Mobile Air Conditioner - Environmentally Friendly
A portable air conditioner cools a room without the need for permanent installation: simply set it up, plug it in and vent the heat outside. The range includes two types: monoblock units with an exhaust hose from TCL and Hantech, with capacities ranging from 7,000 to 12,000 BTU, and portable split air conditioners from Hantech, with capacities of 5,000 and 12,000 BTU.
Monoblock with exhaust hose or portable split air conditioner
With a monoblock unit, all the technology is housed within a single casing. The heat extracted from the room by the unit is expelled through a hose to the window along with the exhaust air. To prevent warm air from flowing in, a window seal is included; this is available as one of the accessories for air conditioners. The data sheets for monoblock units specify a sound pressure level of 51 to 54 dB and, where stated, they have energy efficiency class A when cooling.
The portable split air conditioner is the answer to the need for a portable air conditioner without an exhaust hose. The indoor and outdoor units are connected via a refrigerant pipe; on the 12,000-BTU model, this is 2 metres long. The outdoor unit discharges the heat outside, for example onto a balcony or terrace. Inside the room, the unit is quieter – 39 and 41 dB according to the data sheet – and there is no water tank to empty. The 12,000-BTU model achieves energy efficiency class A+ for both cooling and heating. The 5,000-BTU unit is designed for small rooms up to 15 m², as well as for motorhomes, caravans or garden sheds.
Performance and room size
| cooling capacity | Units | Room size (manufacturer’s specification) up to |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU | Hantech portable split | 15 m² |
| 7,000 BTU | TCL TAC-07 | 25 m² |
| 9,000 BTU | TCL TAC-09, Hantech 9K | 26 m² |
| 12,000 BTU | TCL TAC-12, Hantech 12K, Hantech mobile split | 22 to 35 m² |
The room sizes are manufacturers’ guidelines. An attic or large south-facing windows would suggest choosing the next larger size.
Functions and refrigerants
All units cool and ventilate; almost all also perform dehumidification. Three models can heat: two versions of the TCL TAC-12CHPB and the mobile split air conditioner from Hantech with 12,000 BTU. Remote control, a timer, sleep mode and automatic restart after a power cut are common features. With the exception of the 12,000-BTU split model with R32, all units use the refrigerant R290, which has a global warming potential of 3. The warranty is two or three years, depending on the model.
If you want long-term cooling and are allowed to drill a hole in a wall, a split air conditioner will be quieter and more economical. If the air is simply too humid, a dehumidifier will suffice.
Frequently asked questions about portable air conditioners
Are there any portable air conditioners without an exhaust hose?
Yes, the portable split air conditioner. It transfers heat to an outdoor unit via a refrigerant pipe. A monoblock unit, on the other hand, always requires a hose leading outside.
Does a portable air conditioner need to be fitted?
No, it does not require permanent installation. A monoblock unit is simply set up and plugged into a domestic socket; the exhaust hose is routed through a sealed window. With a portable split air conditioner, the indoor and outdoor units are connected at the factory via the refrigerant pipe. The outdoor unit is placed outside, for example on a balcony or terrace.
How noisy is a portable air conditioner?
The data sheets for monoblock units specify a sound pressure level of 51 to 54 dB, whilst those for portable split air conditioners specify 39 and 41 dB.
Can a portable air conditioner heat a room?
Three models can: two versions of the TCL TAC-12CHPB and the mobile split air conditioner from Hantech with 12,000 BTU.