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Best Ventless Portable Air Conditioners

The 10 Best Ventless Portable Air Conditioners For 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

Shopping for a ventless portable air conditioner? 

You’ve come to the right place. 

Ordinary portable air conditioners need to be vented, typically through a window. This allows them to exhaust warm air outside the room. 

If you don’t want the inconvenience of setting up a venting hose or don’t have a window to vent the AC through, get a ventless portable air conditioner. 

Ventless air conditioners, also called swamp or evaporative coolers, work differently from ordinary portable ACs, and they have some limitations. The biggest limitation is in cooling performance. A ventless air conditioner won’t make a room as cold as an ordinary compressor AC would. 

Also important is that ventless ACs work best in hot and low-humidity regions like Arizona and Texas. 


What’s In This Buying Guide?

In this in-depth buying guide, we explain what ventless portable air conditioners and how they work. We also review and compare the best ventless portable ACs.

If you are looking for an ordinary compressor-based AC that works quietly, see our reviews of the quietest portable air conditioners.


The 10 Best Ventless Portable Air Conditioner Models for 2022

DeLonghi America
  • DeLonghi EV250.WH

  • Best for small areas
  • Airflow:


    206 CFM
  • Cooling Area:


    Small room
  • Tank:


    1.19 gal
  • 13.6”w x 12.2”d x 29.5”h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

Luma Comfort EC110S cooler
  • Luma Comfort EC110S

  • Best for areas up to 250 sq. ft.
  • Airflow:


    500 CFM
  • Cooling Area:


    250 sq. ft.
  • Tank:


    1.76 gal
  • 16.10"w x 11.10"d x 35"h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

Honeywell CO30XE
  • Honeywell CO30XE

  • Best for medium outdoor space/large indoor rooms
  • Airflow:


    525 CFM
  • Cooling Area:


    320 sq. ft.
  • Tank:


    7.9 gal
  • 18"w x 13.8"d x 33.7"h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

Hessaire MC18M
  • Hessaire MC18M

  • Best for large areas
  • Airflow:


    1300 CFM
  • Cooling Area:


    500 sq. ft.
  • Tank:


    4.8 gal
  • 22”w x 12”d x 28”h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

Honeywell CS10XE
  • Honeywell CS10XE

  • Best with filter
  • Airflow:


    300 CFM
  • Cooling Area:


    175 sq. ft.
  • Tank:


    2.6 gal
  • 13.5”w x 15.7”d x 31.5”h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

Hessaire MC37M
  • Hessaire MC37M

  • Best with hose connection
  • Airflow:


    3100 CFM
  • Cooling Area:


    950 sq. ft.
  • Tank:


    10.3 gal
  • 17”w x 25”d x 37”h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

portable ac vent hose
  • Kismile Portable Air Conditioner

  • Best for families with children & pets
  • Airflow:


    -
  • Cooling Area:


    -
  • Tank:


    1.85 gallon
  • 12.99"w x 12.99"d x 28.74"h
  • Warranty:


    -

Air choice
  • Air Choice

  • Most stylish
  • Airflow:


    Not specified
  • Cooling Area:


    120 sq. ft.
  • Tank:


    0.5 gal
  • 8.4”w x 7.3”d x 40” h
  • Warranty:


    1 year

Batlofty
  • Batlofty

  • Best for camping
  • Airflow:


    Not specified
  • Cooling Area:


    Personal space
  • Tank:


    700ml
  • 6.1”w x 5.7”d x 9.1”h
  • Warranty:


    Not specified

Kuuote
  • KUUOTE

  • Best for bedside
  • Airflow:


    Not specified
  • Cooling Area:


    Personal space
  • Tank:


    Not specified
  • 6.3”w x 11.4”h
  • Warranty:


    Not specified

DeLonghi America Portable Evaporative Cooler

Be careful when buying a swamp cooler for a small room. A too-big cooler can quickly over-humidify the room and make it uncomfortable.

Our top recommendation for small rooms is the DeLonghi EV250. WH. It is a compact evaporative cooler that blasts out a lot of cool air for its size.

