Ac Action: Portable Air Conditioners For Dorm Rooms

Are you a college student in need of some relief from the summer heat? If so, then this post is for you! We’ve rounded up the best portable air conditioners on the market that are perfect for dorm rooms. Check out our top picks to keep cool and comfortable during those hot months.

1. Best Overall Portable Air Conditioner

When you’re looking for the best overall portable air conditioner for a dorm room, the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS is a great option. This dual hose portable AC is efficient and effective at cooling and heating rooms up to 500 square feet. It offers 14,000 BTU cooling power and 13,000 BTU heating, making it perfect for dorms or other small rooms. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and easy to use. Other portable AC units from brands like LG, Frigidaire, and Midea are also worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable way to stay cool in your dorm room.

2. Best Value Portable Air Cooler

The Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is our top pick overall and a great mid-priced option. If you’re looking for the best value, Honeywell’s portable air coolers provide personal cooling without breaking the bank. Not all residence halls permit air conditioners, so if that’s the case for you, consider the Coolzy-Pro Portable Air Conditioner. Most residence halls will allow permitted air conditioners, such as the Personal Air Conditioners Portable AC or the SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner System, so make sure to check with your school’s policies first. In addition to finding a permitted AC unit, you’ll also want to consider power requirements for portable air conditioners as well as the advantages and disadvantages of portable ACs when making your purchase.

3. Air Conditioners Not Permitted

Although portable air conditioners are not typically allowed in dorms, the U.S. Department of Energy has recently published a final coverage determination to classify portable air conditioners as a permissible item in certain conditions. Air conditioners must be installed in the bedroom of the individual in question, cannot be larger than 6,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs), and must comply with applicable energy efficiency standards. Tampering with or misuse of fire safety equipment is also prohibited. In addition, air conditioners may be rented for University-owned facilities during summer. Before purchasing a portable air conditioner for the dorm, students should be sure to review the power requirements and consider any advantages and disadvantages associated with such a purchase.

4. Coolzy-Pro Portable Air Conditioner

The Coolzy-Pro Portable Air Conditioner is an ideal option for those looking to stay cool in their dorm room. It has earned 4.2 out of 5 stars from 28 genuine reviews on Australia’s largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au. This powerful AC unit is capable of cooling any size room and doesn’t require any installation or pipes, making it a great choice for college students who want the convenience of a portable AC without the hassle. It is also one of the world’s most compact ACs, so it won’t take up much space in your dorm room. Additionally, this air conditioner runs on 120V power, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice while using it.

5. Permitted Air Conditioners in Most Residence Hall Rooms

Although portable window air conditioners are not permitted in University Housing, many residence hall rooms* that feature double-hung windows can be safely and structurally supported for the installation of an air conditioner. University-owned facilities are able to rent air conditioners during summer months, while compact refrigerators and micro-fridges are only allowed in appropriately wired areas. Unfortunately, due to potential damage to residence hall rooms and furnishings, air conditioners are generally not allowed. However, if a student has a medical condition which warrants the use of an air conditioner in their room, it may be considered a reasonable accommodation.

6. Personal Air Conditioners Portable AC

Personal Air Conditioners Portable AC is the best option for those who don’t have access to central air or window units. This small, lightweight and space-saving AC is perfect for personal spaces and small rooms. It comes with a product size of 14.4*16.1*15.9 inches, making it easy to transport and set up quickly. It also has 3 wind speed settings, 7 color light options and a built-in humidifier to keep the air fresh and comfortable. With these features, you can easily enjoy a cool environment in your dorm room without worrying about power requirements.

7. SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner System

The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner System is an ideal compact air conditioner for dorm rooms, apartments, cabins, and other small spaces. This powerful 12,000 BTU system has an energy-efficient inverter-powered compressor and four operating modes – AC cool, heat, dehumidifier, and fan – to keep your space comfortable year-round. It also features a built-in dehumidifier and remote control, making it easy to adjust your settings with the touch of a button. With its lightweight design and window mount kit included, this unit is easy to move from room to room and provide fast, effective cooling no matter where you are.

8. Power Requirements for Portable Air Conditioners

When purchasing a portable air conditioner, it is important to consider the power requirements. Portable ACs are typically rated by BTU (British Thermal Units) and usually range from 6,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU. A window AC rated at 6,000 Btu will therefore deliver more cooling than a portable AC unit rated at 10,400 BTU. Portable air conditioners also come with an ACC (Adjusted Cooling Capacity) rating, AEC (Annual Energy Consumption) rating, AEER (Annualized Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and an AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute) certification. The Coolzy-Pro Portable Air Conditioner and the SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner System are two high-end models with superior cooling capacities. However, it is important to note that these units require more power and may not be suitable for all types of dorm rooms.

9. Advantages and Disadvantages of Portable ACs

Portable air conditioners offer a convenient solution to cooling needs, as they are small enough to fit in most rooms and can be easily moved from one room to another. While they may come with some disadvantages, such as being more energy-intensive than other air conditioning units and taking up more floor space, they still offer an effective way to cool down a specific area. Additionally, their versatility allows them to be used in rooms where window ACs or central air conditioning systems are not allowed. Consider the power requirements and size of the room when selecting the right portable AC for your dormitory needs.

10. Considerations When Purchasing a Portable Air Conditioner

When considering purchasing a portable air conditioner, it’s important to buy a unit that is appropriate for the size of your dorm room. Think of portable air conditioners as the cooling choice of last resort, as they are more effective than a fan but less so than a window unit. Make sure to look into the best overall portable air conditioners such as Whynter and Honeywell, or consider a personal air conditioner such as Coolzy-Pro or SereneLife. Additionally, be sure to check the power requirements for your portable air conditioner and the residence hall regulations for permitted units. Portable ACs come with both advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account before making your purchase.