A portable air conditioner (A/C) is a type of compact room air conditioner that does not need permanent installation. Since it is portable, it can be transferred from one room to the other to give spot or additional cooling. The main unit sits on a set of wheels. They would, however, require unconventional ducting such as a hose to remove hot air away from the room. Thus, they inevitably have to be located at or near doors or windows.

Portable A/C units have working capacities of up to 20,000 BTUs per hour. They are available with or without heaters. They work with the same principles just as room units do. A portable air conditioner sucks in warm room air through inlets. The air is then cooled by cooling coils within the unit and then blown out at the front into the room. The extra hot air is expelled at the back of the unit and vented using exhaust hoses. Units with heating functions simply reverse the whole process.

Most consumers incorrectly assume that the higher the rating, the better the unit is. They only end up paying more than what is necessary and endure a spike in electricity costs, not to mention wasting energy. Manufacturers and retailers normally advise consumers how much cooling power is sufficient for the intended use. Room area is usually matched with cooling capacities. Too much or too little power will not work properly. From there, buyers are presented with brand options that fit their pockets.

They are more expensive than window air conditioners. Moreover, there is a chance that the hot air vented outside will return back into the room being cooled. A portable air conditioner uses a lot of electrical power like the window units. Electrical ratings must be ensured to be sufficient to prevent fire and electrical hazards. Extension cords that are not properly rated should be avoided.