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Whether you're renting and can't install a full-sized air conditioner, or you just have a windowless room you want to cool down a bit, getting your hands on the best ventless air conditioner can be a literal lifesaver.
At the same time, there are about a million different ventless AC units available to buy, and quite frankly, most of them aren’t worth the hassle.
Thankfully, I know a thing or two about ventless air conditioners and ACs in general, so I can confidently say - this guide will save you some time and help narrow down your search.
Sounds good? Let’s go!
Quick Guide – Our Top Picks
Best Budget
HESSAIRE MC18M
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
5.0
Our Score
4.5
Best Value
VAGKRI Air Cooler
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
4.5
Our Score
4.5
Best High-End
HESSAIRE MC61V
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
4.0
Our Score
4.2
8 Best Ventless Air Conditioners
1 - HESSAIRE MC18M (Best Budget)
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
5.0
Overall Rating
4.5
CFM Airflow | 1300 |
Power Consumption | 85W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 350 sq ft |
Dimensions | 28 x 22 x 12 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 4.8 gal |
Warranty | 1 year |
Hessaire MC18M is inarguably the best ventless air conditioner you can get your hands on today at this price point.
And yes, you’ll see the EvaCHILL down the list, and while that one’s even more affordable - it’s simply not the same product.
I've had MC18M in my workshop since 2020, and it outlived most of the evaporative coolers I've had over the years.
It has performed more than reliably, it has kept me nice and cool for hours, and in doing so, it has never burned a hole in my wallet because it draws 85W at max. So, it's super energy-efficient.
Once you get your hands on this evaporative cooler, you'll see that it has four modes - cooling and fan-only - both with the option to run on high and low.
Personally, I've mostly used it on high cooling mode because I've hooked it up to a hose, and I exclusively use it in a workshop, which tends to get pretty darn hot.
On the other hand, I'd say that if you plan on using it in your bedroom or a living room - fan-only on high or cooling on low should do the trick.
Running it that way will both preserve water and dampen the noise, both of which could be a bit bothersome for some of you.
Speaking of the water, word of advice - while this is only a 4.8-gallon tank - don't fill it up before you set it in place!
If you do, this thing will weigh more than 50 pounds, making it challenging to move despite its caster wheels.
Performance-wise - there’s more than meets the eye here.
The fan can go up to 1300 CFM, so you will feel the air moving even if you’re 10-15 feet away.
Also, MC18M can comfortably cool down 300-350 sq ft for up to four hours, but the space is right; you could probably feel the difference up to 500 sq ft.
If you want to cool down any area up to 500 sq ft (or more), I’d scroll down to the VAGKRI 2100CFM.
One thing you have to understand is that this is not your regular portable air conditioner, nor is it supposed to be one.
While this is a portable AC unit in the sense that you can move it around and use it in your garage, living room, or even a patio - it’s not really meant to be a reliable, long-lasting cooling solution like a central air conditioning system.
It doesn't have an exhaust hose, it can't run continuously for hours without supervision, and it will dampen up your room if there's insufficient airflow.
This is a ventless AC unit, and it performs as such.
Naturally, at this price point, you're going to run into a few "issues."
Firstly, when you are done with the unit, you must set it on fan-only mode and run it for at least half an hour to dry the filter out and prevent bacteria and mold from forming.
Additionally, the hose connector that comes with it is razor-sharp. There's a good chance you'll cut yourself trying to set it up if you don't glove up, so keep that in mind.
Other than that, you may or may not like its look or the lack of extra features such as a timer or a remote controller, but at the end of the day, you will feel the breeze.
Who is HESSAIRE MC18M best for?
HESSAIRE MC18M is the best choice for everyone looking to cool down on a budget!
Pros
Cons
2 - VAGKRI 2100CFM Air Cooler (Best Value)
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
CFM Airflow | 2100 |
Power Consumption | 105 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 600 sq ft |
Dimensions | 14.5 x 20.1 x 33.3 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 8 gal |
Warranty | 2 years |
If my MC18M ever stops working, I'm switching over to VAGKRI 2100CFM evaporative cooler in an instant.
This ventless AC caught my eye a long time ago, but it wasn't until a buddy of mine got a hand on it that I fully understood its value.
Firstly, this one's the king of the energy-efficiency ratio. It draws 105 watts per hour, meaning running it day and night for a whole year will only set you back $150-200.
