Last edited: October 22nd 2024
A portable air conditioning unit is designed to be exactly what the name suggests, a portable device producing conditioned air in a set environment. Also known as single-unit, mobile unit or standalone units, portable air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners. Whether you’re researching portable air conditioners or looking to replace an existing one, this buyer guide from CoolEasy is here to help provide you with information about this heating solution. Portable air conditioners can make a huge difference to your home, so it’s vital that you choose the right one. With this buyer’s guide, we’ll give you tips on selecting the right air con unit, how to install the unit and how to clean it too.
How do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
Portable air conditioners work by removing heat from the air inside a room and transferring it outside. These units pull warm air into the system, where a cooling mechanism lowers the air's temperature. This cooled air is then circulated back into the room, creating a more comfortable environment. At the same time, the system also generates heat, which needs to be removed for the cooling process to continue effectively. To do this, the air conditioner uses a hose to vent the warm air outside through a window or opening. Without this exhaust system, the unit would struggle to cool the room efficiently. In addition to cooling, portable air conditioners also manage moisture levels in the air. As air is cooled, it naturally condenses moisture, and many units handle this by either evaporating it or collecting it in a tank.
The Benefits of Portable Air Conditioners
As previously mentioned, portable air conditioners are becoming a popular choice among homeowners for a number of reasons. Take a look below to find out more about its key features!
Function
As explained above, portable units are used to cool a desired environment to a set temperature, but if you also purchase a Heat Pump version, the unit will operate as a heater also.
You’ll get the ability to set the temperature in cooling mode (usually) in the range of 18°c to 30°c and then the same temperature range in heating mode, if the unit has this function. Some brands also incorporate ‘Dehumidifier’ and ‘Fan Only’ modes into their products.
Portability
These units are designed to be as portable as possible, with castors or wheels attached to the base to assist rolling the unit across a flat surface. Due to the fact that these units are in essence a very small Split System, built and squeezed into a compact casing, there is a certain amount of weight that cannot be discarded during manufacture. This means that no matter which brand or model you choose, these units will never be classed as ‘lightweight’.
The smaller models aimed at the domestic market weigh approximately 30kg (and upwards), while some of the much larger units aimed at the commercial market can weigh in excess of 95kg!
This should most certainly be considered when thinking about the usage of this product. If you are thinking of using one unit in a ground floor living room in the daytime and then carrying the unit upstairs to a first floor bedroom for use over night, this information may make you think twice. With that in mind, there’s no doubt that portable air conditioners are much more convenient than traditional air con units!
Controls
Most models will come with a control panel attached to the unit and usually an IR remote, giving the ability to switch the machine on/off, change functional modes, adjust temperatures, adjust fan speeds and operate the air deflecting louvres.
If you decide upon a higher spec model, you will often also get Wi-Fi compatibility, enabling you to control the unit remotely. This is often accompanied with the ability to control with a smart speaker or a manufacturer specific app. Just the same as having this function on an installed system, this can allow you to switch the unit on/off without being present in the room where the unit is located.
In addition to WiFi, you can also get some portable air conditioning units that are equipped with Google and Alexa, such as the Lux Portable Air Con Unit.
Efficiency
With modern technologies being incorporated by manufacturers, even the cheaper products on the market are managing to achieve high efficiency levels nowadays. Most products aimed at the domestic market achieve a COP (Co-efficient Of Performance) of 3 or higher.
When compared to a split system, this may seem low, but if you consider that the purchase price of the unit is usually lower than a split system and you won’t have to employ the services of an FGAS registered engineer to install the unit, they can save you a great deal in the long run.
When being used in heating mode, if you compare a portable heat pump to an electric plug in heater, you get approximately 3 times as much output, making them a very economical source of heating!
Spot Cooling
Some models (usually aimed more at the commercial market) are capable of being used as spot coolers. This means that the units utilise the use of a second hose (they still require the original hose to extract hot air and water vapour) which can be directed to cool a specific area, making them ideal to use for server rooms (and similar areas) where cool air is required to reach specific locations. These units are normally designed to run 24/7, with a more robust compressor being incorporated to aid eliminating stoppage issues, which could be catastrophic in the use or a server room.
Warranty & Servicing
Just like the DIY category of products, most portable units only come with a warranty period of 12 months (although some do come with an impressive 3 year warranty). This can sometimes be extended by a further 6 months by speaking with the manufacturer directly.