Pros

  • Three functions: cools, humidifies, and purifies the air.
  • Easy to use control panel.
  • Comes with remote control.
  • The swing function improves cool air distribution.
  • Quieter than most evaporative coolers.

Cons

  • Small tank – requires frequent refilling.

Our Review 

The DeLonghi EV250.WH is perfect for small rooms like your home office, bedroom, and most living rooms.

The manufacturer has not specified the optimal room size, but considering the airflow (206 CFM), we recommend it for under 250 sq. ft.

You can still use it in a larger room, but keep it close to you to experience the most cooling.

To improve cooling performance, the EV250.WH comes with an ice pack. Freeze the pack in your fridge then put it inside the cooler. Air passing over ice will feel much cooler. Note, however, that the ice melts quickly, so the added cooling effect is only temporary.

The EV250.WH also comes with a washable filter that removes dust and other allergens from air passing through it. So in addition to cooling and humidifying the room, the EV250.WH improves indoor air quality.

The EV250.WH has an easy to use control panel and display on top of the unit. You can also use the included remote control to select mode (cooling, fan-only, etc.), adjust fan speed, and set an auto-off timer.

Limitations & Complaints

The 1.19 gallon tanks are rather small. You’ll get about 5 hours out of one tank, meaning you’ll have to refill it frequently, especially during hot days when you want to leave it for most of the day.

A hose connection would have been convenient for continuous filling.

Bottom Line 

Surprisingly quieter than what we’ve come to expect from swamp coolers, the DeLonghi EV250.WH I a great choice for small spaces where a loud fan can be annoying.


2. Best for Areas Up To 250 sq. ft.: Luma Comfort EC110S Portable Evaporative Cooler

Luma Comfort EC110S

The Luma Comfort EC110S evaporative cooler is another great choice for small rooms and spaces. It is powerful enough to cool the room without making it muggy.

Pros

  • Compact size – perfect for small rooms.
  • Powerful airflow that cools the room quickly.
  • Oscillating fan improves cool air distribution.
  • Casters for easy portability.
  • Comes with remote control.

Cons

  • No air filter.
  • Small tank – requires frequent refilling.

Our Review 

The Luma Comfort EC110S has a tower design that improves the distribution of cool air throughout the room. The oscillating fan also ensures you feel cool no matter where you are in the room.

For the best cooling experience, use the Luma Comfort evaporative cooler in a small space of 250 sq. ft. or less.

The Luma Comfort EC110S cooler has powerful airflow (500 CFM) that cools the room quickly. On the downside, this uses a lot of water. You’ll need to refill the 1.76-gallon tank frequently, especially if you set the fan speed on high.

You can reduce water consumption and noise level by selecting one of the other two lower fan speeds.

The Luma Comfort EC110S comes with a remote control for convenient use; no need to keep standing up to adjust the setting. It’s also easy to move from room to room, thanks to the free-rolling casters.

Limitations & Complaints

One downside of compact swamp coolers for small rooms is their equally compact water tanks. The 1.76-gallon tank in the Luma Comfort EC110S doesn’t last long. And since it doesn’t have a hose connection, you’ll have to refill it frequently.

Tip: If you want all-night cooling, select the lowest fan speed. It’ll consume water at a slower rate.

Another limitation of the Luma Comfort EC110S is the lack of an air filter. Unlike some evaporative coolers, the Luma Comfort EC110S does not purify the air. If you have allergies, consider getting an air purifier as well.

Bottom Line 

The Luma Comfort EC110S is a great choice for looking for a fast-cooling swamp cooler for a small space.


3. Best for Medium Outdoor Spaces / Large Indoor Rooms: Honeywell CO30XE Indoor Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler

ventless portable air conditioner

One advantage of getting a ventless portable AC is that you can use it outdoors without consuming more energy.

A swamp cooler is perfect for cooling down a porch, gazebo, or the pool deck.

The Honeywell CO30XE evaporative cooler is designed for use in both indoor and outdoor spaces. It can cool spaces up to 320 square feet and is outdoor-rated to ensure it can withstand the elements.

Pros

  • Ideal for indoor and outdoor cooling.
  • A large tank with the option of a continuous hose connection.
  • Durable, outdoor-rated construction.
  • Includes an ice compartment for faster cooling.
  • Casters for easy mobility.