And, if you're thinking that energy consumption doesn't really matter if the cooling capacity can't keep up - don't!
This puppy has a 2100 CFM fan and a pretty large 8-gallon water tank, with a small open tank on top for ice trays (included with the AC unit) to further enhance its cooling performance.
From what I’ve seen, this evaporative cooler can comfortably chill a room up to 600 sq ft, and if the conditions are right, the manufacturers’ 700 sq ft claim isn’t too far-fetched.
Also, while I don’t see it working tirelessly like the Pioneer WYS012A-20, from what my buddy told me, he’s getting 9, 10, and even 12-plus hours out of this thing, so if you’re not a fan of checking if the tank’s empty four times a day - this is your jam.
This ventless air conditioner also comes with three separate fan speeds and an oscillating fan, meaning you can set the desired speed and cooling and allow yourself to be gently grazed by the cool air instead of being blasted by it at all times.
I found this particularly useful when we sat in front of it, and I never once got that familiar uncomfortable feeling you get when you sit or lie down in front of a fan or a cooler, and I just love that.
Finally, I love it when ventless units come with remote controllers, timers, and other bells and whistles, and this one does. With only a few button pushes you can turn this one on straight from the lawn chair and have it shut off automatically later.
Now, this ventless AC isn’t without its faults.
One common complaint I saw is that many people struggle with getting the water pump up and running.
At first, I just thought it might be an error on the user end, but the more I dug into it, I noticed that there appear to be some faulty pumps in these ventless units.
In addition, this one isn’t the definition of quiet operation, so unless you REALLY love white noise, I don’t think you’ll have this one in your bedroom or even a living room.
Finally, I don't see why anyone would say this one isn't designed for outdoor use because, quite frankly, it gets the job done. At the same time, if you want it cooling rooms in your house and you don't mind the noise - go for it.
Who is VAGKRI 2100CFM Air Cooler best for?
VAGKRI 2100CFM Air Cooler is for everyone looking for the best price-to-quality ratio evaporative cooler.
Pros
Cons
3 - HESSAIRE MC61V (Best High-End)
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.2
CFM Airflow | 5300 |
Power Consumption | 430 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 1500 sq ft |
Dimensions | 17 x 28 x 46 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 14 gal |
Warranty | 2 years |
I want to start by saying that if you're looking for a ventless air conditioner to use inside your home - this isn't the one. If you want to do that, Honeywell CS10XE, my next pick, is the more suitable candidate.
Now, on to the review.
I had the pleasure of testing this thing for a week, and I must say I'm nothing short of impressed by its cooling capacity and ability.
This is truly one of the best ventless air conditioners I had the pleasure of using.
In terms of keeping the temperature down in a spacious workshop or a garage, this one can go toe-to-toe with some traditional units while leaving a smaller carbon footprint since it's only drawing 430 W at max.
Its 5300 CFM fan is more than powerful enough to cool down up to 1500 sq ft (or 140 sq m for our metric-system-loving friends) without feeling too overpowering if you maintain the distance.
Oscillating fans also help avoid that “standing in front of a fan” feeling.
We've had some really sunny days lately, and if my thermostat isn't lying, this puppy managed to drop the temperature by 28 degrees!
In other words, whether you’re chilling (pun intended) on the patio, working on your bike in a garage, tailgating before a game, or just barbecuing with your friends in your backyard - this ventless AC unit will make the summer afternoon feel like a pleasant summer night.
And if, for some reason, you want this evaporative cooler to be the centerpiece of your social event - it even comes with a cup holder, so you can gather around it?
I don't know how I feel about this gimmicky feature, but it's there. Maybe you chill a beer while you do some work in your shop, I don't know…
On the other hand, one thing you don't want to do is use this AC unit as a self-containing unit.
Despite its 14-gallon tank, this beast of an evaporative cooler had never gone beyond five hours for me, regardless of the fan speeds (which there are three, by the way).
On the bright side, this one, just like the Hessaire MC18M, comes with a brass hose connector so that you can enjoy continuous use for those long days at the workshop.
Finally, another reason (or better yet two) I can't possibly recommend this one for indoor use is noise and humidity.
This evaporative cooler is simply too powerful to be kept in a small or enclosed space because it easily goes beyond 65 dB and can turn your kitchen or living room into a swamp in a matter of minutes.
