We’re Looking into a Portable Air Conditioner. What Are Our Best Options?

ByShannon Huppin

We’re Looking into a Portable Air Conditioner. What Are Our Best Options? In the Pacific Northwest, we don’t need to use air conditioning very often. Many homes and apartments in the area are not equipped with central air, simply because it is rarely used—until this summer! This summer has left many Seattle homeowners scrambling for a way to stay cool. The heat has been rather atrocious, and although it doesn’t make sense to invest in a brand new, expensive air conditioning unit, it does make sense to invest in a portable air conditioner. But, what kind do you need and what are your options? Greenwood Hardware has some advice to help you pick the best one for your needs.

Portable air conditioners are rather large. They are about the size of a mini-fridge, maybe a bit taller depending on the make and model. The air conditioners are on wheels, which makes them very handy to move from room to room.

Some key points to look for when choosing a portable air conditioner are as follows;

  • Look at the room size for each unit, they range from 550 sq. feet to about 700 sq. feet
  • BTUs matter, the higher the number, say 12,000, the bigger the room the unit can cool. A unit with 5,000 BTUs will only cool a very small area, maybe 150 sq. feet
  • Choose a unit with at least two fan speeds, most come with three
  • A remote control is handy if you would rather not get out of bed or off the couch to adjust the settings on the air conditioner
  • Price is going to be a factor, but don’t assume a more expensive one is better
  • Check the noise level ratings; you certainly don’t want a unit that is overly loud

There are several brands you have to choose from when it comes to portable air conditioners. The following are ranked from top to bottom based on Top Ten Reviews. Each of the top five are extremely close in numbers. The deciding factor may boil down to the extras like a sleep mode, remote control and availability in your area.

  • Haier
  • Edgestart—cheapest and best bang for your buck
  • Soleus
  • Whynter
  • Honeywell

Once you have made your decision, head into Greenwood Hardware to pick up the supplies needed to vent your portable air conditioner should it need it. Come on in, or contact us today.

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