Portable air conditioners are self-contained units meant to cool a single room. They’re great for garages, rooms with poor circulation, and homes without central AC systems.
How do portable AC units work?
Portable AC units draw in warm air from the room, cool it down using an internal motor, and then release the cooled air back into the room. The extracted heat is expelled through a venting hose placed in a nearby window. Some portable air conditioners can also extract humidity from the air.
Do portable AC units use a lot of electricity?
Energy efficiency is a common concern with air conditioners. While portable air conditioners sometimes consume more energy than other types of air conditioning, many modern units are designed to be more energy efficient. Look for units with an Energy Star rating to cut down on energy costs.
What is the best unit for my room?
When choosing the best portable AC for your room, consider the size of the space and the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the unit. A higher BTU means the unit can cool a larger area. Most experts recommend 20 BTUs for each square foot of floor space.
Is it worth buying a portable air conditioner?
Portable air conditioners are excellent for their versatility and easy installation. They’re ideal if you’re a renter, you need a temporary cooling solution, or you need a unit that can be moved from room to room.
However, if a portable AC doesn’t fit into your current budget, you can always skip those high upfront costs and rent to own your AC instead! With rent to own, you can break up the total cost into smaller payments, so you can get the products you need, when you need them.
For more help finding the right air conditioner for you, check out our AC shopping guide!
