Best Portable AC for Bedroom to Keep You Cool This Summer

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Do you always find yourself tossing and turning during the hot summer nights? Don’t panic; we are here to save you from the inconvenience with our comprehensive guide to the right portable AC for your bedroom. The days of tossing and turning at night are now over. Welcome to a cool and inviting haven in the comfort of your own room.

The best portable AC for bedroom use is the BLACK+DECKER, 14,000 BTU. The portable AC has an additional feature of a heater which makes it possible to have a warm comfortable winter. The unit equally has a good air filtration ability that is capable of trapping dust and other irritants such as allergens.

The second best unit for this list is SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner, SLPAC8. There is a dehumidifying function in this unit which minimizes on the moisture in the room hence reducing humidity. However, it is not advisable for the large spaces or for the houses having an open floor plans.

The third most suitable portable AC for the bedroom according to our rating is the Whynter Dual Hose ARC-14S AC. It is equipped with an activated carbon filter that helps to get rid of bad smells and small particles in the air. Nevertheless, it’s a bit larger and may need more floor space.

Why Would You Need a Portable AC?

A portable AC unit can be carried from one location to another and provide cooling only when required, whether it is your bedroom, living room, or home office. In addition, they are cheaper options for providing central air conditioning. Moreover, it is possible to cool certain zones, in a house, and that helps save money.

Image Source: gadgetreview.com

Again, in contrast to conventional air conditioners, portable ones need no or little setup. In addition, they are equipped with a window kit which you can use to drive out the hot air through a sliding door or window. Apart from cooling, many of the portable air conditioning units include the filter which aids in clearing allergens dust and other particles within the room to improve air quality. This is particularly fruitful for using in houses with people suffering from allergies or any other respiratory problems.

Now that we know why a portable AC is important, let's check out the best portable air conditioner models for your bedroom.

Best Portable AC’s For Bedroom

1. Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Air Conditioner

Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Air Conditioner with Heat Mode,...
  • PERFECT FOR COOLING SMALL ROOMS: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE/8,150 BTU DOE...
  • FAST COOLING: INSTANT COLD AIR Quickly cool your room in the...
  • VERSATILITY: AC + FAN + DEHUMIDIFIER + HEATER 4 separate Modes...
  • HOME DEHUMIDIFIER: 4000 SQUARE FEET As a home Dehumidifier it...
  • EASY TO INSTALL IN 5 MINUTES Simple to follow instructions show...

Finally, the Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Air Conditioner has made its name as one of the best air conditioner for big rooms or small apartments. This highly effective cooling ability easily cools spaces of up to 700 sq.Ft making it adequate for use especially during the hot season. It perfectly reflects contemporary interiors, it is practical as well as ornaments.

This air conditioning has three-speed fan, digital thermostat, and programmable 24-hour timer so that the customer can adjust the system depending on their suitable cooling preference. Continuing, the incorporated remote control and LED display gesture allow adjustments from the comfort of the house. Its low environmental impact refrigerant as well as energy saving mode lower the energy consumption while increasing efficiency. It has a dehumidifying function, which you can use to eliminate up to 3.4 Pints of moisture per hour, thus advisable for use in regions of high humidity.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Cooling Power: Rapidly cools large areas with consistent performance.
  • User-Friendly Controls: The remote and digital interface are intuitive and convenient.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy-saving mode and eco-friendly refrigerant help lower electricity costs.

Cons:

  • Bulky Size: The unit is relatively heavy and may require assistance for installation.
  • Window Compatibility: Limited to certain window sizes, so check measurements before purchasing.

2. SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable AC with Built-in Dehumidifier, 8,000 BTU

Sale
SereneLife SLPAC8 SLPAC 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner...
  • HANDY AND PORTABLE: The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner...
  • 3 OPERATING MODES: The compact floor AC indoor cooler...
  • BUILT-IN DEHUMIDIFIER: you don’t only get the cooling effect of...
  • REMOTE CONTROL: Features a digital touch button control panel...
  • 8000 BTU COOLING POWER: with 900W rated power and 8000 BTU...

Serene Life Portable Air Conditioner, SLPAC8 is one of the best appliances for cooling our bedroom and it is 8000 BTU. The unit warms up the house very quickly so whenever it is cold, it does not take long before the unit creates a comfortable and lovely atmosphere.

This AC is compact in design and is designed for such areas where it may not be possible to install a large unit. Also, the unit has a window mount kit accessory which makes installation simple. This device has a very useful integrated dehumidifier which helps to extract excessive moisture from the air thus providing a more comfortable environment.