Cons

  • Noisy, especially when used indoors.

Our Review

Fair warning, the Honeywell CO30XE is loud. That’s because it pushes out a lot of cool air. With an airflow of 525CFM, it cools a large area in no time.

The large 7.9-gallon tank lasts anywhere between 4 hours and 10 hours, depending on humidity, ambient temperature, and fan speed.

If you don’t want to keep refilling the tank, there’s an option to connect a hose for a continuous supply of water.

On those extra-hot days, fill the ice compartment with ice for faster cooling.

If you plan to use the Honeywell CO30XE indoors, we recommend it for large rooms to avoid humidity. It’s also not as loud in a large room.

For outdoor use, it’s perfect for the porch, pool deck, a backyard BBQ, or any other outdoor sitting space. When the outdoor, noise level is not an issue. You also don’t have to worry about too much humidity.

The Honeywell CO30XE is outdoor rated to ensure durability. It’s made with UV resistant materials and comes with a GFCI plug.

Other features include remote control and a timer that you can set for up to 7.5 hours.

Limitations & Complaints

As we mentioned, the Honeywell CO30XE is loud. The noise can be especially distracting in a small room. If you were looking for a bedside swamp cooler, this is not unless the sound of a fan puts you to sleep.

Another issue is that the Honeywell CO30XE lacks a filter, which can be a problem if you have allergies.

Bottom Line

The Honeywell CO30XE is an effective and energy-efficient way to cool down an outdoor space. It’s also perfect for large rooms.


Hessaire MC18M Evaporative Cooler

The Hessaire MC18M evaporative cooler is rated for spaces up to 500 square feet, making it perfect for large rooms and outdoor areas.

Pros

  • Cools large spaces.
  • Heavy-duty casters.
  • A large tank with the option of a continuous hose connection.
  • Adjustable fan speed.

Cons

  • Refilling the tank is a bit of a pain.
  • No timer.

Our Review

The Hessaire MC18M has 1300 CFM of airflow. It moves more air than most swamp coolers, which makes it a great choice for large spaces.

It can actually make you too cold if you use the cooler in a small room.

The Hessaire MC18M is ideal for outdoor use, but only covered outdoor areas such as the porch or a gazebo. The manufacturer says it’s not designed for extreme outdoor use. It doesn’t even come with a GFCI plug. 

For places like your backyard or pool deck, we recommend the Honeywell CO30XE reviewed above.

The Hessaire MC18M comes with two modes: cooling and fan-only. Each mode has two fan settings: HI and LOW. So you can adjust the airflow and level of cooling to suit your comfort needs.

The 4.8-gallon tank is good for about 3-4 hours of cooling, depending on the fan speed setting. If you don’t want to keep adding water, there’s an option to connect a hose for continuous fill. A float valve keeps the tank from overfilling.

The Hessaire MC18M also comes with casters for easy mobility. Two of the wheels lock to keep the cooler from rolling away.

Limitations & Complaints

The most common complaint from customers was about refilling the tank. The door to the tank is hard to open and close.

Also, the Hessaire MC18M has no timer. You can’t set it to turn off automatically after some time.

Bottom Line

If you live in a hot and dry area, cooling a large space with a traditional AC can be expensive. In contrast, the Hessaire MC18M keeps you comfortable cool at a fraction of the cost.


5. Best Swamp Cooler with Filter: Honeywell CS10XE Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler

no vent portable air conditioner

If you have allergies or asthma, look for an evaporative cooler with a filter. Otherwise, the cooler will be blowing dust and allergen-filled air in your face.   

The Honeywell CS10XE evaporative cooler uses a washable active carbon filter that removed allergens from the air and odors.

Pros

  • Comes with an active carbon filter.
  • 3-in-1 functionality: cooler, humidifier, and fan.
  • Adjustable fan speed.
  • Timer.
  • Wheel and lightweight design make it easy to move around.

Cons

  • Loud.

Our Review

The Honeywell CS10XE is a compact ventless portable air conditioner designed for small rooms up to 175 square feet. It’s perfect a bedside cooler for your home office or for a small living room.

