5 of the best portable air-con units
On hot summer nights, air con can provide some sweet respite. But you might not want to go to the expense and bulk of a permanent unit that will take up space during the cooler months. Instead, consider the very best portable air conditioning units that you can move from room to room and stow away for winter.
Things to look out for when buying an AC unit include: BTU (British Thermal Units – the higher the rating, the more powerful); energy efficiency from A-G (with being very efficient and G very inefficient), and how noisy it is (look for a unit that runs below 40 decibels, or dB, because anything above could disturb your sleep – certainly avoid going above 55 dB).
Do I need an air conditioning unit or a fan?
Fans and air conditioning units both offer respite from the heat, but they function very differently. Fans blow air over your skin, cooling you down, but not down the room.
Air conditioners pull hot air into the unit, cooling it down with a constant process of evaporation and condensation.
While air conditioners are more effective at cooling the entire room, not just you, they use a lot more energy than fans – up to 100 times more – which means bigger energy bills.
So a fan, which is also cheaper to buy because the technology is much simpler, will also have less impact on the environment.
However, by speeding up the rate at which moisture evaporates from your skin, fans can make you more dehydrated, so it’s best not to use them when the mercury tips over 35ºC because it can actually exacerbate conditions like heat exhaustion.
1. De’Longhi Pinguino PACEX105A
If you’re looking for a reliable, portable air conditioning unit with minimal noise then this is the one for you.
It’s ideal if you’re someone working from home, or have young children who need a cooling system that isn’t too noisy! It’s the quietest Pinguino ever thanks to arctic whisper extreme and super quiet technologies, making up to 70% less noise compared with other models. Offering quiet mark certification, too, o you can rest assured you’re getting a quality product.
It also has powerful cooling for rooms up to 85m3, whilst also taking up to 30% less energy consumption.
The De’Longhi Pinguino PACEX105A is a 3-in-1 appliance, not only being an air conditioning unit, but also a fan and a dehumidifier.
- De’Longhi Pinguino PACEX105A, £1,523.99 from Amazon – buy here
2. High-Performance Air Conditioner – 4 Modes – 12000BTU
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this High Performance Air Conditioner from VonHaus could be the one for you.
It cools a space beautifully, bringing the temperature down fast and keeping it there – simply set it once, adjust from your phone and get on with your day.
The four modes mean you can set it to suit the room, weather and time of day. It operates in cooling mode, drying (dehumidifier mode), sleep mode and fan mode.
This is also perfect for larger rooms, up to 35m², bringing temperatures down properly rather than just shifting warm air around.
Control the unit using the app from wherever you are, and move the unit to where it is needed using its four wheels and recessed carry handle.
- High-Performance Air Conditioner – 4 Modes – 12000BTU, £374.99 from VonHaus – buy here
3. Pro Breeze 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioning Unit
This powerful air conditioner provides strong and effective cooling down to 15°C, working in small, medium and large homes, living rooms, bedrooms and offices.
It’s easy-to-use digital LED display and wireless remote control allows you to have full control of all operating models, including auto, cooling and sleep. It also has a built-in 24 hour on/off timer and adjustable thermostat temperature control in both degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit.
The Pro Breeze 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioning Unit boasts a Class A energy efficiency rating to ensure keeping you cool in the summer is cost effective. This air conditioner actually utilises an R290 refrigerant which is up to 690 times more eco-friendly than traditional air conditioning gasses.
- Pro Breeze 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioning Unit, £349.99 from Amazon – buy here
4. De’Longhi Pinguino 2.4kW Portable Air Conditioning Unit
This portable air conditioner has everything you’d expect from a top performing mode. With 9.400 BTU cooling, 3-in-1 functions including cooling, dehumidfiying and fan, as well as being an eco refrigerant.
It’s ideal for medium-sized spaces, with its ergonomic side handles and smooth-rolling castors meaning it can be transported to wherever in your home needs it most.
The 24 hour electronic timer and precise thermostat mean you can cool a room before you get home, or switch it off automatically overnight – so you can take full control. It also has three fan speed settings, low, medium and high. This means you can enjoy anything from a gentle breeze to a maximum airflow during a heatwave.
This unit will also effectively help you to tackle excess moisture in the home and is capable of extracting up to 43 litres of water per 24 hours.
- De’Longhi Pinguino 2.4kW Portable Air Conditioning Unit, £541.63 from Plumb World – buy here
5. Belaco Air Conditioning Unit 9000 BTU
A powerful offering, this 4-in-1 multi functional portable air conditioning unit is perfect for year round comfort, and humidity control.
It’s a quiet model and user friendly, making it ideal for use in bedrooms, kids bedrooms, home offices and all round night time use without disturbance.
The efficiency is ideal for UK homes and summer heatwaves, with fast, consistent performance perfect for tackling it quickly.
You’ll also be able to save on energy bills with high-efficiency cooling while maintaining powerful airflow and performance.
