Portable air conditioners are becoming very popular across the UK. Why are portable air conditioners growing in popularity? These come in various capacities and settings to cool and dehumidify a room, ranging from the simplest, minimalist models. From intricate ones with LED lights, multifunction’s, personalised features you might want to have in a single device. You can find a wide-ranging assortment of these as they continue replacing the traditional central air conditioning unit, as well as fans.
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Why Buy A Portable Air Conditioner?
The main reason is the cost of buying the portable air con unit. The units usually come at a reasonable and reduced price if compared to permanent installations (or fans); there are no installation costs, they are easy to use and operate, and of course, highly mobile. They are small units perfect for a small office, urban living in studio and apartments, where the living space is limited. But you can also take them with you on vacation rentals, camping trips, or private smaller social events.
Traditional central air conditioner units use much power to cool down the whole house, even if you’ve been currently spending most of your day in a single area, such as an office. The portable air conditioner unit makes it easier for you to move from room and room and take your device with you.
Some of the models come with castor wheels, so you wouldn’t even have to pick it up and carry it around. But even if you did, they are usually lightweight, normally not crossing the 1kg mark even when completely full of water. It weighs even less if the water tank is emptied and it shouldn’t be hard to transport it, let’s say, taking a flight of stairs.
Best Portable Air Conditioners
Here is a round-up of some of the best options out there in the market:
This product acts as an air conditioner, an air cooler, and a dehumidifier. It can efficiently control the room environment of an approximate 14m2 room that operates with minimal noise.
It comes with two-speed settings and an oscillating fan function you can control the direction of airflow.
It has an output of 7,000BTU cooling capacity.
It has an LED display and can also be controlled by remote control. The LED light display can be turned down by a click of a button for the night mode.
The packaging comes with a manual and a window kit to connect the condenser hose. For ease of movement from room to room, it has four castor wheels and a handle.
It functions by using hot air from outside and 0.5L of water to keep the room cool.
Technical features
Brand: Russell Hobbs
Colour: Grey
Product dimensions: 32x32x67cm
Weight: 25kgs
Capacity: 0.3litres
Pros
- Easy to install and operate from the control panel or with the remote controller.
- Castor wheels to move the unit from one room to the other.
- Eco-friendly and energy saving
- Comes with a window kit that is easy to install.
- Cools the small and medium-sized rooms evenly with the powerful 7,000BTUs emitting motor
Cons
- Noisy when operating
- You have to fix the condensate out of a window to operate the AC
Opinion
This is an AC ideal for heating small to medium-sized rooms with a 7,000BTUs capacity. Setting the timer on the unit for the whole night gives an all-night cooling experience. The dehumidifier is another function that makes it ideal for people living with allergies.
Blu12HP 12000 BTU portable air conditioner has 4in1 functions; cooling, heating fan, and dehumidifier with a 1.5m extendable exhaust hose. The AC conditions a large room of 30 square metres of space instantly. It is suitable for all-year use due to heating and dehumidifying.
It uses the propane R20 new refrigerant gas, meaning it does not emit greenhouse gases. The gas is Eco-friendly, non-toxic, and saves on energy.
The AC unit has a self evaporating function, decreasing the need to drain water from the unit. It uses the water collected in the tank to cool off, cooling coils inside the unit. This increases the unit performance, with the rest of the warm dispersed with hot air through the hot air ducts. This decreases the need for emptying the water tank so often.
The AC has an LED display to control the temperature, modes and view the temperature levels. It also has a remote controller to control the same parameters. The noise levels are low and range between 49-53 decibels. The unit can be set in a sleep function to run it 24hours, switched on and off automatically when optimal levels are achieved.
It has four caster wheels to facilitate its movement around the house.
Technical features
Brand: BLU
Model number: BLU12HP
Colour: White
Dimensions: 40.5x39x82cm
Weight: 42kg
Power: 1345watts-hours
Air Volume:
320/290/260m3/h,
Temperature Range – 16 to 30 degrees Celsius
Sound Pressure Level – 49 to 53dBA
Sound Power Level – 62 to 64dBA
Complete unit comes with a BLU12HP Portable A/C Unit, exhaust hose with accessories, window kit, remote controller & user manual.
