Portable air conditioners offer the perfect temporary cooling solution for a living room, bedrooms, or garages without accessing the central air conditioning. These air conditioners are not only a smart option for you if you don’t have an AC at your home, but they also let you save money and the amount of energy used.
While a regular AC allows you to cool only 1 room, with a portable AC, you can use it to cool multiple rooms. You can simply move it from one room to another. The price of a good portable air conditioner ranges between Rs. 25,000 – 30,000.
To help you find the best portable air conditioner for you, here are a few factors that you must look for.
Size of the unit:
One of the most important factors that you must consider before buying a portable AC is the coverage area that it offers. The size of the ACs is rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. The higher the BTU rating is the higher coverage it provides.
Efficiency:
The portable ACs are energy-efficient and allow you to save a lot on electricity bills. The efficiency is measured as EER (Energy Efficient Ratio). The higher the EER rating is, the efficient the model is. 10 is considered as the best EER rating.
Noise:
Some units are very loud and can be distracting after a point. The ACs offers a decibel rating of the system. You can compare it with other products and select accordingly.
Ease of usage, installation options, and cost are some other factors that also play a major role in deciding the best product for you. We have mentioned them in detail in the Buying Guide below.
After testing 15 portable air conditioners and researching about each factor, we have shortlisted 5 best portable ACs available in India. Let’s have a look.
Best Portable Air Conditioners in India 2020
Portable Air Conditioners | BTU Rating | Efficiency | Noise | Warranty (Product/Compressor) | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Star 1 Ton Portable AC | 4,000 BTU | 2.56 EER | 52 dB | 1 / 5 years | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Lloyd 1 Ton Portable AC | 12,000 BTU | 2.41 EER | 54 dB | 1 / 5 years | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Super General 1.5 Ton Portable AC | 6,000 BTU | 5.235 EER | 58 dB | 1 / 5 years | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Eurgeen Portable 4 in 1 Air Conditioner | 10,000 BTU | 5.1 EER | 55 dB | 1 / 2 years | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Eurgeen Portable 4 in 1 (Model A5) for all seasons Air Conditioner | 10,000 BTU | 5.1 EER | 56 dB | 1 / 2 years | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Review of Portable Air Conditioner in India
1. Blue Star 1 Ton Portable AC
The Blue Star Portable AC is a perfect air conditioner if you wish to cool down a smaller room or office space. It can easily cool an area of up to 92 sq. ft.
The AC comes with an anti-bacterial and dust filter that selects the suitable running temperature and method automatically, depending on the room temperature. The conditioner offers 3 modes: cool, fan, and dry mode.
Key Features:
- Size of the unit: 4,000 BTU
- Efficiency:56 EER
- Noise: 52 dB
- Capacity: 1 ton
- The AC is great for small-sized rooms.
- The anti-bacterial and dust filters help in improving the efficiency of the device.
- It offers a highly efficient rotary compressor.
- An anti-freeze thermostat makes the device convenient to use.
- The AC is equipped with a copper condenser that promotes long-lasting performance.
Warranty and Service Quality: 1 year on the product and 5 years on compressor
Pros:
- The price is reasonable.
- It offers multiple fan speeds that lets you regulate the temperature according to your convenience.
- The sleep mode helps in saving energy.
- The AC offers an auto-restart option.
- The electric cord winder allows a hassle-free operation.
- It features an anti-bacterial coating along with a self-diagnosis feature.
Cons:
- The installation process is a bit complex.
2. Lloyd 1 Ton Portable AC
The Lloyd Portable AC offers an affordable yet top-notch performance to beat the heat during the summer season. It is designed beautifully with sleek and rounded corners that can blend easily with the décor of your house.
This AC comprises of two-way swing feature that directs the airflow inside the AC horizontally by opening the air vane in a counter-clockwise direction. The digital control panel allows you to adjust the settings easily.
