3 best portable refrigerated air conditioner

Portable refrigerated air conditioners, also known as portable AC units or spot coolers, are versatile cooling solutions designed for use in homes, offices, server rooms, or other indoor spaces where temporary or supplementary cooling is needed. Here are some key features and considerations:

  1. Portability: As the name suggests, these air conditioners are portable and easy to move around. They typically come with caster wheels, handles, or both, allowing you to transport them from one room to another.

  2. Cooling Capacity: Portable refrigerated air conditioners come in various cooling capacities, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU rating, the more cooling power the unit can provide. Choose a unit with an appropriate capacity for the size of the space you intend to cool.

  3. Installation: These units are designed for easy setup. They usually come with a window installation kit that includes an exhaust hose and window adapter. You'll need to vent the hot air generated by the air conditioner out of a window or through an opening in the wall.

  4. Temperature Control: Most portable AC units offer adjustable temperature settings, fan speeds, and modes (cooling, dehumidification, and fan-only). Some models also come with remote controls for convenient operation.

  5. Energy Efficiency: Look for units with an ENERGY STAR certification or high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to ensure energy-efficient cooling and lower operating costs.

  6. Noise Level: Pay attention to the noise level of the unit, especially if you plan to use it in bedrooms or quiet spaces. Quieter models typically have a decibel (dB) rating listed in the product specifications.

  7. Air Filtration: Some portable AC units include built-in air filters to improve indoor air quality by capturing dust, allergens, and other particles. These filters are typically washable or replaceable.

  8. Condensate Management: Portable air conditioners produce condensate as they cool the air. Most units are designed to either evaporate this moisture or collect it in a built-in reservoir. Some models even have a continuous drain option for hassle-free maintenance.

  9. Timer and Programmable Features: Many units come with timers and programmable settings, allowing you to set the AC to turn on or off at specific times. This can help you save energy and maintain comfort.

  10. Size and Design: Consider the dimensions and aesthetics of the unit, as it will be a visible part of your living space. Some units have sleek, modern designs, while others are more utilitarian.

  11. Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the unit running efficiently. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning the air filter and other components.

  12. Price: Portable refrigerated air conditioners are available at various price points. While budget-friendly options exist, higher-end models may offer additional features and better cooling performance.

These portable cooling units are an excellent solution for cooling individual rooms or specific areas, providing relief during hot summer months or in locations without central air conditioning. When choosing a portable AC unit, consider factors like cooling capacity, installation requirements, energy efficiency, noise level, and any additional features that meet your cooling needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable refrigerated air conditioner on the market
  

SereneLife SLPAC8 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, 3-in-1 Floor AC Unit with Built-In Dehumidifier, Fan Modes, Remote Control, Complete Window Mount Exhaust Kit for Rooms Up to 225 Sq. ft, White

SereneLife

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SereneLife Model : SLPAC8Compact & Portable Room Air ConditionerPortable Air Conditioner - Compact Home AC Cooling Unit with Built-in Dehumidifier & Fan Modes, Includes Window Mount Kit (8, 000 BTU) Features: Lightweight & Portable A/C UnitCompact Freestanding Room Air Conditioner Operation Modes: AC Cooling / Dehumidifier / FanHassle-Free, Quick Setup CoolingSimple Electric Plug-in OperationConvenient Wide-Area Climate Control Room AC CoverageDigital Touch Button Control Panel with LED DisplayTime, Temperature & Fan Speed Adjustment SettingsIncludes Universal Window Mount AC Exhaust KitRemovable & Washable Air Filter ScreenModern Style, Sleek Body Housing Energy Efficient: Low Power ConsumptionLow Noise Level Motor Rolling Wheels for Easy PortabilityUsed for Home, Office, School & Business Rooms What’s in the Box: AC UnitExhaust HoseWindow Installation PlateRemote Control Technical Specs: Cooling Power: 8, 000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 4,000 BTU (SACC)Rated Power: 900 WattCoverage Area: Cools Rooms up to 215+ Square FeetAir Flow: 290 Cubic Meters / HourOperating Modes: Cool / Fan / Dry (Dehumidifier)Moisture Removal / Dehumidifier: 1. 2 Liters / HourOperating Noise Level: 55-57 dBaFan Speed Settings: Low / HighTemperature Unit Selectable: °F / °C (Fahrenheit / Celsius)Adjustable Timer Settings: Up to 24 HoursConstruction Material: Engineered ABS HousingBattery Operated Remote Control, Requires x ‘AAA’ Batteries, IncludedPower Cable Length: 4. 3’ ft. Power Supply: 120VDimensions (L x W x H): 14. 6’’ x 13. 8’’ x 27. 2’’ -inchesThe SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner - Compact Home A/C Cooling Unit with Built-in Dehumidifier & Fan Modes, Includes Window Mount Kit (8, 000 BTU) - Lightweight & Portable Cooling Power! - Hassle-Free, Quick Setup A/C Unit - Compact Room Air Conditioner - Simple Electric Plug-in Operation - Operation Modes: AC Cooling / Dehumidifier / Fan - Includes Universal Window Mount Exhaust Kit - Removable & Washable Air Filter Screen - Modern Style, Sleek Body Housing - Digital Touch Button Control Panel - Time, Temperature & Fan Speed Adjustment Settings - Convenient Climate Control in Rooms up to 215+ Square Feet - Energy Efficient: Low Power Consumption - Low Noise Level Motor - Rolling Wheels for Easy Portability - Used for Home, Office, School & Business Rooms.

