Finding the right cooling solutions for your home can be challenging. Sometimes it takes an extra boost from a portable air conditioner to make your living spaces comfortable. In Canada, central air conditioning isn’t practical for many homes across the country, especially since you only need to cool your living spaces a few weeks out of the year. That’s where portable air conditioners come into play.
Portable AC units are affordable, flexible, and easy to install, making them the perfect choice for many Canadians. However, they come in various sizes, types, and styles, which makes choosing the right one for your living space difficult. We understand that every home and lifestyle is unique. If you’re experiencing confusion in the AC aisle, we found the best portable air conditioners in Canada to help.
In this guide, our dedicated team of researchers presents our top picks across several categories of portable air conditioners. Through in-depth research and staying on top of market trends and technological advancements, we have carefully selected a range of models that offer superior performance and features. Whether you’re looking for a portable AC unit for your apartment or bedroom, these top portable ACs will help you say goodbye to hot, sweltering nights and hello to cool, comfortable living spaces.
Video Reviews of the Best Portable Air Conditioners in Canada
The wide variety of features available with portable air conditioners makes it easy to find the right one for any situation, but it can make shopping more complicated. When purchasing a portable AC, look for these common performance features to decide which one is best for you.
Energy Efficiency
Knowing that they’ll save money in the long run, eco-conscious shoppers are often willing to spend a little more money to get a more energy-efficient model and help save the planet at the same time. When shopping for energy-efficient models, look for the Energy Star ratings. While portable AC units can’t compete with the efficiency of a mini split, the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL earns the top spot in this category.
Cooling Capacity
Most of the complaints that you see from people using portable air conditioners comes from improper sizing of their unit. If you make them work too hard, they will not only use more energy and fail to keep your room cool, but they’ll also wear out faster. Be sure to keep in mind factors like open doors, high ceilings, and poorly insulated living spaces. For small spaces, we like the Haier 8,000 BTU Portable AC. If you’re on a budget and need to cool a larger area, choose the Eco-Air 14,000 BTU unit.
Dehumidifiers
Many of the portable air conditioners we researched have three standard modes, including cooling, air circulating, and dehumidifying. Some of the smaller, budget models on our list of the best portable ACs don’t have the dehumidifier function but instead offer a dry mode. It can save you money to forego that option, but if it’s important, consider buying a model with an excellent dehumidifier, like the SereneLife SLPAC 12.5.
Smart Technology
How smart do you want your portable AC unit to be? Smart features include voice control, smartphone apps, and remote control thermostat sensors. Some people want to be able to control their AC unit on their phone, and others prefer to use the digital display on the unit itself. While smart features like the Cool Surround Technology on the De’Longhi EX390LVYN can make a unit more efficient, it also costs more. Evaluate whether the smart features mean that much to you before you spend more on a portable AC. and may not be that important to you.
Quiet Operation
Portable air conditioners are known for being noisy. The quietest portable AC we found is the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL. One of the reasons it ranked number one on our list of portable air conditioners is how quiet it operates. However, it’s still noisy when running at full speed, so we think it’s important to have realistic expectations about noise levels when using portable air conditioners. Another good choice for a quiet portable air conditioner is the TOSOT 10,000 BTU.
Returns and Warranties
Return policies vary depending on where you purchase your portable AC unit. For instance, some units we looked at come with a 30-day return when purchased from the company’s website, but you can get a 90-day return if you buy at Walmart. So, whether you’re purchasing online or shopping in person, it’s important to check the retailer’s return policy.
Almost all of the portable air conditioners we reviewed had a one-year warranty, although where you purchase the item will impact how you can claim your warranty. If you purchase through Amazon, for example, be sure to purchase the product warranty offered during checkout. The longest warranty we found was the De’Longhi EX390LVYN, which comes with a two-year warranty. While this model costs more than others, the brand is well-known for its quality construction, and with a longer warranty, you’re even more protected.
Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL Portable Air Conditioner
Best Portable Air Conditioner in Canada
What We Liked Best
Our favourite portable air conditioner is the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL. With its powerful cooling capacity and innovative features, it stands out as a top choice for beating hot summers in Canada. The Midea Duo is a 3-in-1 14,000 BTU portable AC unit with variable speed inverter and smart technology to make it more energy efficient.
