When the summer heat becomes unbearable, a portable air conditioner can be a lifesaver, especially for those larger spaces in your home. While window units might not always be feasible, portable air conditioners offer a flexible and efficient solution. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best portable air conditioner for a large room, considering performance, energy efficiency, and ease of use.
Top Pick
1. HUMILABS -14000 BTU best portable air conditioner for large rooms
The HUMILABS Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent choice for cooling large rooms. This unit combines the functionalities of an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, ensuring a comfortable environment regardless of the weather. Its powerful cooling capacity effectively lowers the temperature in expansive spaces, while the dehumidifying feature reduces excess moisture. The intuitive LED display and remote control make it easy to adjust settings from anywhere in the room.
KEY ADVANTAGES
Best Value for money
2. Pro Breeze 12000 BTU Powerful Portable Air Conditioner
The Pro Breeze 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner boasts an impressive 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, making it perfect for large and extra-large rooms, ensuring a comfortable temperature as low as 16°C. This versatile unit is ideal for homes, offices, shops, and gyms, offering not just cooling but also heating and dehumidifying modes. Energy efficiency is prioritised with a Class A rating and the use of eco-friendly R290 refrigerant. With three fan speeds, a 24-hour timer, and safety features like Anti-Frost and Anti-Overheat, this air conditioner is a comprehensive solution for year-round climate control.
KEY ADVANTAGES
Best for energy saving
3. Maxesla 12000BTU Portable Air Conditioning
The Maxesla Portable Air Conditioning Unit offers robust performance with its 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, ideal for various spaces like dorms, apartments, offices, and living rooms. This versatile 4-in-1 unit provides cooling, dehumidifying, ventilation, and sleep modes, ensuring comfort tailored to your needs. Its adjustable temperature range from 16-31°C and humidity control maintain an optimal environment.
KEY ADVANTAGES
Key Features to Consider
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BTU Rating and Room Size
The most crucial factor in selecting a portable air conditioner for a large room is the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. This measure indicates the unit’s cooling capacity and determines the maximum room size it can effectively cool. As a general guideline, a room size of 400-500 square feet would require a portable air conditioner with a BTU rating between 12000 and 14,000 BTU.
It’s essential to choose a model with a BTU rating appropriate for the size of your room to ensure optimal cooling performance.
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Noise Level
Portable air conditioners can be noisy, which can be a concern in large rooms where you may spend a significant amount of time. Look for models with a noise level between 50-60 dB, which is comparable to a normal conversation. Some units offer a “night mode” or “sleep mode” that reduces the noise level for a more comfortable sleeping environment.
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Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is crucial, especially when running an air conditioner for extended periods in a large room. Look for portable air conditioners with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) or those with an Energy Star certification. These models will consume less electricity and help you save on energy costs in the long run.
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Additional Features
When choosing a portable air conditioner for a large room, consider additional features that can enhance its functionality and convenience. Some desirable features include:
- Remote control for easy operation from anywhere in the room
- Timer function to automatically turn the unit on or off at set times
- Dehumidification mode to remove excess moisture from the air
- Multiple fan speeds for customizable cooling
- Casters or wheels for easy mobility within the room
how do portable air conditioners work?
Portable air conditioners work by removing warm air and moisture from the room and replacing it with cool air. Here’s a simplified explanation of the process:
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Intake and Cooling: The unit draws in warm air from the room through an intake vent. Inside the air conditioner, this warm air passes over a cooling coil filled with a refrigerant. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, it changes from a liquid to a gas, effectively cooling the air.
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Moisture Removal: As the warm air cools, moisture in the air condenses on the cooling coil, similar to how water droplets form on a cold glass. This moisture is collected and either stored in a tank within the unit or expelled through a hose.
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Heat Exhaust: The heat absorbed by the refrigerant is then expelled outside. Portable air conditioners use a hose or vent that directs the hot air out through a window or another opening, keeping the room cool.
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Fan and Distribution: Finally, a fan inside the unit blows the cooled air back into the room through an output vent, lowering the overall temperature.
how much does a portable air conditioner cost to run?
The typical cost to run a portable air conditioner is around 25-36p per hour, depending on the electricity price and the wattage of the unit.
Specific Examples
- A 1000W portable air conditioner would cost around 25p per hour, based on an electricity price of 25p per kWh.
- A larger 12,000 BTU (3.5kW) portable air conditioner would cost around 87.5p per hour.
- An 850W portable AC used for 12 hours per day would cost around £3.06 per day or £281.52 over the summer.
- An efficient 800W portable AC with 400m³/h airflow would cost around 24p per hour.
- A 990W portable AC would cost around 24.75p per hour, or £5.94 per day if used 24/7.
Factors Affecting Running Costs
- Wattage/BTU Rating: Higher wattage and BTU ratings lead to higher running costs.
- Electricity Price: The cost per kWh significantly affects the overall running cost.
Comparison to Central Air Conditioning
- Portable ACs are generally cheaper to run than central air conditioning systems, but the costs can add up if used extensively.
- Energy-efficient models and careful usage can help minimise running costs.
Overall, portable air conditioners can provide a cost-effective cooling solution compared to central systems, particularly when used efficiently.
