While some might be more expensive, depending on the size of the area you are trying to cool and the environment you are in, one could be more beneficial than another. There are three main types of portable ACs on the market. Portable ACs work by removing the air from a room, cooling it, expelling it back into the room and exhausting the leftover heat through a tube typically connected to a window. Knowing that portable ACs are often used in bedrooms, we check decibel ranges at various fan speeds using a sound meter. We also test how much power each device consumed using a Kill-a-Watt electricity usage monitor energy-efficient portable ACs earn extra points. This tells us how quickly the AC can cool a room. Next, we measure air speed with an anemometer. We first check to see how close the air temperature coming out of the AC is to our set point. Performance testing also covers multiple factors. We take into account how intuitive the user manuals and other instructions are. Our engineers consider a variety of factors, starting with ease of setup. We also tested some units at home over a six-week period to better evaluate them in real-world conditions. In order to run the units, we exhausted their heat hoses through a flexible duct that goes straight into the ceiling of our Lab (pictured), preventing any heat leak and allowing us to get proper temperature measurements. Our most recent hands-on evaluation mainly took place in our Lab, where our engineers and experts spent more than 40 hours testing around ten new models and analyzing scores of technical data. We also consider newer brands with unique features or innovations. Next, we identify brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through years of AC testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Our Good Housekeeping Institute product experts start by shopping the current marketplace to identify top-selling portable ACs that you’re most likely to find at stores and online. We noted this air conditioner cooled slightly slower than other models we tested, so be sure to set it early to ensure your room is cool when you need it. The storage bag is a nice added convenience if you do need to stow the unit away throughout the year. Even though the exhaust hose must be vented out a window, it extends up to five feet, so you’ll have some flexibility on the placement. You can monitor the temperature on the digital readout. Testers also like the programmable timer that lets you set a schedule for the day, for example programming it to turn on 30 minutes before you'll be home from work. Our engineers were impressed by its year-round versatility in dehumidifier mode, it removed up to 101 pints of moisture in a 24-hour period, and you can opt to go for the upgraded model that includes a heater, generating heat up to 77☏. "Dual hose" means it uses outside air instead of inside air to cool down the internals of the AC, helping it to cool the room quicker and more efficiently. This powerful portable AC from Whynter has a dual hose so it can cool down a room faster than other portable units. For those on a budget, the Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan is an impressive performer and doesn't need to be vented to a window for ultimate portability. Its added features (like dehumidification and a timer) make it a versatile pick for consumers looking for control during hot and humid months, and upgrading to its heater-included version gives you even more flexibility. What's the best portable air conditioner for most people? Our best overall portable AC is the Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner. We also frequently update our market research, comparing testing notes of older models to the latest from manufacturers, taking note of changes to key performance indicators and additional features. When we test ACs, we take a look at how easy they are to install, the ease of operation, and most importantly, the efficiency of cooling a space. The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing portable air conditioners since 2020, rounding up the best models on the market and putting them to the test. When deciding between window or portable ACs you'll have to figure out whether a window unit is even feasible - some are incompatible with certain window shapes and house designs, or restricted by certain buildings. Although window air conditioners can save floor space while efficiently cooling a room, you can't beat the convenience and mobility of a portable air conditioner. When a cooling fan isn't quite cutting your home's needs, it might be time to upgrade to an AC.
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