- Industry-leading dual hose system makes setup easy and efficient
- Variable speed inverter provides 40% greater energy efficiency than other options
- Can be controlled via your smartphone app or assistant
What We Disliked
- Just as loud (or louder) as other portable air conditioners
When you need to cool a large room but can’t justify the cost of a mini split, the portable Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL is an ideal investment for Canadian homes. It has a powerful motor and variable-speed inverter and operates in three modes: cooling, circulating, and dehumidifying.
The Midea Duo cools rooms up to 550 square feet, working twice as fast as other portable air conditioners. With an advanced high-velocity airflow system and auto swing feature, it moves more cold air around the room, cooling every corner of your living space.
While installed, the vertical hose system takes up less space than other models. The Midea Duo comes with a sliding window installation kit, and the single hose-within-a-hose system makes installation fast and easy. While it technically can be moved from room to room, the Midea Duo is meant to be installed in one room during the summer and stored during the winter. While it’s not designed to heat a living space, it can make your living spaces more comfortable in the “Heat” mode.
With the built-in accessory storage design, you don’t have to worry about missing components. Plus, its space-saving compact design makes it easy to store. At 34 kg, the Midea Duo is heavier than most units, but its sturdy build is complemented by a sleek, modern design with 4 wheels to make it easier to move. Advanced features like a programmable timer, remote control, sleep mode, and smartphone integration make it easy to use. You can also program it to work with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.
What We Learned
The Midea Duo is one of the top-performing portable air conditioners on the market. Although it costs more than other models on this list, you get what you pay for with the Midea Duo. It does a better job of moving cool air around the room, and the smart technology makes it easy to use. We also like the fact that it is more energy efficient by about 40%, saving you money every month.
We Recommend the Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL for:
- People willing to spend more for better performance. The Midea Duo is a top-of-the-line portable air conditioner with better cooling efficiency than most units.
- Condo and apartment dwellers. The Midea Duo has enough cooling capacity for most condominiums, apartments, and small cottages, and its portability makes it the perfect choice for renters.
- Eco-conscious shoppers. With its variable speed inverter and smart technology integration, the Midea Duo is the most energy-efficient unit we could find. It’s a top choice for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
| Factor | Midea Duo MAP14s1tbl |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling, fan, dehumidifier |
| Floor Area | 550 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Smartphone app, voice assistant, remote control, and timer |
| Special Features | Dust filter, hose-in-a-hose system |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise Level | 42 dB (lowest setting) |
| Rating | 9.8/10 |
De'Longhi EX290LVYN Portable Air Conditioner
Best Portable Air Condition for Large Rooms in Canada
What We Liked Best
- Enough cooling capacity for rooms up to 700 square feet
- All components and accessories are sturdy and built to last
- Includes a 24-hour programmable timer and a remote with Cool Surround Technology
What We Disliked
- Exhaust hose is only 4 feet long, which is not enough for some installations
The De’Longhi brand is well-known for making high-quality home appliances, including home espresso machines. The company manufactures several models of portable air conditioners, and we chose the EX390LVYN from the brand’s extensive lineup for its excellent combination of price and performance. This model is built to last and delivers exceptional cooling power.
This model is part of the brand’s Pinguino Artic Whisper collection, which uses Cool Surround Technology to create the perfect temperatures in your home. This innovative feature uses a smart sensing remote with Bluetooth to monitor the temperature in your room and adjust its cooling capacity. That way, it’s cooling your room based on the actual temperature; this provides more accurate cooling than air conditioners that rely on the temperature of the air near the unit.
The Eco Real Feel advanced technology also has sophisticated humidity sensors to enhance the comfort of your home. Because it only works as hard as you need it to, you can enjoy 30% energy efficiency savings over other portable air conditioners.
Another great attribute of the De’Longhi EX390LVYN is the Artic Whisper Extreme feature, which lowers the noise level by 3 dBs. It includes a washable air filter and serves as a dehumidifier and air circulation fan in separate modes of operation. With pre-attached wheels and a handle, it’s one of the easiest portable AC units to move from room to room.
What We Learned
Setup is easy with the De’Longhi EX390LVYN because it has pre-attached wheels and a sturdy window installation kit. Most of the complaints about this model come from the short hose, a problem that’s easy to solve with a longer hose. This portable air conditioner is one of the most powerful models available, and with innovative cooling technology, it’s also more energy efficient than most. Combined with the brand’s excellent reputation, this model will make your home more comfortable on those hot summer nights.
We Recommend the De’Longhi EX190LVYN for:
- People who want cooler living rooms. This model is rated to cool a floor area of 700 square feet, which is larger than the average living room.
