Air conditioner buying guide

What is an air conditioner?
First, what exactly is an air conditioner? It’s a device that comes in many forms and helps cool the air in your home by drawing in hot air, taking it out, and replacing it with cooler air.

Some homes may be equipped with central air conditioning, so you can use the same thermostat that controls the heat to control the temperature throughout the home and install the air conditioning unit outside. But it’s an expensive setup, and some homes, as well as apartments, don’t have it. You may really only need to add cooling to one room, like an upstairs bedroom, or the first floor of your home. In this case, the solution is to purchase a portable, window or mini-split air conditioner.

Portable air conditioners can be moved around the house to cool desired rooms.
Types of air conditioners
If you’re looking to buy an air conditioner to cool the rooms in your home, you’re likely to decide between three main options: portable air conditioners, window air conditioners, and mini-split air conditioners. All three approaches have pros and cons and are suitable for different situations. To learn more about each type and who each option is best for, see the comparison below.

portable air conditioner
Bedroom with DeLonghi 4-in-1 portable air conditioner
A portable air conditioner is a floor-standing unit that uses the air in the room to cool an area and expels the air through a window-mounted hose using the included window vent kit. Some models include a self-evaporating feature that recycles condensate into the air, while others require drainage. There are also dual-hose models, where one hose brings air from the outside into the house and expels it through the window, and the other hose heats the air out. Some also vent air through the ceiling or walls.

Models with a hose will come with a window vent kit that fits right over your window opening to expel air. Those without a hose just need to plug it in and go. But you need to periodically release water from some kind of cistern. How often depends on how humid the air in your room is. The most hassle-free option is the more advanced self-evaporating models, as they are easy to set up and require little maintenance.

Air Conditioner Buying Guide – DeLonghi Whisper 14000BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Advantages of Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are a good option for many people, and they have some advantages over other types of air conditioners.

you can move them from room to room
Great if you want to move a portable air conditioner from room to room (beware though, if your air conditioner exhausts through a window, you’ll also have to remove the hose and put it on the other window Install.)
Can it be used in a room without windows
Unlike other types, they can be used in rooms without windows, such as basement offices or play areas. You need to find a place to vent, such as a sliding door, an exterior door, or a suspended ceiling. But you may need separate accessories.
Easy to store during off season
They’re usually big and heavy, but usually have casters so you can roll them around, which also makes winter storage easy.
easy to set up
They’re usually quick and easy to install in minutes, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for a quick fix for an especially hot home. In many cases, installation can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes to be up and running.
suitable for temporary installation
If you live in a rental house or apartment and window air conditioners are not allowed, a portable air conditioner is a great solution. All it takes is a window kit and it’s easy to install and remove.

Disadvantages of Portable Air Conditioners
Before choosing a portable air conditioner, you need to consider a few things.

they take up a lot of space
Since they are larger, you probably don’t want to buy one for a small room because it takes up space. They are floor-standing units and need to be placed close to a window, which means that depending on the layout of the room, this could block floor traffic or impede movement around the room.
They are not as effective at cooling larger spaces
Some sources suggest that they are not as effective as window air conditioners in cooling larger spaces, although there is no definitive proof. It may also depend on the unit and brand you choose. (If you’re concerned about its efficacy, it’s always a good idea to get online reviews from reliable sources.)
they can be expensive
Depending on the model and type, portable air conditioners can be expensive, especially those with added features, such as humidification.
they can be loud
Portable air conditioners can be noisy at times, so you might want to buy one with a timer function,