Room size plays an important role in determining the type of portable AC you need to buy. For this purpose, most portable air conditioners have BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings. However, understanding exactly what it means can be a little tricky.

That is why a simple BTU chart is provided here for your reference to select the right model with appropriate BTU as per your room size. Remember that an air conditioner that’s too small won’t keep up with the cooling requirements of a large room. Similarly, AC with more than required BTU rating will leave your space muggy.

Here is a chart to help you to select the right model according to your room size.

Note that you should increase the size and power of your portable AC if:

• Lots of windows or heat-generating appliances are present in the room.
• You live in a warm and humid climate.
• If you are using the portable AC in a garage or workshop.
• Ceilings are high in your home.

Because portable air conditioners release hot air, you need to keep them close to a window. For this purpose, most portable air conditioners come with a window venting kit. Also, it includes detailed instructions on setting up the air conditioner. You have to put together all the parts and that’s it. You are good to go.

Note that if placing the AC near the window is not possible, you need to make arrangements. For that you may have to buy an extension hose or a vent kit to move it to a more convenient location.

For exhausting hot air and drawing in cool air, portable air conditioners can be single- or double-hosed. Some models have both exhausting and non-exhausting options. Here’s how both options compare:

• Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners
  A single-hose portable AC draws in air from the room, cools it, and then returns most air into the room.
• Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioners
  A dual-hose portable air conditioner draws in room air, cools it, and then returns it to you.

When a portable air conditioner cools the air inside, it also acts as a dehumidifier, removing moisture from the air. Different portable air conditioners deal with moisture buildup in different ways. Here are some ways for your understanding which might help you in selecting the right model.

• Fully Self-Evaporative Air Conditioners
  These models can exhaust all condensate, and you never have to dump the water collected. These models are good for long unattended runs.
• Partially Self-Evaporative ACs
  These ACs can evaporate a significant amount of moisture into their hot air exhaust. In doing so, there is little to no water left to empty. In a hot and humid environment, you might have to drain the water frequently.
• Gravity Drain/Drain Hose
  A permanent water drain hose connection is available on all portable air conditioners. This allows collected water to drain to a nearby floor drain, eliminating the need to drain the water.
• Condensate Pumps
  Condensate pumps collect water through a drain hose. These pumps can move water up and out of an area by pumping it up and out.
• Buckets:
  The most basic portable ACs have an inner container that holds excess water. The problem is you have to throw the water every now and then.

Noise is evident in portable ACs due to the motorized fans and compressor. This may be annoying for some. That is why modern portable air conditioners come with noise-canceling features. If you do not want disturbances, you may invest in these models.

For getting an idea about the noise level, you can use the decibel rating. Remember, lower ratings mean low-level noise.

• 0-30 dB – Very quiet
• 31-60 dB – Quiet
• 61-80 dB – Annoying
• 80+ dB – Damaging

Filters are an important consideration as the efficiency of even the best portable air conditioners depend upon the filtering capabilities. Consider whether you will be able to clean the filter once it is jammed with dirt or not. There is no point buying a model where you have to struggle to just blow away the dirt from the filters.

Getting a portable aircon from a well-known brand is always advisable for several reasons. First, they are known for their uncompromised quality. Second, renowned brands have a better warranty to back their product. Last but not the least, you get satisfactory customer service from these brands.

Portable air conditioners are usually energy-efficient. This means they can help you save money on your monthly electric bill. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) value can tell you about its efficiency. In general, the higher the EER, the more efficient the model is.

• Programmable Thermostat:
  A programmable thermostat allows you to set the air conditioner to the exact temperature you want. This eliminates the need to turn it on and off. Further, it also allows you to program it to start cooling at specific times.
• Remote Control
  Having a remote control allows you to turn it on and off without getting out of bed or off the couch. A convenience that everyone looks for these days.
• Heat/AC Combo
  Having this feature saves you the trouble of buying a separate heating system in the winter. Because you can use this feature throughout the year, you can save your hard-earned bucks.
• Dehumidifier
  An air conditioner with a dehumidifier can assist in the removal of moisture from the air. This will prevent you from getting drenched in sweat if you live in a hot and humid area.