Again, similar to the products in the DIY category, there is no service schedule for portable air conditioning units. They merely have a user friendly mesh filer attached, which should be cleaned regularly to ensure correct operation of the unit.
Are Portable Air Conditioners Noisy?
The downside of having a complex system compacted into a small shell is that because the compressor is located inside the unit, the units will never be as quiet as alternative air conditioning (or heat pump) products, and usually have a decibel level somewhere around 56db.
This may be a point to consider when thinking about where the product will be used within your property, as some people find the units too noisy for use overnight in a bedroom.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
When buying a portable air conditioner, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the right unit for your needs. Here’s what you should look for;
1. Cooling Capacity (BTU Rating)
The cooling capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), indicates how much space the unit can effectively cool. A higher BTU rating cools larger rooms, while a lower rating is ideal for smaller spaces.
For instance, the Lux Air Portable Air Conditioning (9000 BTU) bas a maximum recommended room size of 18m². However, the Lux Air Portable Heat Pump (18000 BTU) is an ideal solution for rooms up to 45m².
2. Energy Efficiency
Check for units with a higher Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to save on electricity costs. Look for the energy efficiency rating on the label or product description. You can also look for their COP rating (the coefficient of performance), which also helps you to identify whether a heating system is energy efficient. Models with energy-saving features, such as sleep modes or timers, can help cut costs. For instance, the Comfee 2.6kW Portable Air Con Unit has the sleep function, an EER rating of 2.8 and an “A” Energy Rating.
3. Portability & Weight
Although portable, these units can still weigh between 30kg and 95kg depending on their size. Consider if you’ll need to move it between rooms or floors. Models with sturdy castor wheels are easier to relocate but may still be challenging to carry upstairs. If you’re looking for a lightweight portable air conditioner, then the Lux Air Portable Air Con Unit – 2.5kW (9000 BTU) could be the product for you, weighing 28 kilograms.
Are There Portable Air Conditioners Without Hoses?
The main thing to be aware of regarding a portable air conditioning unit is that although they are portable (usually on wheels) these units will need to have a hose coming from the back of the unit and exiting a nearby window, during operation. This is because of the way that an air conditioning system operates. It is simply not possible to achieve a desired set temperature in cooling mode, without somehow getting rid of the excess heat caused by the system itself. The purpose of the extract hose is to achieve exactly this, to expel the heat generated from the unit to atmosphere, outside of the area that has just had cool air recycled within. On most modern units, the extract hose is also used to dispense water vapour, which comes from the system generated condensate, saving you from having to empty a water tank when used in cooling mode.
With the development of heat pump technology, many of these items are capable nowadays of operating in both cooling and heating modes, making them an ideal solution for climate control on a budget. That said, not all units work as both coolers and heaters, so it’s best to read the specific products description thoroughly.
Do Portable Air Conditioners Need to be Vented?
Yes, portable air conditioners need to be vented. Venting is necessary because these units remove heat from the air in the room, but that heat needs to be expelled somewhere for the cooling process to work effectively. Typically, portable air conditioners come with an exhaust hose that can be connected to a window or another opening, allowing the heat to escape outside. You can vent through a sliding window, a window kit, or even a wall vent, depending on the setup of your space. Without proper venting, the unit would just release the hot air back into the room, reducing its cooling efficiency.
How Do I Install a Portable Air Conditioner?
Unlike other systems, installing portable air conditioners is a simple task!
- Unpack the Unit: Carefully remove the packaging from the air conditioner. Typically, the box can be lifted straight off the top.
- Attach the Exhaust Hose: Locate the exhaust hose that comes with the unit and connect it to the back of the air conditioner.
- Position the Hose: Place the free end of the exhaust hose outside, using a window, door, or vent to allow hot air to escape.
- Plug in the Unit: Insert the attached 3-pin power plug into a suitable outlet.
- Turn it On: Switch on the air conditioner and choose the function or mode you prefer.
- Relax: Sit back and enjoy the cool, refreshing air!
If you ever have any issues, you can always get in touch with our installation team!
Buy Portable Air Conditioners Online with CoolEasy
If you're ready to experience the cooling comfort of a portable air conditioner, CoolEasy has a fantastic range of options tailored to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a unit with heating capabilities, dehumidifier functions, or Wi-Fi control for added convenience, we've got you covered! Our expert team is here to guide you in finding the perfect model to fit your space. With free UK delivery and top-quality brands, trust CoolEasy to keep you cool and comfortable all year round. Reach out today and discover the best portable air conditioning solution for your home!
