air Conditioner: Insignia NS-AC07PWH Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Portable Air Conditioner For Your Desk: KUUOTE Mini Evaporative Cooler
- Best Portable Air Conditioner For Small Rooms: Arctic Air Pure Chill
- Most Colorful Portable Air Conditioner: Mini Space Evaporative Cooler
But, before you decide which portable air conditioner is best for you, you should first know the dos and don'ts of using a portable air conditioner in your home. Ahead, an HVAC expert answers all your burning questions about purchasing a portable air conditioner (and a few q's you probably didn't even think of).
Are portable air conditioners as good as window units?
It depends on the space you’re trying to cool. "Portable and window air conditioners are best at different areas," explains Craig Anderson, HVAC expert at Appliance Analysts, a site that provides detailed guides and reviews on all things home tech. "Generally, a window air conditioner is quieter, more efficient, and can cover a larger area than a portable air conditioner. However, portable models have a big advantage in how mobile they are," Anderson adds. For example, someone living in an apartment can move a portable AC between rooms. (Plus, it’s cheaper!)
Do portable ACs have to be vented out a window?
TL;DR: Yes. Portable ACs need to be vented out a window just like a normal air conditioner system. "Any air conditioner exhausts just as much heat as it does cool air," Anderson says, which means that, yep, even portable ACs need to be vented. "Note that you should make sure your window is compatible with the air conditioner's vent setup, he adds. "There are also other DIY options if you don’t have a window available, like venting out of a slider door, or into a different room." Noted!
How can I find the right portable AC unit for me?
There are *so* many portable air conditioners out there, so it can definitely be tough to decide which is right for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you shop, says Anderson.
- Estimate your required capacity. The larger the area you need to cool, the more power—which is measured by the metric of British thermal units (BTUs)—you’ll need. If your room is often in direct sunlight, is busy with roommates and/or pets, has high ceilings, or is poorly ventilated, you’ll definitely need more power.
- Make sure the exhaust vent will fit into your window. Most windows are fine, but casement or extra wide windows may require special installation kits.
- Consider functionality. Modern units will offer features like programmable schedules, mobile apps, thermostats, and energy-saving options. (All for a higher price, though, which can be worth it!) It just depends on how much you want your portable AC to do for you, exactly.
Ready to shop? These are the reviewer-approved best portable air conditioners for your home:
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
If you're looking to buy a new air conditioner but don't want a window unit, check out these 10 best portable air conditioners, according to online reviews.
