Now that it's summer, you absolutely need something to cool your home. The problem arises when installing a typical outdoor compressor air conditioning system is impossible. Perhaps you're renting or your building won't allow installation, but don't worry, there's a solution. Today we'll tell you everything you need to know about portable air conditioners . Your lifeline, figuratively speaking, this summer.
How do portable air conditioners work?
The first thing you should know about this equipment is that its operation is similar to that of the wall unit together with its outdoor unit, but there are two clear differences: it does not need any type of installation and, of course, they are less efficient than the air "common" conditioners.
Let's say that this small unit houses a cooling system that draws in warm air from the room it's in, passes it through a compressor that connects it to the condenser unit (so that some of it cools and refreshes the room), and the remaining air is expelled through a duct at the back and vents outside through a window. Simply put, that's how these types of units work.
Differences with an evaporative cooler
Not knowing how to differentiate between an air conditioner and an evaporative cooler is usually one of the most common mistakes when buying one of these devices.
While air conditioning uses a compression and condensation system together with a refrigerant liquid that circulates inside said closed system, the evaporative air conditioner lowers the room temperature with water vapour.
These latter models consume significantly less energy than the former, but they have a major drawback: they are only recommended in environments with abundant heat and a dry climate . Evaporative air conditioners add moisture to the air, so they will be ineffective in places with high humidity.
How to choose the best portable air conditioner?
Now that you know how to correctly identify this type of equipment, you need to know those characteristics that allow you to make the best decision when buying it. The main points to keep in mind are:
- Necessary refrigerators: Depending on the space you want to condition, you will need this appliance to have a minimum number of refrigerators. This element measures the cooling capacity of a system of this type. The number of frigories needed per square meter of stay is between 125 – 150. Normally you will find the measure of this characteristic in air conditioners with a value in BTU, that is, the British thermal unit. You can calculate the number of frigories by dividing this value by 4 to make the appropriate change.
- Energy consumption: Obviously, this is another quite important parameter and it will be directly reflected in what this device spends in electricity per month. One way to regulate this is through energy efficiency, which is measured with the letter system that goes from A class, being this level the most efficient, up to the class D, which are the least efficient. Most of these devices are currently within class A, so a system of "pluses" has been devised that reaches up to 3 degrees more than this level. Therefore, if you buy a class A+++ efficiency device, it could consume up to 40% less than class A.
- Noise level: As you can imagine, by compacting the entire common air conditioning system inside this small body, the sound emitted by the compressor does not remain outside our home. This type of noise can be extremely annoying, especially at bedtime. Therefore, observe the maximum noise values ​​of the equipment that you are going to buy or, even, if it has a night mode.
These are the 3 main parameters that you should take into account when purchasing these devices. In addition, there are others such as the energy efficiency of the refrigerant gas or how respectful it is with the environment, or also if, in addition to cooling, they have dedicated filters for air purification.
Best portable air conditioners
Now that you know everything about portable air conditioners and how to differentiate them from evaporative coolers, it is time for you to decide on a model to buy.
To make this task easier for you, we've compiled several interesting models , dividing them according to whether they are air conditioners with or without Wi-Fi connectivity. You know how tech-savvy we are, and if it can connect to your smartphone, all the better.
Portable air conditioners with WiFi
There are few models of this type of device that currently have a WiFi connection. You may be wondering, and what do I need this for? Well, this connectivity gives you the possibility to manage the device through your own smartphone. This is a positive detail, since the number of possibilities and functionalities of this increases, reaching the point of being able to manage it even when you are away from home to: turn it off remotely (in case of forgetting), or, if you want that when you arrive your home is at a comfortable temperature.
The first model we want to tell you about is the HTW P11 WiFi portable air conditioner . This model has quite compact dimensions. It can cool a maximum area of ​​23 square meters and includes a window kit for the exhaust hose to facilitate airflow. Furthermore, it features WiFi connectivity, so you can control it remotely from your phone.
This is the KLARSTEIN Iceblock Ecosmart , a portable air conditioner available in 7.000–9.000 BTU capacities. It's a 3-in-1 unit that cools, dehumidifies, and ventilates rooms from 26 to 44 square meters. Its app allows you to adjust various settings within its many functions, which can also be controlled via the remote. The maximum noise level is 65 dB.
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Another option is the Daitsu APD 09X WiFi R290 . Be aware that there's an air conditioning model and a model that only has a cooling pump. This is the latter. This unit's cooling capacity reaches 2.300 frigories, which is somewhat low given its small size. The maximum noise level is 53 dB. It features WiFi control.
Finally, among the models with WiFi connectivity, we have another option from the manufacturer HTW . This is the P18 model , which also features a heat pump so it can be used year-round. This unit can cool rooms up to 23 square meters, with a noise level of 54 dB. As with the previous model from the same brand, the package includes the window duct installation kit.
Portable air conditioners without WiFi
Now, if you want to opt for the "lifelong" model, without connectivity, without WiFi, you can also do it. We show you some of the best options that you should consider when making your purchase.
This is the HAVERLAND IGLU-7 , a portable air conditioner available in two models with different cooling capacities, ranging from 7.000 BTU to 9.000 BTU. In addition to cooling, it also ventilates and dehumidifies the room. It comes with a remote control that allows you to select up to two fan speeds and program a timer for up to 24 hours of continuous use.
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Another option is the Olimpia Splendid , with capacities ranging from 8.000 BTU to 10.000 BTU, capable of cooling rooms up to 80 square meters. It comes with a remote control for all its operating modes: cooling, fan, dehumidifier, night, automatic, and turbo.
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If you want a sure thing and were also looking for a quiet option, the De'Longhi Pinguino EL98 is the best choice for you. It has a maximum capacity of 10.700 BTU, cooling rooms up to 80 cubic meters. It features a touch panel to manage all its functions, including a quiet mode for nighttime use. However, all these features are reflected in its price, which reaches 690 euros.
See offer on AmazonThese are some of the best portable air conditioners that you will be able to find on the market. Now you just have to decide on one of these models to enjoy a more pleasant and "cool" summer.