Portable AC Buying Guide: Benefits, Installation, Maintenance & Expert Picks
Portable air conditioners are an excellent choices for homes with limited space or households running on a budget. They are a choice of convenience as they can be moved around the house to provide cooling in the desired areas. It offers flexibility, efficiency, and powerful cooling without the need for complex installations.
This video is sourced from YouTube@GARVEE
But with so many options which one do you choose? This article will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a portable AC. Let us have quick look at the advantages of portable AC units.
Table of contents:
- Why Buy Portable ACs? Is It Worth It?
- Portable AC Buying Guide – What Factors Should Buyers Consider?
- Expert-recommended Portable ACs for Efficient Cooling
- Installation Guide: How to Set Up Your Portable Air Conditioner?
- Cleaning and Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Portable AC Running Efficiently
Why Buy Portable ACs? Is It Worth It?
Unlike traditional window AC units or mini split AC systems, portable ACs offer mobility, easy installation, and cost-effective cooling — making them a popular choice for many homeowners and renters. Let us explore some key reasons why portable ACs worth it:
● Portability and flexibility
The main advantage of a portable AC is its mobility. Unlike window AC, which is fixed in a specific spot, a portable AC unit can be easily moved from room to room as needed. This makes it the best choice for apartments, rented homes, or multi-story houses where different rooms need cooling at different times.
● Easy installation
While split ACs or central ACs require professional installation, most portable air conditioners are plug-and-play appliances. Featuring a simple setup you can start cooling your space in minutes. If you don’t want to deal with permanent installations or structural modifications then portable ACs should be your number one choice for a cooling solution.
● Cost-effective cooling
Central AC systems and mini split AC units are expensive cooling solutions. Portable ACs are more affordable than these options. They allow you to cool only desired areas instead of running an entire AC system for the whole house, at affordable electricity costs. This energy-efficient approach is also a great deal for people who work from home or only need cooling in certain rooms.
● Dual functionality
Portable AC models accompany additional features like dehumidification, fan modes, and heating functions. This mean that especially in humid climates where devices can be used all year-round. You can switch it on to remove excess moisture from the air in humid climates to improve comfort and prevent mold growth.
● Ideal for small spaces
Portable ACs usually need only 1- 2 feet to fit in a room. Therefore it is ideal if you have limited space or live in a building where window ACs aren’t allowed (such as certain apartments or condos), a portable AC is the best oolong solution. Since they don’t require permanent installation, they provide cooling without breaking the building rules.
Portable AC Buying Guide – What Factors Should Buyers Consider?
Those hot summer days you must ensure efficient cooling. Which means you will have to choose a portable air conditioner that is a cooling expert while having the energy efficiency that wouldn’t let your electricity bills soar. There are also other factors to consider when buying a portable AC including BTU ratings, room size, features, hose types, and brand recommendations.
Let us have a look at the factors you must consider before buying a portable AC.
BTU Ratings & Room Size: Choosing the Right Cooling Capacity
BTU or British Thermal Unit rating measures how much heat an AC can remove in an hour i.e., the cooling capacity of the machine. The more the BTU rating, the cooler your room will get. This is also true for those portable ACs that has humidifiers that can keep you warm during winter months.
Opting for an AC with the right BTU rating is important to ensure that it effectively cools the room without overworking. If your space has high ceilings, lots of sunlight, or multiple heat-generating devices, it would be ideal to opt for an AC with a higher BTU rating for efficient cooling.
To choose the right portable AC for your space, you should match a unit's BTU rating with your room's size. The table below provides a general guide to the appropriate cooling capacity based on room dimensions:
|
BTU Rating |
Recommended Room Size |
|
8,000 BTU
|
Up to 200 sq. ft. (Small rooms) |
|
10,000 BTU |
200 – 300 sq. ft. (Bedrooms, nursery)
|
|
12,000 BTU |
300 – 500 sq. ft. (Living rooms, medium-sized spaces like libraries)
|
|
14,000+ BTU |
500 + sq. ft. (Living room and other large rooms, open spaces)
|
Single-hose vs. Dual-hose Portable ACs
You probably already know that portable ACs use a hose connected to its rear which is led out through a window, a door, or any another opening. This hose is used to vent out hot air preventing the unit from simply circulating warm air back into the room.
There are two types of venting setups in portable air conditioners: single-hose and dual-hose configurations.