Who is HESSAIRE MC61V best for?
HESSAIRE MC61V is for everyone looking for the most efficient cooling method to chill down a large space.
Pros
Cons
4 - Honeywell CS10XE (Best Ventless All-Rounder)
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.2
CFM Airflow | 300 |
Power Consumption | 102 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 150 sq ft |
Dimensions | 15.7 x 15.7 x 31 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 2.6 gal |
Warranty | 1 year |
If you live in a cozy apartment, and you’re also a gadget freak and futuristic-looking air conditioners with more than basic features - this could be the best free-standing ventless room air conditioner for you.
This is a 300 CFM ventless air conditioner designed for small indoor spaces. It’s not a super-powerful air conditioner with loads of cooling capacity, but if you play to its strengths - it definitely won’t disappoint.
The only thing this air conditioner is missing is an ice compartment.
However, with the 2.6-gallon capacity water tank and a 4 to 5-hour runtime, that shouldn’t bother you as much.
After all, you can add ice water or frozen gel packs to the water tank. Just make sure you use cold water, too, or else the low water alarm will annoy you.
Unlike my top pick, the CS10XE is not rated for outdoor use. However, in small and medium rooms, up to 150 sq ft, you will experience a refreshing gust that should make the heat more bearable.
Since this is a fairly gentle ventless unit, it won't make much noise, so napping alongside it should be a breeze (intended pun).
Also, this one comes with all the features you’d want - such as a timer, carbon filters, a remote controller, and four fan speed settings.
The maintenance, a big part of every evaporative cooler, is relatively straightforward, but you must remember it.
The water tank, filter, and vent louvers will be your biggest pain in the rear.
The filter should last you about a year before it wears out and needs to be replaced, and regular washing (every two weeks) isn’t negotiable.
However, as long as you keep water in the tank and the intake vents clean of debris and dust build-up, you will most likely never have an issue with this ventless air conditioning unit until it just wears out years down the road.
The only bone I have to pick with it is the price.
You will be paying a hefty fee for something many would just call a beefier fan, and quite honestly, there are other AC units with greater cooling capacity on this list (like VAGKRI 2100CFM) that can do more for less.
Who is Honeywell CS10XE best for?
Honeywell CS10XE is the best for anyone looking for a versatile ventless AC unit to keep in their cozy space cool.
Pros
Cons
5 - Portacool Jetstream 230 (Best for Garages, Gyms, Shops & Outdoors)
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.3
CFM Airflow | 3600 |
Power Consumption | 913 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 800 sq ft |
Dimensions | 27 x 29 x 50 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 30 gal |
Warranty | 3 years |
While I don't have use for this popular model, I did have the pleasure of testing it not too long ago.
The main advantage of this thing is that it is built splendidly, apart from a design flaw, which I’ll touch on later. It's sturdy, and by looking at it, you get a feeling it'd leave any other ventless air conditioner in the dust.
And dare I say, that’s not too far-fetched?
With its powerful 3600 CFM fan and coverage area of up to 800 sq ft, this is one of the best ventless air conditioners for commercial spaces like gyms, garages, and patios.It has loads of cooling capacity, it can be easily hooked up to a hose for the continuous water supply, and that fan will make you think you're riding a bike if you stand in front of it.
And similarly to HESSAIRE MC61V, I saw temperature drops as high as 25 degrees!
Now, despite its 30-gallon reservoir, this really isn’t an evaporative cooler you want to run without a hose. It’ll guzzle up that water like a college student morning after a frat party, and you’ll have to refill a massive tank in a matter of four hours.
Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin.
First up, power consumption.
This beast will use nearly a kilowatt of electricity each hour, meaning it's not that far from traditional AC units, which would undoubtedly work better than the best ventless air conditioners.
Regarding that design flaw I mentioned earlier - this one's a hassle to clean.
The drain isn't positioned properly, and while it is fairly big, it's nearly impossible to drain the whole thing and clean it properly, and this AC unit is simply too big to maneuver around or even tilt.
So, yeah, it's high maintenance.
Also, Jetstream 230 is a lot more expensive than most evaporative coolers.
The one I mentioned earlier, MC61V from Hessaire, is nearly twice as powerful while being half the price of this one, which could be a deal breaker for many.
Finally, while you do get a 3-year warranty, and while Portacool is a company with a 30-year-long reputation, this particular model has a history of faulty pumps.