Another feature of this air conditioner is that it has several fan options, and thus we can set our preferred fan option. On the other hand, the unit has a fan-only mode that makes the air blow without cooling, which is particularly useful during the colder months or when we need to improve the air circulation in the bedroom.

Pros:

  • Compact and space-saving unit
  • The installation process is easy.
  • This portable air conditioner works quietly
  • It comes with a built-in dehumidifier that effectively removes excess air moisture.

Cons:

  • It's not suitable for larger areas or open floor plans.

3. Whynter Dual Hose Portable AC with Dehumidifier, ARC-14S

Sale
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air...
  • Portable AC Unit: Our portable room air conditioner keeps your...
  • Multipurpose: Portable AC air conditioner with dehumidifier...
  • Auto-Drain Technology: Our dual-hose portable ac units for rooms...
  • Powerful, Efficient, and Quiet: This Energy Star Rated 14,000 BTU...
  • Includes: Portable air conditioner comes with protective cover,...

We have had the Whynter Dual Hose ARC-14S AC for a few years, and it even now, it functions like a brand new unit. This unit has a unique dual-hose design that distinguishes it from many other single-hose units. It generally employs a divided intake and exhaust pipe hence requiring only shorter durations to cool. Besides, this innovative design also contributes towards ensuring a proper working pressure within a room. It minimizes the likelihood of outside air being induced within the room.

It also has a self-activated dehumidifying function that removes the moisture in the air and makes the room much more comfortable. Besides that, it has an activated carbon filter that handles the unpleasant smells and other airborne particles. This helps to create a healthier and cleaner environment, and comes in handy for those who may have allergies.

The package has a storage bag which offers a practical solution for storing the AC during seasons when it's not in use. Conversely, it's important to note that this dual hose model is relatively large and may require more floor space than smaller portable air conditioners. In addition, while using the unit, it should be placed close to a window or sliding door to allow for good air inflow, and exhaust.

Pros:

  • The AC operates quietly.
  • It features a dual hose design which offers enhanced cooling efficiency.
  • It has an activated carbon filter which helps enhance the air quality.
  • It comes with a built-in dehumidifier that effectively removes excess air moisture.

Cons:

  • It requires more floor space.

4. Midea Duo Ultra Quiet Portable AC, 12,000 BTU, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant

Sale
Midea Duo 12,000 BTU (10,000 BTU SACC) HE Inverter...
  • INNOVATIVE DUO HOSE DESIGN - Midea's industry-first hose-in-hose...
  • INVERTER TECHNOLOGY - Engineered with the variable-speed inverter...
  • MORE THAN 2X FASTER AND STRONGER COOLING - Empowerd by the Duo...
  • 42dB ULTRA-QUIET OPERATION - The sound level of Midea Duo is as...
  • SMART WI-FI, WORKS WITH ALEXA/GOOGLE ASSISTANT - Wi-Fi module...

Midea Duo Ultra Quiet Portable AC has a cooling power output of 12,000 BTU which is enough to cool up to 450 square feet of space. The unit operates with little noise, allowing me to enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed ambiance. Besides, this AC features an inverter compressor that automatically adjusts its speed based on the cooling needs, offering higher energy efficiency and more precise temperature control.

This smart portable air conditioner now works with Alexa and Google Assistant. This often makes it possible to have convenient control through voice commands and this makes most of the operations to be done without holding any physical button making it even more convenient. It is also compatible with the MideaAir application for the remote control and scheduling through the Smartphone when not in use at home. On the other hand you have a conventional type of remote control that is provided with the unit and its function includes altering of attributes such as temperature, fan speed as well as mode.

In addition, it also avails a window kit for easier installation of this particular unit. Everything you need to get started is contained in the kit and it comes with very clear instructions. The window kit effectively is used to seal the window, such that hot air cannot get into the room and there is proper circulation of air.

Pros:

  • The AC operates quietly, minimizing noise disruptions.
  • It's compatible with the Midea
  • Air app and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Easy installation process
  • Compact and space-saving unit

Cons:

  • It's not ideal for large bedrooms; it cools up to 450 square feet.

5. BALKO 4-IN-1 Personal Air Conditioner

BALKO 4-IN-1 Personal Air Conditioner w/Remote, 2 Ice...
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The BALKO 4-IN-1 Personal Air Conditioner w/Remote is one of the best compact and efficient cooling appliances for personal uses. With four functions being cooling, humidifying, air purifying and fan it aims at providing constant comfort throughout the year. Having a remote control for the operation it makes it convenient and easy to control from a distance making it ideal for bedroom, home office or small living room.

