As the summer heat rises, staying at home without a cooling solution can become torture. Portable air conditioners can be a lifesaver by offering practical and flexible ways to keep you cool without the need for permanent installation. Portable air conditioners can be a game-changer, if you are looking to cool your home office, a specific room, a small apartment or need a temporary cooling solution. Here’s a guide to the best portable air conditioners available in 2024.
1. LG LP1419IVSM Dual Inverter Smart Portable Air Conditioner
The LG LP1419IVSM provides exceptional cooling power that will keep you cool, comfortable, and in control. It has cool mode for powerful cooling and dehumidifying for hot summer days, dry mode that is ideal for damp and rainy days and lastly fan mode for circulating air. The smart features allow you to control the unit remotely using your smartphone, making it convenient and user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Quiet Operation: As low as 44dB.
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU (SACC) / 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE).
- Coverage Area: Up to 500 square feet.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi enabled, ThinQ app and compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
2. Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Midea’s industry-first dual hose-in-hose design enables the unit to intake and exhaust air outdoors. Empowered by the Duo hose design and an optimized air duct system, Midea Duo can lock and maximize cooling indoors.
Key Features:
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU (SACC) / 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE).
- Coverage Area: Up to 450 square feet.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi enabled, ThinQ app and compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
- Quiet Operation: As low as 42dB.
3. Honeywell HT4CESVWK0 Smart Portable Air Conditioner
The Honeywell HT4CESVWK0 stands out as a versatile and efficient option. Designed to offer powerful cooling along with smart connectivity features. An air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier, this portable unit provides you with year-round relief. The R32 refrigerant of this portable air conditioner offers an eco-friendly alternative to the R-410A refrigerants used in many other air conditioners.
Key Features:
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU (SACC) / 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE).
- Coverage Area: Up to 625 square feet.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi enabled, compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, voice activated control.
- Quiet Operation: As low as 53dB.
4. Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
The Whynter ARC-14S is known for eco-friendly, CFC-free R-32 refrigerant and lead-free RoHS-compliant components. This portable air conditioner and dehumidifier unit features the patented advance in auto drain technology, which uses and recycles moisture collected during the cooling process to produce cool air. The dual hose operation provides fast cooling.
Key Features:
- Cooling Capacity: 9,500 BTU (SACC) / 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE).
- Coverage Area: Up to 500 square feet.
- Smart Features: None.
- Quiet Operation: (dBA): <51 low/ <56 high.
5. Black + Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner
The Black + Decker BPACT14WT is a robust and user-friendly cooling solution that delivers powerful cooling for larger rooms. It is known for its compact design and ease of use. However, it’s worth noting that it is a little noisier than other portable air conditioners for those that are noise sensitive.
Key Features:
- Cooling Capacity: 7,700 BTU (SACC/CEC) (14,000 BTU ASHRAE).
- Coverage Area: Up to 700 square feet.
- Smart Features: None.
- Quiet Operation: As low as 54dB.
6. SereneLife SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner
If you are looking for something versatile and cheaper for cooling your room, the SereneLife SLPAC10 may be your choice. It is the most budget-friendly portable air conditioner and it has 3 – in – 1 functions. It is a great choice for smaller rooms, featuring efficient cooling, dehumidifying and fan operation.
Key Features:
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU.
- Coverage Area: Up to 450 square feet.
- Smart Features: None.
- Quiet Operation: 55 – 57dB.
However, like any appliance, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of portable air conditioners:
- Flexibility and mobility – they can be moved from room to room.
- Easy installation – they don’t require a professional installation.
- Cost-Effective Solution – they are more affordable compared to central air conditioning systems.
Disadvantages of portable air conditioners:
- Noise – the compressor and fan inside the unit can be noisier compared to other cooling options.
- Limited cooling capacity – they are best suited for cooling small to medium-sized rooms.
- Ventilation Requirements – they need an exhaust hose to expel hot air outside the room, usually through a window or a specially designed vent. While the installation kit simplifies this process, it’s important to ensure a suitable location for the unit near a window or vent.