Sure, the warranty will cover those expenses at first, but what happens after the warranty passes?
Who is Portacool Jetstream 230 best for?
Portacol Jetstream 230 is best for those looking for an efficient solution to cooling their commercial spaces such as garages, gyms, or shops.
Pros
Cons
6 - Pioneer WYS012A-20 (Best Ductless Mini Split AC + Heater)
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.5
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.3
CFM Airflow | 12 000 |
Power Consumption | 600 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 450 sq ft |
Dimensions | 7.5 x 31.5 x 11.75 in |
Water Tank Capacity | ~ |
Warranty | 5 years |
Yes, yes… This is not one of the best ventless air conditioners you can find because it isn't one, but hey, you need some alternatives.
I actually installed this mini-split in my parents-in-law's home last year, and they've been super chipper about it.
This is a 12,000 BTU and 20 SEER mini-split inverter air conditioner that can easily chill up to 450 sq ft, regardless of where you live and how hot or humid it is.[1]
This air conditioner handles cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation, which none of the other models on my list do, making it the air conditioner to beat.
All you need to do is grab the remote, set the desired temperature, adjust the fan speed to your liking, choose the mode, and let this thing go to work.
At the same time, this is not a fair fight, so I can't really make a comparison between this or any other option on this list.
What I can do is tell you that you can use this thing anywhere as long as you're indoors.
This can be your go-to AC unit for a bedroom, living room, kitchen, or any other room in your house.
I especially like this one in open-concept apartments where a built-in dehumidifier shines by removing the moisture coming from the kitchen.
One thing to note is that you can't quite set it up yourself unless you have some electrical knowledge, so I wouldn't really try to do it all alone if I were you.
Trust me; I'm only trying to prevent you from burning your house down.
On a more pleasant note, this thing’s dead silent, affordable to run, and even easier to maintain.
It rarely makes any noticeable noise unless you’re underneath it. It doesn’t gurgle or “ramp up” as some AC units tend to do, which is a great thing.
Also, maintenance is super easy. All you need to do is lift up the front panel, detach the filter, wash it, and leave it out to dry, once every two weeks - and you’ll be golden!
As for power consumption, this one draws around 600 watts each hour, so it won’t burn a hole in your wallet!
The only downside to this mini-split inverter is that there are loads of reports of it breaking a few years down the line, and while I personally haven’t received any calls regarding this particular model - that’s one thing to keep in mind.
Who is Pioneer WYS012A-20 best for?
Pioneer WYS012A-20 is the best cooling choice if you want high efficiency and optional cooling in your home.
Pros
Cons
7 - Evapolar EvaCHILL (Best Personal Chiller / Best Small Personal Ventless AC)
Ease of Use
5.0
Cooling Ability
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
CFM Airflow | 50 |
Power Consumption | 7.5 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 25 sq ft |
Dimensions | 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 800 ml |
Warranty | 1 year |
The evaCHILL from Evapolar is the best small ventless air conditioner you will find anywhere.
This super portable and super affordable air conditioner weighing less than 2 pounds is considered a personal cooler fan, meaning it will cool you down, but it will not lower the temp in a room.
However, when sitting at your desk or a bedside table - this USB-powered cooler is just what the doctor ordered.
You can even angle the vents in multiple directions to get the perfect airflow directly on you.
While small, this puppy also comes equipped with a 4-speed fan and an 800 ml water tank that can last you up to 6 hours if you're not blasting it to the maximum.
Realistically, you're looking at 3 to 4 hours if you want to feel the difference.
And finally, here’s my favorite bit.
EvaChill uses USN-C to power the unit and only draws 7.5 watts to operate per hour! That’s 12 bucks a year if you never turn it off!
That’s 13.6 times less than the second-most power-efficient AC on this list - Honeywell CS10XE.
On the flip side, there isn’t a low water alarm on this portable air conditioner, but how much of an issue that would be for you - I don’t really know, considering you probably won’t use this one to cool down anything for hours.
Who is Evapolar EvaCHILL best for?
Evapolar EvaCHILL is the best for those looking for a super-portable AC that can fit anywhere besides you!