  • Dimensions: 14.6’’ L x 13.8’’ W x 27.2’’ H | Weight: 53.02 lbs
  • Your purchase includes: Portable Air Conditioner, Window Mount Kit, Quick Setup Guide, Remote Control (batteries not included).
  • Handy and portable: the SereneLife portable air conditioner system features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design intended to be used in the bedroom, living room or garage at home or office. It features rolling wheels for easy portability
  • 3 operating modes: The compact floor AC indoor cooler conditioning unit features a simple electric Plug in operation and introduces 3 modes Cooling, dehumidifier and fan. The default mode is cooling, It is automatically activated after power on
  • Built in dehumidifier: You don’t only get the cooling effect of the portable AC but also helps reduce humidity levels, acts as purifier which makes your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mildew by selecting dehumidifier mode
  • Remote control: features a digital touch button control panel which includes the power, mode, timer, temperature and fan speed settings. Other functions such as unit selector (Celsius/ Fahrenheit ), Sleep key can be adjusted using the included remote control
  • 8000 BTU cooling power: with 900W rated power and 8000 BTU cooling power, the cold air can cover a room of up to 215+ sq. ft.. Air flow is rated at 290 M3/hr., moisture removal/dehumidifier at 1. 2 liters/hr. W/ an operating noise level of only 55 57 dB

Product features

SereneLife 10,000 Portable Air Conditioner with Built-in Dehumidifier, Fan Modes, Remote Control, Complete Window Exhaust Kit for Rooms

The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner System features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design intended to be used in the bedroom, living room or garage at home or office. It features rolling wheels for easy portability.

With 8000 BTU cooling power, this is the best option to save space and money, he cold air can cover a room up to 215+ sq ft Air flow is rated at 290 m3/hr, moisture removal/dehumidifier at 1.2 liters/hr w/ an operating noise level of only 55-57 dBa.

The Serene Life Portable Air Conditioner System

You don’t only get the cooling effect of the portable AC but also helps reduce humidity levels, acts as purifier which makes your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, mildew by selecting dehumidifier mode.

The compact floor AC indoor cooler conditioning unit features a simple electric plug in operation and has 4 modes - cooling, heating, dehumidifier and fan. Also features automatic swing mode w/ moving wind vent for maximum air circulation.

Digital Remote Control Air Conditioner

Lets you control fan speed and temperature from a distance. Need to adjust the A/C? No need to get up from your work to do it.

Low Noise Level Motor Rolling Wheels

This kit allows you to hook up your portable air conditioner and cool your home, despite the unconventional setup.

Moisture Removal / Dehumidifier

Pulls warm air from the room, sends it past coils cooled by refrigerant, and then sends heated air and moisture in hose and out of the house.

Freestanding Room Air Conditioner

This features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design intended to be used in the bedroom, living room or garage at home or office.

