Portable Air Conditioners Guide: Key Features to Look out for

A portable air conditioner could potentially be a budget-friendly solution to help keep you cool when the weather heats up. You’ll be able to install it yourself, set it up in different rooms, and if you’re renting take it with you when you move. However, while the initial costs can be very cheap compared to fixed air conditioning units, you should weigh up not only the long-term running costs, but also cooling effectiveness.

In the following guide we’ll take a look at what portable air conditioners are and how they operate, what to keep in mind when weighing up if they’re a good option for your household and the various components to look out for. We’ll also run through the key features and pricing of a number of currently available models.

We’ll also explore how you can keep your house cool before flicking the switch. For instance, a few simple tweaks – such as opening doors and windows at different times of the day, or installing external window shades – could be a good start before you plug in your cooling appliance of choice.

What is a portable air conditioner and how do you set one up?

When you think of an air conditioner, a fixed wall unit is likely the first image that will come to mind. For instance, reverse cycle heat pumps, providing heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, require professional installation and can be a good long-term option for households.

A portable air conditioner, on the other hand, can – just as the name says – be moved around. It will, however, be worthwhile exploring just how portable different units are, given that many weigh in at at least 20 kg (and are often heavier).

There are also certain factors you’ll need to keep in mind when it comes to setting up a portable air conditioner. You’ll need to position the unit close to a window, which will be necessary to provide access for the venting of heat via an exhaust hose.

Most units will come with a window mount kit, designed to work with sliding windows, comprising an adjustable plate with an in-built outlet (via which the exhaust hose can be fitted) for venting heat.

It may still be possible to use a portable air conditioner with other types of windows, or even a sliding door, by making DIY adjustments. However, you should weigh up both the additional costs and practicality of doing so.

Should you buy a portable air conditioner?

As covered above, a portable air conditioner could be a budget-friendly solution to help keep your household cool when the weather heats up. If you’re renting, a fixed unit will likely not be an option (although changes to rental laws mean you most likely have a heat pump in your main living space), while you’ll be able to take a portable air conditioner with you when you move.

However, keep in mind energy efficiency and the ongoing running costs, and as advised above, you should explore all available cooling options prior to flicking the switch.

Meanwhile, when it comes to appliances, a strategically placed fan could also be a good choice for many households, using comparatively little power and helping to keep your costs down.

In weighing up the suitability of a portable air conditioner for your household keep the following in mind:

Room size – what size area are you seeking to cool? Portable air conditioners are usually better suited for cooling smaller areas.

Room layout – portable air conditioners can be quite bulky. Consider where you will position the unit and keep in mind that it will need access to a window or other outlet.

Windows – what style of windows do you have? Many portable air conditioners come with mount kits designed for installation with sliding-style windows.

→Related article: How Do Heat Pumps Compare to Other Forms of Heating?

Portable air conditioner features

It’s important to weigh up the range of features on offer from different units, matching them to your household’s requirements. Once you’ve done this, you’ll also have a better idea of the type of budget you should be looking at.

Many portable air conditioners are equipped with an in-built dehumidifier, removing moisture from the air (capacity is usually expressed as L/day). In addition to this, self-evaporation functionality enables in-built evaporation of collected moisture.

Also keep in mind that reverse cycle portable air conditioners will be able to heat a room during the winter, if required.

Other features worthwhile weighing up include:

Capacity – cooling/heating capacity is usually measured in kW (sometimes BTU). It’s important to keep in mind the size of the space you are seeking to cool and a unit’s capacity (consulting with cooling specialists, if needed).

Controls – units usually feature an in-built control panel and remote.

Timer – allows you to program a unit to turn on and off when required in a set time period.

Noise – is measured in dB. For smaller spaces in particular, it is worthwhile keeping in mind noise levels.

Window kit – units usually come with a window mount kit for sliding windows.

Design and dimensions – keep this in mind with regard to where you plan to position a unit in your home. Units with wheels and handles can be moved more easily.

Portable air conditioners

The following is a rundown of portable air conditioners available at a range of prices. Of course, it will be worthwhile shopping around and consulting with air conditioning specialists about what will best suit your household.

Goldair 2.0kW Portable Air Conditioner

The Goldair 2.0kW Portable Air Conditioner (GCPAC07) can be operated in cooling mode, fan mode or dehumidifying mode (removing up to 17L of moisture per day), and is equipped with a self-evaporating system.

Capacity – 2.06kW
Controls – a control panel and remote control (with a digital display)
Timer – can be set to turn the unit on or off from 1-24 hours
Noise – 62 dB
Window kit – includes a window sealing plate
Design and dimensions – sports a white finish, and is equipped with wheels; measures in at 850 x 375 x 340 mm, and weighs 22kg

Price – the Goldair 2.0kW Portable Air Conditioner can be found online priced around $449*

Sheffield Portable Air Conditioner – Heating and Cooling

New Zealand brand Sheffield’s Portable Air Conditioner – Heating and Cooling (PL616) has two speed settings, a dehumidifying function capable of removing 29L of moisture per day, and is equipped with a self-evaporation system.

Capacity – 2.93kW cooling and 2.49kW heating
Controls – LED electronic controls and a remote control (with an LED display)
Timer – a 24-hour timer
Noise – under 65dB
Window kit – includes a sliding window kit and outlet ducting
Design and dimensions – sports a white finish, and is equipped with four all-directional castor wheels; measures in at 350 x 701 x 348mm

Price – the Sheffield website lists the Sheffield Portable Air Conditioner – Heating and Cooling as priced at $599*

De’Longhi Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner White 2.4Kw

The De’Longhi Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner White 2.4Kw (PACEM82) features a fan function with three speed settings, a dehumidifying function capable of removing up to 43L per day, and is equipped with a condensate recycling system.

Capacity – 2.4kW cooling
Controls – a soft-touch button interface and remote control (with an LED display)
Timer – a 24-hour electronic timer
Noise – 47-50dB (minimum-maximum)
Window kit – is included (single/double hole window bracket)
Design and dimensions – sports a white finish, with handles and castor wheels; measures in at 425 x 345 x 700 mm, and weighs 31.5kg.

Price – the De’Longhi Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner White 2.4Kw can be found online priced at around $950*

Dimplex Premium Eco Reverse Cycle Portable Air Conditioner 4.0kW R290

The Dimplex Premium Eco Reverse Cycle Portable Air Conditioner 4.0kW R290 (DPRC40-U) has three fan speeds, is equipped with a dehumidifier capable of removing up to 70L of moisture per day, and sports a self-evaporation system.

Capacity – 4 kW cooling and 4 kW heating
Controls – a soft-touch control panel and remote control
Timer – a 0-24-hour timer with sleep mode
Noise – under 65dB(A)
Window kit – a swing window kit is included
Design and dimensions – sports a white and black finish, and is equipped with castor wheels; measures in at 350 x 550 x 790mm, and weighs 31 kg

Price – the Dimplex Premium Eco Reverse Cycle Portable Air Conditioner 4.0kW R290 can be found online priced at around $1,049(*).

*Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites. This should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar author Martin Kovacs. Martin is a freelance writer with experience covering the business, consumer technology and utilities sectors. Martin has written about a wide range of topics across both print and digital publications, including the manner in which industry continues to adapt and evolve amid the rollout of new technologies.

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