Pros
Cons
8 - Honeywell CO30XE (Alternative Choice)
Ease of Use
3.5
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.0
CFM Airflow | 525 |
Power Consumption | 288 W |
Room Size (Cooling Area) | Up to 250 sq ft |
Dimensions | 13.8 x 18 x 33.7 in |
Water Tank Capacity | 7.9 gal |
Warranty | 1 year |
Honeywell CO30XE is my final pick, but that doesn’t mean it's not equally as good as the rest of the products on this list.
With its cooling capacity of up to 250 sq ft and a CFM of 525, this is not one of those overpowering evaporative coolers that would get your room super humid in less than an hour.
One thing I really like about this one is that while its coverage area isn’t all too great, the fact that you can feed this one with both cold water and ice, this one manages to efficiently drop the temperature rather efficiently.
From my tests, I can say you can comfortably expect a difference of around 20 degrees on average.
Speaking of things I love, I would like to go back to the ice compartment that’s perfectly positioned on the top of the cooler, meaning you won’t have to do any additional work in order to give your cooler a little boost.
Now, don’t expect the ice to make a major difference. I’d say several degrees is the most you can hope for.
Another thing I came to love is the water tank on this one which holds nearly 8 gallons of water.
Combine that with a mid-range CFM, and you get yourself a nice little operation that can run for 8 hours - on cooling mode!
So, yes, we’ve finally found a decent evaporative air conditioner that can last you all night!
And the final thing I want to praise is maintenance.
You get high-quality carbon air filters that are super easy to clean, and considering the tank’s pretty big - you won’t have to constantly fill it up.
Just set the machine to fan-only about 15-30 minutes before you turn it off to dry the filters, and you're good.
Here's the catch, though. The fans are very loud - even on low.
So, while you could run it all night in your bedroom - you probably wouldn’t be able to sleep.
Who is Honeywell CO30XE best for?
Honeywell CO30XE is the best choice for everyone looking for an affordable indoor evaporative cooler without a vent!
Pros
Cons
Ventless Portable AC Units Compared
What To Look For In Ventless AC - A Buyer's Guide
I would never want anyone to just go and buy a ventless air conditioner just because it’s there or on sale, so let me tell you how a ventless air conditioner works and what you should look for in one.
Learning this will help you find the best air conditioner for you and might even save you a few bucks, so please read carefully.
Cooling Capacity Vs Coverage Area
The first thing you’ll see when shopping for a portable air conditioner (or even a mini-split like Pioneer WYS012A-20) is BTU, which stands for British Thermal Units and is the measurement used to determine the cooling capacity of (portable) air conditioners.[2]
However, you won't see that when shopping for a ventless air conditioner.
The cooling capacity of ventless portable air conditioners is simply shown by its coverage area, which depending on the model, could even be as high as 1500 sq ft (as is the case with Hessaire MC61V).
What this means for you is that the only thing you have to know is the size of the area you want to cool down.[3]
If you know that, you can easily pick out the winner from a list of different ventless AC units.
Naturally, you'll want to take this with a grain of salt.
If the box reads “600 sq ft”, think of it as “400-500 sq ft”, as the maximum coverage area rating is usually only achievable in perfect conditions.
Climate Conditions
Your region's climate will greatly influence how efficient ventless air conditioners can be.
High humidity and high heat areas, for example Miami, will have the least efficient use of these fans, whereas hot, dry areas, such as Phoenix, could benefit from it.[4]
As you can probably figure out, the issue here is the high temperature and that the water warms up quickly because it's hot outside, but rather because it's virtually impossible to cool down humid air by adding moisture to it.
You see, ventless air conditioners or evaporative coolers lower the temperature by running hot and dry air over a water-soaked cooling pad to cool it down. What happens here is the heat from the air causes the introduced water to evaporate, which in turn absorbs heat, effectively cooling the air the AC spews back out.[5]
On the other hand, if the relative humidity is already high (greater than 65%, for example), there’s essentially no room for cooling to occur because the air is already saturated with moisture.
Use Case
A ventless air conditioner is not your regular AC or even a portable air conditioner.
Unlike other portable units, an evaporative cooler does not come with an exhaust hose, meaning it won't be able to pump out the warm air and bring in fresh air into the room.
And, I know what you’re thinking, unless it’s a dual-vent portable AC - most of them won’t do that either.[6]
We're not talking about negative or positive air pressure or things of that nature. We're talking about which use cases evaporative coolers can be used for because, truth be told, they simply can't do what most people want them to do.