Pro
- Easy to install and operate from the control panel or with the remote controller.
- Eco-friendly and energy saving
- Comes with a window kit that is easy to install.
- Cools the large and medium-sized rooms evenly with the powerful 12,000BTUs emitting motor
- Multidirectional castor wheels for ease of movement.
Cons
- Depending on the air conditioning usage, you might need to drain the condensate collected.
- Rooms must be closed to get optimal functioning of the unit.
- You have to use the exhaust hose to drain the unit.
Opinion
It is ideal for people looking to heat or cool large rooms and offices of around 30 square metres with its powerful motor, it dispels 12,000BTUs. Heating, dehumidifying and cooling functions, the unit is suitable for running throughout the year.
It is also ideal for those concerned about energy-saving and environment-friendly. It has an A/A+ energy rating and is eco-friendly from the use of R290 refrigerant gas that does not produce greenhouse gases. It is suitable for people with sash or sliding windows for the complimentary window kit. The kit supplied with the unit is suited for all window types.
The Pro Breeze 5L air cooler comes as a complete unit consisting of a large 5.5 litres removable water tank, two cooling packs, and remote control.
It uses honeycomb water falling advanced water-cooling technology. Coldwater passes in front of the fan which expels cooling air and water vapour into the room. Warm water is passed through ice-cold water resulting in cooling.
It has 4in1 features, for cooling, fan only, night, and natural modes.
Its remote control and control panel is easy to use to set the speed of the fans, cooling temperature, night mode, timer, and natural modes.
The cooler is very easy to use. Just fill the 5-litre water tank with water, add two sets of cooling packs. The system will automatically start cooling and dehumidifying the room.
The unit is fitted with four castor wheels for easy movement from room to room. It has a handle to facilitate the maneuverability of the unit.
Technical features
Brand: Pro Breeze
Colour: White
Dimensions: 78x35x33cm
Weight: 8.12 kilograms
Volume: 5.6 litres
Pros
- The Pro Breeze cooler is easy to use. Filling the 5-litre water tank with water and adding the two cooling packs is enough to keep the unit running for about 7 hours.
- The unit can run throughout the night on night mode, giving the cooling effect. The time can be set to 2 hours, 4 hours, or 7.5 hours according to your needs.
- It automatically switches off when there is no water in the tank but the fan keeps running to keep you cool.
- Light and portable
- Cools air fast and evenly when you add water with the cooling kits.
- Purifies, humidifies, and cools the air
- Low noise when in operation
Cons
- To refill water in the tank, you have to remove the pump at the bottom first. It’s a bit difficult fitting it back in. Slide the water tank first while holding the pump outside. Replace the pump into position and flick over the white tab to hold it in place.
- Cools very small spaces
- Add water after every 7 hours and drain condensate
- Noisy when operating at high speeds.
Opinion
It is ideal for summertime and individual with limited space or doesn’t have high cooling needs. It suits a person with a limited budget looking to upgrade from a fan. It is ideal for people living in small houses or apartments, or to keep it in a child’s room during summer.
Portable Air Conditioners vs Central AC
If you prefer the central heating system, it might be handy to have a portable unit around in case your central AC has a breakdown before the repairs are done.
The portable air con also has the potential to bring down the energy bills. Their power input is very low compared to air central units, and most of them are charged with USB cables, car chargers, or even power banks. Some of the devices also support batteries – although they won’t come with those, you can count on it only if you’re calculating your tap.
As said before, their small side and lightweight makes them convenient to use while you are in the office, home or even travelling in an RV, travel trailers, or out camping.
Unlike the Central AC systems, the portable air conditioners don’t need the condenser unit that hangs out over the window. Some have manual drain tanks and others a small hose that drains the condensate water.
