Summer is already setting in, and in most households the fan simply isn't working anymore. Portable air conditioners have emerged as a well-liked method to ward off the heat, particularly in small flats, rented apartments, and locations where installing a traditional AC is too much of a hassle.
But picking the right portable AC isn’t as simple as choosing the one that looks best or is cheapest. There are a few key things to know before buying. Here are five tips that can help avoid a sweaty mistake.
Each portable AC has a cooling capacity in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The greater the BTU, the larger the space it will cool. However, larger is not always better. A unit that's too high for a small room will cool it too quickly and turn off too frequently, leaving the room clammy and unpleasant. On the other hand, an underpowered unit will struggle to cool a larger space.
Here's a rough guide:
For rooms up to 150 sq. ft. (think small bedrooms or hostel rooms): 5,000 to 7,000 BTUs
For rooms 150 to 300 sq. ft. (average-size bedrooms): 8,000 to 10,000 BTUs
For larger spaces, 300 to 500 sq. ft.: 12,000 to 14,000 BTUs
Portable ACs pull in hot air and push it out of the room through a hose. Most budget models come with a single hose, but these can be less efficient. They tend to pull warm air from other parts of the house, making the room hot again faster. Dual-hose models have one hose to draw in outside air and another to expel the hot air.
These cool down more quickly and don't interfere with indoor air pressure. They tend to be more expensive, but the cooling is more stable and smoother. This is a good option in larger rooms or for extended daily use.
Portable ACs tend to be power-hungry if the wrong unit is selected. The energy labels, such as the BEE star rating and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), indicate how efficiently a model consumes electricity. The greater the rating, the less the power consumed for the same level of cooling.
Some of the newer ones employ inverter technology, which modulates the compressor speed rather than turning it on and off repeatedly. This conserves energy and maintains the room temperature constant. An inexpensive AC that consumes a lot of electricity every month won't remain cheap for long.
Since the entire machine sits inside the room, it’s louder than a split or window AC. Most models run between 50 to 60 decibels, which is like a normal conversation. But during quiet hours or while studying, even that can get annoying.
Look for models that mention quiet mode or low-noise operation. Some newer machines can drop below 45 dB, which is quieter than a fan at medium speed. Not all brands advertise this clearly, so checking reviews or demo videos helps.
Portable ACs come with an exhaust pipe that has to be pushed through a window or an opening. Most models include a window venting kit, but it’s best to check if it fits sliding windows or the window type at home.
Also, portable ACs remove moisture from the air. Some self-evaporate this moisture, but others collect it in a tank that needs to be emptied. In humid cities like Mumbai or Kolkata, machines that handle drainage automatically are easier to manage.
Many 2025 models come with built-in Wi-Fi, app control, voice support through Alexa or Google, and even AI modes that learn cooling preferences. These aren’t just fancy extras. They help save power and make daily use smoother. Turning the AC on remotely before reaching home is a feature more people are starting to expect as standard.
Portable ACs have come a long way. They’re easier to move, smarter, and more efficient than they used to be. But a few minutes of research can make a big difference in how well they cool and how much they cost to run.
Matching the AC to the room, checking noise levels, and thinking about how it drains water or connects to a window are all small steps that lead to better comfort. For homes that need flexibility without breaking walls or budgets, portable air conditioners are one of the smartest choices this summer.