When it comes to the best cheap portable air conditioners, we now have many options in the market today. Back in the old days, portable A/C units were not that known yet but in today’s world, the need for practicality made people want to buy such a portable unit.
One of the key advantages to having a portable air conditioner is the budget-saving factor and the flexibility. You don’t have to always use the unit in one room alone – you can condition the entire house by moving the portable air conditioner around.
So, how do you choose an ideal portable air conditioner for your needs? We’re here to help – we want you to live a comfortable life so we wrote this guide just for you! Below are some suggested picks for the best portable air conditioners out there, as well as tips on buying one.
What is the cheapest portable air conditioner?
Are you looking for the best portable A/C unit out there? Don’t worry – we have some suggestions below that you will like:
1. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner is a compact unit that measures 16.5 x 11.5 x 26 inches and with up to 8,000 BTU (per ASHRAE standards), making it ideal for rooms up to 150 square feet in size. It comes with a window adapter and a 4-foot hose, making it easy to install.
When it comes to maintenance, it has a sliding filter that will simplify your cleaning process. This portable air conditioner also has a 24-hour timer with remote control for regulating the room temperature.
Other features that we like in this air conditioner include a dehumidifying mode, a fan mode, and a cooling mode. It also has a self-evaporating mechanism – no need for a bucket!
2. Amazon Basics Portable Air Conditioner
Another consideration for a good portable A/C unit is the Amazon Basics Portable Air Conditioner. Ideal for rooms up to 450 square feet (with up to 8-foot ceilings), you’ll find it useful for medium-sized bedrooms and even the living room. This portable air conditioner is rated 10,000 BTU (ASHRAE).
With 3 speeds to choose from and 3 cooling settings, you’ll get a customized cooling experience with this portable air conditioner. It also has a hose that conveniently fits most standard-sized windows but can be tweaked for other window types. As with most A/C units, it has adjustable fan levers for different airflow needs.
Equipped with an LED light display, comfortable handles, and a set of rolling caster wheels, this portable air conditioner also significantly runs quieter than most units out there.
3. Midea MAP08R1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Rated 8,000 BTUs (ASHRAE), the Midea MAP08R1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner will cool up to 150 square feet of area. It has a 24-hour timer and has 3 modes: fan, dehumidifying, and cooling, depending on your needs. With an LED screen, it comes with convenient remote control.
Included in the pack are a 5-foot hose and window brackets that are adjustable from 26-1/2 to 48 inches. Since it already comes with a window kit, you don’t need a lot of tools or extras to install this portable air conditioner.
The temperature adjustments are between 62 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor. It also has a washable filter, which is helpful if you have pets around the house.
4. NINGPU Portable Air Conditioner
Rated for use in rooms up to 200 square feet, the NINGPU Portable Air Conditioner is yet another 8,000-BTU portable air conditioner. It has a 24-hour timer and 2 fan speeds to choose from. Like most of our picks here, it also has 3 modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan.
Built with an LED screen that’s easy to read, as well as a remote control, the portable A/C unit also comes with a window kit so it’s ready to be installed.
Its dehumidifier function will remove somewhere between 25 and 50 pints a day depending on your length of operation. It has two options for drainage: auto-evaporation or manual. With less than 60 dBA of noise level, this air conditioner is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without a window?
Yes, but it will still take some effort in setting up. Other ways to vent out your portable air conditioner include ceiling and door setups. Most manufacturers have kits that are meant for such instances.
You can also have a hole drilled into one corner or area of the room, but this is a slightly tedious step. This method, however, isn’t suitable for people who live in condo units or those who rent.
Is it worth buying a portable air conditioner?
Yes! Portable air conditioners, just like their fixed counterparts, have the following benefits:
- They’re great for helping you focus. Does lack of oxygen make you sleepy? You may feel fatigued with the summer season starting. Air conditioners, even portable ones, will help add oxygen to your indoor space to help you focus and relax on your task.
- They are easy to install. A portable air conditioner is relatively simple to install without the need for breaking a large square hole into your wall (unless you have no windows or ceiling for ventilation). Simply hook them outside to vent the warm air out and keep your indoor space cool and comfortable.
- They help enhance your air cleaning machines. If you already have the best air purifier on a budget, a way to enhance its cleaning capability is to combine it with a portable air conditioner for best results. With a steady airflow, your air purifier will clean the air more efficiently as compared to stagnant air indoors.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, a portable air conditioner is a great alternative to window-type and split-types, especially if you want different rooms of your house to be cooled down (and you can’t afford to have many air conditioner units on all of the rooms). With a good setup and other neat features, you’ll have a cooled-down room in no time thanks to a portable air conditioner.
