Benefits of Using a Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners offer cooling without permanent installation, making them suitable for renters and temporary cooling needs.
Portable Air Conditioners draw warm, humid air from a room, cool and dehumidify it, then circulate the cooled air back. Unlike Split System, Window Wall, or ducted systems requiring professional installation, portable units need only a power outlet and window access for heat venting.
Key advantages:
No professional installation required—setup takes minutes
Relocate between rooms as needed throughout the home
Take with you when moving house or rental properties
Lower upfront cost compared to fixed air conditioning systems
Suitable for rental properties where permanent modifications aren't permitted
Evaporative models add humidity in dry climates whilst cooling
Portable evaporative air conditioners use water tank evaporation to cool air, functioning as mild humidifiers in drier climates. Leading brands include DeLonghi, Rinnai, Dimplex, and Olimpia Splendid.
Choosing the Right Size Portable AC
Cooling capacity measured in kilowatts (kW) or British Thermal Units (BTU) determines which room sizes a portable air conditioner can effectively cool.
Capacity guidelines by room size:
2.0-2.5kW (7,000-9,000 BTU): Small rooms up to 20m²
2.6-3.5kW (9,000-12,000 BTU): Medium rooms 20-30m²
3.6-4.5kW (12,000-15,000 BTU): Large rooms 30-40m²
4.6kW+ (16,000+ BTU): Extra large rooms over 40m²
Room characteristics affect cooling requirements beyond floor area. High ceilings, large windows receiving direct sunlight, poor insulation, or open-plan layouts require higher capacity units than enclosed, well-insulated rooms of the same floor space.
Undersized units run continuously without adequately cooling the space, wasting energy and wearing components prematurely. Oversized units cycle on and off frequently, failing to properly dehumidify and creating temperature fluctuations.
Portable AC Features to Consider
Dehumidification Function - Built-in dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from air whilst cooling. This dual function proves particularly useful in humid climates where moisture contributes significantly to discomfort. Some models include dedicated dehumidification modes operating independently of cooling.
Programmable Timers - Timers allow scheduling cooling to start before arriving home or shut off after falling asleep. This automation prevents running the unit unnecessarily whilst ensuring comfort when needed.
Remote Control and Smart Features - Remote controls enable adjusting settings from across the room. Wi-Fi-enabled models connect to smartphone apps for monitoring and control when away from home, useful for pre-cooling spaces before arrival.
Multiple Fan Speeds - Variable fan speeds balance cooling power against noise levels. Lower speeds suit sleeping or quiet activities, whilst higher speeds provide rapid cooling during peak heat.
Sleep Mode - Dedicated sleep modes gradually adjust temperature throughout the night and reduce fan speed for quieter operation. This feature maintains comfort whilst minimising disturbance.
Oscillating or Directional Airflow - Adjustable louvers direct cooled air towards specific areas or oscillate to distribute cooling more evenly throughout the room.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Portable air conditioners generally consume more electricity per cooling output compared to split system or ducted installations. Energy efficiency varies significantly between models, with star ratings indicating relative performance.
Efficiency considerations:
Higher star ratings indicate lower electricity consumption for equivalent cooling capacity. Compare units of identical capacity when assessing energy efficiency, as larger units naturally consume more power.
Portable units suit occasional use during peak summer rather than continuous daily operation. For frequent use, fixed systems typically prove more economical over time despite higher installation costs.
Running costs depend on electricity rates, usage hours, and ambient temperature. Units working harder in extremely hot conditions or poorly insulated spaces consume more power per hour.
Proper sizing prevents energy waste—correctly matched capacity runs fewer hours to maintain target temperature compared to undersized units cycling constantly.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Regular Cleaning Tasks
Empty condensate water collection tank when full indicator activates
Clean or replace air filters every 2-4 weeks during heavy use
Wipe exterior surfaces with damp cloth to remove dust buildup
Clean exhaust hose annually to maintain airflow efficiency
Inspect and clean vents and grilles monthly
Seasonal Maintenance
Store units in dry locations during winter months. Drain all condensate water before storage to prevent mould growth. Remove and clean filters before storing. Cover unit to protect from dust accumulation.
Run unit in fan-only mode for several hours before winter storage to dry internal components thoroughly. This prevents moisture-related issues during dormant periods.
Optimising Performance
Position units away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ensure adequate clearance around air intake and exhaust vents—typically 30-50cm minimum. Close doors and windows whilst operating to prevent cooled air escape and hot air infiltration.
Seal window gaps around exhaust hose installations. Even small openings allow hot air to enter, reducing cooling efficiency and increasing electricity consumption.
Transportable AC Styles and Design Options
Portable air conditioners come in upright tower designs and shorter, wider units. Tower styles occupy less floor space whilst wider models offer greater stability and sometimes larger water collection tanks.
Finish options typically include white, grey, or black plastics. Control panels range from simple mechanical dials to digital displays with touch controls. Handle placement and castor wheel quality affect mobility between rooms.
Exhaust hose length and diameter vary by model. Longer hoses provide installation flexibility but can reduce efficiency if excessively extended. Standard hoses stretch 1.2-1.8 metres.
Window kit designs suit sliding or sash windows primarily. Hinged window installations require custom solutions or alternative venting arrangements.
Noise Levels and Sound Reduction
Operating noise measured in decibels (dB) varies from 45-65dB depending on fan speed and model design. Quieter units around 45-50dB suit bedrooms, whilst noisier models acceptable in living areas during daytime.
Noise comparison:
45-50dB: Quiet conversation level, suitable for sleeping
51-55dB: Moderate conversation level, acceptable for most spaces
56-65dB: Louder operation, may disturb light sleepers
Sleep modes reduce fan speed and compressor cycling frequency for quieter night operation. Position units away from beds when possible to minimise sleep disturbance.
Vibration against floors or walls amplifies perceived noise. Placing rubber mats under units dampens vibration transmission. Ensure units sit level on stable surfaces.
