In this unbearable summer heat, air conditioners are a lifesaver. However, most air conditioners come as fixed units. Some are central AC units which can be quite expensive to install. So what do you get if you want a portable option? Well, look no further than portable air conditioners. Unlike fixed units, portable ACs can be moved around from one place to another depending on their type. It's effective, saves cost, and doesn’t require additional fittings. Here’s everything you need to know about portable ACs, their types, and the best options out in the market.  How Does Portable AC Work?  Portable AC works on the basic principles of fixed AC units. The difference is that some portable AC units aren’t dependent on an outdoor unit. Others don’t require a drip hose or tray. Some portable ACs are essentially self-fulfilling units.  A portable has the following components:  - Compressor - Evaporator Coil and Refrigerant - Condenser Coil - Fan  The evaporator coil and refrigerant work to cool the air while the compressor triggers the refrigerant for the cooling process. The fan moves around to disperse the cool air. On the other hand, the condenser coil cools down the refrigerant. Depending on the type, the drip water either goes out through the hose, collects in the tray, or gets evaporated.  Read more: Strategies for Cooling Your Roof During Intense Summer Heat Types of Portable AC  There are mainly three types of portable AC. They are:  Monoblock Type AC Units  Monoblock-type AC units are further classified into two types: Single Hose Portable AC  As the name suggests, single-hose portable AC uses a unitary hose to intake and exhaust air into the unit. This type of unit is less costly compared to the double hose units but is also less efficient. The operational noise however is very low with surrounding noise reaching up to 60 dB max.  Double Hose Portable AC  The double-hose portable AC has two different hoses for intake and exhaust. Compared to single-hose units, these ACs are less mobile. However, the dual hose system allows for efficient and fast cooling.  Split Portable AC  Split portable AC works similar to the monoblock ACs. However, unlike the single-unit structure of the monoblock, split AC has two separate components. The condensing unit is installed outside whereas the portable ventilation unit is placed inside. A hose connects both units.  The only advantage of split ACs is that they are less bulky and easy to move around within a small area. They are also less noisy compared to the monoblock units.  Self-evaporating Portable AC  Self-evaporating portable ACs are truly self-sustaining units. These types of ACs release the hot air and the moisture directly from the unit within the room. As a result, there is no need for a drip tray or an external hose.  These AC units are much smaller compared to the other types making them suitable for small space and personal use.  Read more: Mist Fan Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh for 2024 What to Consider Before Buying a Portable AC?  So you’re in the market for a portable AC. Given the different types and sizes, the choice of ACs can become confusing. Here’s a list of things to keep an eye out for.  Size of the Room  The size of the room is the first thing you should consider before getting a portable AC unit. Portable ACs need to be matched with the size of the room to get the optimum performance. For example, a unit with low tonnage in a large room will not be able to cool the room. On the other hand, a higher tonnage unit in a small room will repeatedly cycle on and off.  BTU Rating  BTU or British Thermal Unit is the unit of cooling capacity for AC units. You can consult with AC experts to get the correct size of AC unit for your space.   Energy Efficiency  Energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider as AC units may rack up your electricity bills. Look for AC units with an Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER certification. A higher EER indicates a higher level of energy efficiency which will save you utilities in the long run. You can also consider energy star-rated units for higher energy savings.  Read more: IPS Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Exhaust Vent Options  There are mainly two options – single hose or dual hose for exhaust venting. Dual hose options are more efficient compared to single hose options. However, the higher efficiency comes at the cost of reduced mobility. Single hose options can be a good choice for smaller rooms whereas dual hose units are better suited for larger ones. Portability  If absolute portability is what you’re looking for, then consider getting the self-evaporating type AC units. These are best suited for smaller rooms and can be easily moved around as long as there’s a power outlet connected to it.  On the other hand, single-hose, dual-hose, or split-type units will offer limited mobility but better efficiency in usage.  