The Best Portable Air Conditioner Quiet and Efficient
Easy to install, practical to move and cheaper than traditional models, the portable air conditioner is one of the best solutions to cool the rooms and endure the summer heat. Let’s see how to choose it in this purchase guide and, which are the best 2017 portable air conditioners for efficiency, quietness and consumption.
The portable air conditioner is the second most-used solution after a classic fixed air conditioning system. The portable air conditioner is undoubtedly more effective than the classic fan because it emits constant cold airflow and is generally quieter.
Moreover, unlike the fixed installation, it can easily be moved from one room to another, has no installation costs, and does not require significant work to install outdoor and indoor units on the wall.
The intervention may not be allowed for those who then live in a house or apartment for rent, so here the portable becomes the only truly effective solution to combat the heat.
Table of Contents
How to choose a portable air conditioner: Types and Characteristics
To buy the right equipment, there are some important aspects to consider.
First, you need to know that these air conditioners come in two different versions: those with a pipe to be positioned outside the window, through which hot air emitted by the appliance is expelled, and those without a pipe.
A portable air conditioner tube is more efficient but bulkier. In addition, if you do not use the special sealing sheet, there is a risk of reducing or nullifying the beneficial effect of climate. On the other hand, the portable air conditioner without a tube is cheaper and greener but less powerful and works with an ice and water evaporation system.
Once the type has been established, important characteristics to be evaluated are:
Dimensions and structure
A portable air conditioner is a monoblock appliance of generally contained dimensions. A good appliance must be light enough and easy to move without excessive effort. The most widespread form is rectangular, but now on the market, there are also design models with a more captivating look, transformed into furnishings for all purposes.
Power
The BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the measurement unit that expresses an air conditioner’s power is the BTU (British Thermal Unit). When choosing the appliance, consider the room’s size and other factors, such as exposure to the sun. To get a reference value, you can multiply 350 BTU per square meter, thus obtaining the power you need to cool the room effectively.
Refrigerant system
It can be of two types. The air-water system is the most effective and powerful model but entails higher consumption. In appliances of this type, we must also consider the water container’s capacity, knowing that 10 liters guarantee 5-6 hours of continuous autonomy. On the other hand, the air-to-air system is less powerful but limits autonomy and consumes less energy.
Functions
The most advanced models offer a complete set of functions. In addition to the air conditioning function, we can find dehumidification, ventilation, sleep for the night, a timer to set times, and sometimes, a heating function with hot air emission.
Noise
Another important aspect, especially for those who think of using the device at night, is silence. Of course, a good portable air conditioner must be as noisy as possible. On average, portable air conditioner has a noise level of around 60 dB, but many offer a quieter night mode that reaches about 20 dB (similar to the degree of the noise of our breath).
Duration and Maintenance
Periodic cleaning of the filter (advisable every two weeks) is the first thing to avoid putting back into circulation particles of dust, dirt, and smog that are potentially harmful to our bodies.
Water containers must be emptied regularly in models with an air-water cooling system to avoid stagnation and mold formation with unpleasant odors.
Finally, it is advisable to thoroughly clean all the components at the beginning and end of the summer season. But, first, it is always a good idea to consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The Best Portable Air Conditioner Quiet and Efficient
You have all the elements to evaluate the best portable air conditioner according to your needs and spaces.
The Amama, Honeywell, LG, and Whynter are the best brands available today, with prices ranging from under $100 for standard models to over $600 for the most advanced and complete equipment.
These are the top 10 models currently on the market for performance and efficiency to make your choice even easier. So now you have to choose and enjoy your refreshments.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.