SereneLife SLPAC105W SLPAC Portable Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU With WiFi, Multi-Color

SereneLife

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features: - Metal Control Box to Prevent from Fire and Exploding - Rotary Compressor - Universal Castors for Moving Freely - Wifi function - Lightweight & Portable A/C Unit - Compact Freestanding Room Air Conditioner - Operation Modes: AC Cooling / Dehumidifier / Fan - Hassle-Free, Quick Setup Cooling - Simple Electric Plug-in Operation - Convenient Wide-Area Climate Control Room AC Coverage - Push Button Control Panel with LED Display - Time, Temperature & Fan Speed Adjustment Settings - Includes Universal Window Mount AC Exhaust Kit - Removable & Washable Air Filter Screen - Modern Style, Sleek Body Housing - Energy Efficient: Low Power Consumption - Low Noise Level Motor - Rolling Wheels for Easy Portability - Used for Home, Office, School & Business Rooms What's in the Box: - AC Unit - Exhaust Hose - Window Installation Plate - Remote Control Technical Specs: - Power Supply: 115V/60Hz - Rated Power: 920W - Refrigerant Type: R410a - Cooling capacity (ASHRAE): 10, 000 Btu/h - Cooling capacity (DOE): 6000 Btu/h - Coverage Area: Cools Rooms up to 300 Square Feet - Air Flow: 360 Cubic Meters / Hour - Operating Modes: Cool / Fan / Dry (Dehumidifier) - Moisture Removal / Dehumidifier: 1. 2 Liters / Hour - Operating Noise Level: 57 dBA - Fan Speed Settings: Two Level, Low/High - Temperature Unit Selectable: °C / °F (Celsius / Fahrenheit) - Adjustable Timer Settings: Up to 24 Hours - Construction Material: High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) - Battery Operated Remote Control, Requires x ‘AAA’ Batteries, Included - Power Cable Length: 5. 6’ ft. - Product Dimension (L x W x H): 27. 6'' x 12. 8'' x 11. 6'' -inches

  • 10, 000 BTU COOLING POWER: With 920W rated power and 10, 000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 6,000 BTU (SACC) cooling power, the cold air can cover a room up to 300 sq ft! Air flow is rated at 360 m3/hr, moisture removal/dehumidifier at 1. 2 liters/hr w/ an operating noise level of only 57 dBa
  • 3 OPERATING MODES: The ac unit portable room air conditioner features a simple electric plug-in operation and has 3 modes - cooling, dehumidifier, and fan. Also features automatic swing mode w/ moving wind vent for maximum air circulation
  • BUILT-IN DEHUMIDIFIER: you don’t only get the cooling effect of the portable AC but also helps reduce humidity levels, a huge financial and space saving!
  • REMOTE CONTROL: This stand up air conditioner portable AC unit features push-button control panel w/ led display & comes w/ a remote control so you can easily adjust the mode, time, temperature & fan speed & select the temperature unit (°C / °F)
  • FREE STANDING DESIGN: The portable air conditioning unit features a free-standing design w/ modern style, sleek body housing & can be used in any bedroom, living room or garage at home or office. Also has rolling wheels & includes window mount kit
  • Power Source Type: Corded Electric

Product features

SereneLife 10,000 Portable Air Conditioner with Built-in Dehumidifier, Fan Modes, Remote Control, Complete Window Exhaust Kit for Rooms

The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner System features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design intended to be used in the bedroom, living room or garage at home or office. It features rolling wheels for easy portability.

With 10, 000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 6,000 BTU (SACC) cooling power, this is the best option to save space and money, he cold air can cover a room up to 300+ sq ft Air flow is rated at 360 m3/hr, moisture removal/dehumidifier at 1.2 liters/hr w/ an operating noise level of only 57 dBa.

The Serene Life Portable Air Conditioner System

You don’t only get the cooling effect of the portable AC but also helps reduce humidity levels, acts as purifier which makes your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, mildew by selecting dehumidifier mode.

The compact floor AC indoor cooler conditioning unit features a simple electric plug in operation and has 4 modes - cooling, heating, dehumidifier and fan. Also features automatic swing mode w/ moving wind vent for maximum air circulation.

