Collection: For home

The main rule is to run the exhaust hose outside through a window, door, or a hole in the wall. The shorter and straighter the hose, the better the AC works — long, bent hoses trap hot air inside. For windows, you can buy special sealing adapters that keep outdoor air from coming back in and help maintain the cool temperature.

If you have a window for venting and need to cool a bedroom or living room, get a compressor model with 8,000 to 12,000 BTU. If you have no window and live in a dry climate, an evaporative cooler is a better fit because it is quieter, uses less electricity, and does not need venting. Your choice depends on room size, your local climate, and whether you are willing to set up window venting.

No, Evapolar evaporative coolers do not need a hose, a window, or any opening to vent hot air outside. They work through water evaporation, so you can place them anywhere near a USB port or power outlet. For best performance, simply allow some fresh air into the room by slightly opening a door or window.