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.

1. BLACK+DECKER Portable AC with Remote Control, 14,000 BTU

Sale
BLACK+DECKER Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU Air...
  • Portable AC: Use our personal air conditioner & heater (16.5” x...
  • 4-in-1: Our 8400 BTU DOE (14000 BTU ASHRAE 128) portable air...
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  • Easy Mobility: Thanks to casters on the bottom and side handles...
  • Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this...

BLACK+DECKER Portable AC has excellent cooling performance. It quickly cools down my bedroom with its 14,000 BTU capacity, even on hot summer days. Besides, it features multiple fan speeds and adjustable temperature settings, which allow me to customize the cooling experience to my preference.

This is a portable air conditioner and also has a heater which makes it possible for us to heat the room during cold winter. This dual mode helps to do away with the need to purchase different cooling as well as heating appliances, thus conserving space and money.

It has a remote control through which we can change the setting while in our bedroom with no strain. The control panel of the unit is equally simple and easy to operate, and optimal changes can be made without a lot of fuss.

Additionally, this compact AC has a sturdy air filtration option that removes allergens and dust particles, thus, making the quality of the used air much better. This is especially noble for people with allergies or sensitivities as it goes towards making home environment healthier.

Pros:

  • The unit comes with a built-in heater making it a versatile appliance.
  • Easy installation
  • It has a formidable cooling power capacity.
  • It features a user-friendly control panel.
  • The AC operates quietly, minimizing noise disruptions.
  • The unit comes with a reliable air filtration system.

Cons:

  • It's a bit noisy, especially when operating at higher fan speeds.
  • It requires proper venting through a sliding door or a window.

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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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. Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, 12,000 BTU AC Unit for Bedroom

Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, 12,000 BTU AC Unit for...
  • Go Big on Cooling Power: The DREO AC515S portable air conditioner...
  • Isolate Noise, Amplify Comfort: Featuring a new noise isolation...
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  • 3-in-1 Mode with Fan & Dehumidifier: Get more control of the way...

Dreo Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU AC Unit is one of the best appliances that will help you cool indoor space. Built for performance, it comes with features such as no drain required, low noise level of 46dB, and can be managed via an app, voice or remote. This unit is designed to cool, dehumidify, and fan the air thus giving users a smart way of regulating room climate.

This one has a 12,000 BTU capacity, which is all you need for spaces up to 450 sq. ft, for usage in the bedroom, living room, or even a small office. Drainage-free cooling does away with complicated care, and the 46dB operation means no disturbance at all. Smart features involve connectivity with voice assistant devices and smart mobile application control, one with a 24-hour timer. The dehumidifying capabilities are combined with the fan, and it is portable, with a possibility of wheels to be added for easier mobility.

Pros:

  • Runs at 46dB, ideal for undisturbed sleep or quiet environments
  • Voice, app, and remote options provide convenient control.
  • Combines AC, dehumidifier, and fan for versatile usage.

Cons:

  • Limited to spaces up to 450 sq. ft., not suitable for large rooms.
  • Requires a nearby window for venting.

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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