Key Features:
- Size of the unit: 12,000 BTU
- Efficiency:41 EER
- Noise: 54 dB
- Capacity: 1 ton
- You get a remote along with the package. This helps in changing settings remotely.
- The hydrophilic aluminum fins prevent the condenser from rusting.
- It features a highly efficient cooling tube along with a clean air filter.
Warranty and Service Quality: 1 year on product and 5 years on compressor
Pros:
- The AC offers an efficient and long-lasting performance.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- The product looks sober and blends well with the other interiors of your house.
- The maintenance cost of this portable AC is low.
- The installation process is easy.
Cons:
No cons
3. Super General 1.5 Ton Portable AC
The Super General Portable AC features a special no-drip technology and can easily cool an area up to 170 sq. ft. It is a 3 in 1 device that can work as an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, and a fan.
It is a portable device that offers a simple installation along with superior mobility. With an automatic shut-off feature, you can conserve power and sleep peacefully throughout the night.
Key Features:
- Size: 6,000 BTU
- Efficiency:235 EER
- Noise: 58 dB
- Capacity:5 ton
- For a complete window closure, the AC comes with a window attachment kit.
- The digital LED display allows easy control over the device.
- The No-drip technology uses collected moisture to cool the air and discard excess vapor through the exhaust hose.
Warranty and Service Quality: 1 year or product and 5 years on compressor
Pros:
- It is easy to use and operate.
- The device offers a low noise performance.
- The multiple fan speeds offer a direct airflow.
- The package includes a fully-functional LED remote with timer.
- It features adjustable louvers.
- It is a convenient and energy-saving device.
- The installation process is very easy.
Cons:
- It is a bit costly.
4. Eurgeen Portable 4 in 1 Air Conditioner
The Eurgeen Portable Air Conditioner is a 4 in 1 device that is helpful in all the seasons. It covers an area of up to 100 sq. ft. and is a great option if you wish to use it in a small room.
The device works as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and fan. Since it uses 1085 watts, the device works using 5 amps plug.
Key Features:
- Size of the unit: 10,000 BTU
- Efficiency:1 EER
- Noise: 55 dB
- Capacity: 1 ton
- The drained water gets evaporated automatically through the exhaust pipe.
- You don’t have to carry the device and can be simply moved from one room to another using wheels.
- It is a perfect air conditioner for all the seasons.
Warranty and Service Quality: 1 year on product and 2 years on compressor
Pros:
- It features a compact design and can be moved from one room to the other easily.
- The AC provides maximum cooling by drawing very little power.
- The package includes a sliding window ventilation kit.
- The installation process is very easy.
Cons:
No cons.
5. Eurgeen Portable 4 in 1 (Model A5) for all seasons Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner by Eurgeen is a 4 in 1 device that can work as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, heater, and fan. It is a portable AC with a modern aesthetic and design.
The device uses only 1320 watts and hence can work in 5 amps voltage too. It also works on reducing the manual efforts of emptying the condensate water as the drained water gets evaporated directly through the exhaust pipe.
Key Features:
- Size of the unit: 12,000 BTU
- Efficiency:1 EER
- Noise: 58 dB
- Capacity: 1 ton
- It has an in-built stabilizer that deals with the voltage fluctuations.
- You get an installation kit along with the package.
- It features a rotary compressor.
- The power consumption by the device is very less.
- The remote and timer options offer a hassle-free operation.
Warranty and Service Quality: 1 year on product and 2 years on compressor
Pros
- It is easy to use.
- The AC features Sleep mode and an Intelligent mode that makes the operation easier.
- It offers an efficient and long-lasting performance.
- The device offers a great coverage area.
- The auto swing features allow proper regulation of air throughout the room.
- It features an environment-friendly refrigerant.
Cons
- It is expensive.
Best Portable Air Conditioners – A Buying Guide
What is a portable air conditioner?
The portable air conditioners have a self-contained portable system that can be used to provide supplemental cooling to specific areas in your home. They are a great alternative to window units. These compact ACs don’t require a permanent installation. You can simply install them near a window for ventilation and to direct the system’s exhaust.
