A Guide to Finding the Best Portable A/C in Australia

A Guide to Finding the Best Portable A/C in Australia

Renting and your landlord won’t install a split A/C system? Just moved into your first place and saving up for a ducted A/C system? 

You don’t have to suffer through summer; you need a portable air conditioning unit! They’re a smart, easy cooling option perfect for small spaces, renters, or anyone needing flexible cooling without the commitment.

What is the best portable air conditioner in Australia? This guide will help you find it! 

How a Portable A/C Differs From Other A/C Types

A portable A/C is a self-contained unit that cools a single room. It’s typically on wheels, allowing you to move it between rooms. 

Unlike split or ducted air conditioning systems, portable units don’t require permanent wall or ceiling installation.

They just need a venting hose to expel hot air, usually through a window. This setup doesn’t require professional installation; it can be done with minimal tools, materials, and DIY skills. 

Portable room air conditioning units are more affordable than split or ducted systems. Their upfront cost is much lower, and since they don’t require professional installation or servicing, you avoid labour costs entirely.

Is a Portable A/C Right for Your Home?

A portable A/C is the right choice if you need a budget-friendly, no-fuss cooling solution in specific areas rather than your entire home. They’re ideal for smaller spaces like bedrooms, studies, and cosy living spaces.

What Sort of Installation Process Is Involved?

Setting up a portable A/C involves connecting an exhaust hose to the unit and running it out a window to direct the hot air the unit removes from your room to the outside. 

Most units come with a window kit that holds the hose securely in place while sealing the gap in the window.

Installation is relatively simple. Your unit will come with instructions similar to these:

1. Place the unit near a window and a power outlet. Make sure there's enough space around the unit for proper airflow and that the exhaust hose can reach the window without stretching.

2. Extend the adjustable window kit to match your window's width or height, depending on whether it opens horizontally or vertically.

3. Open the window and position the window kit in the opening. Adjust it to fill the gap completely, then close the window firmly against the kit to hold it in place.

4. Attach one end of the exhaust hose to the back of the A/C unit and the other end to the window kit's opening. 

5. Use weatherstripping or foam seals to seal any gaps around the window kit. 

6. Connect the A/C to a power outlet. Avoid using extension cords, as they can be a fire hazard.

7. Turn on the unit and check that the hose is expelling hot air outside and the room is cooling effectively.

How To Find the Right Size Portable A/C

Portable room air conditioning units are measured in kilowatts (kW). The larger the room, the higher the capacity needed. It’s important not to choose an undersized unit, as it will struggle to cool the space.

To find the right size unit, measure your room's length and width and multiply the two measurements to determine its area. Then, use a sizing guide provided by the unit’s manufacturer to find their recommendation for your room’s area.

The following factors affect size choice.

• Ceiling height: Taller ceilings mean more air volume to cool.

• Insulation quality: Poorly insulated rooms lose cool air faster.

• Sun exposure: Rooms with direct sunlight need higher-capacity units.

• Number of occupants generally using the room: People generate body heat, increasing the demand for cooling.

• Heat-generating appliances: Computers and TVs can add to the room’s heat load.

What Is the Best Portable Air Conditioner in Australia?

Here at Midea, we’re super proud of our MPPD40C portable A/C, available in 3.0kW, 3.3kW, and 4.0kW sizes. We reckon it’s the best portable air conditioner in Australia! 

Here’s why.

1. 3 functions in 1: In addition to air conditioning, it can be used as a fan and dehumidifier.

2. Follow Me technology: A sensor built into the remote control can detect the temperature at the remote's location and adjust the unit’s operation to reach your desired temperature. 

3. Sleep mode: With a precise temperature control system, you’ll stay comfortable throughout the night. 

4. Self-diagnosis and auto-protection: Detects and shuts off the unit during abnormal operations or component failures to prevent system damage.

5. 3 fan speeds.

6. 24-hour timer.

7. Easy to clean, washable filter.

8. Environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant.

Stay Cool Anywhere! Find Australia’s Best Portable A/C at Midea

What is the best portable air conditioner in Australia?

One that offers powerful cooling to small spaces and smart, user-friendly features.

The Midea portable air conditioning unit offers all that and so much more! If you need a portable A/C for a room at your place, check out our models online today.

Call 1300 726 002 to speak to a helpful Midea team member about general enquiries or technical support. Alternatively, complete this online form, and we’ll contact you soon. 

FAQs About “What Is the Best Portable Air Conditioner in Australia?”

Is It Worth Buying a Portable Air Conditioner?

Purchasing a portable air conditioner is definitely worth it if you need an affordable and flexible cooling solution for small to medium-sized rooms, especially in rental properties or spaces where installing permanent systems isn't feasible. 

What Is the Average Life of a Portable Air Conditioner?

The average lifespan of a portable air conditioner ranges from five to ten years, depending on usage frequency, brand quality, and maintenance.

Do Portable Air Conditioners Use a Lot of Electricity?

Portable air conditioners typically consume between 900 to 1,500 watts per hour, depending on their size and efficiency. 

This consumption is higher than that of standard fans and split system air conditioners but lower than that of ducted systems.