● Single-hose venting system
As the name suggests, single-hose venting system have a single hose which is responsible for pulling in air from the room to cool the compressor and pushing the hot air outside. This sometimes leads to some of the hot air to be pulled back into the space, which can reduce the overall cooling efficiency. Single-hose models are generally more affordable and is a good choice for smaller rooms.
● Dual-hose venting system
A dual-hose system uses two hoses: one hose expels warm air outside and other pulls in the air from outside. This design helps to maintain positive air pressure inside the room making the unit more efficient at cooling. This is a sealed system where outside air and inside air don't mix, but is only blown over coils containing refrigerant (a chemical substance inside the AC that helps cooling the air).
Unlike single hose AC, it prevents warm air from being recirculated and allows for quicker cooling. This setup is typically found in larger, more powerful portable ACs, as it’s designed to maintain a more stable and energy-efficient environment. If energy efficiency and cooling speed are your top priorities, go for a dual-hose model.
Energy Efficiency & EER Rating
Energy efficiency is key to lowering electricity costs. Like the cooling efficiency is determined by BTU ratings, energy efficiency of a portable air conditioner is determined by EER or the Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit. Aim for 10 EER or higher.
Always remember to get energy star certified models. Energy star system scales the energy efficiency of your AC on a 5 star rating system. Always opt for 4 star or 5 star ACs as these consume less electricity and are environmentally friendly.
Some Features Worth Considering
Modern portable ACs come with a variety of convenient features. Here are some of the recommended must-have features:
● Smart controls and Wi-Fi connectivity – Look for a Wi-Fi enabled portable AC that you can control with your smartphone. Modern day portable ACs can be controlled suing smartphone apps and even comes with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
● Dehumidification mode – This mode is blessing in humid climates where you sticky with your sweat. It removes excess moisture while cooling the air bringing a relaxing atmosphere during intense humid periods.
● Fan-only mode – With fan only mode, a portable air conditioner can double as a table fan. These can be used mild to moderately warm climates where the temperature isn’t extremely hot or humid.
● Self-evaporating system - Portable air conditioner collect water as it removes humidity from the air during the cooling process. A unit with a self-evaporation system eliminates the need to manually drain water collected from humidity.
● Programmable timer & sleep mode – The programmable timer lets you set the AC to turn on or off at specific times. For example, if you feel that it gets cold after midnight you can schedule it to turn off at 12:00 am. Sleep Mode slowly increases the temperature overnight to maintain comfort while reducing power consumption.
● Noise levels – Check the noise level of the AC unit before you buy. Quieter models operate around 45-55 dB, while louder units can reach 60-70 dB.
Expert-recommended Portable ACs for Efficient Cooling
1.Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL
The Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL delivers better cooling performance while using less energy compared to other portable ACs. It also makes less noise, owing to its variable-speed inverter compressor and the hose-in-hose design. You can use this device for climate control in your home all year-round and not just during the summer.
The Duo MAP14HS1TBL accompanies all of the standard smart-home capabilities including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, and the smartphone app. The included remote control offer even greater options for custom control.
2.GARVEE 3-In-1 Portable AC, Dehumidifier & Fan
Garvee has a long line of portable AC units well recognised for their cooling efficiency, durability and affordability. One of the best portable air conditioners, this 14000 btu portable air conditioner sports a Cool, Fan and Dehumidify mode making it an all year round companion that can handle a variety of climates.
The unit features a whopping 14000 BTU rating and can quickly cool up to 700 sq. ft. It's ideal for large rooms like living rooms, study, kitchen, etc., Equipped with 360° wheels you can move the unit effortlessly around the house and set it up quickly. Its easy installation process makes it convenient to use in any room.
3.SereneLife Small Air Conditioner with Built-in Dehumidifier
The SereneLife small Air Conditioner is a powerful portable AC with a built-in dehumidifier and fan. It is a compact machine ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. With 8,000–12,000 BTU options, it can effectively cool spaces up to 450 sq. ft..
A quiet machine even at highest levels, it comes with a remote control for convenience. While it's easy to install and move, its single-hose venting system may slightly reduce cooling efficiency in larger spaces. It is great for bedrooms, libraries and nurseries.
Installation Guide: How to Set Up Your Portable Air Conditioner?
Before you purchase a portable air conditioner, it is wise to go through a few of the installation guides so you have a fair idea of how easy/difficult the installation will be for you. Most portable air conditioners come with DIY steps to setup which is quiet easy.
