Written by Gaby
Edited on
1 October 2025
·
11:08
How do you choose a portable air conditioner?
With a portable air conditioner, you can enjoy cooling during hot summer days. But how much cooling capacity and which extra functions do you need? We're happy to help you choose a portable air conditioner. That way, you're sure the portable air conditioner provides you with the cooling you're looking for.
Choose an air conditioner
When you choose a portable air conditioner, it's important that it's powerful enough. And if you don't want to be bothered by the noise either, it needs to have the right functions. That's why it's important to ask yourself the following questions:
- How large is the space you want to cool?
- What's the maximum noise level of the portable air conditioner?
- Which functions does the portable air conditioner need to have?
- Which accessories do you need?
How large is the space you want to cool?
Which portable air conditioner you need depends on the size of the area and the heat load in the room. A room with a low heat load has good sun protection, few windows, and good insulation. A room with a high heat load has windows facing south, bad insulation, a high ceiling, or is located at a high level. Keep the heat load of the area you want to cool in mind when you choose, so you're sure to choose the right portable air conditioner.
What's the maximum noise level of the air conditioner?
The maximum noise level of a portable air conditioner depends on the room you place it in. In the bedroom, it's more important that the portable air conditioner makes less noise than in the living room. So keep the maximum noise level in mind when you choose.
Which functions should the portable air conditioner have?
Night mode
When you place the portable air conditioner in the bedroom, it's nice if it has a night mode. With this mode, the portable air conditioner slowly reduces the temperature in the room to prevent you from getting cold while sleeping. The lights on the portable air conditioner also turn off in night mode in most cases. That's nice, because it stays dark in your bedroom thanks to this.
Heating function
Do you want to use the portable air conditioner during colder days too? Choose a portable air conditioner with a heating function. That way, you can both cool and heat up the room. That's useful, because you'll only need 1 product to do so.
Controls via app
Do you want to be able to turn on the portable air conditioner before you get home? Choose a portable air conditioner with app. Via the app, you can easily adjust the settings and see how warm it is in the room.
Which accessories do you need?
Window sealing set
A portable air conditioner has an exhaust hose that it uses to drain the hot air outwards. That's why you always need an open window or door to let the exhaust hose out. With a window sealing set, the hot air stays outside and you make sure no insects can fly in. Some portable air conditioners include a standard window sealing set, but these don't fit on every window. Make sure to check if the included window sealing set is suitable for your window.
Extension cable
Because the portable air conditioner needs to stand within 1.5m from a window, there might not be a socket near. In that case, you need an extension cord or power strip. Keep the length of the extension cord in mind when you choose. That way, you're sure you can place the portable air conditioner near the window.
Article by Gaby
Air Conditioner Expert.
