Portable air conditioners

The best portable AC is the one that fits your space and needs. To find “the one”, keep these things in mind when buying a portable AC:

• Cooling Capacity: Look for ones with a solid cooling capacity to handle your room size.
• Portability: A good portable air con should also be easy to move around – think light and with wheels.
• Ease of Use: Many portable air conditioning models in Australia also come with remote controls and can even hook up to your Wi-Fi for that smart home vibe.
• Air Quality: Options with air treatment and humidifiers make life easier.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models to keep your power bills in check.
• Combos: Some models come with heaters, making them useful all year round.
• Warranty: Always good to have for peace of mind.

Don’t forget to check out customer reviews and JB’s buying guides and catalogues, too, so you can find the best portable AC while enjoying the best prices.

Most portable air conditioners, especially heat pump models, do need to be vented out a window. Keep in mind that they work by pulling in warm air from your room, cooling it down inside the condensers, and then sending the heat somewhere. That's where the window comes in. It needs somewhere to send the warm air it's taking out of your room. So, venting out a window is key to making sure your portable air con does its job right.

However, there are some models that don't need a window. These usually have a different way of dealing with the heat, like evaporative coolers. Just remember, if you're going for a typical portable aircon, you'll likely need that window vent. It's essential in keeping your space cool and comfy.

Sizing a portable air conditioner for your room is pretty straightforward. Here's what you need to consider:

• Measure Your Room: Grab a tape measure and find out the size of your room in square metres.
• Kilowatt Rating: Look at the kW rating of the air conditioner. This indicates its cooling capacity. Generally, the larger the room, the higher the kW rating you'll need.
• Consider Room Conditions: If your room gets a lot of sun or has high ceilings, you might need a stronger unit. But if your room has good airflow and ventilation, an evaporative cooler may be enough.
• Think About Extras: If the aircon has features like humidifiers or comes with a heater like a reverse cycle air conditioner, it could affect the size you need.
• Remember Insulation: Good insulation means you might not need as powerful an air conditioner.

Deciding whether to buy a portable air conditioner really depends on your needs and space. A portable AC is a good choice if you’re looking for:

• Flexibility: You can move them from room to room.
• Easy Installation: No need for complex setups. Just plug in and go.
• No Permanent Changes: Great for renters or if you can't install a split system air conditioner.
• Wi-Fi Compatibility: Lots of models have connectivity options for extra convenience.

While they can be super handy, portable ACs tend to be louder than split systems and can take up floor space. They’re also less energy-efficient than wall mounts. And while they’re great for single rooms, they won’t cool your whole house.

So, if you need something versatile and easy, a portable air conditioner can be a great choice. But if you're after something for larger spaces or more energy-efficient, you might want to explore other options.

No worries. At JB, you’ll never run out of options. We’ve got a wide range of air conditioners - from split systems and window/wall types to smart ACs. You can also explore our selection of fans, air purifiers, and other heating and cooling appliances.

Looking for something else? Check out our other small appliances, too! From refrigeration essentials like freezers and fridges to vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, and food mixers, we’ve got everything you need to tick off every item on your home appliance wishlist. Shop in-store or online now and give your home the upgrade it deserves!