- Homeowners without standard air conditioning. The De’Longhi EX390LVYN is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to cool down their living spaces but can’t justify central air conditioning or mini-split units.
- Shoppers who want an environmentally conscious AC unit. With its sturdy construction and Cool Surround Technology, this is a top choice for homeowners who want an eco-conscious portable air conditioner that will last.
| Factor | De’Longhi EX190LVYN |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling, fan, dehumidifier |
| Floor Area | 700 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Timer and remote control with BlueTooth sensor |
| Special Features | Washable dust filter, 3-speed fan |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Noise Level | 53 dB |
| Rating | 9.8/10 |
SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner
Best Compact Portable Air Conditioner in Canada
What We Liked Best
- Compact size is perfect for offices, bedrooms, and RVs
- Easy to install and set up right out of the box
- Built-in dehumidifier and washable air filter work to improve air quality
What We Disliked
- Louder than expected, so may cause disturbances in some environments
SereneLife offers a collection of portable air conditioners to meet the needs of a variety of customers. The SLPAC 12.5 offers excellent cooling capacity and operates in three different modes–cooling, dehumidifying, and fan– to improve the air quality and temperature in your living space.
This compact, freestanding portable AC unit has a sleek design and smooth rolling castor wheels. With an automatic swing mode function, it distributes air evenly in rooms under 325 square feet, making it an excellent choice for large bedrooms, small living rooms, and offices. If you need a replacement AC unit for your RV, this is an affordable option and it can easily handle the floor area in most recreational vehicles.
One of the features we liked most about the SereneLife SLPAC 12.5 is how easy it is to use. It’s one of the easiest units to install straight out of the box. With low, medium, and high fan settings and a 24-hour adjustable timer, it’s easy to operate the SLPAC 12.5 to cool your space efficiently. You can use the remote control or digital display to change the settings while it’s in use.
The SereneLife portable air conditioner comes with a one-year warranty. These units are available from Walmart-Canada and online through major retailers. it’s important to note that return periods vary depending on where you purchase your portable AC unit. For example, if you order through the company’s website, you get a 30-day return. If you purchase from Walmart, they offer 90-day returns.
What We Learned
For powerful cooling in a small space, the SereneLife SLPAC 12.5 is a good choice. Its compact design and portability make it our choice for the best compact portable AC unit. Although it doesn’t have some of the features we like to see in larger, more expensive units like the Midea Duo, the SereneLife is easy to use and install. For its price, it offers excellent value for cooling offices, bedrooms, and dormitories. While some customers complained about the noise level, it’s important to remember that portable AC units are generally louder than their window counterparts.
We Recommend the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 for:
- Anyone who needs to cool a small space. This compact portable air conditioner is perfect for offices, dormitories, RVs, and bedrooms.
- Shoppers looking for portability. If you can only afford to buy one unit and need to move it from the bedroom to the living room every day, this is the one to get.
- People looking for an easy-to-use portable AC unit. From the remote control and window installation kit to the dehumidifier drain tube, the SereneLife SLPAC 12.5 is one of the easiest to use.
| Factor | SereneLife SLPAC12.5 |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling, fan, dehumidifier |
| Floor Area | 325 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Remote control and timer |
| Special Features | Washable dust filter |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise Level | 56 dB |
| Rating | 9.3/10 |
Eco-Air 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Best Single Hose Portable Air Conditioner
What We Liked Best
- Easy to control with custom temperature settings and FollowMe mode
- Ships fast and free and with everything you need
- The option to purchase a different sensor to upgrade the unit
What We Disliked
- Single-hose design produces a lot of water and needs to be emptied frequently
Like most of the portable AC units we reviewed, the Eco-Air 14,000 has three modes: cooling, fan, and dehumidifier. The automatic sensor will alert you when the unit needs to be drained, which may be more often than expected. This is especially true if you live in a humid environment. To extend the unit’s life, it’s also recommended that you clean the washable filters at least once per week.
The Eco-Air 14,000 BTU portable AC from Comfort Direct Heating and Cooling is the largest unit offered in the brand’s collection, able to cool rooms up to 700 square feet. With features like Auto Swing louvres and an energy-saving sleep/economy mode, you get the best cooling capacity without compromising efficiency.
