6 Best Ventless Portable Air Conditioners

Ventless air conditioning can be a lifesaver during the hot months for many reasons. Ventless units are often portable, they takes less space than a regular AC unit, require no installation, and the recent models don’t interfere with your home decore. At the same time, ventless units are energy-efficient, have a decent cooling capacity, and emit very little noise. They are designed to increase comfort on all the levels, including the installation process, so when you move out, you just take it with you and you don’t need to worry about your security deposit.

In this article, we’ll test drive the best portable and ventless air conditioners that can give you great cooling, irrespective of your climate conditions. Buying one can be tricky, so we have also provided a buyer guide to help you make the right decision.

Just making sure: We are using “air conditioning” as an umbrella term in this article, for all the types of cooling devices we describe in the article. However, we would like to precise that a device using a traditional air conditioning method, which doesn’t use a vent, simply doesn't exist. It would break the second law of physics! An air conditioner needs an exhaust pipe (aka a vent) to get the hot air out.

What Is a Ventless Air Conditioner?

There are two types of ventless AC units:

• Traditional:  Does not require a connection to ventilation, contrary to split systems. Most likely, the working methode is close to the traditional fan, with add-ons, oscillation, and other perks to make the cooling and the air circulation more efficient.
• Evaporative Cooler: Most ventless air conditioners are actually ventless air coolers. The cooling method is based on simple water evaporation. It is a great choice because an evaporative cooler will reduce the temperature in your personal space and make you feel comfortable.

Top Portable Ventless Air Conditioners with the Best Cooling Fan Speed

If you are looking for the best ventless portable air conditioner with a great money-comfort-energy combo, consider Evapolar products. They offer a great range of personal air coolers that can be used both indoors and outside.

Personal air coolers by Evapolar, such as evaCHILL Personal Air Cooler, cool your personal space by 5-14C degrees (17F) using evaporation. It humidifies and purifies the air and is an eco-friendly device — evaporative cooling is the method invented by mother nature herself. In addition, the evaBREEZE™ technology in the cartridges prevents mold and harmful bacteria from spreading, so the outgoing air is safe to breathe.

6 Best Ventless AC Units With a Super Efficient Airflow

Ventless Air Conditioners: Which Are  Best For Small Spaces

1. evaCHILL Personal Air Cooler by Evapolar

Are you looking for the best ventless portable air cooler? Enter the evaCHILL Personal Air Cooler. Enjoy a sweet, chill breeze anywhere anywhere thanks to its portability and very light weight. This air cooler model comes with an extended tank that allows for uninterrupted cooling for up to nine hours. Even better — it is USB-powered, so you can plug it to your laptop, a power socket, or a power bank.

evaCHILL consumes only around 7.5W, and it thanks to its energy efficiency, it’s more than enough to chill, purify, and humidify the air in your personal space. Also, it comes with a handle for carrying around. Are you worried about the fact that it’s an electronic device directly dealing with water? Don’t be! Another fantastic thing about this ventlessair cooler is its enhanced leakproof system.

Another reason you might consider an evaporative air cooler by Evapolar is its sleek design that perfectly fits into any space.
Throughout the whole year, enjoy a natural breeze with the evaCHILL Personal Air Cooler, and focus on other things in a cool environment.

Pros :

• Whisper quiet
• Lightweight and ultraportable
• Eco-friendly design
• Leak Proof system
• Energy-saving

2. Honeywell 525 CFM  Portable Evaporative Cooler

This is an outdoor evaporative air cooler. It comes with a humidifier and a fan, which allows for a very high-efficiency functioning, both in terms of energy and cooling. You can also use this cooler indoors in a medium-sized room or other recreational spaces. The Honeywell evaporative cooler offers versatile cooling, and it has an iced compartment and humidity control where you can easily regulate the moisture level.

The Honeywell portable ventless AC is ideal for areas up to 320 square feet. It weighs only 11.3 kg, so you can move it around your house and outdoors but not take it on a trip. So, if you are looking for an air cooler with a large cooling footprint that you can use for pool parties, backyard barbecues, or other outdoor activities, the Honeywell cooler is a perfect choice.

The cooler is made from durable materials and comes with a 12-year warranty.

Pros

• Perfect for both outdoor and indoor activities
• Lightweight
• Can cool large rooms conveniently
• Made from UV-resistant materials
• US compliant

Cons

• It doesn't offer quiet modes, which is a downside for light sleepers who would like to use it in their bedrooms
• It can be bulky for small-sized spaces

3. Briza Air Cooler

Here's another solid and freestanding ventless air cooler. For efficient cooling, all you do is fill the tank with water and plug the device into a power outlet.

The Briza Cool Air Cooler does not recycle or dry the air like conventional air cons. Instead, it operates by adding up to 5% of moisture to the air through evaporated water. This helps keep the air at a comfortable temperature and safe to breathe. If you are looking for an air cooler to let you enjoy clean air in your personal space, consider the Briza Cool Air Cooler.

It is worth mentioning that this device offers three adjustable fan speeds. What's more is that the air cooler is portable, and you can use it anywhere as long as there is a power outlet next to you.

