Is it worth buying a portable air conditioner? What the experts say

Summer has most definitely arrived, with recent temperatures in the UK topping 30°C.

But while those first days of sunshine are to be celebrated, it’s worth remembering that hot weather doesn’t just cause sleepless nights, it also increases health risks, especially in those aged over 65. 

Amber health warnings for heat have already been put out this summer. These alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency in conjunction with the Met Office, are designed to warn health and social care workers about possible significant impacts on their services. 

So, when the thermometer hits the red, how can we stay cool and keep safe? During the last heatwave in 2022, John Lewis & Partners reported that sales of its portable air conditioners soared by more than 500%. 

The UK’s changeable climate has meant that air conditioning has traditionally only been something we’ve enjoyed on foreign holidays.  

But now the Met Office is warning that heatwaves could become longer and more frequent, so should we invest in fixed air conditioning, a portable unit or just make do with an electric fan?  

Why keeping cool is so important 

While most of us hanker after some summer sun, rising temperatures present a genuine health risk, particularly as we get older.  

According to the British Geriatrics Society, the number of heat-related deaths per year is expected to triple by 2050. The body works harder to regulate its temperature in hot weather, so it is important to have a cool sanctuary. This is where air conditioning can play a vital role. 

The 2022 heatwave might have seen record sales, but it is a trend that is continuing this summer, according to Mark Mansfield, small electrical buyer at John Lewis & Partners.

“With the recent weather suggesting a scorcher of a summer could be on the way, our customers have been investing wisely to keep their cool, and sales of air con units are on the rise,” he says. 

Is air conditioning better than an electric fan? 

The main difference is that while a fan moves the air around a room, an air conditioning unit actually cools it. 

Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at AO.com, advises that if you are suffering with the heat, a portable air conditioning unit can make a real difference.  

“When the weather’s hot, having an air conditioner is the ideal appliance to combat this and create yourself a much-needed escape from the heat,” she says.

The pros and cons of air conditioners

There are two types of air conditioning units – portable and fixed. 

Fixed air conditioners 

The pros of a wall or ceiling-mounted air conditioner 

• Effective – their powerful cooling capacity makes them suitable for larger spaces or entire homes. 
• Efficient – even though the initial outlay is higher, they are more energy efficient than portable units, so have lower running costs over time. 
• Better looking – with the compressor unit located outside and sleek indoor units mounted on walls or ceilings, fixed systems are a discrete feature of your home.

The cons of a wall or ceiling-mounted air-conditioner 

• Initial outlay – they are more expensive than portable units. Checkatrade says an average fixed air conditioner is £750 with installation costs of £1,150.

Portable air conditioners

Portable air conditioners have become more popular in the UK over the past few years as a temporary fix during short-term hot weather. 

The pros of a portable air conditioner 

• Cheaper than their fixed counterparts – prices start at £200 for a budget unit. 
• No installation costs – you just need an electricity socket and a window for the exhaust hose. 
• They can be moved from room-to-room depending upon where you need them.  

The cons of a portable air conditioner 

• Not as effective as a fixed unit. AAC Airconditioning says their efficiency and effectiveness decrease as room size increases. 
• More expensive to run than a fixed air conditioner. Portable units tend to be noisier than fixed systems because the entire unit is inside the room; with fixed units the compressor is located outside. 
• The look – portable units are free-standing so take up floor space and require a window kit for the exhaust hose.  

What to look for when buying

The most important consideration when buying a portable air conditioning unit is ensuring it will adequately cool the room.  

Models are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). They range from 5,000 BTU, for a small room, up to 16,000 BTU, for a room of 40m². Medium-sized rooms of around 24m² would require around 9,000 BTU.

Lilywhite adds that it’s also important to look at the energy efficiency of a unit and find out how noisy it is. 

“All air conditioner units make some noise, yet the level of this noise can vary significantly between models,” she says. “If you’re sensitive to noise or plan to place the unit in a bedroom or quiet space, try to find a model specifically designed for quiet operation.  

“Keep in mind that reviews can give you a good indication of how noisy a particular unit might be.” 

Mansfield adds that other key considerations include ‘the space available in your room, and where you’ll store it outside of the warmer months’. 

Don’t forget to look after your air conditioner 

Lilywhite adds: “Looking after your appliances will go a long way to helping it look after you. Regular cleaning of filters and coils is an essential part of maximising its performance and longevity.  

“Some units have more accessible maintenance procedures than others, so consider ease of maintenance when making your choice.”  

Portable air conditioners to buy

Budget option 

Belaco 9,000BTU Portable 4-in-1 Air Conditioner (£239.99, Amazon) 

This extremely reasonably priced option will cool a medium-sized room, as well as offering a dehumidifier to take any uncomfortable moisture out of the air.

Two different settings (7,000 BTU and 9,000 BTU) and an energy efficiency rating of A should also help keep costs down. And, weighing in at just 21kg, it is genuinely portable and easy to move from room to room.

Also features a 24-hour timer, night mode, and remote control – though lacks app compatibility.  

High-end option 

AEG Comfort 6,000 (£649, ao.com) 

Confusingly, given the name, this model offers 9,000 BTU. While this is the same as the Belaco, its considerable 3,000-watt heft means that it can cool a room in double-quick time. It also has an energy efficiency rating of A+ and is less noisy than most equivalent units.

Best of all, users can adjust settings using the AEG app, ensuring optimum temperatures when you walk in the door. However, at 34.5kg, it’s not exactly lightweight, and the purchase price doesn’t include the all-important window kit.