Let us take an example and understand installation a little better. Have a look at the installation of the Garvee CF8 portable Air Conditioner:
Step I: Get the basic installation requirements ready
1.A Flat-blade Screwdriver and a Phillips Screwdriver
2.A power supply cord
3.A flat, level surface in a location that is at least 50 cm from any wall
4.The space should also have access to a a grounded 3 prong outlet
5.Get an idea of all the parts of the device
Step II: Test the power supply cord before operation
1.Plug the power cord into the grounded 3 prong outlet
2.Press the Test button, and then press and release the Reset button to restore power
Step III: Unboxing and setup
1.Remove packaging materials.
2.Locate all the items in the packaging.
● Window kits
● Exhaust hose
● Connector/Exhaust nozzle
● Adapter
● Butterfly nut
● Remote control
3.Keep the air conditioner upright and level in the decided location.
4.Save the carton and the foam packaging for storing the air conditioner when not in use.
Step IV: Assembling the Exhaust parts
1.Gently pull both ends of the exhaust hose and stretch it out.
2.Attach the open end of the exhaust hose to the connector/exhaust nozzle and fix it in place using a counterclockwise motion.
Step V: Connecting the exhaust system to the AC
1.Place the exhaust hose assembly on the air outlet and slide it to the right to fix it in place.
2.The assembly is complete when the raised point on the inner joint aligns with and locks into the grooved point on the air outlet.
Step VI: Install window panels
1.Open the window and place the main window panel into the window.
2.Take out the butterfly nut and disassemble the nut
3.Lock the butterfly nut on panel A, an found in the window kit. Do not lock the butterfly nut tightly
4.Connect with panel B
5.Adjust the panel to the width or height of the window
6.Fasten the butterfly nut to fix the window slide set.
Step VII: Complete installation
1.Close the window as far as the window slide set, so this covers the window opening completely.
This is how most of the portable AC installation looks like. After a few times of installation you will find that it is actually quiet easy to setup. Now that you have idea of the how the installation goes, let us get into maintenance of these machines.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Portable AC Running Efficiently
If you want to buy a portable AC it is also better to know what it takes to clean and maintain this cooling device, so later you don’t regret not considering the upkeep required to keep it running efficiently. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your portable air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.
Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips that will prevent dust buildup, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of your unit:
1.Clean or replace the air filter
A clean filter improves air quality and boosts cooling efficiency. You must aim to clean the filter every two weeks. Turn off and unplug the AC before cleaning. Remove the air filter, usually located at the back or side of the unit. Wash it with warm water and mild soap, then let it air dry completely before reinstalling. If your AC uses a replaceable filter, check the manual for the recommended replacement schedule.
2.Wipe down the exterior
A weekly wiping schedule must be set for your AC unit. Since these are moved around, they have more chances to accumulating dust and dirt particles from the air. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean dust and dirt from the surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage the finish.
3.Drain collected water
If your unit doesn’t have self-evaporation system, it will collect water in a tank, usually placed below the unit. When the tank is full, the AC will shut off automatically or display a warning light. Remove the drain plug and empty the water. Check for a drain outlet in your unit. If you have one you can connect a hose to the drain outlet for continuous drainage. If you model doesn’t have a drain outlet, move it to a space with a floor drain and the let the water out.
4.Clean the exhaust hose and vents
A monthly cleaning schedule is necessary for exhaust hose assembly. Check the exhaust hose for dust buildup or blockages. Detach the hose and vacuum it to remove dirt. Wipe down the air vents to prevent airflow restrictions. Make sure the hose you connect the hose properly as it can affect cooling efficiency.
5.Store properly when not in use
If you are not going to use it during winters and other seasons, here are few things to do before storing for the off-season:
● Drain all water from the tank.
● Clean and dry the air filter.
● Detach and clean the exhaust hose.
● Wrap the power cord neatly and store in a cool, dry place.
Remember the installation guide above recommended that you store the carton and the foam packaging. Place the unit back in the packaging before storing it away so it doesn’t dust and dirt. Also make sure pests can’t get to it.
Choosing the right portable air conditioner is not just about powerful cooling it is also about finding a unit that fits your space, needs, and lifestyle. From installation and maintenance to energy efficiency and smart features, a well-informed purchase ensures comfort and convenience without upsetting your electricity bills.
Regular cleaning and upkeep will keep your AC running at peak performance for years. Whether you need a compact unit for a bedroom or a powerful model for larger spaces, understanding these key factors will help you pick the best portable air conditioner.
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