The ideal use cases for a ventless air conditioner or an evaporative cooler would be:
In other words, the ideal scenario is wherever there’s a continuous supply of fresh and hot air to be cooled.
In the same way, a ventless unit isn't ideal for other uses (for example, small, enclosed living rooms or bedrooms) because it will spew moist air back into the room, creating a damp and humid environment in a matter of hours.[7]
Now, I’m not saying ventless units like Honeywell CO30XE can’t be used in small enclosed spaces because their cooling performance sure won’t disappoint if you stick them in a bedroom - it’s just that there are better options out there - like most portable air coolers.
Air Flow Capacity
Airflow is the measure of the amount of air the fan can move in a given time. Airflow itself is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
What this means in practice is that your portable air conditioner with a higher CFM can move more air over a certain period, thus improving the overall cooling power and cooling performance.
While a higher CFM is generally a good idea, I often see people making mistakes by going overboard with it.
While it may seem like a good idea to get the biggest, most powerful ventless portable AC, such as Hessaire MC61V - that’s not always the case.
Not only will a high CFM ventless air conditioner be somewhat uncomfortable to be nearby, but it could also be quite noisy, cause some draft, and be too costly to operate.
Although truth be told, the latter isn’t always necessarily the case.
As you can see from the list, Hessaire MC61V has a CFM of 5300, and the Portacool Jetstream 230 has a CFM of 3600, yet Jetstream draws twice as much electricity.
Low Noise Levels
A prerequisite for any air conditioner, whether a ventless air conditioner or a traditional air conditioner, is that it is quiet.
Unfortunately, you'll have to make some sacrifices in this department if you choose a powerful unit because ventless air conditioners work rather loudly when you rev them up to the max.
Generally, most ventless portable air conditioners run at 50-70 dB, which may not seem like a lot.
For reference, an average conversion takes place at around 60 dB.[8] That means anything higher than that can be disruptive and annoying - like the issue with Honeywell CO30XE.
So, if possible, go for a unit closer to or under 60 dB, such as Honeywell CS10XE or Hessaire MC18M.
Tank Size And Runtime
Most ventless air conditioners can't offer consistent cooling like central air conditioning systems. Instead, they have a runtime of several hours, (in)directly influenced by the size of the water tank.
What I mean by “(in)directly” is that “the bigger the tank, the greater the runtime” isn’t exactly true for swamp coolers, as those with larger tanks are usually designed for larger spaces, which means they require more water to be efficient at lowering the temperature.
So, how do you choose? What should you expect?
As you can see from the products listed above, a tank can be as small as 2 gallons to as big as 30 gallons. On average, you'll be looking at 4-8 gallon tanks in most cases, as those strike a great balance between portability and usability.
Runtime, on the other hand, is usually anywhere between 3 to 6 hours for an average ventless air conditioner.
From my experience, anything above five hours is pretty good, and six-plus is a top-notch performance.
You’ll often see people complaining about the runtime and saying things like “it’s only four hours” and things of that nature, but that’s how it goes with ventless air conditioners.
They simply aren’t made to run carefree, and while it may be a hassle filling up the tank twice a day - that’s just the way it is.
If you want continuous use from a ventless air conditioner, you’ll need a hose so it can have a continuous supply of fresh water. As you can imagine, that basically limits these things to outdoor use.
Also, portability is out of the question if you hook it up.
Finally, if you’re considering getting a ventless air conditioner to keep your bedroom cool all night long - you probably shouldn’t because you’re highly unlikely to find one that can run for more than 8 hours, and even if you did (which I did with Honeywell CO30XE ), it’s possible you’ll run into some other issues.
Fan Speed Options
In most cases, ventless air conditioners will come with a few different fan speed settings - low, high, and medium.
And in my opinion - fan speeds are a lot more important than many seem to believe.[9]
Picture a scorching hot day…
You'll want that fan cranked up to high to get as much cool air circulating as possible. But on a slightly warmer day? A fan on "Low" can keep you just as comfortable.
Another thing to discuss here is actually "Fan-only" mode - the cooler's chill setting, which turns off the water pump and just runs the fan for a nice breeze with no extra cooling.
Control Methods
Most ventless air conditioners are incredibly easy to control and use.
As you saw earlier, a ventless air conditioner can be either controlled manually (like my top pick), using a knob you can turn to select the cooling mode, or a remote controller (like it was with, for example, Honeywell CS10XE), which you can use to do the same.