Digital Remote Control Air Conditioner

Lets you control fan speed and temperature from a distance. Need to adjust the A/C? No need to get up from your work to do it.

Low Noise Level Motor Rolling Wheels

This kit allows you to hook up your portable air conditioner and cool your home, despite the unconventional setup.

Moisture Removal / Dehumidifier

Pulls warm air from the room, sends it past coils cooled by refrigerant, and then sends heated air and moisture in hose and out of the house.

Air Conditioner with Wifi function

Take control of your Air conditioner on your phone and gadgets. This features a wifi function to control the temperature using your phone.

Whynter 14,000 BTU Heater with 3M SILVERSHIELD Filter Plus AUTOPUMP Portable Air Conditioners, ARC-148MHP

Whynter

Based on 96 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The ARC-148MHP portable air conditioner provides superior 14,000 BTU cooling output while maintaining a compact and portable profile. This unit features advanced self-evaporating technology, which uses and recycles moisture collected during the cooling process to produce cool air and minimize condensate build-up. It also features an auto-restart function which allows it to automatically restart on the previous settings after a power outage. Additionally, the unit can also be programmed with a 24hr timer to activate or shut-off at preset times. This unit also features a separate dehumidifying mode that enables it to be used as a room dehumidifier as needed. A 3M Filter and Silver shield washable pre-filter are equipped standard on this air conditioner to help keep the cooled air cleaner and fresher. This highly functional unit combines smart styling and impressive cooling output for the most demanding applications. The Whynter ARC-148MHP is recommended for spaces up to a 500 sq. ft. (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance).

  • 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity, 11,000 BTU heating capacity
  • Five Operational Modes: Auto, Cool, Dehumidify, Heat, and Fan
  • Adjustable temp (62 -88 degrees F), 24-hr. programmable timer, 71 pints/day dehumidifying capacity with continuous, manual, and Auto Pump drain methods
  • Remote control, extendable exhaust hose (up to 59"), and upgraded plastic window kit (up to 48") included. Max. window kit length = 48" , Min. window kit length = 26.5"
  • UL listed, LCDI plug, R-410A refrigerant, single hose, 3M Filter and Silver shield washable pre-filter. Auto restart after power outage

User questions & answers

Question: In auto mode will the fan turn off when the desired temperature is reached? That is a big feature I am looking for
Answer: This unit has 3 options available to you. AC, FAN, & DEHUMIDIFIER.
Question: if unit loses power while on will it turn back on
Answer: No, but the compressor does stop running until the room temp warms up to the temp you set. Then compressor starts running again to cool the room. It will cycle this way indefinately and only turn off if you turn off the power, or the timer was set to turn off, or if there's a power outage.
Question: Does this require to be drained through a window or can you empty the water tank
Answer: Hola, Esta unidad usará 21.6 onzas de gas R410A. Espero que esto ayude. Gracias
Question: I live in Chicago. Is this a good option for a solarium/sun room? Do you need to vent it through a window
Answer: This unit will draw about 12.6 amps of power so it depends on your circuit and what other items will share the line. Thank you

Product features

Whynter 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner and Heater with 3M and SilverShield

Specifically equipped with an internal condensate pump that can be activated when using the heat function, the Whynter ARC-148MHP portable air conditioner is especially useful in high humidity conditions. The unit can be easily setup in almost any indoor location and is most commonly used in data closets/ server rooms, bedrooms, classrooms and garages/ workshops.

Energy Star Rated CFC-Free Refrigerant and Lead-Free RoHS Compliant Components

- 3M Filter and SilverShield washable pre-filter.

- Non ozone-depleting refrigerant: R410a.

- Power consumption: 1580 Watts / 11.9 Amps.

Design & Performance

- Five operational modes: Auto, Air conditioner, Heater, Fan or Dehumidifier.

- Dehumidifying Capacity: 71 Pints a day.

- Upper and lower direct drain option for continuous operation without excess condensate accumulation.

- Casters for easy mobility.

- Adjustable digital thermostat control range from 62° - 88°F.

Hassle-Free Operation

- The AutoPump function can be utilized to pump out (and up) condensate moisture through the included 16.5 inch drain for continuous water removal.

- Self-Evaporative System exhausts most or all condensate under average ambient conditions.

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