6 Best Air Conditioners For Dorm Rooms (2023 Reviews)

6 Best Dorm Room Air Conditioners Reviewed

ACs For Dorm Rooms Compared

Choosing The Right Portable AC For College Dorms

Price

We have included a range of portable air purifiers to stay cool and fit every budget. Some of the more expensive air coolers come with extra features and cover more space. Some of the budget-friendly air coolers will suit the needs of most college students without all the extra options. We recommend sticking to your budget and finding the right model to stay cool even on hot summer days.

Related Article – Don’t Break The Bank: Top AC Units Under $200

Coverage Area

Dorms can range in size from 120 to 250 square feet for two students. You’re lucky if you end up in a bigger one. Portable air conditioners range in coverage area from 100 to 400 square feet. You won’t have a problem finding a unit that is suitable for your room. It might be a good idea to get a unit that is slightly larger than your room to ensure it cools effectively on hot days.

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)

The portable air conditioners on our list come with an EER rating that lets you know how much energy they use. Less power consumption means less running up the bill in your dormitory. It also allows you to use the AC less often since it’s energy-efficient enough to provide cold air quickly.

Noise Levels (DBA)

Besides trying to get enough sleep for the day of classes ahead, you’ll also be studying in your dormitory. You’ll need it to be quiet at all times. You should choose a portable AC unit that operates at lower decibels. Most units have a noise level of 49 to 57 decibels.

Related Article – Make Your Portable AC Quieter With This Guide

Air Filters

Dorms can become stuffy due to the enclosed space. They can also smell, and the quality of the air could be less than ideal. It might be a good idea to get the best portable air conditioners that come with an air filter. Some machines have a HEPA, carbon, or pre-filter that can be washed or changed, so, choose the best air filter for dorm room.

Related Article – How Often Do You Need to Change An AC Filter?

Portability

All dormitory AC units on our list are portable due to their size and weight. The most portable models include rolling casters on the base so that you can roll it around the room. Some units also include carrying handles. Another good option is to invest in a tabletop AC that you can sit on your computer desk.

Related Article – Should You Lay a Portable AC on It’s Side?

Performance Features

Installation Requirements/Ease Of Setup

Since you have limited space and resources, you should buy a unit that is easy to set up. You should check if your system will need a drainage area. If so, then the pipe will need to be outside the room. You should also check if it requires any tools to assemble before you buy it. Follow our guide below for the installation of your next AC.

1. Measure the width of your windows with a tape measure.
2. Apply foam weatherstrip to the window frame to ensure you have a good seal.
3. Adjust the window bracket included with your portable air conditioner kit.
4. Place the window bracket into the opening and close the window.
5. Secure the bracket if necessary. Your kit might include some screws and L-shaped brackets to hold it into place.
6. Connect the vent hose to the AC unit and to the hole in the window bracket that you just installed.
7. Plug in the unit near the window and turn it on.

Related Article – How Often Should You Drain a Portable AC?

Warranty

All electrical appliances that we reviewed come with a manufacturer’s warranty. They range in duration from 90 days to 1 year. Most of these warranties cover manufacturer’s defects and other malfunctions for a certain length of time. They don’t cover misuse and normal wear and tear. Make sure that you activate your warranty upon receiving your device.

Why Portable ACs Are Best For Dorm Rooms

Let’s face it; college dorms are small. That’s not to say that they need to be uncomfortable. Believe it or not, many college dorms do not have central AC or window units. If you go to college in a warmer climate, like Florida, then they might have air conditioners, but students will have no control over it.

If you go to college in New England, then you will not likely have central or window units. Portable air conditioners are best for dorms because they are small, inexpensive, and you can manage the temperature on your own. The average dorm size is 180 square feet for two students.

Determining The Right Size AC For Your Dorm Room

Now that you’ve seen all of your options, you need to decide how many BTUs AC units you’ll need for your new dormitory digs by determining the size of your room. If you haven’t moved in yet, you can check your university’s website to find information on the size of the residence halls.

Some of the smallest dorm rooms are around 96 square feet. The medium-sized rooms are around 180 to 200 square feet. Anything above 200 square feet is considered large. You should check the size of your room to determine the right size AC unit. The room size is directly related to the AC size that you need.

If you have a room under 150 square feet, then most of the electrical appliances on our list will do the trick. If you have a large dormitory, then you may need to opt for a model that covers more square feet.

Maintaining Optimal Air Quality In Dorm Rooms

Dorm rooms can get stuffy since there are usually 2 people enclosed in a tiny space with small windows. Since you’re often on campus all day and in class, you pick up a lot of germs. Many students walk in and out of their dorm rooms multiple times a day.

The best way to help improve the quality of the air is to invest in one of the best portable air conditioners above. Many of them are also dehumidifiers, which can reduce odor and moisture in the air. Most units also include a washable filter that traps allergens and dust. Another great way to improve air is to invest in some house plants or an air purifier.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I use portable air conditioners in a dormitory without windows?

It depends on the model. If you are interested in units that must be vented and drained outside, then windows are necessary. You can also buy other air conditioners that don’t need to be vented, like some ventless air conditioners or ventless AC coolers.

Related Article – How to Vent a Portable AC Without a Window

How much will it cost to run air conditioners for a small dorm room?

To run a mid-sized AC system for 8 hours every day, the cost would be around $2 per day. The average cost, depending on where you live, would be about $60 per month.

How much does a new dorm room air conditioner cost?

Depending on the size, features, and functions, a new portable AC will cost anywhere between $175 and $450.

How to cool down a dorm room without air conditioning?

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep dorm room cool without an air conditioner, buy air coolers, which are not technically air conditioners. They are cheaper and use evaporative moisture to cool the ambient temperature. You can also invest in a fan, a much cheaper cooling alternative than the two.

Related Article – Air Conditioner Alternatives to Check Out

What type of maintenance is needed with portable AC units?

Believe it or not, even the best portable AC units require maintenance. You should change the filter on your portable AC unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You usually have to change it every 6 months or so. Most of the units that we reviewed have washable filters that should be cleaned every 2 weeks.

Related Article – Learn to Clean a Portable AC Properly

Conclusion

At ACLAB, our goal is to give the most honest and up to date information so that you can make informed decisions about your home air quality. Although going off to college can be a bit scary, we have tried to give you as much information as possible on how to cool down your dormitory.

While all of the air conditioners in this roundup were impressive, we think one stuck out. We chose the SereneLife SPLAC8 for its 3 in 1 capability and washable air filter.