We chose the Eco-Air 14,000 as the best single-hose portable AC unit. Even though single-hose models are typically less efficient and have to work harder than dual-hose units, the Eco-Air has exceptional cooling performance to deliver the comfort you need in large rooms. In our extensive research, we didn’t find any complaints about the cooling performance of this model, and the window installation kit has everything you need to ensure the exhausted heat isn’t being pulled back into your living spaces.
With control features like WiFi, Voice Control, and FollowMe technology, this Eco-Air model is a top choice for automatic operation. The FollowMe technology uses a thermostat in your remote to deliver cooling comfort where you need it, even if you’re sitting across the room.
What We Learned
Single-hose portable AC units are known for being less expensive than dual-hose systems, but they are typically less efficient. Comfort Direct gets it right with the Eco-Air 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner, however. This powerful model delivers the cooling capacity most people need for their living spaces, and you get a load of extra features without having to pay a lot more. Like all single-hose units, this one has to work harder, but it has smart energy-saving features that will save you money in the long run.
We Recommend the Eco-Air 14,000 BTU for:
- People with asthma and allergies. If you have problems with asthma or allergies, this is the air conditioner for you. You can purchase the HEPA filter with a built-in air quality sensor for this unit if you are concerned about the air quality in your home.
- Shoppers looking for a great deal. The combination of quality, performance, and smart features on Eco-Air 14,000 makes it one of the best deals out there.
- Homeowners with large living areas. The Eco-Air works hard to deliver cool air to over 700 square feet of floor space, which is more than most portable AC units can handle.
| Factor | Eco-Air 14,000 BTU |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling, fan, dehumidifier |
| Floor Area | 700 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Smartphone, voice assistant, timer, and remote control with sensor |
| Special Features | Optional HEPA filter with smart air sensor |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise Level | 52-55 dB |
| Rating | 9.7/10 |
Costway 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Best Budget Portable Air Conditioner in Canada
What We Liked Best
- Best value for the price, especially if you need multiple units
- Simple, straightforward, and easy to operate
- Fewer noise complaints than some of the other portable air conditioners on our list
What We Disliked
- Doesn't include a dehumidifer
The Costway portable AC has a dry mode instead of a dehumidifier, which works similarly but isn’t as effective at reducing humidity. Still, you can use the dry mode during seasonal transitions when humidity is high, and it will circulate fresh, dry air into your room. While this isn’t a good solution for hot, muggy climates, it’s more than adequate for most regions in Canada.
Everything about the Costway 10,000 BTU portable AC is straightforward, from easy installation to simple operation with the remote or LED touch display. The remote is limited to 16.4 feet, but since this unit is rated for a small floor area of 350 square feet, that shouldn’t present a problem.
Widely available at major big box and online retailers, the Costway 10,000 BTU 4-in-1 is our top choice from the company’s collection of AC units. Weighing less than 23 kg, the Costway 10,000 BTU portable AC also has wheels, making it very easy to move. It is light grey in colour, and with its compact design, it will easily blend into your home decor.
The sleep mode and 2-speed fan make this unit suitable for providing comfortable living spaces in bedrooms, offices, and living rooms. It has overload protection and an auto defrost function to ensure safe and efficient operation. The drain plug in the back makes it easy to maintain, but some customers said they had to attach the included drain hose to keep it operating properly. It also comes with a long 5.2 foot air hose and everything else you need for installation.
What We Learned
When you’re shopping for a well-built portable AC at an affordable price, the Costway 10,000 BTU is a great place to start. It doesn’t have fancy features like WiFi integration and voice controls, but it offers reliable cooling performance. The louvres provide good airflow in both horizontal and vertical directions. As long as you size this for the right floor area, you will enjoy one of the quietest, most affordable portable ACs we could find.
We Recommend the Costway 10,000 BTU for:
- Shoppers on a tight budget. If you’re willing to forego the bells and whistles of fancier models to get a better deal, the Costway portable AC collection is a great unit to purchase.
- People who want to get an AC unit for every room. It’s nice to have the ability to move portable ACs from room to room, but if you can afford to get a unit for each room in your house, it will make your life easier.
- Homeowners with central air conditioning. If you have central AC but it doesn’t cool down some of the rooms in your house as much as you’d like, this budget model is the best one for the job.
| Factor | Costway 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling and fan |
| Floor Area | 350 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Remote control and LED touch panel |
| Special Features | Sleep mode |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise Level | 55 dB |
| Rating | 9.1/10 |
TOSOT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Best Portable Air Conditioner for Apartments in Canada
What We Liked Best
- Sleek, modern design that looks attractive in your home
- You can choose different extended warranties on the company's website
- Can be installed in a variety of locations and configurations
What We Disliked
- The hose is difficult to replace without going through the company directly
Our favorite feature about the TOSOT 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is the company itself. TOSOT Direct provides excellent customer service, and you can find manuals and purchase replacement parts on their comprehensive website.