It comes with a 2.6-gallon tank that lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on humidity and fan speed.

If you are using the Honeywell CS10XE in your bedroom, you can set the auto-off timer (up to 7.5 hours) to have the cooler switch off automatically after you sleep.

Unlike most ventless portable ACs, the Honeywell CS10XE comes with a filter. And not a basic mesh filter like in some coolers, but a high-quality active carbon filter.

A carbon filter traps smaller particles and can filter out odors as well.

The filter in the Honeywell CS10XE is washable, so you do not need to replace it often.

The cooler itself is small and light for easy portability. Casters at the bottom make it easy to push the cooler around on the floor.

Limitations & Complaints

Like most swamp coolers, the Honeywell CS10XE can be noisy, especially when you set the fan speed on high. When using it at night, turn down fan speed to make it less noisy.

Bottom Line

The Honeywell CS10XE is a great choice if you are looking for a ventless portable air conditioner that works as an air purifier. Though the CS10XE cannot replace a dedicated air purifier, it’s perfect for rooms with mild to average air pollution levels.


6. Best with Hose Connection: Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler

Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Air Cooler

Constantly adding water to a cooler can be tedious, especially on those hot days when you want to keep the cooler on all the time.

The best alternative is not to get a cooler with a larger tank (you’ll get 6-8 hours' tops), but a cooler that doesn’t need any topping up. Some ventless portable ACs like the Hessaire MC37M have an inlet where you can connect a garden hose that keeps the tank constantly full.

Pros

  • A large tank with the option of a continuous hose connection.
  • Cools large spaces.
  • Includes a cup holder.
  • Adjustable fan and cooling settings.

Cons

  • Pricey.
  • Loud.

Our Review

Cooling a large space with a ventless portable AC requires a lot of water. Even with a 10-gallon tank cooler, you’ll find you are only getting 4-5 hours of cooling before you need to refill it.

If you want to cool a large space without the inconvenience of frequent refills, the Hessaire MC37M evaporative cooler is a great choice.

Instead of adding water to the tank every few hours, you simply hook up a garden hose to keep the tank full. A float valve keeps the tank from overfilling.

The Hessaire MC37M has extra-powerful airflow of 3100 CFM, enough to cool a space as big as 950 square feet.

The Hessaire MC37M is perfect for large open style living areas, sunrooms, and open basements. You can also use it outdoors. However, note that the cooler is not outdoor-rated, so try to keep it shaded.

You can set the Hessaire MC37M’s fan speed to one of three levels. You can also turn the pump off to enjoy a fan-only mode, which is perfect when it’s cooler, and you just need to get the air moving.

Casters provide easy mobility while a built-in cup holder provides a convenient place to place your drink.

Limitations & Complaints

As we’d expected for a swamp cooler this powerful, customers say the Hessaire MC37M is noisy. Selecting a lower fan speed helps especially at night.

Bottom Line

Though a bit more expensive than most ventless portable air conditioners, the Hessaire MC37M offers plenty of cooling power for your money. The hose option ensures you spend less time fiddling with the cooler and more time relaxing.


7. Best for Families With Children & Pets:  Kismile Portable Air Conditioner

portable ac vent hose

When you have children or pets, choosing the right portable ventless air conditioner can be difficult.

You might be worried about your kids or pets injuring themselves or toppling over the air conditioner while playing around. But you don’t have to worry about that with the Kismile air conditioner.  

The narrow fence over the fan blades ensures your children or pets do not injure themselves. Plus, it has a well-balanced frame that stays put even if someone collides with it. 

Pros

  • Narrow fence to protect children’s fingers
  • COOL mode for added cooling
  • Easy remote control operation
  • Compact design helps save energy
  • 12 hours timer setting

Cons

  • Fan speed varies in night mode

Our Review

Everything about the Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD cooler is big, from the 36” fan that drives air around the room to the 8” thick pads that cool the air.

Even the tank is bigger than any we’ve ever seen. It has a capacity of 46 gallons, good enough for about 8 hours of cooling. You can also connect a garden hose, so you don’t have to keep refilling the tank.

