With record heatwaves predicted this summer, it’s no surprise that more of us are gearing up to keep our homes as cool as possible when the heat hits.
A popular and effective option is to invest in one The best portable air conditionerBut as these devices can cost hundreds of pounds, it’s important that you understand their pros and cons before you commit to spending the money. In many cases, it will be a very suitable addition to your home, and will give you comfort in the summer. But there are some disadvantages that you should consider before buying.
I’ve tried and tested multiple portable air conditioners myself, and enlisted the help of experts to help you decide if a unit like this is the right choice for your home.
Is portable air conditioning a good idea?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Being one of the best fans Not to mention a bit of a brainwave during a heatwave, but as summers get hotter every year, it’s becoming more apparent that fans are brilliant at moving air around which may make you feel a bit cooler, but it won’t actually lower the temperature in the room. where it is Air conditioning comes in.
When it comes to AC, there are two options, Fitted or portable. Fitted air con is more expensive to buy upfront and requires professional and permanent installation, which means it won’t be suitable for everyone.
Fortunately, portable air conditioners are more readily available than ever. And if you’ve struggled with the heat in recent years, a portable air conditioner can definitely be worth it.
However, it’s crucial that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of a device like this so you can make sure you’re making the best choice for your home. Let’s see the pros and cons.
Advantages of portable air conditioning
- Effective cooling. When it gets hot, it can feel like the fans are just blowing hot air around, but a portable air conditioner will quickly lower the ambient temperature in the room. ‘AC units actively lower room temperatures using a refrigeration cycle,’ explains Noel Falk, CEO and co-founder. EcoAir‘The warm air is drawn over a cooling coil filled with refrigerant and any residual heat and moisture is removed from the exhaust air through an exhaust duct, before being released back into the room.’
- Can be moved from room to room. Most portable air conditioning units are set on casters meaning they can easily move from room to room on the same floor.
- Temporary. Besides the cost of a fitted air con system, not everyone can opt for a built-in solution. Portable air con requires no permanent changes to the property so it is ideal for people who rent or live in designated areas where permanent changes are not permitted.
- No professional installation required. Another pro is that anyone can set up a portable air conditioner, no special skills required.
- Relatively cheap. Portable air conditioners can vary in price from around £200 to over £1,000, so some are more affordable than others. But all are cheaper than fitted air con which can cost around £1,500 to install in one room.
Disadvantages of portable air conditioning
(Image credit: Getty Images)
- They are heavy. Moving a portable air conditioner between rooms on the same floor is fairly easy, but the same cannot be said for moving it up and down stairs. It’s definitely a two-person job.
- Some setup is required. ‘To get the best results, it’s important to get the setup right;’ explains Katie Lillywhite Air treatment specialist at AO.com. Portable units need to be vented properly through an open window to vent hot air. Failure to do this means performance will drop significantly.’ Many portable air conditioners come with a universal window kit, but not all do, so it’s important to check if you need to purchase one separately. A word of advice here, don’t wait until it warms up to set the window kit. It can be a little messy and you don’t want to mess it up while you’re baking.
- Can be noisy. Portable air conditioners can be quite noisy when in cooling mode, although they are becoming quieter as technology improves. But while you can get fans that are quiet, the same cannot yet be said for portable air conditioners.
- Heavy to store when not in use. You can’t use air conditioning all year round (although if you choose a device that also works as a dehumidifier, then you can), so you will need to think about where it can be stored. It needs to be somewhere warm and dry, but the dimensions and considerable weight may limit your options.
What else should you consider before buying a portable air conditioner?
Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons, there are other considerations that will affect how effective and affordable a portable air conditioner will be in the long run.
First, you need to make sure that you choose the right powered portable air conditioner for the size of the room you want to cool. ‘Every air conditioner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units),’ explains Katie Lillywhite. ‘Essentially, if the unit is too small it will struggle, or too large and it will shut down inefficiently.
‘To calculate what you need for your home, consider the space you want to run it. Room specifications are important, so also think about your ceiling height, insulation, windows, and the number of people in your given room. For example, a sunny loft room will require more power than a shaded ground-floor lounge.’
She adds: ‘You’ll soon know if your air conditioner is too small for the purpose because it will run constantly, failing to reach the target temperature. This is a waste of energy and increases the energy bill. As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to size up rather than down.’
You should also think about ongoing costs, especially as energy prices have increased by 13% in July 2026. Based on the devices we’ve tested here at Ideal Home, portable air conditioners can use anywhere between 780-2600W, based on the July 2026 energy price cap, meaning they can cost between 20p and 86 an hour.
‘While they come with very high upfront and running costs, most users consider this a small price to pay for the added comfort of summer,’ Katie concluded. ‘A portable air conditioner can pose as an upgrade, providing a targeted solution when temperatures really rise and cooling becomes more essential.
If you’re convinced that a portable AC is the right choice, take a look at our top-rated, in-stock picks below.
VonHaas
Air conditioning unit 12000 BTU
The 12,000 BTU Vonhaus Portable Air Conditioner is still in stock, and our reviewer rated it highly after testing it at his home.
AEG
Comfort 6000 Portable Air Conditioner
This AEG portable air conditioner is one of the most powerful we’ve tested, plus it’s WiFi compatible and easy to use.
FAQs
When is the best time to buy a portable air conditioner?
The best time to buy a portable air conditioner is before, rather than during, a heatwave. When temperatures rise, impulse buying means portable air conditioners sell out across the board. We’ve seen this happen over the past two summers, so if you want one and want to make your choice, don’t wait for the heatwave to hit.
If you’re looking for a bargain, it’s worth checking out upcoming sales, such as Amazon Prime DayTo see if any highly-rated options are discounted. It’s wise to shop around as many retailers will have their own discounts or offer price matching. Remember to factor in any delivery costs when comparing prices.
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