Summers are getting hotter and we need to use different methods to cool our house in order to spend these months more bearable. This portable air conditioners It is a great option for those who do not want to complicate their life with tools or using facilities, and they also have very inexpensive models.

Besides being easy to set up and use, they have the advantage of always being able to run them in the room we need them. They can be moved from one room to another and, of course, stored in a place where they will not disturb during the winter months.

What should be considered when buying a portable air conditioner?

There are several factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner model. Aesthetically none of them is particularly appealing, although there are always levels to be able to find models that are slightly more appealing than others. We have to think about it well, because these are devices that cost hundreds of euros, not how a hair dryer would be. What really matters are the following features and functions:

Enough frigs in a portable air conditioner

The measure of “cold” a portable air conditioner can reach It is measured in frigors or BTUs.. It’s common to see different versions of the same model with the same exterior, but more or less powerful, reaching 7,000, 8,000, or 9,000 BTUs, for example. Calculating the needs of frigorias is not easy. It is estimated that 100-140 refrigeration per square meter is the right amount to cool a room, but if it’s very sunny, if we have a ceiling fan, you should know how many degrees are needed to cool the room. ceilings high etc.

Since we can choose different power levels in any situation and in most portable air conditioners, it might be better to err on the side of audacity and get a high powered model. This way it will serve us when it’s really hot, working at softer levels on not-so-hot days, or when we hook it up while we sleep.

Energy efficiency

Surprisingly, although all air conditioner models are similar in size and operation, energy efficiency certification varies greatly from one model to the next. Used to evaluate the efficiency of all kinds of household appliances, A+++ corresponds to the most efficient equipment and D the least.

Therefore, it is appropriate to look very carefully whether our next air conditioner has a good rating in this respect: it will be on for hours at the central time of the day (the most expensive), and having good efficiency will save us money. a lot of money.

Regarding this aspect, we have the refrigerant used, as well as energy efficiency and how respectful it is to the environment. In this sense, the most efficient is R32 gas, as we will see in the image.

noise and decibel

An undeniable disadvantage of portable air conditioners compared to fixed split air conditioners is noise. The fixed ones have the engine outside the walls of the house and almost no sound is perceptible, while the portable ones have the engine included and the difference is very noticeable.

Therefore, we must set the decibels that each section has, not just the maximum levels. but especially to the minimum, because it is at the level where we will run the air conditioner when we go to bed at night. There is quite a difference between some devices and others at the “night” or “sleep” level that most models are included in.

Filters and extra functions

Especially indicated for people with respiratory problems is to find a good air conditioner with a filter. This prevents pollen, dust and other elements that may disturb us from the outside from entering the house. Hepa filters have different levels and the higher the number (H12, H13 etc.) the better their filtering capacity.. In this article, they explain in depth the important points in an air purifier.

We will also see that some, but not all, portable air conditioners offer a dehumidification function. This will help a lot to eliminate excess moisture in different rooms at any time of the year. It allows the device to be used more globally, not only in summer, and saves us the cost of dehumidifier.

Another function that allows us to use our portable air conditioner outside of summer is the air heater. It cools in summer as well as warms in winter. For regions that are not extremely cold, a few days a year may be the solution. We don’t have to buy another device and we don’t have to do any setup.

Facility

One advantage of portable air conditioners is that they do not require installation. Since it is not fixed anywhere, we can move it from side to side (and they have wheels for easy movement). Installation is usually minimal, placing the air outlet hose and very little. We can use it practically from the moment you receive it, no work.

However, we need to keep two things in mind: We will always need a window or balcony to get the warm outside air to where we put it.. In addition, we will need an adapter kit to prevent hot air from entering the house by having an open window or balcony. There are adapter kits that perform this function. some portable air conditioners include this in the kit. Others do not exist and we have to buy separately.

Which portable air conditioner to buy

Cecotec ForceClima 7100 Quiet

A particularly inexpensive option is this Cecotec ForceClima 7100 Soundless portable air conditioner priced at 179 Euros. The cooling capacity is 7000 BTU.Suitable for rooms up to 15 m2. It has Soundless technology, which ensures quieter operation and is especially noticeable in night mode. It has a remote control that allows us to choose between two speeds or four modes of use to control the air conditioner.

Despite its low price, it is quite complete as it also has a dehumidification function and can draw up to 20 liters of water per day from the environment. It uses R-290 gas, which respects the environment and almost does not pollute the environment.

Haverland Iglu-7

Another affordable option that offers great value for money is this Haverland Iglu-7 Portable Air Conditioner. It has three working modes, because In addition to cooling, it can also be used as a fan.or offers dehumidification function like other models. The cooling capacity is 7000 BTU/h and the air flow is up to 320 m³/h. Recommended for an area of ​​up to 16 m², according to the manufacturer.

Thanks to the included remote control, in addition to the selection of different speeds and programs, We can program with a margin of up to 24 hours. Its price is 219 Euros.

Avella S-200

This Avalla S-200 model can cool up to 85 m3, making it an ideal model for those who have large rooms or open spaces without partitions to cool. It has 2600 W of power with 9,000 BTUs. and an airflow: 310m³/h. The minimum and maximum noise levels range from 54dB to 65dB.

The built-in temperature sensor allows you to set a target room temperature and then allow the unit to reach that temperature on its own. Everything can be controlled by touch panel or remote control. Its price is 419.99 euros.

Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima WiFi

If we want to be up to date, this Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima Silent 10 model includes: Wi-Fi connection from our mobile phone to be able to control your programs, your power level and even program them to run at certain times of the day. at the same time, A very powerful 10,000 BTU/h model It will come in handy in large rooms or apartments without partitions. Its price is 499 Euros.

Klarstein 5 in 1

This Klarstein portable air conditioner has 10,000 BTUs of power, making it an extraordinary powerhouse to serve us for large rooms. The dehumidifier has a carbon filter to terminate the humidity in the rooms and can realize the dehumidification function independently. Night mode emits only 48 dB of noise.

It has Wi-Fi connectivity which allows us to manage and program via a Smartphone app (though we can also manage using a remote control or LCD panel). Its price is 499.99 euros.

coffee MPP

A good option that combines power and affordability is this Comfee model, which, like other models, won us over. offers three functions: cooling, dehumidification and ventilation. It comes with a cooling capacity of 9,000 BTU and is suitable for medium-sized rooms up to 33 m². It is very quiet as it does not exceed 46.9dB in night function.

Programmable up to 24 hours ahead and includes a remote to control it and select the modes of use it has. It can also perform the function of dehumidifier. Its price is 312.78 euros.

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Images | Amazon and Xataka

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