Are Portable Air Conditioners Worth It? Here's What Experts Say

Forbes

23-05-2025

Without access to central air conditioning or an appropriate window unit in the dog days of summer, you might be wondering: Are portable air conditioners worth it? According to Mike Brief, head of retail sales at Friedrich Air Conditioning, these appliances are 'valued for their easy and non-intrusive installation, fast set up and ability to be moved from room to room." Although portable AC units are great for virtually any room that needs cooling, Brief emphasizes that they're especially useful in spaces like apartments, dorm rooms and offices.
Are portable air conditioners worth it? We asked experts about all the pros and cons.
Portable air conditioners are worth buying in many situations. Many models are now designed for heating in addition to cooling, making for an investment that you can take advantage of year-round.
Before buying a portable air conditioner, Brief recommends taking note of the square footage you'd like to cool, as well as whether that space has any heat-producing elements, like sun-exposed windows or appliances (like a stove). That will ensure you're getting a model with adequate power to cool effectively. Here's what to know about portable air conditioners before you invest in one for your home.
Portable air conditioners still require window access.
The first thing to keep in mind is that, although these appliances are marketed as 'portable,' they still require ventilation, which means they need access to a nearby window. 'They must be positioned close enough to the window for the power cord to reach and for proper use of the installation kit,' Brief says. Make sure a standard 115-volt is close by, too.
Deciding whether you want to opt for a single-hose or dual-hose air conditioner is dependent on your cooling goals, budget and surrounding climate.
'Single-hose models are faster to set up and are a great choice for spot cooling or in areas of the country with moderate summers," Brief says. However, these models are designed to intake fresh air from inside the room and exhaust hot air through the hose, which reduces overall efficiency.
On the other hand, dual-hose portable air conditioners have separate, dedicated hoses for both intake and exhaust, which allows all of the cooled air to stay in the room. "Dual-hose units will cool up to 40% faster and can be utilized as permanent cooling solutions in any climate,' including areas with more intense humidity, Brief says.
However, dual-hose units are typically more expensive up front and require more time and effort to set up, especially if you expect to move it from room to room.
Investing in a portable air conditioner in a small room like bedroom can help with sleep habits.
Unlike complicated HVAC systems, you won't have to hire a professional to set up a portable air conditioning unit. 'Portable ACs are designed for easy installation, with most units including a simple window kit you can set up yourself,' Brief says. It makes for a quick and easy DIY project that doesn't require waiting for an appointment.
'Portable air conditioners are designed to be compact and space-saving,' Brief says, highlighting their particular value in spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, workshops, guard stations and offices, where space is typically limited.
They're also great for rooms with inadequately sized windows—or spaces with none whatsoever—where window air conditioners are not an option for cooling.
Brief points out that today, many portable air conditioners prioritize energy efficiency, with features like programmable timers and thermostats that allow users to set desired temperatures and cooling schedules. 'This helps to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills,' he says.
Portable units also offer benefits related to security and aesthetics. 'Portable ACs are often used where security is a concern, because windows only need to opened approximately 6-8 inches," Brief explains. "They're also often used when consumers cannot or prefer not to install a standard unit in a window due to aesthetics.'
Portable air conditioners are generally more affordable than central air conditioning—and even some window air conditioning units. They're often the most economical choice for anyone looking to cool individual rooms or areas of their house.
'They provide a cost-effective solution for those who need cooling in specific areas without the expense of installing a whole-house system," Brief says. "Energy-efficient features contribute to long-term savings as well.'
Unlike central AC or window air conditioners, portable air conditioners require a physical footprint somewhere in the room. That means you'll have to carve out semi-permanent space for it in whatever room you plan to use it, which could prove to be challenging in areas that are already small.
There are some convenient, hands-off aspects to portable air conditioners, but they're not totally upkeep-free. Users with portable units in highly humid climates, in particular, will have to keep up with regular draining.
'Although portable ACs are typically self-evaporative—meaning the moisture that is removed from the room is turned to vapor and exhausted outside through the vent hose—in extremely humid areas, you may be required to drain the unit if more moisture is captured than can be exhausted,' Brief explains.
The home team at Forbes Vetted is committed to helping our readers make their homes a better place—and temperature regulation is a big part of that. We've covered the best portable air conditioners and the best window air conditioners, as well as the best space heaters and garage heaters to suit a variety of warming and cooling needs.
Yes, portable AC units are equipped at cooling small areas when used correctly. However, they are not a replacement for full-house cooling, like central AC units, as they are best suited to small, enclosed areas. They're also often used for temporary cooling, while users wait for professional installation.
Portable air conditioners are not designed for every space and situation. Typically, they're best suited to small spaces or impermanent use cases; they shouldn't be used to permanently cool large rooms, unless they have a dual-hose functionality and are explicitly designed to do so. As highlighted by Brief, portable air conditioners are not ideal for climates that deal with high humidity, and they inconveniently take up room space.
According to Brief, many portable air conditioners are designed to be energy efficient, thanks to features like programmable timers and thermostats designed to reduce energy consumption. However, they still require a lot of energy in order to maintain cool temperatures from such a small machine.