Pros

• Adjustable fan speeds
• Lightweight and portable
• Provides natural and clean air
• Simple and easy to use

Cons

• More expensive than other air coolers

4. Honeywell Fan and Humidifier

Honeywell has produced several excellent ventless air conditioners, and this product is one of them. It is a low-energy air cooler that's ideal for cooling a personal space. This air cooler allows you to enjoy summer without sweat or high electricity bills. Also, this is a multipurpose air cooler which can provide humidity even during winter.

Consider this device in the Midwest and Southwest US during hot and dry seasons. One amazing thing is that it does not require an air conditioning system, a compressor or a battery. However, it can effectively reduce the temperature of your immediate surrounding. Just like the other air coolers mentioned in the list, this model also operates by evaporating the air.

The Honeywell Fan and Humidifier is ideal for small areas like a desk, bed, dining table, or next to the couch. It has a removable tank, which makes it very easy to clean. Also, the carbon dust air filter is easy to remove, and with the alarm, you'll be notified when the water level in the air cooler is low.

Pros

• Eco friendly
• Multipurpose — cools the air in summer and humidifies it in winter
• Energy-saving
• Easy to clean
• Whisper-quiet operation

Cons

• Small water tank size may not be convenient for use over a long period.
• Certain reviews complain about low cooling power

5. Hessaire Products MC18M Evaporative Cooler

Another evaporative air cooler for indoor and outdoor use. When it comes to indoor use, it is great for rooms up to 46.5 square meters. The cooler is lightweight, but it's still powerful enough to cover large spaces. It weighs only 7.3 kg and features manual louvers that can be adjusted, depending on your preference. With this, you can change the direction of the airflow upwards or downwards.

One fantastic thing about the Hessaire MC18M evaporative cooler is that it is easy to maintain and use. The non-window device has two cooling modes, a high and a low speed. It also offers two fan modes, and you can adjust these depending on your preference. One thing you should note about this device is that the water filling can be continuous or manual. Therefore, you can choose to use the permanent option in which you'll need to attach a hose to the device. The second option is to fill the water tank manually.

It is worth mentioning that the Hessaire MC18M evaporative cooler is available in three different colors. You can choose the color that coordinates with your home.

Pros

• Easy to maintain and operate
• Options for continuous and manual water filling
• Different cooling and fan modes
• Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Large dimension and may take up too much space

6. Zero Breeze Mark 2

Add style and cooling to your space with this air cooler. It has an entirely different design, and it is also portable. Mark 2 air cooler is easy to use, and you can either plug it into a 240W power adapter and use it for as long as possible or run it on its battery.

The device has a 24V battery lasting up to five hours, creating a comfortable environment anywhere and anytime. Moreover, it is also suitable for outdoor use, and you can charge it using solar energy.

Pros:

• Portable
• It can work autonomously on a built-in battery for 5 hours
• Sufficient cooling power

Cons:

• Very expensive

10 Tips to Make Your Air Cooler More Efficient

1. Ventilation: Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Air coolers need a permanent flow of fresh air to work efficiently. Slightly open windows or doors to create a flow, to push the humid air out and pull in the fresh air.
2. Maintenance: Clean the pads and filters. Dust and debris can clog the cooling pads, which reduces the cooler’s efficiency. Make sure the water tank is always clean to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
3. Optimal Water Levels: Always keep the water at the recommended level in the tank. If the water level is too low, the pads will not be properly soaked, and the cooling will be less efficient.
4. Pre-cooling: Before using the cooler, you can quickly run it on fan mode to expel the hot air. Then, switch to cooling mode.
5. Use Ice: Some air coolers have dedicated ice compartments. Adding ice can help in lowering the outgoing air temperature, improving the cooler’s efficiency on especially hot days.
6. Positioning: Place the cooler in front of a window. Cooler air from outside is more dense and will get pushed into the room as it gets drawn through the cooling pads, enhancing the cooling effect.
7. Shade the Cooler: If possible, keep the air cooler in a shaded area (just like you would do woth most electronic devices). Direct sunlight can heat up the cooler, which in turn warm up the water, reduce the efficiency of the cooling process or even harm the device!
8. Correct Size: Ensure the cooler is the right size for the room. An undersized cooler will have to work much harder to cool the room, which can reduce its efficiency and lifespan.
9. Seal the Gaps: While room ventilation is necessary, too much of it can be counterproductive. Make sure to seal any unnecessary gaps in the room that might allow cool air to escape or hot air to enter the room.
10. Use Reflective Surfaces: This one doesn’t refer to coolers directly but more to the overall cooling hacks. To prevent a heat gain in the room, use curtains or blinds with reflective surfaces facing outwards to deflect sunlight. Less heat gain means the cooler will work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Implementing these tips can give your air cooler a much better cooling performance, providing a more comfortable environment while also being energy efficient.

What to Look for When Buying an Air Conditioner Without a Vent

Buying a ventless cooling device can be a daunting task, especially when you do not know the criteria and what to look for. There are so many options available on the market, and not having a proper knowledge of the models, criteria, and devices will just end up in confusion.