Portable Air Conditioners as A Dehumidifier
The portable air conditioners are also able to cool and act as dehumidifiers at the same time. Too much heat or moisture is unpleasant and overburdensome, especially with people with respiratory problems or small children. There’s always the possibility to use portable air conditioners when the air is cool enough but in case humidity is high, you can run the dehumidifier exclusively without using the fan function.
The portable air-con is becoming an increasingly popular product, and its popularity will only keep increasing as people discover its value and more efficient models make it to the markets. We will look at various portable air conditioning units from the Amazon UK website. We will go through their technical specifications, why you should consider buying a portable air conditioner, and some analysis of the models that made it to this list.
Buyer’s guide
Portable air conditioners are a great way to keep cool in the summer, but they can be a bit pricey, so it’s worth doing your research before you buy. To help you choose the perfect portable AC unit for your needs and budget, we’ve put together a guide covering the key features to look out for and answered some of the most common questions. Comparing different models, both from the same brand and other manufacturers, is essential for making an informed decision.
Portability
Portable air conditioners are chosen for their portability, right? However, even the best ones are surprisingly bulky and heavy. You’re looking at around 20kg for smaller, so-called “lightweight” models, and upwards of 30kg for the more powerful units.
Make sure the unit you choose has built-in wheels for easy movement around your home. However, keep in mind that even with wheels, moving a portable AC unit up or down stairs is usually a two-person job for safety reasons.
If the weight of a portable air conditioner is a concern, consider an air cooler. They’re significantly lighter, but keep in mind they don’t cool the air as effectively as a proper AC unit.
What size AC unit do I need BTU?
When choosing a portable air conditioner, the first thing to think about is its BTU rating. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it tells you how much heat the unit can remove from a room per hour – basically, how powerful it is at cooling.
The standard rule: approximately 215 BTU for each square metre of living space. But there are other considerations to make, for example, if your room is sunny, shaded, if more than two people are present in the room each time the fan is working, if it’s located in a basement or a kitchen.
You can count 600 BTUs for each person, and add 4,000 BTUs if the unit is going to be placed in a warm room like a kitchen.
For reference: units range on average from 7,000BTUs, 9,000BTUs, and 12,000BTUs targeting small, medium, and large cooling rooms respectively.
For a more specific number, there is a large number of free online BTU calculators where you can estimate the best size fit for you and your household.
Window Kits
Portable air conditioners work best when used in a sealed room with the hot air vented outside through an open window via an exhaust hose. That’s why the best models come with window sealing kits. However, not all units include them, so it’s definitely something to check before you make a purchase.
Window kits can be a bit fiddly to install initially, especially since most windows aren’t a standard size, meaning a generic kit might not be a perfect fit. However, once you’ve got it set up, you can usually leave it in place for future use.
Size of the Room
BTU rating is directly related to the size of the room a portable AC unit can effectively cool. Manufacturers usually provide a recommended room size in the specifications, typically ranging from around 8m² to over 100m². Double-check these details to ensure the unit you choose is powerful enough for your space.
For optimal cooling, it’s best to keep doors and windows closed in the room you’re trying to cool. If you’re only cooling a small bedroom, a less powerful (and cheaper) unit with a lower BTU rating will likely suffice. However, open-plan spaces will need a much more powerful appliance with a higher BTU rating to be effective.
What is the Price Range of Portable Air Conditioners?
It depends. Smaller personal units average around £40 however these don’t often work the best. Larger standing units can range anywhere from £200 to £800. The air conditioners with powerful motors and higher output capacity tend to be more expensive.
Noise Levels of the Portable Air Conditioner?
One of the biggest downsides of portable air conditioners is their noise level, a common complaint in online reviews. Because they use both a fan and a compressor, they can be quite loud, making it difficult to watch TV or even sleep while they’re running. While newer models are generally quieter than older ones, it’s still important to consider how the noise level will impact your daily life. Ask yourself: can you comfortably watch TV, have a phone conversation, concentrate on work, or get a good night’s sleep with the unit running?