More often than not, you’ll be able to choose between cooling and fan-only mode, as well as control the fan speeds, as previously mentioned.
Rarely will you be able to integrate ventless air conditioners with smart home gadgets or your phone, as those features are usually reserved for central air conditioner units.
Long-Term Reliability
I’m sure you’ve probably read more than one review about a ventless air conditioner dying after a year of use, and yes, all of those are true and very real - just go back to Portacool Jetstream 230.
A rather staggering amount of ventless air conditioners die early on, which is both the result of crappy manufacturing and improper use.
Thankfully, there are three neat tricks you can utilize to get yourself a reliable, long-lasting ventless portable air conditioner.
Companies that stay in business for years (for example, Hessaire) usually offer good, reliable products - so check them out first. Also, skip Facebook Marketplace and sketchy resellers and buy through tried and trusted channels.
Secondly, if the manufacturer is willing to give you a money-back or free-repair guarantee for two or three years - they’re probably sure their product is going to last.
The third point is the cause of most problems.
People usually want the utility of a portable air conditioner and the performance of a central air conditioner system while paying ventless air conditioner prices.
That simply doesn't work.
These things are made to work from time to time and give you instant but short-lived relief in case things get hot.
Chilling your entire house or even a room for the entire summer with one of these is simply not an option.
Also, people are forgetful, and it’s not uncommon for them to leave a ventless air conditioner running with an empty tank. And, if your unit does not have empty tank detection - there’s a good chance you’ll end up without an AC.
Size and Portability
To be completely honest, ventless air conditioners are actually what portable air conditioners should be.
They’re not bound to exhaust hoses, windows, and drop ceilings, and they’re super easy to move around, as the only thing they require is water or ice and electricity.
So, as long as there's an electrical outlet nearby - you’re good to go.
Size-wise - there’s no such thing as the best portable air conditioner, as the “best” will largely depend on what you need this thing for.
That said, these things can be really small and compact, like the Evapolar EvaCHILL, which comfortably fits on a bedside table; and be big and bulky, like Portacool Jetstream 230, that's just barely portable.
If you plan on moving your ventless air conditioner around from room to room, then yes, both size and portability matter.
If you just plan on sticking it on a patio or in a workshop as I did - I wouldn't worry about either.
Ease Of Maintenance And Use
In most cases, ventless air conditioners will be very easy to both maintain and use.
Using ventless air conditioners is usually incredibly simple.
You’ll either deal with a knob that you turn on and off, alongside a few fan and cooling modes, or you’ll get a remote control where you’ll simply press a button and be done.
Maintenance-wise, you will need to do two or three things.
Refilling the water tank is not an option, as ventless air contenders need water to cool down hot air.
As we said, most of the time, you’ll have to refill the water tank every three to six hours, and I strongly urge you to stay on top of this.
Some ventless portable units will have an alarm or an auto-off switch to prevent the AC from running without water, but if there isn’t one - I suggest setting a timer or an alarm on your phone.
Also, cleaning them regularly prevents mold and bacteria from developing, so stay on top of that, too.
As for air filters, all of the best ventless air conditioners will have one (charcoal or carbon filters, as you saw with Honeywell CS10XE) that you’ll need to wash or replace every once in a while if you want them to filter the air and prevent odors.
To be more precise, if you want the filters to have any purpose - wash them every two weeks, and replace them every year or so - depending on what the manufacturer recommends.
As for the “use fan-only mode” recommendation, this is mostly a preventive measure/maintenance method to dry out the filters to prevent bacteria growth.
Expectations From A Ventless Portable Air Conditioner
I briefly mentioned this earlier, but it’s important to say it again - you need to understand that a ventless portable air conditioner has its limitations and is designed for specific use case scenarios.
That said, there are three things you need to keep in mind:
From my experience, you can expect massive drops in temperatures if the temperatures are 85-100 degrees and the relative humidity is lower than 50%. On average, you can expect 20-degree drops in those conditions.
And just FYI, I’ve managed to drop the temps in my workshop from nearly 30 degrees on a few occasions, but those were usually during summer when the humidity was in the single digits.
On the other hand, if it’s 100 degrees outside and the humidity is higher than 70% - you’d be lucky if you manage to drop the temps to the high 80s.