The company ships their products within 2 business days after you order, and warranty claims are handled within 24 hours after completing an online claim form. Their products come with a standard 6-month warranty, which is extended for another six months as soon as you register your product online. You can also purchase up to 3 years of extended warranties.
Another one of our favourite features is the child lock. We didn’t see this option in many of the other portable air conditioners we reviewed. You can press and hold a combination of buttons on the LED display to set the child lock, making it a good choice for people with small children.
TOSOT makes two sizes of portable air conditioners in the Shiny Series– the 8,000 and the 10,000 BTU models. The 10,000 BTU model is available with or without WiFi, so you can save a few dollars if you aren’t interested in using the smartphone app.
The 10,000 BTU model cools areas up to 400 square feet. At 29 kg, it’s about the average size for a portable air conditioner. It comes with a long 6-foot drain hose. Features like a night light, auto restart, and memory make this unit one of the easiest to operate. Even though some customers complained that the smartphone app was primitive, you’re not likely to find another portable AC unit with that feature at this price point.
What We Learned
Shoppers who purchase the TOSOT 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner can enjoy peace of mind with extended warranties and the child lock feature. Whether you’re purchasing the TOSOT 10,000 with or without WiFi, you’ll find it easy to install and operate.
We Recommend the TOSOT 10,000 BTU for:
- People with small children. The child lock feature makes this a good choice if you have toddlers at home.
- Apartment and RV dwellers. The TOSOT 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is easy to install in very small windows.
- Shoppers looking for a sleek design. If you want a nice-looking portable AC unit, the Shiny Series TOSOT 10,000 BTU is the one for you.
| Factor | TOSOT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling, fan, dehumidifier |
| Floor Area | 400 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Works with smartphone app, remote, and timer |
| Special Features | Child lock |
| Warranty | 6 months to 3 years |
| Noise Level | 49 dB |
| Rating | 9.4/10 |
Haier 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Best Portable Air Conditioner in Canada for Small Bedrooms
What We Liked Best
- Budget-friendly price with a dehumidifier mode
- Compact size that is great for bedrooms, dormitories, offices, and small RVs
- Included window installation kit that works with windows from 20" to 46" wide
What We Disliked
- Window bracket may need some retrofitting for different windows
If you’re in the market for a portable AC unit for your bedroom, the Haier 8,000 BTU model is the best one we found. Made by GE, it’s rated to cool floor areas up to 150 square feet, about the size of a medium-sized bedroom. Even though it’s small, it does a good job of making your living areas cool and comfortable.
Compared to larger units, this model uses less energy and has a lower wattage. Even though it’s a single hose unit, it is remarkably energy efficient, as long as you’re not trying to overwork it. With the two-speed fan, 3-in-1 mode operation, and 24-hour timer, it’s the perfect unit for your bedroom. It offers everything most people need to get a good night’s rest.
The Haier 8,000 BTU portable AC unit is rated at 50 dB on its low setting and 53 dB on its high setting. Although it’s not rated to be as quiet as some of the other units on our list, customer reviews prove that this unit operates quieter than most, perhaps due to its small size. If you’re a light sleeper, the Haier 8,000 will keep you cool with just enough background noise to let you drift off to sleep comfortably.
The company’s easy-to-navigate website has product support, online registration, and parts and accessories. The Haier 8,000 BTU portable AC ships fast from Amazon, and many customers reported having it the day after they ordered it. It’s also available from retailers like Target, Wayfair, and BrandsMart, but you should be sure to check the return and warranty policies offered by individual retailers before you buy.
What We Learned
The smallest portable air conditioner on our list in terms of cooling capacity, the Haier 8,000 does a good job of keeping small rooms cool and comfortable. Our research showed that the majority of customers were happy with their purchase. From fast shipping and installation to storage for the winter, the Haier 8,000 is literally a breeze to own.
We Recommend the Haier 8,000 BTU for:
- People looking to cool smaller rooms. The Haier 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is the best we found for the price, offering a perfect combination of features to cool rooms under 150 square feet.
