Discover the Ultimate Portable Air Conditioner and Simple Installation Tips

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Could you recommend the best portable air conditioner? Also, please provide instructions on how to vent the exhaust hose through a window. Thanks! :)

Malcolm Reynolds

Artem Kozoriz

Lifehacker Author.

Hello! For general advice on selecting air conditioners that will help you find the perfect model, check out our detailed guide. We recently reviewed the top portable air conditioners in this article. If you want specific recommendations, consider these options:

• Ballu BPAC-07 CM at approximately $190 — a simple and reliable entry-level unit suitable for rooms up to 215 sq ft.
• Zanussi ZACM-08 MP-III/N1 at around $260 — a more advanced model featuring remote control and night mode, designed for spaces up to 270 sq ft.
• Ballu BPAC-20CE priced near $670 — a powerful air conditioner with heating mode, self-diagnostics, and automatic temperature maintenance for rooms up to 590 sq ft.

Regarding vent hose installation, achieving the best outcome may require some effort. Standard kits are designed for sliding windows, and with typical casement windows, the best you can usually do is extend the hose through a slightly opened window. Unfortunately, this isn’t ideal because the hot air expelled by the unit can re-enter the room, and the lack of proper sealing reduces cooling efficiency.

Here are several solutions to this issue, all involving a window insert with a hole for the hose, varying in complexity and design:

• A frame made of opaque plastic — you can order a custom-sized one from window installation companies. It attaches externally like a mosquito screen and doesn’t interfere with window operation.
• A transparent acrylic insert — if you have the tools and skills, you can craft this yourself. If the acrylic cracks when cutting the hole, consider making a two-part insert: the bottom part with a flexible plastic or wood collar, and the top part solid acrylic.
• A piece of cardboard — the simplest and most budget-friendly option. Use thick cardboard or glue several layers together, then cut the hole with a utility knife and secure it with tape.

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