The portable air conditioners offer 3 operational modes – fan, air conditioner, and dehumidifier. The best part about these ACs is they come with wheels and can be moved from one room to another.
Factors to consider before buying a portable air conditioner
1. Size of the unit
A good air conditioner should meet all the cooling requirements. This is majorly dependant on the size of the unit and the room. Since these units are movable, it is very important to check the weight too. You can select the size of the AC on the basis of the size of the room.
To check how powerful the AC is, you can check the BTU ratings. If you wish to use it in a large space, you should go with a higher BTU rating. Here’s how you can select the correct rating on the basis of different room sizes:
Size of the room | Required BTU |
---|---|
150 sq. ft. | 5,000 BTU’s |
300 sq. ft. | 7,000 BTU’s |
550 sq. ft. | 12,000 BTU’s |
700 sq. ft. | 14,000 BTU’s |
1000 sq. ft. | 18,000 BTU’s |
1400 sq. ft. | 23,000 BTU’s |
1900 sq. ft. | 28,000 BTU’s |
2. Single or Double Exhaust Hose
The portable ACs can be either single-hosed or double hosed. Some models even come with both options. You can select one depending on your requirements.
- Single-hose portable AC: The ACs with a single-hose work by drawing in air from the room, cooling it and then returning the most of it back into the room. This design uses the same hose for both intake and exhaustion of air. It uses a small amount of air to cool down the appliance and this is then blown out of the exhaust hose. Since it uses air from inside the room to cool down the compressor, the conditioner creates a little bit of negative air pressure.
- Dual-hose portable AC: The ACs with dual hose has a separate hose for intake and exhaust. Since it has 2 separate hoses, the models with the design are more energy-efficient and cool down the room 40-45% quicker than those with a single hose. If you wish to use it in larger rooms, it is suggested to go ahead with dual-hose portable AC.
3. Ventilation and exhaust
All the air conditioners vent out hot air as a part of their cooling system. This hot air is generally vented out using an exhaust hose. This, in turn, means that the portable ACs should be kept near a window or ceiling panel so that this hose can be vented out of the room without affecting the temperature inside the room.
Most of the ACs come with a window venting kit along with an instruction manual. They are quite easy to set up. If you wish to place the AC a bit away from the window, we suggest you to check the maximum width that the window kit offers. Few models allow more flexibility in terms of placement and offer wider exhaust hose and other related equipment. You can even buy an extension hose to meet your requirements.
4. Efficiency
The portable ACs are generally energy-efficient and go easy on the electricity bill of your house. The efficiency of an AC is measured in EER i.e. Energy Efficiency Ratio. You should always select a model that offers a high EER rating.
If you wish to keep a constant tab on the energy used, you can buy models with a programmable thermostat. They automatically turn off the system after reaching the temperature that you have set. Another factor that affects the efficiency of the AC is how well it is maintained. Thus, you need to clean the device regularly or else it will end up using more energy.
5. Cost
The price of a portable AC ranges from Rs. 25,000 – 35,000. The price depends on many factors. For example, if you are looking for an AC to be used in a larger area, it will cost more. There are some models that have multiple programmable features, additional heating options, etc. These models cost higher than an AC with basic features.
Apart from the total cost, you must also check for the replacement cost of the filters. These costs add up faster if the replacement rate is high.
6. Noise
The portable ACs are a bit noisy as they use motorized fan along with a compressor system that cools and circulates the air. While you can mostly ignore the sound considering it as background noise, many users are not a fan of such noises.
If you are looking for an AC that does not create much noise, there are a few models that have special noise-reduction features such as multiple speeds, sleep mode, and a programmable timer. You can also check the decibel rating at each fan speed to have an estimated idea of the noise produced.
7. Heating options
Some models of portable ACs offer a Heat mode. These units generate heat using a heat pump or an electric heater. This way, you can use the AC in winter season too wherein the heat pump extracts heat from the outside and disperses it all over the area. When compared, heat pumps are considered as more efficient than electric heaters.
