Buying Guide Finding The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units For Summer

As temperatures rise, finding ways to keep cool will become a top priority and air conditioning is one of those ways. Statista reported that in 2021, the demand for air conditioning in the UK increased, amounting to “approximately 213 thousand units, the highest number of the past decade.” In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best portable air conditioning units as an alternative to traditional air conditioning units.

A man sitting on a sofa with a remote control for an air conditioner unit

We will share:

  • The pros and cons of portable air conditioning
  • Things to consider when buying a portable air conditioning unit
  • Where to buy portable air conditioners

The Pros and Cons of Portable Air Conditioning Units

Air conditioning is used to keep a space cool by replacing the hot or warm air with cool air. Air conditioners traditionally come as wall-mounted air conditioners which are isolated to one area and are more common in office and public spaces. Wall-mounted air conditioners may not be the best option for at-home use due to installation costs and the fact that they will only provide cooling for one room. This is where portable air conditioners come in. Just as the name suggests, they are portable air conditioning units that do not require installation and can be moved from room to room. Here are the pros and cons of this type of air conditioning:

Pros:

  1. The main advantage is that they are portable. Not only can they be moved around the house, they can be packed away during winter and can even be packed for trips.
  2. Portable air conditioners are much cheaper compared to wall-mounted units.
  3. They do not require any installation, which makes them great for renters.
  4. They provide effective cooling and “offer a sure-fire way to cool down a room’, according to The Independent.
Cons:
  1. They are limited in their cooling capacity and may not provide effective cooling in larger rooms.
  2. Despite being portable, they can take up a lot of floor space.
  3. They can make a lot of noise.
  4. They can use up a lot of electricity, which can result in a higher electric bill in the long run.
  5. They can be heavy.
  6. Depending on the model, you have to frequently empty the water tank where excess condensation is caught.

What To Consider When Buying A Portable Air Conditioner

You have decided to take the plunge and purchase a portable air conditioner. Before you do, there are some things to consider:

  • The size of the air conditioner - You should take the size of the air conditioner into consideration when shopping. Ask yourself if the unit will fit well in the areas where you’ll want to use it and if it will be easy to move around.
  • BTU - BTU is an acronym for British Thermal Units and this value represents the air conditioning units cooling power. This will help you choose the correct portable air conditioner for the size of your room.
  • Ventilation - Since portable air conditioners do not have a split system like traditional air conditioners which allows them to efficiently release warm air, they require proper ventilation. The portable air conditioner will have to be placed in an area close to a window
  • The noise - Since portable air conditioners are single units within a limited space, the noise is quite noticeable. It is important to consider whether or not you can tolerate the noise produced.
  • Function - There are portable air conditioners that do more than simply provide cooling. Many are multi-functional and have heating, dehumidifying and fan features. You should take into consideration what your needs are and if a simple or multi-functional unit is for you.
  • Portability - If you plan to move the unit around, take into consideration if it has handles, smaller or larger wheels and enough space at the bottom. “It would be a hassle if the unit were to scratch your floors or snag on the carpet while moving it”, says Marylyn Ncube.

The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units

One of the main reasons for buying a portable air conditioner is that it's cheaper than buying and installing a wall-mounted air conditioner. Here are some recommendations on reliable air conditioning units that you can buy and where to buy them at great prices.

Costco

With a Costco promo code, you can save on their offering of portable air conditioners:

Wood's Cortina 9K BTU Portable Air Conditioner

The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units: Wood's Cortina 9K BTU Portable Air Conditioner
  • Size: H 85 x W 47.1 x D 35.5cm
  • BTU: 9000 BTU
  • Noise level:[/b] 53-64dB
Retailing for £329.98, the Wood's Cortina portable air conditioner is a reliable air conditioner unit and is classed A+ in energy consumption. With a low noise level, and airflow of 380 m³/h from 3 fan speeds that is efficient in a room of up to 62.4m³, this unit provides fast cooling without noise that will cause a disturbance.

De'Longhi 9.8K BTU 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units: De'Longhi 9.8K BTU 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
  • Size: H 75 x W 45 x D 41 cm
  • BTU: 9800 BTU
  • Noise level:[/b] 44-50dB
This unit costs £599.98 and is a 4-in-1 unit that has cooling, heating, dehumidifying and fan capabilities. Classed as A+ in energy consumption, this unit is perfect for year-long use without excessive power usage. In addition to being an environmentally friendlier option than traditional heating and cooling systems, this unit has a sleek and modern design, featuring a soft touch LED control panel that displays the temperature and timer.

Argos

With an Argos discount code, you can score even bigger discounts on their already reasonably priced units. Below are their highest-rated air conditioners:

Challenge 7K Air Conditioner

The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units: Challenge 7K Air Conditioner
  • Size: H 63.4 x W 32.9 x D 31.8cm
  • BTU: 7000 BTU
  • Noise level:[/b] 62dB
This £350 portable air conditioning unit is suitable for rooms between 9-14m2m², requires ventilation and has a 1.8m cable for easy connection to an outlet. With handles on the sides and castors, this unit is easy to move around and includes a remote control.

De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EM82 Portable Air Conditioner

The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units: De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EM82 Portable Air Conditioner
  • Size: H 70 x W 42.5 x D 34.5cm
  • BTU: 9400 BTU
  • Noise level:[/b] 63dB
This £600 portable air conditioner provides effective cooling while saving energy, so you do not have to worry about your bill skyrocketing. With 3 speed settings, the De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EM82 provides optimal cooling and comes with a remote control that gives you full control of its functions without having to get up. This air conditioner can be moved around easily and can be used to pre-cool a room with its timer.

Currys

Below are two cooling systems that you can purchase and save on with a Currys discount code.

BELDRAY EH3234 4-in-1 Portable Air Cooler, Heater, Purifier & Humidifier

BELDRAY EH3234 4-in-1 Portable Air Cooler, Heater, Purifier & Humidifier
  • Size: H 60 x W30 x D 27cm
  • Cooling power: 65W
For only £86.99, you can get your hands on this 6.1kg unit that has 4-in-1 capabilities. Suitable for use throughout the year, the unit has 2 ice packs for optimal cooling for those hot summer days. The three speed settings, 12-hour timer and LED display allow you to find the perfect cooling setting for your needs. It can be easily moved around due to the castor wheels and with its light weight, you can even carry it up and down the stairs.

LOGIK LAC07C22 Portable Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier

The Best Portable Air Conditioning Units: LOGIK LAC07C22 Portable Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier
  • Size: H 67,8 x W 33,6 x D 27,2cm
  • Air flow rate: 280 m³/h
  • Noise level:[/b] 65dB
This portable air conditioner is £249 and has two speed settings, 17 temperature settings and dehumidifying function to provide the best cooling possible. Its small size and handles make it easier to carry. The unit also comes with a remote control to allow you easy control of the speed and temperature settings without having to leave the sofa or bed.

Stay Cool And Comfortable This Summer

Invest in finding the best portable air conditioning units to keep your house comfortable over this summer period. To find more savings opportunities, deals and offers for cheap air conditioner units, fans, heaters and more for every season, browse our offering of Home and Garden discount codes and Technology & Electrical discount codes.

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Posted 7th August, 2024

Author: Marylyn Ncube

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