The cooler itself is also big. It’s heavy, too. Even with the casters, you don’t want to keep pushing it across the floor. Find a spot for it, ideally somewhere with plenty of ventilation, and let it sit there.

Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD is made in the USA to guarantee the best build quality. Instead of the usual 1-year warranty, it comes with a 5-year warranty on parts and a lifetime warranty on the housing. That’s how well made it is.

Other features include adjustable fan speed, low-water shut off to protect the pump and remote control.

Limitations & Complaints

Though the Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD comes with casters, it’s still a lot of work to move it from place to place. It weighs 295lbs and about 381lbs once you fill the tank with water.

Bottom Line

The industrial-grade Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD is perfect for large and open work areas like workshops, garages, and commercial spaces.


Air Choice Evaporative Air Cooler

To be honest, most ventless portable air conditioners are too boxy for our tastes. For something that’s going to be prominently placed, a nice design wouldn’t hurt.

If you prefer a stylish yet practical swamp cooler, we recommend the Air Choice evaporative air cooler. It is a tower-style cooler with a contemporary design and a modern LCD control panel.

Pros

  • Beautiful modern design.
  • Oscillating fan improves cool air distribution.
  • Quiet.
  • Includes two iceboxes.
  • Three wind modes with timer.

Cons

  • Ideal only for small spaces up to 120 sq. ft.

This Kismile portable air conditioner has a tower design, which ensures the safety of use. Pets and children will not be able to access the fans. Even if your toddler is tall enough, the narrow fence will prevent him from touching the fans.

With dimensions of 12.99"x 12.99" x 28.74", the Kismile air conditioner is quite compact. You can place it anywhere in your house without worrying about it consuming a lot of space.

The air conditioner comes with a remote control that makes it easy to configure the settings. You can rely on its 12-hour timer to automatically shut off the fans to save energy. 

There are three wind speeds that help you set the right cooling in your room. The 40-degree oscillation of the fans regulates the airflow to cover a wider area in your room. 

Limitations & Complaints

The only downside to the Kismile air conditioner is that fan speed fluctuates in the night mode. So you might have to change the speed during the night as it goes up and down on its own. 

Bottom Line

To sum up, this Kismile air conditioner is a winner if you have curious toddlers or overactive pets. The wind speeds and oscillation also make it worth buying as they regulate airflow better.  


ventless air conditioner

Despite the word ‘portable’ in their name, most ventless portable air conditioners are not something you’d take with you camping.

They are bulky, heavy, and need to be plugged in.

If you are going camping somewhere you expect the weather to be hot and dry, we recommend taking the Batlofty rechargeable portable AC with you.

At 2.2lbs, it won’t be a hassle to carry. And with a 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery, you don’t have to worry about plugging it in.  

Pros

  • Highly portable.
  • Rechargeable battery with multiple charging options.
  • Adjustable airflow.
  • 180° oscillating fan distributes cool air evenly.
  • Quiet.

Cons

  • It’s a personal cooler – don’t expect it to cool an entire room or tent.

Our Review

Just because you are sleeping outdoors doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable. The Batlofty cooler lets you take the comforts of home wherever you go.

It’s a portable personal swamp cooler that produces a cool stream of humid air. By adjusting the fan speed settings (most users suggest the lowest speed), you can also get it to emit a cooling mist.

The Batlofty cooler is perfect for placing next to your camping bed. At home, it’s perfect as a desk or bedside cooler. On the go, you can use it in hotels or even in a car.

The 700ml tank gives you around 12 hours of cooling before you need to add more water. The 5,000 mAH battery is good for nine continuous hours of cooling. It recharges in 3-4 hours using the included USB cable.

You can recharge it from a power bank, laptop, car charger, or wall adapter.

Limitations & Complaints

To reiterate, Batlofty is a personal space cooler. It will not cool a room, even a small room. To get the most out of it, locate it close to you so that the cool breeze reaches you.  

Bottom Line

If you are going camping in the western US, especially one of the states in the southwest, the Batlofty persona evaporative cooler will make the days and nights more bearable.


