A portable air conditioner (A/C) conveniently cools a room without complex installation. Use this guide to find a portable A/C from one of the best brands and make your home more comfortable.

Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioner

The best air conditioner for you depends on your needs. A portable air conditioner takes in room air, cools it and directs it back into the room, venting warm air outside through an exhaust hose you install in a window. Controls on the unit allow you to adjust settings, such as fan speed and temperature.

This appliance is a simple, versatile alternative to central air conditioners and window units. Designed to cool an individual room, it's relatively easy to install and can be a good option for rooms with no existing cooling system or rooms you don't need to cool all the time. It can also supplement larger systems and help cool apartments or rentals where you're unable to install a permanent unit.

Easy setup and the portability provided by a compact design and wheels allow you to move the air conditioner from one room to another and reinstall it with minimal effort.

Make sure your window is compatible with a portable air conditioner. Units fit different window sizes and those designed for single or double hung and sliding windows won't work with casement windows, which open by swinging outward.

Choosing the Right Portable A/C

Whether you want to cool your kitchen, home office, guest bedroom or any other room in the house, choosing the best portable A/C for the size of the room is beneficial. The right A/C cools a room efficiently. An undersized unit won’t cool adequately, while one that’s too large won’t remove enough humidity and will leave the air feeling damp. To find the proper A/C for your space, determine the square footage of the room you want to cool by multiplying the room’s length by its width. You also need to know the British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating of the A/C, which indicates the amount of heat it can remove from a room. A higher number means more cooling power for a large room. Compare your room size to the BTU rating:

• 299 Square Feet or Less: 8,000-BTU unit
• 300 to 500 Square Feet: 10,000-BTU unit
• 501 to 700 Square Feet: 12,000-BTU unit
• Over 1,000 Square Feet: 13,000-BTU unit

Keep in mind that as the BTU rating increases, the size and weight of the A/C increase as well.

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) indicates the efficiency of an A/C unit. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the A/C.

Portable units are typically a more budget-friendly cooling option, but note that A/C prices vary based on factors such as type and BTU rating.

Portable Air Conditioner Features

The best portable air conditioner has features that make the device more versatile and convenient. You can find air conditioners with multiple functions in addition to cooling. A dehumidifier mode removes moisture from the air without cooling. A fan function simply circulates air in the room. Some portable air conditioners have a heating capability, allowing you to keep the temperature comfortable year-round. Make sure you configure the unit for each mode. For example, cooling mode requires warm air exhaust, while the dehumidifier function requires access to a drain to remove the moisture the unit collects. If your portable air conditioner has a heater function, the heating unit will have a separate BTU rating, meaning the room size it fits may be different.

There are other features available:

• As an air conditioner cools the air in a room, it also removes moisture. Water collects in the unit. Self-evaporating air conditioners reduce the need to drain this water.
• A programmable timer can be set to turn the unit on and off at specific times so you reduce energy consumption by operating the air conditioner only when needed.
• A remote control adds convenience. You can adjust settings, and turn the air conditioner on and off from across the room.
• A lamp-off feature can turn off the panel display lights so they don't make the room uncomfortably bright at night.

Portable Air Conditioner Setup and Maintenance

Select a location near a window and an available power outlet. Note that the manufacturer may specify that you plug the device directly into the outlet with no extension cord. Setup is relatively quick and easy and should require just a screwdriver to complete. Install the unit's adjustable window panel and connect the exhaust hose. Allow the unit to stand upright for at least an hour, and it will be ready to operate.

Portable air conditioners require simple maintenance. Disconnect the unit from power before you begin.

• Drain the water from the unit as needed. Depending on conditions, even self-evaporating units may need draining.
• Clean the air filter every two weeks or as directed by the manufacturer.
• Regularly wipe the air conditioner down with a damp cloth to remove dust. Wipe up excess moisture with a dry cloth.