It’s easy to get caught in a bad blind date. Or try on clothes in a store and think they’re great before you get home and get dressed in the real light. And it’s not always easy to tell whether or not a friend genuinely likes you or is just being nice.
So it’s pretty easy to forget that it’s the same for air conditioners. It’s easy to get a unit with a window and think it’s great and have an awesome unit. And yet, when you get home and get opened up on your windows, it’s a total disappointment.
Time and time again we’ve had windowless air conditioner customers who expected to have window installation only to find out that it wasn’t possible. And just as time and time again we’ve had customers who bought windowless units that ended up with low quality or things that never were actually disclosed.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner | Best Overall |  |
| Honeywell 525-790CFM Portable | Budget Pick |  |
| Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012A-19 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
Pros:
- Very affordable
- 3-way cooling option
- Window kits available
- Very compact and lightweight
- Great for small areas
- Gallons used per 24-hour period
- Does not require a window in order to operate
- High output, since it is 8,000 BTU's
- 8 hour timer delay for energy savings
- Has both vertical and horizontal venting
White/Tan.
Yes, there are some disadvantages. But, overall, this is a great little air conditioning unit that performs like the big ones. If your room is about 300 sq. ft. or less, this is the one for you. It works really well in the basement. It is not loud either. You can't hear it when it is cooling your room. The window kit that is required is included with the purchase. Now, go enjoy some great air conditioning while watching TV instead of sweating all the time.
2. Honeywell 525-790CFM Portable
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for small spaces
- Fan and dehumidifier in one
- Three-in-one capabilities
- Lots of useful settings
- Programmable 24 hours scheduling
Cons:
- Some claim the circulating water in this unit is too hot
- Not suitable for large spaces
- It’s not suitable for allergy sufferers
The Honeywell 525-790 CFM is a portable evaporative cooler that that features a fan and humidifier in one. It’s great at keeping you cool and creating a pleasant atmosphere during times of extreme hot. It’s also quite capable of dehumidifying your home to keep it dry.
This unit comes with many cool features, which includes a 24-hour programmable timer, three fan speeds, and three different comfort settings. It also comes with a remote control so you can adjust your settings from the comfort of your chair.
The Honeywell 525-790 CFM has an automatic defrost cycle to prevent the formation of ice in the cooler. It has automatic drain, which means, you can easily drain excess water by connecting a garden hose.
3. hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner
Pros:
- The heating abilities help to dry carpets
- The exhaust hose is long
- The unit comes with a digital thermostat
- It is very lightweight
- Dehumidification is very good
- Remote control makes operating the unit incredibly easy
- Generates cool air very quickly
- The unit is small enough to fit into small spaces
- The LED display lights up
- No expensive installation
Cons:
- It is small
- It is only 1500 watts, not very powerful
- The fans are not variable
- Turning the unit sideways allows it blow out of the top
- The filter is very easy to damage.
Best for Home, Office, Medical, Office Room, Studio, Spa, Bedroom, Office, Warehouse and Trade Show.
Unless you have a swimming pool, you probably don’t give your air conditioner much thought. And that can be hazardous – because an air conditioning system is one of the biggest energy demands in your home. If you’re making home improvements or building a new house, that’s an important consideration. You need air conditioning that doesn’t put a strain on the environment.
4. Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012A-19 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump
Pros:
- Comes with a remote control
- Good for large rooms
- Excellent Energy Efficiency
- Operates maximum at 36 dBA
- Has a Sleep Mode for quiet nights
- Easy installation
- Quiet Operation (36 dBA)
- Has an application guide
- Includes a warranty card
Cons:
- Has a bit of a hard start problem
- Can be expensive
- The fins are made of plastic
- Doesn’t cool that well
- Has older tech
8000 BTU-208/240V.
The Pioneer Air WYS012A-19 Inverter + Mini Split brings an eco-friendly and energy efficient approach to split cooling. It’s a great option for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. which is perfect for apartments and small homes.
5. Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Portable Air Conditioner
We’ve had experiences with the AC being way too powerful for our small bedroom. And, that’s where this air conditioner comes in. With over 20,000 reviews on Amazon, people obviously love this little baby. The ABS plastic casing is said to make it more durable and less prone to breakdowns. It gets a decent amount of praise for noise control, which was a major complaint of other air conditioners. The controls are easy to use, which we love.
It’s easy to clean the filters, which means no bacteria build-up. The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart AC’s auto evaporation system saves you money on repair costs. This helps keep the moisture from building up in the air and causing mold and mildew while it’s cooling. The unit is also Energy Star rated, which means it saves you money on your electric bill and according to the manufacturer is up to 3 times more efficient than a normal AC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who makes the most reliable window air conditioner?
The Whynter ARC-12S is a great window model. It’s easy to install, works efficiently, and is an attractive unit in terms of design. The Friedrich Chill CP06G10B is also a good choice with a more streamlined design.
That said, one of the most attractive and best performing window units is the Honeywell MN10CESWW. If you’re concerned about your window’s structural integrity, this one is probably the best air conditioner for your window.
What is the most reliable air conditioner brand?
The most reliable and best windowless air conditioner brand is Friedrich. This brand is the one most commonly installed in homes & offices around the country. There is also the Frigidaire Cool Connect, which is advertised as the most energy-efficient air conditioner in its class. It’s a bit more expensive than the others, however, as it has an air filter and is more energy-efficient. The main area of concern with this model, however, has been its reliability.
Are there AC units that don't need a window?
There's only one unit that doesn't need a window to ventilate, the Whynter ARC-12S. It comes with a 12,000 BTU compressor and 18,000 BTUs of cooling power, which means it can efficiently cool a 500 sq ft room. It has a 3-speed fan and is easy to install.
Do window air conditioners work better than portable air conditioners?
Air conditioners work better where there is a direct source of airflow. So if your air conditioning unit can intake fresh, outside air vent into the unit, the cooling effect it has will be better than that of a window air conditioner. If you have an air conditioning unit in a room that’s blocked from air circulation, your best option would be to get a windowless portable air conditioner.
However, portable air conditioners are more cost effective. They are also easier to install, unlike window air conditioning units.
Conclusion
When shopping for windowless air conditioners, it’s important to find one that keeps your home cool without you having to shell out more money to pay for installation. We recommend taking a cue from our expert and dedicating some thought to the various features you’re looking for in windowless AC models.
Once you’ve done that, you can then use our list of the best windowless air conditioners to narrow down your search.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner | Best Overall | |
| Honeywell 525-790CFM Portable | Budget Pick | |
| Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012A-19 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump | Upgrade Pick | |