If you’re a renter, need to move your air conditioner around, or can’t afford a permanent installation, a portable AC might be the solution to cool you down. However, they’re not as efficient as fixed units, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Our evaluations help you find the top portable air conditioners based on cooling effectiveness, running costs, noise levels, and other factors. But before diving in, figure out if a portable AC fits your needs and determine the right size for your space.
Portable air conditioners operate much like traditional built-in units: they draw in warm and humid air, cool and dehumidify it, then circulate it back into the room. Single-duct models, which have a duct connected to a window for heat ventilation, can effectively cool most of the room. However, they pull air from the room to cool it and expel some outside through the duct.
The process of venting hot air outside via the duct creates lower air pressure indoors, leading to more warm air being drawn in from other parts of the house. This constant cycle affects the efficiency of portable air conditioners, as they struggle to maintain room temperature. Additionally, they tend to be louder indoors compared to split-system units, where the noisy compressor is located outside.
Despite their convenience and relatively lower cost compared to split-systems, single-duct portable air conditioners are not as efficient or effective.
Despite their name, portable air conditioners are heavy (sometimes weighing over 40kg) and can be difficult to move around.
When purchasing a portable air conditioner, it typically comes with a venting kit to seal the gap around the air duct, preventing cool air from escaping. These units also collect water from the air during the cooling process, which is either stored in a tank or drained away through a tube. Some models utilize this water for additional cooling, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the need for manual drainage. Dryer air feels more comfortable and enhances cooling.
Portable air conditioners can be noisy, ranging from 57–74dB on full power, louder than normal conversation (about 65dB).
Yes, all portable air conditioners also dehumidify. The extent of dehumidification varies depending on the design, typically ranging from 22–80 litres per day. Some manufacturers may not explicitly state the dehumidification capacity, so in our testing, we include this information for those that do and mark “Not stated” for those that don’t.
While some marketing may emphasize dehumidification as a feature, it’s a standard function across all portable air conditioners, as well as full-sized reverse cycle air conditioners.
Instead of focusing on physical dimensions, it’s essential to consider the cooling capacity of the portable air conditioner, measured in kW (kilowatts). The higher the kW, the more cooling power it provides, but this also translates to higher energy costs.
Unlike reverse-cycle split-system air conditioners, which offer efficient cooling per kilowatt, single-duct systems (like portable air conditioners) tend to be less efficient. However, they don’t require complex installation, so you won’t need permission from your landlord.
Recommended room sizes are generally determined by the length and width of the room in square meters, although this estimate doesn’t account for height (which we typically average at around 2.4 metres). While some portable air conditioners may indicate the room size they can cover, this information isn’t consistently provided by manufacturers, likely due to the varying dimensions of rooms.
To estimate the appropriate size for your room, multiply its width and length in meters to get the area in square meters. Each kW of cooling capacity roughly covers 6 square meters, providing a guideline for your purchase.
Small (up to 15m²) Bedroom, study, small kitchen 2.0–2.5kW $300–$1000
Medium (20–25m²) Bedroom with ensuite, small lounge 2.5–3.5kW $349–$1200
Large (25–30m²) Large bedroom, mid-sized lounge, large kitchen 3.5–5.5kW $380–$1500
Besides the initial purchase price, it’s crucial to consider the ongoing operational expenses of using a portable air conditioner. That’s why we factor in energy efficiency and performance in our evaluations of portable AC units.
Typically, the higher the kilowatts (or cooling capacity), the more expensive it is to run a portable air conditioner. To illustrate this, the table below outlines the estimated running costs based on four hours of daily usage over a 90-day summer period, assuming an electricity cost of 40 cents per kilowatt-hour.
While larger units generally incur higher running costs, there’s considerable variation in performance. We’ve identified and recommended some units with relatively lower running costs and superior cooling performance, but this can vary based on your specific room-size requirements.
Portable Air Conditioner Running Costs by Size
2–3kW $132 $66–$161 $585
3–4kW $192 $173–$230 $737
4–5kW $242 $210–$317 $938
The prices of portable air conditioners can fluctuate significantly depending on the retailer and the season. We’ve observed that prices typically spike by at least 10%, and sometimes even by a few hundred dollars, during the initial heatwaves of spring each year as retailers anticipate heightened consumer demand.
As a general rule, the portable air conditioners we’ve recently reviewed ranged from $299 to $1799. However, as with any appliance, a higher price tag doesn’t always correlate with better performance.
Historically, portable air conditioners were not required to display Energy Star ratings. However, as of April 2020, new regulations mandate that portable air conditioners must adhere to Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and feature a new ‘zoned’ energy rating label. This label provides information on energy efficiency tailored to your location, along with other details such as noise levels, annual kWh consumption, and cooling capacity.
Single-duct (one-hose) portable air conditioners, like the ones we assess, typically do not carry Energy Star labels due to their inherent lack of energy efficiency in cooling entire rooms. They are more effective at cooling or heating individuals rather than entire spaces. Nevertheless, the new labels offer insight into their energy consumption over time, particularly in humid regions.
Manufacturers typically advise against using extension cords with portable air conditioners, as it may void the warranty and pose safety risks due to overheating or fire hazards. Ensure the power cord’s length is suitable for your setup.
Similar to a TV remote, a remote control for your portable air conditioner offers convenience, with added features like displaying room temperature and setting automatic modes and timers. Look for models with LCD displays for easy monitoring.
Consider models with multiple operating modes such as cooling, heating (for reverse-cycle models), dehumidifying, automatic, or fan-only modes for versatile usage based on your needs.
Programmable timers allow you to schedule the unit to turn on/off at specific times, offering convenience and energy savings. Sleep timers automatically adjust the temperature for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Control Look for units with adjustable louvres to direct airflow or models with oscillating louvres for broader air distribution.
Ensure the portable air conditioner comes with a window kit, including filler panels to seal gaps in open windows and an exhaust hose to vent hot air outside.
Consider the noise level of the unit, especially if you plan to run it at full blast. Some models can be loud and disruptive, so opt for quieter options if noise is a concern.
Check if the unit has a collection tank for water and whether it utilizes collected water to aid cooling, reducing the need for frequent emptying.
Look for units with accessible handles and sufficient clearance from the floor, especially if you’ll be moving the air conditioner between rooms. Ensure the wheels are suitable for your flooring type.
While not essential, Wi-Fi-enabled models allow you to control the unit via a smartphone app or smart speaker, offering convenience, particularly if you need remote access. However, standard remote controls typically suffice for most users.
While some models may offer this option using a narrowed duct (flange) placed through an open door, it’s essential to note that operating without proper venting significantly reduces efficiency. Without venting hot air outside, the unit struggles to cool effectively, especially in hot weather conditions. It’s advisable to use the exhaust vent for optimal performance.
When it comes to warranty coverage, most portable air conditioner manufacturers typically offer warranties of two years or less, reflecting their confidence in the product’s durability.
However, a few brands stand out with more generous warranties. Some models, such as Aldi Stirling, Chiq, Olimpia Splendid, and TCL, provide warranties extending up to three years, which is a moderate improvement.
DeLonghi and Chiq take it a step further by offering warranties of five and seven years, respectively, specifically for their motors and compressors.
Even after the warranty period expires, consumers are still protected by the Australian Consumer Law, which guarantees a reasonable lifespan for products.