The design of this unit includes the use of a highly effective and never-humming motor, variable speed control and control panel that is easy to operate. The included humidity control enhances the quality of the air and there is also an addition of an air purging feature for dust and allergens. This technology boasts of a compact design, a very fine looking and can more easily be carried around with a handle provided, so it can fit anywhere in a home. Convenience aspects such as the timer and auto shut-off functions also raise energy utilization and security levels.

Pros:

  • Multi-purpose use eliminates the need for multiple devices.
  • Lightweight and compact design with a convenient handle for easy movement.
  • Simplifies adjustments from across the room.

Cons:

  • Best suited for small to medium-sized spaces.
  • Requires regular maintenance for optimal humidifier performance.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Portable AC for Bedroom

1. Noise Level

When investing in the best portable air conditioners, we recommend considering the noise level. Before, air conditioners produced high noise levels due to the motor's hum, but nowadays, the noise levels have significantly reduced.

Image Source: toptenreviews.com

The average air conditioner produces about 50 to 60 decibels (dB) of sound, while portable AC options may only be 40-45 dB; therefore, it won't be hard to find whisper-quiet models. We have several options on our list.

2. Room Size

Size of the room should also be taken into consideration when purchasing the best portable air conditioners for bedroom. The BTU ratings indicate portable Air conditioners’ cooling ability. One BTU is equivalent to the amount of heat the air conditioner can take out from a room. These kinds of ACs could have an output of between 3 000 BTU to 15 000 BTU at most.

3. Single-Hose Vs. Dual-Hose

When buying a portable air conditioner unit for your bedroom, you can choose either a single-hose or a dual-hose model.

Image Source: coolblue.nl

Generally, a single hose is suited to both intake and expelling warm air to the environment. These models are less costly and flexible to install as compared to the other ones which have a dual-hose system. However, these models are able to create negative pressure by drawing warm air from outside into your bedroom which is contrary to what you desire when choosing a good air conditioner.

On the other hand, there are the dual hose air conditioners with intakes hoses, which help expel hot air from within the room, and exhaust hose that draws cold air from outside. As for the aspect of dual hose design the coils are beneficial in better efficiency of the unit hence lower energy bills. However, dual hose models are much more expensive and also much more difficult to set up than single hose models.

4. Installation

Portable air conditioners are usually easy to install. These units require an available power outlet and a place for the exhaust hose to filter out excess moisture and hot air. To do this, the hose is routed via a specialized frame installed within the open window, creating a watertight seal around the window and the hose.

On the other hand, evaporative air coolers don't have an external hose. Still, they require cold water or ice in the sponge or bucket to cool the hot air that passes through the unit.

5. Additional Features

Aside from the factors mentioned earlier, here are additional features to consider when shopping for the best portal AC for the bedroom.

Image Source: thesoothingair.com

  • Programmable Timer- A programmable timer will allow you to customize the device to turn on or off at specific times. This feature saves energy since the air conditioner will only shut down and turn on when needed.
  • Activated carbon or HEPA filters will enhance your bedroom's air quality by capturing dust particles, allergens, and odors.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility- Compatibility with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant will allow you to control the AC unit remotely using your smartphone or voice commands for extra convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Portable AC for Bedroom

1. Is a Portable AC Good for a Bedroom?

A portable AC is ideal if you live in a squeezed apartment or are just looking for a cost-effective way to keep your bedroom cool. Due to their compact size, these units may be placed anywhere in the room.

2. What is the Ideal Size of Portable AC for a Bedroom?

Compare your bedroom size to the BTU rating: 299 sq ft or less: 8,000 BTU unit. 300 to 500 sq ft: 10,000-BTU unit. 501 to 700 sq ft: 12,000-BTU unit.

3. Does Portable Air Conditioner Cool a Room?

Yes, a portable air conditioner can cool a room if it's the right size for that room. These units are designed to cool rooms of a specific size; therefore, if the AC is too small for the room, it might not be able to cool it adequately.

4. What Are the Drawbacks of a Portable AC?

Here are the two main drawbacks of a portable air conditioner.

  • Noisy operation: Portable ACs can be quite noisy when in operation. If you are looking for a whisper-quite cooling system that won't keep you up at night, portable ACs might not be the best option.
  • Limited coverage: Due to their size, portable ACs are limited to cooling one room at a time and cannot cover larger areas.
Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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