A portable air conditioner (portable AC) is a self-contained unit on wheels that cools a single room by venting hot air outdoors through a window kit. Modern models feature inverter compressors, dual-hose designs for faster cooling, and built-in dehumidification. They’re ideal where window units aren’t allowed or when you need flexible, temporary cooling.
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Portable ACs now use the SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) rating, which reflects real-world performance. Older specs may list ASHRAE BTU, typically higher. Use SACC when available; the ranges below show both.
| Room Size (sq ft) | Recommended SACC (BTU/h) | Approx. ASHRAE BTU | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| <150 | 5,000–6,000 | 8,000–10,000 | Small bedroom, nursery |
| 150–250 | 6,000–8,000 | 10,000–12,000 | Bedroom, home office |
| 250–350 | 8,000–10,000 | 12,000–13,500 | Primary bedroom, den |
| 350–450 | 10,000–12,000 | 13,500–14,000 | Large bedroom, small living room |
| 450–550 | 12,000–13,500 | 14,000–15,000 | Medium living room |
| 550–700 | 13,500–15,000 | 15,000–18,000 | Large living area |
Adjustments: Add ~10% for sunny rooms, high ceilings, or heavy electronics; subtract ~10% for shaded rooms. Dual-hose models maintain room pressure better and typically cool faster than single-hose units.
Cool any room quickly and efficiently. Explore our latest portable air conditioners and use the BTU chart above to find your perfect fit at ShopAppliances.com.