KUUOTE Portable Air Conditioner Fan

KUUOTE is another good choice if you are looking for a personal ventless portable AC. It’s particularly good as a bedside cooler thanks to its quiet operation, built-in timer, and the 7-color night light.

Pros

  • Three functions: cooler, humidifier, and fan.
  • Built-in night light.
  • Auto-off timer.
  • Adjustable fan speed.

Cons

  • Not ideal for room cooling – it’s a personal space cooler.

Our Review

KUUOTE’s compact size fits perfectly on your bedside cabinet. It can help you sleep faster and better if you are a hot sleeper or live in a hot climate. 

You can also place it on your desk when working or studying to keep you cool. 

You can add either water or ice to the tank. Ice produces a cooler breeze. If you want an aromatic experience, feel free to add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to the water.

The KUUOTE portable cooler has three fan speeds, letting you adjust the level of cooling. You can also set a timer and turn on the 7-color night light.

Limitations & Complaints

As with any other personal cooler, manage your expectations. The KUUOTE portable AC is designed to cool the space around you only. It will not make the whole room cooler.

Bottom Line

Hot, dry air can make it harder to fall asleep. KUUOTE cools you down and makes the air more humid and easier to breathe. The night light is a nice bonus.


Buying Guide: Ventless Portable Air Conditioner

ventless ac unit

A ventless portable AC is sure to make your house more comfortable to live in.

But to make the most out of it, you need to make your purchase carefully. Here are some aspects you have to be careful about while choosing an air conditioner.  

Cooling Capacity

Cooling capacity is a primary concern when it comes to portable ventless air conditioners. The cooling capacity of air conditioners is written in the product description. This helps you see if an air conditioner will be able to cool your room or not. 

From the air conditioners on our list, the Luma Comfort EC110S is ideal for small rooms. However, you can go for the Hessaire MC37M if you have a large room that needs air conditioning. 

Airflow

You have to be mindful of the airflow that a portable ventless AC offers. The airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Air conditioners with high airflow are generally preferred as they take lesser time to cool a room. Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD has an amazing airflow of 3100 CFM. 

Reliability

A portable ventless air conditioner has to be reliable so that you can have peace of mind while buying it. You can get an air conditioner from trusted brands like Hessaire and Honeywell to ensure high reliability. 

Also, go for units that come with some warranty to ensure further reliability. 

Timer/Alerts

Nobody likes to get up from their bed to turn off the air conditioner at night. Some air conditioners have built-in timers to shut down automatically.

You can set up a timer before going to sleep to avoid the inconvenience of having to turn off the air conditioner manually. 

A unit with low water level alerts works great, too, as it tells you when you have to pour more water in the tank. The Honeywell CO30XE alerts you when the water level inside the tank drops. 


What are Ventless Air Conditioners?

ventless portable air conditioner

Portable ACs and evaporative coolers are different.

A portable AC uses a compressor and a refrigerant to cool air in the room. It works much like your kitchen refrigerator.

Hot air taken from the room is exhausted outside through a vent hose. Without the hose, hot air would be blown back into the room and keep it from cool.

A ventless air conditioner is technically not an air conditioner. It’s also not ‘just a fan.’ It’s more of a room cooler. A ventless AC works by blowing warm air over water or ice. As the air evaporates the water, it gets cooler.

The cooler and more humid, the air is blown back into the room.

A ventless AC does not exhaust hot air, so it doesn’t need a vent. But it’s important to make sure you keep the window or door open to prevent humidity build-up.

The cooling performance of a ventless AC depends greatly on ambient temperature and relative humidity. The hotter and dryer it is, the cooler the air that it produces.

If it is too humid, it won’t work well. That’s why ventless air conditioners work well only in some regions of the US.

Use the following map to decide if you are in the optimal evaporative cooler zone.

climate for evaporative cooler

Credit: Luma Comfort

Even if you are in the right zone – that is, you live in a hot and dry area – don’t expect a swamp cooler to make you chilly. As we mentioned, a ventless AC is most accurately described as a room cooler, not an air conditioner.

How do ventless air coolers work? 

A pump soaks thick pads with water. A fan then passes warm air over the pads. As the warm air picks up the moisture, it cools down. The fan distributes the now cooler air around the room.

