Portable air conditioners have become a popular way to cool specific rooms or areas without having to install a complete HVAC system. But one decision you'll need to make when choosing a portable AC unit is whether you need a vented or ventless model.
In this guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about portable AC ventilation. Let's dive in.
What is a Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner is a freestanding unit that you can move from room to room to provide localized cooling. Portable ACs are completely self-contained, unlike window air conditioners, which need to be installed into a window opening.
Portable ACs roll on caster wheels, so you can easily move them wherever cooled air is needed. All you need is access to a standard electrical outlet to power the unit.
What are the Two Types of Portable Air Conditioners?
There are two main types of portable air conditioners:
Vented Portable AC
Vented portable air conditioners are designed to exhaust heat and humidity from the room to the outdoors. This is accomplished via a flexible exhaust hose that attaches to the back of the unit.
The exhaust hose needs to be routed out a window or other opening to the outside. This allows hot air to exit the room, while cooled air is blown into the room from the portable AC unit.
Most vented portable ACs have an automatic exhaust fan to push the hot air outdoors. The benefit of this ventilation is that it efficiently removes heat from the room.
How Vented Portable ACs Work
Vented portable ACs work similarly to window air conditioners, except the machinery is all encased in a freestanding unit with wheels for easy transport. Here is the basic functionality:
- Air is drawn into the unit from the room, passes over cooled evaporator coils, and then circulates back into the room as cool air. This cooled air is blown out high up on the unit to circulate better.
- As warm interior air is cooled by the evaporator coils, heat and moisture are extracted. This hot air is then exhausted outside through a flexible plastic vent hose.
- Powerful fans inside the portable AC pull room air in and push hot air out. Automatic air directional louvers point the cooled air in the right direction.
- Advanced portable AC units have dual hoses - one exhaust hose to expel heat outdoors and one intake hose to pull fresh air in from outside. This makes them extremely efficient at cooling.
Ideal for Hot & Humid Climates
Vented portable air conditioners truly excel in hot and humid environments. By actively removing moisture along with heat from the interior space, they effectively lower humidity for dryer comfort.
The constant supply of fresh, dehumidified air from a vented portable AC unit keeps summer humidity at bay. Rooms feel crisper and cooler even at higher temperatures.
So, for the most comfortable cooling against sweltering, muggy summer heat, a properly vented portable air conditioner is a smart choice.
Ventless Portable Air Conditioner
Ventless (also known as “evaporative”) portable ACs don’t require any type of exterior venting. These units recirculate and cool the interior air without removing heat or moisture from the room.
Ventless models use built-in water tanks. As warm room air passes over the water-soaked pads inside the unit, it causes the water to evaporate, which provides a cooling effect.
The downside is that ventless units don’t lower the room’s humidity or expel hot air. But the advantage is their simplicity - no need for exhaust hoses hanging out windows!
Difference between Vented vs. Ventless Portable Air Conditioners
There are a few key differences between vented and ventless portable AC units:
- Ventilation – Vented ACs require exhaust hoses to vent heat outdoors. Ventless units recirculate interior air.
- Efficiency – Vented models remove heat for stronger, steady cooling. Ventless units provide less intense cooling that fluctuates.
- Humidity – Only vented ACs actually decrease interior humidity levels.
- Air Quality – Vented units bring in fresh air from outside. Ventless units just recirculate the same air.
- Convenience – Ventless models require no window access or exterior venting. Vented units need hoses routed outside.
Which is Better: Vented or Ventless Portable Air Conditioner?
Vented portable air conditioners are generally more effective at cooling than ventless models. By actively exhausting hot air outside, vented units can lower room temperature considerably.
Ventless ACs provide less powerful cooling. Their evaporative technology only makes the air feel somewhat cooler.
Also, vented ACs remove humidity from the air which makes rooms feel even cooler. The ventilation brings in fresh outdoor air, improving interior air quality.
However, ventless ACs are more convenient since they don’t require exterior venting. This makes them a good option for rooms without windows.
Why Consider A Vented Portable Air Conditioner?
Why ventilation is needed
There are a few reasons why vented portable ACs are preferred over ventless models in most situations:
- Stronger cooling – Vented units provide stronger, steadier cooling thanks to heat being exhausted outside. Rooms will become noticeably cooler.
- Decreased humidity – By removing moisture, vented ACs make rooms feel less muggy and uncomfortable. Lower humidity helps cool more effectively.
- Improved air circulation – Fresh outdoor air is pulled in, while stale indoor air is pushed out. This circulation improves overall air quality.
- No heat buildup – Heat is completely removed from the room rather than being recirculated. This prevents a gradual buildup of warm air inside.
- Prevents stuffiness – Stagnant air is flushed out, reducing odors, stuffiness, and that “lived-in” smell.
Other benefits of vented portable ACs
Beyond the core benefits around cooling, humidity, and air circulation, there are some other advantages to choosing a vented portable air conditioner:
- Cleaner air - Vented models bring in fresh air from outside, which filters out dust, pollen, and other allergens floating around the room. This can really help those with allergies or asthma.
- Odor reduction - Stale smells from cooking, pets, smoke, and other sources are expelled from the room through the exhaust vent. Vented models provide noticeable odor reduction.
- More energy efficient - Without recirculating and re-cooling warm interior air, vented units require less energy to maintain the target temperature. This saves on electricity costs.
- Added air filtration - Many vented portable ACs have built-in air filters that catch additional contaminants, leaving air cleaner.
- Dual hose models - Some vented portable ACs have dual exhaust hoses, which provide even greater ventilation and efficiency. Dual-hose units maximize cooling capacity.
- Zone control - Route the exhaust hose into an adjacent room you don't need to cool, rather than outside. This allows you to concentrate cooling in one zone.
Final Thought
There you have it - the distinction between vented portable AC and ventless ones. For most residential cooling needs, a properly installed vented portable air conditioner is the best option to achieve crisp, dry, cooled air during hot summer months. While ventless units have simplicity on their side, only ducted ventilation delivers enough power to conquer heat, humidity, and stuffiness. So, focus on the ventilation method when selecting the optimal portable AC.