From Black+Decker to Whynter, we've rounded up the best portable AC units to help you survive the sweltering summertime heat.
). The DOE number will generally provide you a more accurate read of how well the portable unit will perform inside your living space. All that being said, you shouldn’t necessarily buy the unit with the highest BTU rating.
“More does not mean better, you need the correct rating for your room size,” explains Forbus. “A rating too low will run constantly and possibly not cool effectively. A rating too high may cool quickly and then cycle off, which won't allow it to dehumidify the air, causing you to still feel uncomfortable.”True portable air conditioners need to be vented out of a window to effectively remove heat from a space. “Ideally, you'll want the unit close to a window for easiest installation,” says Forbus. “Shorter ventilation hoses are easier to manage.” If you’re in the market for a portable AC unit that also tackles humidity, just know that it will need to be drained regularly . While some low-maintenance models come with a drain line that leads outdoors, others need to be emptied manually.If you’re planning on using a portable AC in the bedroom or the living room—or you’re sensitive to noise—it’s worth looking into how loud the unit is. Especially when they’re running on high settings, portable ACs can be on the noisy side. So, before purchasing one, take a look at the machine’s decibel rating.Once you’ve decided on the basics, there are other conveniences to consider. Does the AC unit come with a remote so you can control it from faraway? Can it be programmed to operate on a set schedule? Is it a “smart” device that can be hooked up to an app on your phone? While not always necessary, features like this make using your unit a whole lot more convenient.What Is A Good BTU For A Portable Air Conditioner? The right BTU for a portable AC unit depends on the size of space you’re hoping to cool. “BTUs for portable units usually range from about 8,000 to 15,000,” says Forbus, and you’ll want to select a model that’s appropriately sized for the room you plan to put it in. If you choose a unit that’s too small, it will likely struggle to cool down the space; if your model is too powerful, it may not function properly.kind of venting, whether it’s through a window or a duct system in the wall. The warm air your unit collects will need to be released somewhere; otherwise, it’ll just gather in your room, which defeats the whole purpose of having an AC unit in the first place. If you don’t have a way to vent out your unit, you have a few options to work with. Some compact and travel-friendly models of portable ACs, for example, don’t require venting; just keep in mind that these units will likely be too small to efficiently cool an entire room.A portable air conditioner can last between five and 10 years, depending on use and maintenance. And unfortunately, most brands only offer 1- or 2-year warranties on these units, so it’s important to keep up on recommended maintenance to get the longest possible lifespan out of your purchase.So long as you get a quality portable AC unit, it can be an excellent cooling device—it’s basically a happy medium between a strong fan and window AC. One thing worth noting, though: These units do typically take more BTUs than window units to cool down the same size of space, so keep that in mind when you’re trying to decide which unit makes the most sense for you.This really depends on your space and needs. Generally speaking, the
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