Secondly, these really aren’t meant for prolonged use in enclosed spaces. Considering these keep recirculating the same air over and over again, humidifying it over and over again, it’s more than possible to end up in a super damp room in a matter of hours.
Therefore, proper ventilation is a MUST.
Leave the doors open, crack the windows, and let the air flow freely.
Finally, regular maintenance is key.[10]
Filling up water tanks and cleaning filters is something you'll have to do. If you don't wish to do it - ventless air conditioners aren't for you, and you should probably get yourself that mini-slip from Pioneer I mentioned above.
What’s The Difference Between Ventless, Regular Portable ACs, and Window ACs?
The differences between ventless, regular portable, and window ACs are various.
Before we get into details, I thought I'd give you a visual representation of the major differences.
Ventless AC | Portable AC | Window AC | |
---|---|---|---|
Ease of installation | Very easy | Easy | Medium |
Refrigerant use | No | Yes | Yes |
Portability | Very portable | Semi-Portable | Fixed |
Energy-efficiency | Mid-High | Mid-High | Mid-High |
Maintenance | High | Medium | Low |
Runtime | Low | High | High |
Cooling ability | Low-Mid | Medium | Medium |
Cooling capacity | Low-Mid | Low-Mid | Medium |
Ideal use-case | Hot and dry, open space | Hot and normal, enclosed space | Hot and humid, enclosed space |
Seeing this mini table, it becomes obvious that these share a few similarities but also a few differences, so let's go over each.
Ventless air conditioners are designed strictly for hot and dry climates.
They require quite a bit of maintenance, and while they are pretty energy-efficient, their runtime is quite limited, and seeing how they're mostly suitable for open spaces with sufficient airflow, that limits their use case scenario. Also, they don't use refrigerants like the other two.
Portable air conditioners, despite their name, aren’t all that portable because they often require venting through a window or a drop ceiling.
However, what they lack in that regard, they make up for with their continuous cooling ability, which can scale over 1000 sq ft.
Also, they frequently come equipped with various bells and whistles, like built-in dehumidifiers, meaning they’re suitable for all sorts of climates.
Window air conditioners are fixed ACs that, as you can tell from the name, fit inside of a window opening.
They work by drawing out the hot air from the room, blowing it out while simultaneously cooling the room by blowing the cool air back in.
They're very easy to maintain and operate, but unlike portable and ventless ACs, they're slightly harder to install. However, thanks to their beefier size, they can be used to cool larger spaces.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Do ventless air conditioners work?
Yes, ventless air conditioners work, and depending on the conditions, they can lower the air temperature by up to 30 degrees. Despite that, they shouldn’t be your go-to solution unless you live in a hot and dry climate, as humidity greatly diminishes the effectiveness of these air conditioners.
Is it possible to use a ventless air conditioner in a room without a window?
While it is possible to use a ventless air conditioner in a room without a window, it is not something you should do. Since ventless air conditioners continuously use the same air, it won’t be long before the air becomes too humid, rendering it too damp to cool down while also making the space uncomfortable to reside in.
Where does the heat go on a ventless air conditioner?
The heat from a ventless air conditioner doesn't "go" anywhere. The ventless air conditioner cools the air in the room through the process of evaporation. As the cooling medium (water or ice, in this case) evaporates, it absorbs heat energy from the surrounding air, effectively reducing its temperature.
Do ventless portable air conditioners need to be drained?
Most ventless portable air conditioners need to be drained once every two weeks to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Due to evaporation, condensation does occur, so it’s important to keep the AC unit dry.
How much is the cost of running a ventless AC?
The cost of running a ventless AC isn’t too high. Depending on the power consumption of your particular model and the overall runtime, as well as the residential electricity rate in your state, you’re looking at an average annual expense of anywhere between $200 to $700.
Conclusion
To sum up - are the ventless AC units I mentioned above worth it?
Totally, and I’ve listed the best options. As long as you’re fully aware of the factors at play, any of these will do the trick.
Whether you go for a budget-friendly option like Hessaire MC18M, which is my personal favorite and an air conditioner I’ve been using for years, or a mighty option for your business, such as Portacool Jetstream 230 - I don’t think you’ll have a hard time finding what works for you, if you’ve taken the time to read this guide thoroughly.
In fact, I’m sure you’ve already found yourself a new ventless air conditioner!