That’s why ventless air coolers are also called evaporative coolers.

Do Ventless Air Conditioners Really Work Without A Vent Hose?

ventless air conditioner

Yes, they do. You may see some compressor portable ACs described as ventless air conditioners. That’s only partially true.

When a portable AC is in dehumidifying mode, you don’t need to vent it (unless it is a tankless AC). But for cooling, you must vent it; otherwise, the AC will be wasting energy trying to cool the room without any success.

But for swamp/evaporative coolers, they do not need a vent hose. The only thing you need to do is crack a window open to keep humidity levels from getting too high.


Pros and Cons of Using Ventless Air Conditioners 

Ventless air conditioners are an improvement over the previous air conditioning technologies as they cater to present-day users’ needs better. However, they have some downsides to them as well. 

Pros

Low Energy Consumption

Portable ventless air conditioners consume less energy than other air conditioners. They have modern technology, which allows them to provide more output on less power consumption. So, they help you keep electricity bills to a minimum while your room stays cool and comfortable. 

Easy to Install

Another advantage of portable ventless air conditioners is that they are easy to install. Window air conditioners require a window to vent the warm air out of the room. But, ventless ones do not need any window to let out the warm air. 

Even if you do not have a ventilation channel or window in your room, you can install a ventless AC. You can move the air conditioner to any room where you require cooling. 

Environment Friendly

One of the best things about ventless air conditioners is that they are environmentally friendly. They do not release harmful gases in the air as they do not use refrigerants. So, you can have peace of mind while your ventless air conditioner works to comfort you. 

Lesser Noise Generation

Noise generation is one of the factors that people do not like in window air conditioners. Their noise can be disturbing, especially when you are trying to sleep. 

Since ventless air conditioners have an almost noiseless operation, you will be able to sleep soundly when the AC is on. 

Easy Maintenance 

Maintaining ventless air conditioners is much easier than maintaining other air conditioning systems. All you have to do is to remove the filters and wash them if they are removable. 

You will also have to clean the water tank regularly to prevent any mold growth. Even if you want to go for professional servicing of your ventless air conditioner, it is cheaper than others. 

Cons

Slow Action

The only trouble with ventless portable air conditioners is that they are slower than other air conditioners. They have to cool the air without venting out the warm air present in the room already. 

This increases the time it takes for these air conditioners to cool a room. So, you will have to wait longer for the temperature in your room to adjust to your preferences. 

High Humidity

Humidity is something that you will have trouble with when you buy a ventless air conditioner.

The air gets heavier and harder to breathe with all the extra moisture that these air conditioners add to it. This could be helpful for maintaining vapor levels in dry areas.

But, it can be bothersome for you if you live in an area with moisture-laden air.


Frequently Asked Questions 

ventless air conditioner

Are there ventless portable air conditioners? 

Ventless portable air conditioners refer to evaporative or swamp coolers. They cool the room without requiring a venting hose.

Do ventless portable air conditioners need to be drained? 

No, unless you are draining the water tank to clean it. Ventless coolers do not collect moisture. Instead, they add moisture to the air. So they don’t need to be drained.

Are Ventless Portable Air Conditioners Effective as Window Air Conditioners?

Ventless portable air conditioners have their own perks, but they are not as effective as window air conditioners. 

Window air conditioners vent out the warm air through windows, so they lower air temperature quickly. 

However, ventless portable air conditioners are a better choice for you if you want to avoid the hassle of getting new windows installed in your room.

So, ventless air conditioners are not as effective as window ones, but they are easier to install and use. 

Is it Possible to Use a Portable Air Conditioner in a Room that doesn't have a Window?

Yes, it is possible to use a portable air conditioner in a room that does not have a window.

Even if your room does not have a window, you can rely on the door to vent out warm air.

You just have to make sure the door does not open into a space where venting warm air will cause problems. 

About the Author Tom Hanson

I’ve worked as an HVAC tech in Phoenix, AZ for the past 10 years. I created CoolAndPortable.com to help home owners select the right portable air conditioner, cooler or air purifier for their needs & budget in just a few minutes.

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