8. Draining mechanism
While a portable AC is used to cool down the indoor air, it can also be used as a dehumidifier and can be used to remove water from the air. Each model follows a different way to handle the moisture build-up.
- Self-evaporative ACs: The models are completely evaporative and exhaust all the condensate. Thus, you will not have to worry about dumping the collected water.
- Partially Self-evaporative ACs: These units work on evaporating a great deal of moisture. However, a little amount of water might go unattended, depending on the usage.
- Drain hose: Most of the ACs offer a permanent water drain hose connection. It allows the collected water to drain outside. Using this, you will not have to drain water manually.
- Condensate pumps: These pumps can be used as separate accessories where you can use the pump to drain out the collected water. The pump helps in moving water in an upward direction and drains it out.
- Buckets: Most of the basic portable ACs have an internal container to hold extra water. You can simply drain the water manually.
9. Installation and Maintenance
In general, portable ACs are very easy to install and can be done without the help of the professionals. The only thing that you need to worry about is hooking up the kit for ventilation. All you need to do is set up the hose by reading the instruction manual and check id the window kit is assembled properly.
They are easy to maintain too. Some things that you can check for are:
- Clean the air filters regularly.
- Check if the window kit is installed correctly for efficient performance.
- Check for the warranty services and call the manufacturers if you need any assistance.
- Before storing the air conditioner, check if it is drained properly.
10. Ease of use
The portable ACs are very easy to use. However, some factors that can make it a bit difficult are the controls, quality of the wheels, and the process of cleaning the unit. Always check if the device offers replaceable filters if not, it might not be the ideal choice for you.
11. Power outlet requirements
Most of the models use a typical 120-volt power outlet and work without any special wiring. However, some advanced or commercial models might require special power outlets. You can check this in the product description.
12. Special Features
Some models of portable offers special and additional features that can be helpful to you in the long run. They are as follows:
- Auto-drain system:
The model with an automatic drainage system helps in turning the liquid (created due to condensation) into exhaust. With this, you will not have to worry about emptying anything.
- Programmable thermostat:
This feature allows you to set a precise temperature so that the AC can turn off automatically once it reaches this temperature. This allows you to pre-program the device so that you don’t have to turn it on or off manually.
- Remote control:
This allows you to control the device even from a distance without getting up.
- Adjustable louvers:
While some models offer fixed louvers, others offer adjustable louvers. Using this, you can direct the airflow in the required direction.
- Dehumidifier:
The models that come with a dehumidifier help in removing dampness from the air inside the room. It lets you control the humidity level inside the room.
- Heat/AC combo:
The models with this feature allow you to use the air conditioner as a heater too. It lets you save money on buying a separate heater for your room and can be used throughout the year.
- Wi-Fi:
Some of the newer models allow you to control the device using an app. You can access the AC using Wi-Fi even when you are not at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are versatile units that can be moved from one room to the other, as per your requirements. Even though the venting unit needs to be installed outside, it is quite flexible. Some models contain condensation trays or buckets that need to be emptied at regular intervals of 2-6 hours that can be a task. However, there are some models that offer a self-evaporating system where you don’t have to worry much about emptying the collected water.
Most of the portable ACs come with an installation kit for the windows or sliding doors. These are very easy to install and remove from one place to the other. If you wish to vent the portable air conditioner through a wall, you can make a hole on the wall or ceiling and install it accordingly.
Few models of portable air conditioners offer heat mode. This allows you to use the device as a heater. They either use electric heat strips or heat pumps to provide heat.
Conclusion:
There is a lot to consider when it comes to buying a portable AC for your home. Based on the reviews and ratings, we suggest you to buy the Blue Start 1 Ton Portable AC. It is affordable and offers many useful features and long-lasting performance.
If you still have any queries related to the above-mentioned products, feel free to write us back. We hope you find this article helpful.
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