- Students in dormitories. It’s no secret that college students are on a tight budget, but if you’re going off to college, you can afford to stay cool with the Haier 8,000.
- Office workers. If you work in a building without sufficient air conditioning, grab one of the Haier 8,000s to use near your desk.
| Factor | Haier 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Modes | Cooling, fan, dehumidifier |
| Floor Area | 150 sq ft |
| Control Methods | Remote and timer |
| Special Features | Auto evaporation, Auto-restart |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Noise Level | 50 dB |
| Rating | 9.3/10 |
Summary of the Best Portable Air Conditioners in Canada
- Portable air conditioners often cost less to run than full-sized units
- Single-hose portable AC units are less expensive than dual-hose options, but they are less efficient
- Mini-split air conditioners are often a better choice for larger spaces and continuous use
- Some apartments don’t allow a window AC unit, which is what makes portable air conditioners so popular
- While portable air conditioners may seem expensive, there are budget options that won’t put you into debt
- Some portable air conditioners need to be emptied often, while others are self-draining and require less maintenance overall
You don’t have to break the bank to stay cool this summer, even if you wait until the last minute to purchase a portable air conditioner. Whether you buy online or purchase one at a store, the best portable air conditioners on our list are available from a variety of retailers. With a range of options to suit every budget and size of room, the AC units on our list offer portability, flexibility, and convenience, and they are easy for anyone to install.
While we’re excited about some of the advanced features like Bluetooth thermostats in your remote and Google Assistant integration, we also recognize that some people like to keep it simple. Whether you want high-performance features or you just want a basic model to keep your bedroom cool, this guide to the best portable air conditioners offers recommendations in every category to suit your needs.
Dual-hose portable air conditioners bring fresh air in, cool it, and return hot air outside through a separate hose. Single-hose systems use one hose for both intake and return air, so they’re not as efficient. The Midea Duo is a dual hose unit that uses a special hose-in-a-hose design to simplify installation and increase energy efficiency and cooling capacity. All of the other units on our list have a single hose system.
While it’s possible to run your portable air conditioner without venting it through a window, it’s less than advisable. Running your portable air conditioner without venting through a door, window, or wall makes it inefficient and can cause the unit to be overworked. Since the unit produces heat to create cool air, you must vent the hot exhaust air outside of the space you’re trying to cool for optimal performance.
Ideally, portable air conditioners should only operate 8 to 12 hours daily. This shouldn’t be an issue if you size your unit correctly for the floor area you’re trying to cool. Signs that your air conditioner is being overworked include high humidity, leaks, strange noises, and extremely high electric bills. Choose models like the De’Longhi EX390LVYN to ensure adequate cooling capacity. With 700 square feet of cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and smart technology, it’s a better choice for large spaces.
The Midea Duo MAP14S1TBL is the quietest portable air conditioner we could find. On its lowest setting, it operates at 42 dB, about the same as a quiet library. It costs more than twice as much as some of the other units we reviewed, but it is loaded with extra features like the dual hose-within-a-hose system and advanced airflow technology.
Most portable air conditioners need to be drained at least once a week, but this can depend on your unit and the climate where you live. Models like the Eco-Air 14,000 BTU have sensors that alert you when they need to be drained, making it easier to keep track of maintenance.
Why Should Canadians Choose a Portable Air Conditioner?
Portable air conditioners cost a fraction of the price of central AC systems, making them affordable for homeowners and renters. They’re also great for offices, dormitories, conference rooms, RVS, and anywhere else you need some cool air to make your living areas more comfortable.
In the past few years, the summer heat has become unbearable even in places as far north as Canada. Central air conditioning and expensive HVAC systems aren’t always feasible, and portable AC units offer features that cater to the unique needs of Canadian customers.
- Portability. Portable air conditioners are great for renters or first-time home buyers because you can take them with you when you move.
- Move the unit from room to room. Many portable AC units can be moved from room to room, so even if you can only afford one, you can stay cool whether you’re in your living room or your bedroom.
- Quick and easy installation. Anyone can purchase a portable AC unit, have it delivered, and install it without professional help.
- Available with a variety of features. Portable ACs are available with various features to suit different needs and budgets, making them affordable for all shoppers.
Many people wonder why they should choose a portable air conditioner versus a window unit. Window units are generally more efficient but cost more and are more difficult to install. Whether you want the ease of setup or live where you don’t have permission to install a window unit, portable air conditioners offer versatility and convenience.