Noise Level Portable AC units tend to be louder compared to the standard traditional units. Most fixed units range between 30 to 40 dB sound whereas portable units may range anywhere between 60 to 80 dB.  If you want reduced noise, consider opting for a split-type AC unit.  Read more: Home Air Conditioner Buyer Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know Best Portable AC Units Available in Bangladesh in 2024  Under 50,000 BDT Chigo 1.25 Ton Accurate Sensor Portable Air Conditioner The Chigo 1.25-ton Portable AC’s single hose unit is designed to maximize the output for smaller areas. The AC comes with several intelligent features like auto operation, auto restart, comfort cooling as well as a sleep timer. The sleep timer helps to manage the usage as this is a non-inverter AC.  Key Features  - Uses R-32 Refrigerant - Operating range between 20 to 43 degree Celsius - Copper tube condenser with golden fin - Rotary-type compressor - The four-side automatic fan movement - Self-diagnostic options - Best suited for 100 to 120 sq. ft. rooms - The current price of Chigo 1.25 ton portable AC is 40,500 BDT. Midea MWF-12CMP 1-Ton Portable AC The Midea 1-ton portable AC is designed for personal use. This is a single-hose portable unit that is compact and can be easily moved around in a small space. Even though it is a non-inverter model, it has several intelligent features to save energy and provide efficient output. Key Features  - All-in-one cooling, heating, and dry fan option - LED display for thermostat management - Four-side auto swing mechanism - Uses R-410A refrigerant - Operational temperature between 17 to 35 degrees Celsius - Rotary-type GMCC compressor - 1.2L/hr moisture removal- 46 dB noise level at the highest mode - Best suited for 80 to 120 sq. ft. rooms - The current price of Midea MWF-12CMP 1-Ton Portable AC is 39,500 BDT.  Gree GP-12LF 1-Ton Portable Air Conditioner Gree GP-12LF 1-Ton portable AC can be another single-hose option for personal use. This non-inverter type AC has a 24-hour programmable timer to set the limit according to usage. It also comes with 2.78 EER suggesting a high energy efficiency capability.  Key Features  - Turbo and max mode for cooling - Uses R-410A refrigerant - Up and downswing flap with control option - Auto cleaning filter - LED display for timer and thermostat control - Low voltage startup - Anti-cool wind feature - The current price of the Gree GP-12LF 1-Ton Portable Air Conditioner is 42,000 BDT. Read more: Tips to Keep Home Cool in Summer Without AC Under 1 Lac BDT  DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner WE18INV DeLonghi, the ultra-popular espresso coffee maker brand also makes portable air conditioners. They even have an entire range of home appliances ranging from kitchen to home comfort line.  The WE18INV is their 1.5-ton portable air conditioner with a turbo cooling option. In addition to being a portable AC unit, it also works as a dehumidifier and air freshener.  Key Features  - Uses R-410A refrigerant - Water-to-air cooling technology - 10 L water tank capacity - Single hose exhaust vent - 3-speed fan mode - 55 dB noise level in standard operation - Two years of compressor, parts, and service warranty- The current price of the DeLonghi WE18INV portable air conditioner is 73,500 BDT.  Carrier Mobile Air Conditioner Carrier is another reputable brand in the air conditioner market of Bangladesh. The mobile air conditioner is part of their portable AC unit lineup offering cutting-edge features at a bargain price. The 51QPD012N7S has a 13,000 BTU rating making it ideal for 120 to 150 sq. ft. size rooms.  Key Features  - Uses R290 refrigerant - EER rating of 2.6 - Built-in LED display - 3-speed fan mode - Automatic restart option - Timer and sleep mode - 51 to 52 dB of operational noise - The current price of the Carrier mobile air conditioner is 54,000 BDT.  Under 1.5 Lac BDT  Midea MGFA-60CR 5-Ton Floor Stand Non-Inverter AC The Midea 5-ton stand AC is one of the largest portable ACs available in the Bangladeshi market. It is best suited for large commercial spaces ranging between 2400 to 3000 sq. ft. The MGFA-60CR is a split system portable AC with a stacked outdoor unit and a standing indoor unit. The AC uses a single hose vent for exhaust and air intake.  Key Features  - Rated at 60,000 BTU - Uses R-32 refrigerant - Operational temperature ranges between 20 to 43 degrees Celcius- Energy class rating if A+/A++- 3-mode fan speed - 4-side auto swing - 58 dB indoors and 70 dB outdoors operational sound - Uses a copper tube condenser with a golden fin - Sleep, Turbo, Eco, Dry, and Fan modes. - The current price of a Midea 5-ton non-inverter floor stand AC is 122,000 BDT.  Final Words  Portable AC units are less common compared to traditional fixed AC units. But given the innovation and usability it brings, they are increasingly becoming popular among the new generation of users. It is recommended to check for the space compatibility and usage scenario before opting for a portable AC unit.  Read more: 10 ways to reduce your AC power consumption and lower electricity bill this summer