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Choosing a portable air conditioner can be a bit tricky when you consider the technical details. It's not as simple as going to a store and picking the first one you see.
To ensure that you have an effective cooling solution for your living and sleeping areas, it's important to do your research beforehand. This guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and choose a portable air conditioner that will effectively cool your space.
Let's quickly go over the key specifications you should consider when shopping for a portable air conditioner:
- BTU rating and room size: a general rule of thumb is to use a portable air conditioner with a 9,000 BTU rating for rooms between 15 to 25 square metres like bedrooms and home studios. For larger living spaces or rooms, consider models with a 12,000 BTU rating or above, for more effective cooling. It's important to consider other factors such as insulation, layout, and orientation.
- Placement: keep in mind that you'll need a window to vent a portable air conditioner, so make sure you have a suitable spot before making your purchase.
- Noise: You may have read that you should aim for a portable air conditioner with noise levels between 50 and 55 dB. But in reality, it can be tough to find one that falls below 60 dB. Even when checking reviews, noise level is often a common complaint among users. Our suggestion is to aim for a unit with noise levels below 70 dB and to check actual user reviews for a more accurate idea, and buy from a retailer that allows returns in case you’re not satisfied.
- Cleaning: cleaning is a must no matter what type of portable air conditioner you choose. Some models have special features that will require less frequent maintenance, so keep that in mind.
- Energy efficiency: in Australia, portable air conditioners are regulated by ENERGY RATING, so you can look at the usual star rating as for any other appliances and be sure to know if the product you’re buying is energy efficient or not.
- Be mindful of your purchase: when searching for portable air conditioners online, it's important to make sure you are not accidentally purchasing an evaporative cooler. These are two different types of cooling devices.
Let’s now take a look at the list of the best portable air conditioners in the market today.
1. Advwin 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
9,000 BTU portable air conditioner that's effective and not too expensive
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The best portable air conditioner for most users this year is the Advwin 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, a versatile 9,000 BTU machine that has multiple operating modes at a reasonable price. This is a great one for those who want one machine to take you through the seasons.
It has a cooling mode, fan mode, dehumidifying mode and sleep mode. While its main function is to cool down a room, the Advwin 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner has a temperature range of 15-31℃, allowing you to use it for cold or warmth. This gives you great bang for your buck.
The settings can be easily adjusted using the LED panel or remote control. It also has a 24-hour timer and sleep mode to give you control even as you sleep.
Weighing in at 21kg, it is on the lighter side, making it easy to move around with its universal castor wheels. The installation of the portable air conditioner is meant to take just a few minutes, so it should be fairly easy to move around to different rooms and get it going without too much of a hassle.
2. Rinnai RPC41WA
Has a swing function for more efficient air circulation
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With three operating modes, cool, dry and fan, the Rinnai Portable Air Conditioner is a good option if you’re looking to cool the place down.
The Rinnai Portable Air Conditioner has adjustable temperatures using a remote control in cooling mode. It can also be used in the fan-only mode with three speed options. It also has a swing function, making it more efficient in making the air cooler in the room.
This portable air conditioner comes with washable filters, so it will be fairly easy to wash and reuse. Any condensated water will evaporate with the Rinnai Portable Air Conditioner, so you won’t have to manually empty it out yourself. Overall, it makes for a low maintenance machine.
It’s easy to move around if needed. There are carry handles so that you can lift it and move it to another room.
3. Shinco Portable AC 12000 BTU
Crispy cool room and hi tech design
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For larger rooms, the Shinco Portable AC may be a good option to consider. With a 12,000 BTU rating, it can effectively cool spaces up to 105 cubic meters. This would be appropriate for a room that is 6x6x3 meters, for example. It has a remote control for easy operation and you even have a sleep key on it.
The wheels make it movable for transferring it according to your preferences and cooling the area that you want. The dehumidifier function has a capacity of 28 L per day, very useful for stopping the development of any bacteria or mould in your living environment.
The Shinco Portable AC 12000 BTU has a self-evaporative cooling technology that cools the condenser coils with water from the air. This further increases the cooling efficiency and reduces the water that collects in the appropriate tank, thus saving you time for constant emptying. It has a LED display and option for control selection, as well as a 24hour timer and a low speed, quiet mode for no disturbance while you sleep.
The filter is washable, but there is no ‘check filter’ warning. The window exhaust kit is included and it is easy to set up, with no tools and it comes with a one year warranty.