Noise is a key factor to consider. Most portable AC units operate between 40 and 65 decibels. While this might seem loud initially, many people find they get used to the sound, and it eventually blends into the background. Think about where you’ll be using the unit – how far will it be from your desk, your bed, or other areas where you need peace and quiet? Also, remember that noise levels can vary between models, so if a quiet environment is crucial, look for units with a lower decibel rating.
Our testing revealed that noise isn’t just about decibels; it’s also about quality. We encountered some portable AC units that, despite having seemingly acceptable decibel ratings, produced a distracting, mechanical whirring – almost like a train engine – that was so irritating we couldn’t wait to turn them off. This highlights that a low decibel rating doesn’t always guarantee a quiet and unobtrusive experience. Don’t worry, these ones haven’t made it to our top pics.
Additional Functions
Many portable AC units offer extra features, like a fan-only setting and a dehumidifier. Some higher-end models even include a heating function, making them a more versatile, year-round investment. Other handy features to consider are a timer, a remote control, and even Wi-Fi connectivity.
A remote control is a great convenience, especially for bedroom use, allowing you to adjust settings or turn the unit off without getting out of bed. A timer function is also incredibly useful for programming the unit to switch off after you fall asleep, or to turn on automatically during the hottest part of the day – perfect for keeping pets comfortable or cooling down your home before you arrive home from work. Smart-enabled units take this a step further, allowing you to control the AC even when you’re away from home.
Portable Air Conditioner FAQs
Do All Portable Air Conditioners Need a Vent?
Generally yes. Portable air conditioners need to vent warm air out of a window, a door, or a wall. Most of them come with a window kit or venting kit which has a hose with or without clippers of some sort. Once you have decided where you want to put your portable air conditioner, you should just find the nearest window, door, ceiling, or an opening in general where you can place the hose. It needs to be outdoors/outside, though, since the hose will be exhausting hot air.
Are Portable Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?
Generally, yes, portable AC units can be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly than traditional window or central AC systems. They typically consume less energy, particularly smaller units designed for smaller spaces. However, it’s crucial to check the power rating (usually expressed in kW per hour) on the energy label to understand the unit’s energy consumption. A higher BTU rating generally means higher energy usage, so choosing the right size for your room is key. An oversized unit working overtime will cost more to run.
Many models offer energy-saving features like automatic shut-off or sleep modes once the desired temperature is reached, and some even have smart sensors that cycle the unit on and off to maintain optimal conditions. Portable AC units are also generally considered more eco-friendly due to their sealed refrigerant systems, which minimize the risk of gas leaks compared to traditional air conditioners. While there’s a cost associated with running any electrical appliance, choosing an appropriately sized and energy-efficient portable AC unit can help keep your bills down while keeping you cool.
Do portable air conditioners use a refrigerant?
Yes, they all use a refrigerant. The refrigerant is a gas or a liquid, depending on the technology the manufacturer chooses to use. This gas or liquid is able to quickly change physical states from a lower pressure situation to a higher pressure situation, shifting from liquid to gas or gas to liquid.
Basically, what this process does is enables the machine to get heat from a room and transfer the heat outdoors through a hose. This helps the fan in it to keep pushing cooler air indoors.
Are Portable Air Conditioners Easy to Assemble?
Yes. The main equipment (the fan) usually comes in one piece, you’d only need to assemble the window kit or hose. Most units come with a manual guide on how to do the installation for the removable parts and installation of the window kit.
The removable parts may include the air filters, water tanks, and hose drain parts. Overall, most portable air conditioning units are easy to use and install and do not need skilled personnel.
Do All Portable Air Conditioners Work as Dehumidifiers?
Not all models. Some manufacturers don’t provide this feature in their products. Usually, they come with more than one function apart from the cooling option, though. There are multiple products with 4-in-1 functions where the unit has the heating function, cooling, dehumidifying, and fan functions. Before you buy one of these, it’s recommended you identify the functions that you require. Some entirely lack the heating function or the dehumidifying option.