The importance and benefits of ventless air conditioners must be considered, which is why you need to be thorough when you choose the best model. Cooling off with ventless ACs is effortless, easy, and just awesome – why deprive yourself of it? Here are the key things you should look for when buying an air cooling device without vents:

High Air Flow Capacity

The airflow of the air conditioner should be the first feature you look for when buying one. Rule of thumb:  the higher the airflow, the better your device will cool. Take into account that ventless air conditioners have different airflow rates, and make sure you size it properly for the space you are looking to cool.

Low Noise Levels

One of the reasons for buying a ventless air conditioner is to make your personal space more comfortable. However, this will only be possible if the device you get is quiet because comfort is also about the noise levels.

Most ventless air conditioners can be a bit noisy, which can be a bummer. The good thing is that most manufacturers try to strike a balance between the level of noise and the airflow. It is important to note that ventless air coolers can create over 1000 CFR airflow, generating as much as 70+ dB of sound. From the six products we have provided above, you'll find some that are quiet and others that whisper quiet. It all depends on what type of noise you can (and want to) tolerate.

Reliability

This should be your top priority when buying a ventless air conditioner. Most of the products all claim to be reliable. However, that is only sometimes the case because some manufacturers are only out for profit. One guaranteed way to ensure you buy a reliable ventless air cooler is by getting it from a recognized company with a history of presence on the market.

If you need clarification about what brand to get, you can consider any of the products we have mentioned above.

Convenience

All the abovementioned things are equally important, but the convenience factor comes first. One thing you should note about most portable AC units is that some of them don't have features like restart, a programmable timer, a digital display, or a remote control.

If you need a model with remote control, you can check out the evaporative air cooler evaSMART, which is operated remotely and is compatible with all smart homes.

In general, these features should help you make the right choice at least on several levels.

Another convenience point you should consider is how you get rid of the extra moisture in the device. Some of the portable units use an external draining hose, while others come with internal container that you must empty regularly. Improved ventless air conditioners, on the other hand, utilize evaporative technology to recycle excess moisture. Such devices draw out the moist air and condense the water to cool the hot coils before evaporation. With this, you wouldn't need a water bucket or hose to empty the unit.

The choice is yours, whether you want a unit with a hose, an internal bucket, or a unit that recycles excess moisture.

Budget

Last but not least: budget. There are all types of ventless cooling devices, from very cheap basic models, to four-digit machines. The general idea of a ventless model (especially an evaportive one) is to make the cooling efficient in terms of money, energy and the cooling itself. Factors that determine the price of a ventless air conditioner include size, design, and overall capacity of the unit.

Water Tank Capacity

The cooling effect of the ventless evaporative air cooler is generated with water. Also, you'll need a larger tank capacity to enjoy the cooling effect for an extended period. Therefore, consider this when buying the best ventless air conditioner.

Conclusion

From all we've mentioned above, you can see that ventless AC units are perfect for rooms of any size – and there are models that can suit your cooling needs, wherever you are. With these devices, you can enjoy cool temperatures during summer and sufficient humidity in winter. Of all the products mentioned in this review, we consider the evaCHILL Personal Air Cooler the best choice, especially if you want to cool your personal space without wasting energy and money.

FAQ

Are ventless air conditioners any good?

Ventless air conditioners are en eco-friendly portable solutions to cooling small spaces or your immediate environment. They are easy to install, and the recent models are powerful, energy-efficient and stylish. So yes, ventless devices are good. Many customers are drawn to ventless ACs because they are a fast and a cheaper solution compared to air conditioners.

Is there such a thing like a ventless portable air conditioner?

An ‘air conditioner’ is a term that many use as an umbrella term for cooling devices, which can be modern fans, coolers, ACs, etc. However, when we refer to the air conditioning as a cooling method, then any air conditioner requires a vent / exhaust pipe to get rid of the hot air. Otherwise, ventless cooling devices are called evaporative coolers or "swamp coolers."

Do portable air conditioners consume a lot of electricity?

It depends on the cooling capacity of the device but usually portable ACs consume ⅛ of what a central air conditioner consumes. For example, if there is no need to keep the entire house cool at night, you can run a portable air conditioner in your bedroom. Evaporative air coolers consume even less electricity so if you want to cool down your personal space, and save money on electricity at the same time, it’s another option you may want to consider.

Do ventless portable air conditioners actually work?

Yes, they do – otherwise there wouldn’t be a whole market with supply and, most importantly, demand. Again, it also depends on what you are looking for and how the potential device solves the problem. A split system cools down the whole house, and it works – and a ventless air cooler cools down your personal space, which also works.

How do ventless air coolers work?

A ventless air cooler uses the natural process of evaporative cooling to chill the air around you. Ventless models use water, they pass the water through the evaporative pads, and the outgoing air is moist, fresh and chilled as a result.

Is it possible to add ice to a water tank in the air cooler?

Most of the air coolers use just water and it’s more than enough, especially with proven models. However, some users think adding ice to the water makes the air colder, and some models even come with an ice compartment.