Bear in mind, though this is a highly praised efficient product, there are some complaints about the noise it produces, so it might be more suitable for a living environment rather than a quiet study or bedroom.
4. De’Longhi Pinguino PACEM77
Quiet portable air conditioning unit that also dehumidifies
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A good choice for a home office is the De’Longhi Pinguino PACEM77, which operates well in rooms up to 70 cubic metres (your average home room of 5x5 metres with a 3m ceailing).
This 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner has an Eco Plus function that helps to regulate power levels based on the selected temperature, helping you to conserve energy. While it can be a bit on the louder side as it works to reach the desired temperature, it quietens down once that temperature is reached.
It also has a 24-hour timer, enabling you to preset the operation time and save energy. This, as well as all other functions, are easily adjustable using the soft touch control panel or included remote control.
Using natural and non-toxic fluid in its operation, you can rest easy knowing that it is safe for you. This also means that it doesn’t create gases that contribute and are detrimental to the ozone layer.
The De’Longhi Pinguino also has pre-assembled folding castor wheels, making it very mobile and easy for you to move around.
5. Devanti 9000BTU 2600W
For small bedrooms, with self evaporating function
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If you're looking for a portable air conditioner to cool down a small room, the Devanti Portable Air Conditioner 9000BTU 2600W is worth considering. It's a great choice for children's rooms, as it's effective at cooling down smaller spaces. One of the standout features of this air conditioner is its self-evaporating function, which means you won't have to frequently empty the tank.
This air conditioner has three functionalities: air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan modes. The fan mode has two different speeds, and it also has a smart mode that allows the machine to automatically adjust its cooling settings based on the conditions of the room. The device comes with a window kit, which is decent, but not the best, but it allows for efficient venting.
The noise level of this air conditioner is on par with most similar products, measuring at 64 dB. We couldn't find the energy rating for this product, so we’re not sure what to expect in terms of efficiency.
6. Shinco 7000 BTU
Lightweight portable AC that can be tossed around
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Among the best portable air cons suitable for a room sized around 12 to 15 m2, the Shinco 7000 BTU will conveniently and effectively cool your environment, and maintain it cool. It is a good choice for a small bedroom, home office, cabin or camper.
Once the desired temperature is obtained it will automatically switch to the lowest speed in a quiet mode. Three options in one machine, cooling the room, 2 speed fan for air circulation and a 16.8 L tank.
There is a LED display with some control panel for selection, but also a full-featured remote control for your convenience. In a low speed mode it is quiet and features a 24-hr timer. It comes in a white colour and with satisfying dimensions that make it easy fit in every room (30 x 35.2 x 75.6 cm).
The four castors wheels make it easy to transfer from place to place and use it when you need it. You should make sure there’s a window close to it so that the exhaust hose can be properly positioned. The kit comes with all the necessary installation accessories, and it can be assembled in 5-10 minutes. The product has a 12 months warranty and some highly praised cooling options which make it a very efficient and desirable air conditioner for many types of usage.
7. Dimplex 2.5KW Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier DCP9
Reverse cycle air conditioner with a self-evaporative system
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The Dimplex 2.5kW Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier has an adjustable temperature range of 17-30℃ which can heat and cool down your room where needed. This can be easily adjusted using the remote control provided.
It also has a self-evaporative system, which means you won’t need to have a drainage hose or empty out a drip tray. This removes the hassle that usually comes with portable air conditioners.
This portable air conditioner has a dehumidifying function as well. This is especially useful if it’s quite humid as it helps reduce indoor air moisture. As a result, this prevents the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria in your home.
8. Omega Altise OAPC10
Air conditioner that keeps the air in your room clean
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The Omega Altise Portable Air Conditioner’s unique feature compared to all the others on this list is its active carbon filter. This serves to help keep the air in your room clean, which is always a plus.
This portable air conditioner also boasts AQUA CHILL technology. This provides greater efficiency and maximises the cooling ability of the machine, which is exactly what you want in an air conditioner.
Like some of the other portable air conditioners on this list, the Omega Altise Portable Air Conditioner also has three functions, making it more versatile. It has a cooling, fan and dehumidifier mode. It also has a 24-hour timer that you can use to set the time for the machine to turn off.
Overall, the Omega Altise Portable Air Conditioner is a great option if you’re looking for one in the mid-price range.
