Are portable ACs worth buying?

Portable air conditioners are ideal for small spaces and renters. They're cost effective and don't require any professional installation. However, they won't cool as effectively as a centralised system and can only cool the room they're in. To cool multiple rooms you may need several units.

What is the best portable split system air conditioner?

Split system air conditioners use 2 units, one on the inside of the house and another on the outside, to deliver cool air into the home. There's no ducting involved and while they are portable you need a professional to install it every time you move it about. Our team of experts recommends the Kelvinator 7.1kW Split System Reverse Cycle Inverter Air Conditioner as the best split system air conditioner available in Australia right now.

What is the difference between a portable air conditioner and an air cooler?

A portable air conditioner uses a cooling agent and a heat pump to reduce heat from the air. It blows cool air into the room, reducing its temperature by at least 10 degrees. An air cooler uses cold water to reduce heat in a room. It is more cooling, but can only decrease room temperature by at least 3 degrees.

Do portable air conditioners need to be vented out?

Portable air conditioners need to be vented out because they extract hot air from a room, which then needs to be let out through a vent.

How much electricity does a portable air conditioner consume?

Medium-sized air conditioners can use around 2,900W per hour. Larger ones can consume up to 4,100W per hour.

How do you clean a portable air conditioner?

Before cleaning your portable AC, drain the water. Then, remove the filters and clean them if they are washable. If not, replace the filters with a fresh one. Use a damp cloth to clean the coils and exterior. Use another clean cloth to wipe them dry. Once all components are dry, reassemble your unit.

What is the best portable air conditioner?

We picked the De'Longhi Pinguino Air-to-Air 3.3 KW Portable Air Conditioner as the best overall option you can get online.

How do portable air conditioners work?

Portable air conditioners work by pulling in hot air from the room and passing it over a cold evaporator coil. This causes the air to cool and the unit to expel the cooled air back into the room. Most portable air conditioners also have a built-in dehumidifier, which helps to remove moisture from the air.

Do I need a portable air conditioner window kit?

Because it sucks in air to cool your room, you need a window kit (and a window) to install and properly use a portable air conditioner.

How to install a portable air conditioner

Here's what you need to know about installing a portable air conditioner: Choose the right location. Portable air conditioners need to be placed near a window so that the exhaust hose can be properly vented. Make sure the area around the window is clear of any furniture or other obstacles. Install the bracket. Most portable air conditioners come with a bracket that needs to be installed to hold the unit in place. Follow the instructions that come with your particular model. Place the unit in the window. Once the bracket is installed, you can place the portable air conditioner in the window and secure it in place according to the instructions. Connect the exhaust hose. The final step is to connect the exhaust hose to the unit and route it out the window. Make sure the hose is properly secured and there are no leaks. That's it! You're now ready to enjoy the cool air from your portable air conditioner. Just be sure to empty the water tank regularly and keep the filter clean for optimal performance.

Ericka Pingol, Former Writer at Finder

Ericka Pingol

Former Writer

Ericka Pingol was a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication