Portable air conditioner in the living room

Best Portable Air Conditioner in Canada

In Canada, where summers can be hot and humid, the best portable air conditioner relieves the sweltering temperatures.

These compact and versatile units provide a practical solution for individuals and families who may not have access to the central air conditioner or heat pump. Maybe they simply prefer a more flexible cooling option.

We understand that selecting your portable air conditioning unit can be tricky – so many reviews, each option has good and bad aspects.

We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 portable units to help you quickly understand which option is the best for you. Our list includes a buyer’s guide that will give helpful tips and directions when shopping for a unit.

Finding the right air conditioner doesn’t have to be complicated.

Our Top 10 Portable Air Conditioners Reviewed

Each unit on this list is a fantastic option for your home as the warmer months draw closer. The criteria for being listed include a portable air conditioner, a multi-option unit, good customer reviews, and a durable product.

No matter the unit you select, you’re getting the best of the best if it’s on this list.

Frigidaire FFPA0822U1 Portable Air Conditioning Unit

Frigidaire FFPA0822U1 Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Credit: amazon.ca

Keeping your home cool requires more than a fan or cooling unit. Many regions need a dehumidifier coupled with an air filter.

The Frigidaire FFPA0822U1 unit provides both. It has an antibacterial filter to keep the air it produces clean and cool. It also hosts a sleep mode, a feature not found on any other device, which keeps it quiet while you sleep.

Our Take

This is one of the best portable air conditioners you will come across. It is our favorite device, though the rest hold their ground.

This air conditioner is available in 4 different BTU ratings from 8000 to 14,000, which allows consumers to pick a model that is correctly sized for their room.

The sleep mode is unique and effective for keeping you cool while you sleep, and the filter will keep your air clean and fresh as it cools you.

It utilizes a self-evaporating technology, so you won’t have to drain it out – this is something you’ll find in many units on this list. This means there is virtually no maintenance to keep this unit running.

This is a fantastic cooling unit that will keep you comfortable in the worst heat waves.

One feature that many consumers praise is room temperature control. This unit can keep your room set at a specific temperature, much like a centralized cooling system, providing comfort and consistency.

An issue that has arisen for some is the length of the power cord and exhaust hose. Both are short for a portable AC unit and often need to reach in different directions.

Pros

  • Room temperature control
  • Sleep mode
  • 12-hour time cycle
  • Self-evaporating

Cons

  • Short power cord and exhaust hose

De’Longhi 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

De'Longhi 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

This air conditioner is an effective option to keep your home cool and refreshing, even during the hottest months.

The De’Longhi 3-in-1 cooler will remove 49-76 pints of excess humidity daily. The maximum decibel level is 53, softer than a television program playing in the background.

With a 12-hour timer, you’ll never have to worry about when you turn it on or off throughout the day.

Our Take

The 3-foot tube accompanying this device, while the standard for most portable air coolers, is somewhat limiting. The unit must be decently close to the window to operate correctly.

This would be an issue for most devices, but the cooling power of 14,000 BTU and the 600 square-foot cooling range offers a bit of versatility for this device.

This unit is quiet and effective and will effortlessly cool and dehumidify your home on one of its 12-hour cycles. You’re getting a device that works and works well year-round.

There have been reports from users that claim that it has a spread of cooling larger than the description claims – up to 750 square feet. Most reviews praise the effectiveness of this cooler and are amazed at how cool it leaves their homes.

Some have voiced one complaint: it seems to blow out hot air if not adequately regulated when first received.

Pros

  • Removes humidity from your home
  • Quiet device
  • 600+ square foot cooling

Cons

  • Produces heat when not regulated

Eco-Air Portable Air Conditioner

Eco-Air Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

The best feature of this product that makes it stand out from the rest is its energy-saving. Not only does the Eco-Air not take much energy to cool your whole room, but it auto-switches to conserve power when it detects the room is cool enough.

Another unique feature this product includes is the 24-hour timer. You can preset hours throughout the day where it will work or sleep.

Our Take

The most significant aspect of this product is the unique features that come with it. It’s your standard air conditioning unit and offers an industry average amount of cooling, but the added benefits you receive help sell it.

The eco-friendly aspect matched with the timer setup is a perfect combination making this device one of the easiest to operate on this list.

This device’s timer aspect is similar to the one on the De’Longhi, but it works on a 24-hour cycle rather than De’Longhi’s 12-hour one. This unit is available in 12,000 BTU variations.

Besides the noise, this product has little to complain about. Most consumers who have purchased it love the cooling aspect of it. It maintains a temperature well and can operate for long periods without rest.

Pros

  • Maintains temperature
  • 24-hour on/off schedule
  • Eco-friendly
  • Wide cooling range

Cons

  • It can be industrially noisy

Danby DPA120B6WDB-6 Portable Air Conditioner

Danby DPA120B6WDB-6 Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

This air conditioner is designed for style, along with power. With one of the most considerable cooling reaches at 450 square feet, the Danby DPA120B6WDB-6 will ensure your house stays cold, even on the hottest and most humid days.

The LED display, coupled with the separate remote control, makes this one of the easiest to both use and comprehend.

Our Take

It’s easy to see that this device was built to last and to keep you cool no matter where in the house you are. Compared to most other AC units, this is one of the widest spreads of cooling from a portable option.

The 3-in-1 setting on this device ensures that it will be effective no matter the current climate. There aren’t any special features or widgets other than the LED display and the remote-control addition, making this an easy-to-use device.

Danby’s portable air conditioner is available in 12,000 BTU and 14,000 BTU models.

Most reviews intend to lean toward the positive end of the spectrum. Many say that the device goes above what they promise regarding cooling spread – as far as 600 square feet of cooling.

One of the biggest complaints is the look of the adhesive foam that is recommended to keep the air tube sealed tightly to the window. Many customers used other methods as the foam look was so unappealing.

Pros

  • 450+ square foot cooling range
  • LED display
  • Powerful and dependable

Cons

  • Unappealing adhesive foam

Haier HPP08XCR 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Haier HPP08XCR 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

With removable mesh backing that can be washed to reset the filter, this unit promotes simple cleaning and easy comfort.

The Haier HPP08XCR 8000 BTU has three fan modes, heating, dehumidifying, and cooling. The modes make this versatile, more excellent, and usable year-round in any climate.

The 24-hour on/off cycle is a bonus to help you keep track of cooling or heating periods.

Our Take

Rated at 8,000 BTU, this unit might not spread the cool air as far as other units on this list – only 150-200 square feet – it more than makes up for that in dependability and quality. Your room will remain cool for hours with this unit functioning.

Noise is an issue that you’ll encounter with most portable air units, and while this air conditioner is quieter than some competitors, it still can be rather loud at times.

Much like the De’Longhi and the Eco-Air, this device comes with a clock cycle to assist in constant comfort throughout the day. Those other two devices offer more extensive features in other departments, however. They come in larger sizes if needed as well.

Customers who have purchased this device seem to praise it for the dependability it offers. This unit will keep you cool for a long time, and the remote control and 24-hour on/off setting make it easy to use.

As with many portable air conditioners, noise is cited as an issue for consumers. However, that seems to be the only issue they’ve mentioned, which bodes well for this unit.

Pros

  • Cooler, heater, dehumidifier
  • Cools entire room for hours
  • 24-hour on/off cycles

Cons

  • Smaller cone of cold air
  • Loud at times

TOSOT 10,000 BTU(ASHRAE) 6,000 BTU (DOE) Portable Air Conditioner

TOSOT 10,000 BTU(ASHRAE) 6,000 BTU (DOE) Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

The TOSOT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is an advanced, three-in-one unit that not only cools your spaces but also serves as a dehumidifier and a fan.

Designed to cool spaces up to 400 square feet, this device has impressive features, including sleep mode, child lock, and an adjustable timer.

The flexible cooling and efficient drying mechanisms ensure a comfortable indoor environment in your home office, bedroom, or living room.

Key Features

  • The cooling capacity of 10,000 BTUs (ASHRAE-rated) and 6,000 BTUs (DOE 2017 Standard).
  • Offers multiple functionalities: air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier.
  • Includes sleep mode and night mode for optimal sleep environment.
  • Compatible with both horizontal and vertical sliding windows.
  • X-Fan feature to dry residual water in the machine and air exhaust hose.
  • Portable design can be moved easily from room to room.
  • Child lock function to prevent unwanted changes to settings.
  • Adjustable timer for efficient energy use.
  • It is equipped with a reusable and washable air filter.

Pros

  • Effective in cooling large spaces up to 400 square feet.
  • Provides three functionalities: air conditioning, a fan, and a dehumidifier.
  • Sleep mode ensures a quiet operation for uninterrupted sleep.
  • The portable design allows for flexibility in cooling different rooms.
  • The child lock function provides peace of mind for families with children.

Cons

  • It may be more potent for cooling spaces more prominent than 400 square feet.
    For some users, the installation may be tricky.

Why the TOSOT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Is a Good Choice?

The TOSOT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is versatile and efficient for cooling your space. During our time with the product, we appreciated the multiple functionalities it provides, especially its ability to work as an air conditioner, a fan, and a dehumidifier.

We found the sleep mode particularly helpful, providing a quieter operation for uninterrupted sleep.

Its portability is another winning feature, allowing us to quickly move the unit from one room to another based on our needs.

In addition, the child lock function ensures that the settings won’t be unintentionally changed.

Given its range of features and effectiveness, this unit is a good choice for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner

SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

The SereneLife SLPAC12.5 is a compact portable air conditioner with excellent cooling capabilities for your home or office. This device boasts a simple plug-in operation and three distinct modes: cooling, dehumidifier, and fan.

The in-built dehumidifier ensures a comfortable environment and works as a purifier, reducing allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew.

With the digital touch button control panel, managing power, mode, timer, temperature, and fan speed settings is a breeze.

Key Features

  • Compact and portable air conditioning unit with rolling wheels for easy movement.
  • Three operating modes: cooling, dehumidifier, and fan.
  • Built-in dehumidifiers and purifiers reduce humidity and allergens.
  • Digital touch button control panel for easy operation.
  • Rated power of 1150W and cooling power of 12,000 BTU.
  • Covers a room up to 450+ sq ft with an airflow rated at 380 m3/hr.
  • Quiet operation with noise levels at only 53-55 dBa.

Pros

  • Versatile with cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes.
  • Easy to move around, thanks to the portable design with rolling wheels.
  • The dehumidifier function reduces humidity and acts as a purifier.
  • Quiet operation makes it suitable for bedrooms or offices.
  • It can cool a relatively large room of up to 450+ square feet.

Cons

  • It may need to be more powerful for spaces larger than 450 sq ft.
  • Some users may find the setup process complex.

Why the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner Is a Good Choice?

When using the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner, we found it to be a highly efficient unit capable of effectively cooling, dehumidifying, and purifying our spaces.

Moving the team around easily increased appeal, allowing us to create comfortable environments in different rooms as needed. Its quiet operation was also appreciated, making it suitable for homes and offices.

We were impressed by the unit’s ability to cool and act as a dehumidifier and purifier.

If you are searching for a versatile, portable, and efficient air conditioner, the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 would be a sound choice.

Evapolar evaCHILL Personal Evaporative Air Cooler

Evapolar evaCHILL Personal Evaporative Air Cooler
Credit: amazon.ca

This product is a little different from most of the others on the list, as it’s designed for more personal use.

The small body of the Evapolar evaCHILL is excellent for keeping you cool while you work or sleep or simply relax.

It has a range of up to 33 square feet and can be placed directly on your desk. Complete with LED lights, this cooler is designed for style and comfort.

Our Take

This is an excellent device if you’re looking for a personal cooler that will keep you cool as you sit at your desk and work.

Evapolar evaCHILL utilizes cold water evaporation to cool the surrounding air. It is essential to understand that to operate this model, the consumer has to fill the cold water into the unit.

The tank is large enough to provide cooling for up to 9 hours. It’s difficult to compare it to the rest of the coolers on this list as it is not a proper air conditioner; it is only suited to cool a small space. It’s one of the best personal coolers but won’t keep a room cool on hotter days.

This is one of three evaporative portable AC units on the list.

Many consumers agree this is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a desk air conditioner to keep you cool.

While it doesn’t have the spread that many other options on this list will, it is an effective and lasting cooling method for you.

One flaw many have is that the reservoir is too small for ice cubes and that cool water must be utilized instead.

Pros

  • Fantastic personal cooler
  • Powerful cooling system
  • Non-organic materials
  • Leakage-proof

Cons

  • Too small for ice cubes
  • Only 33 square foot cooling region

Honeywell CL25AE 52 Pint Indoor Portable Air Cooler

Honeywell CL25AE 52 Pint Indoor Portable Air Cooler
Credit: amazon.ca

This product is a low-electricity option for keeping large spaces cool during warmer months. The Honeywell CL25AE uses technology similar to Evapolar evaCHILL.

The main difference is that it can cool up to 300 feet and consumes little power.

This cooler works best in hot climates with low humidity and should be used with open doors and windows with no permanent installation required.

Our Take

The Honeywell portable air cooler has a unique approach to cooling when compared to other devices on this list.

It utilizes an ice storage chamber to keep the air it produces cool and refreshing. While this works on paper, it does require users to fill either water or ice.

Its large cooling space is a welcome feature as it can keep multiple rooms comfortable on hot and humid days. It does contribute to the humidity in the room. It’s a valuable product, but be prepared for some spillage.

One of the biggest complaints we’ve seen from customers regarding this device is the mess it leaves. The unit seems to have an issue of spilling water everywhere.

Whether it’s, a defect of these specific units or the product as a whole is uncertain. Besides the mess, this product is a fantastic method of keeping your home cool in non-humid regions.

Pros

  • Low electricity
  • Wide cooling area
  • Works best in hot regions

Cons

  • Spills water easily
  • It doesn’t work well in humid areas
  • Water level indicator inaccurate

4 IN 1 Portable Air Conditioner

4 IN 1 Portable Air Conditioner
Credit: amazon.ca

The 4 in 1 Portable Air Conditioner is a multi-functional device designed to enhance your comfort during the hot summer.

With its compact design, this air conditioner serves as a fan, a humidifier, and a timer, swiftly providing cool and humid air.

The device also features a 900ML large-capacity water tank, sparing you the hassle of frequent refills. And the built-in water circulation reflux design eliminates the worry of water leakage due to fog condensation.

Key Features

  • 4-in-1 functionality: Fan, Humidifier, Timer, and Air Conditioner.
  • It is equipped with a 900ML large-capacity water tank for fewer refills.
  • Two humidifier modes and three fan speeds.
  • Two optional timers (2-4 hours).
  • 90° oscillation & 25° adjustable fan blades.
  • Seven colors of LED light create a soothing and relaxing environment.
  • USB charging port compatible with multiple devices.

Pros

  • Multiple functionalities in one device, offering versatility.
  • Large capacity water tank reduces the need for constant refills.
  • It offers two timers, saving energy and preventing headaches from prolonged cold air.
  • Adjustable fan blades and oscillation feature ensure wider air distribution.
  • Relaxing 7-color LED light is perfect for creating a soothing ambiance.

Cons

  • Not suitable for cooling large spaces.
  • Not wireless; the device needs to be plugged in for use.

Why the 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner Is a Good Choice?

Our experience with the 4 in 1 Portable Air Conditioner has been thoroughly enjoyable. The multi-functionality of the device was particularly appealing, with the fan, humidifier, timer, and air conditioner offering a comprehensive solution to summer heat.

We were particularly impressed with the large capacity water tank, which meant less time spent on refills. The built-in timer also provided an added convenience, allowing us to set and forget.

This one fits the bill if you want an efficient, versatile, easy-to-use portable air conditioner.

A Buyer’s Guide for Your Portable AC Unit

As you can see from our list, many different portable air conditioning units are available. However, finding the right one for you can still be challenging.

Here are a few tips for selecting the best portable air conditioner in Canada.

Features to Look Out For

The best portable air conditioning units should be versatile and able to adapt to your home’s climate. If you’re purchasing a dehumidifier, you avoid a moist environment, but the heat remains.

If you are buying a fan, a cool breeze will be supplied, but your home’s humidity will continue. With some portable units, you could receive cooling, humidity control, heating, and fan selections all in one package.

Remote controls add convenience and enable you to work your device from anywhere in the room. If it gets too hot for your liking, you won’t need to get up to address the changes.

Some units have timers included, so you won’t have to worry about the unit at all. Simply set active and sleeping hours, and your device will stick to the schedule.

A rare feature, but an exciting one, is the sleep mode addition. Many portable air conditioning units are decently noisy, something to look out for, but newer models are beginning to address this issue.

A sleep mode allows you to keep the device running while you sleep, but at a much lower setting, so it’s nearly silent. Staying cool while sleeping is one of the most important requirements a unit should have.

Size Your Portable AC to Your Room Size

Different apartment or home sizes will require different cooling ranges. The higher the BTU of the device you purchase, the larger the square footage of cooling you can expect.

This is essential information you should consider before buying a unit, as the room size you’re looking to cool will affect which unit works best for you.

Here is a handy chart of how much cooling your unit will receive from the BTU level.

  • 8,000 BTU = 200 sq. feet
  • 10,000 BTU = 300 sq. feet
  • 12,000 BTU = 400 sq. feet
  • 13,000 BTU = 450 sq. feet

The larger your space, the higher the BTU you should look for. The humidity is the issue with buying a unit more significant than the space you’re cooling.

It might seem beneficial just to get the most prominent option as it provides more cooling, right? Not necessarily, and if the unit has too high of a BTU for your space, it won’t be able to get rid of enough humidity, and you will find yourself with a different issue.

By knowing the size and BTU of a device that best fits your room, you better prepare yourself to find the perfect unit. Each person’s situation is different and calls for another solution.

Your space might not be as large as your friend’s, so you’ll want to choose a different unit to keep it cool.

Setup and Maintenance

Difficulty and complexity defeat the purpose of buying a portable air conditioning unit. You don’t want to receive something impossible to move around or become a semi-permanent fixture in your home.

The setup of your device should be simple, and keeping it clean and operational should be as well.

For many devices, the shipping process can be rather tricky. You’ll want your unit to regulate itself and acclimate to your environment.

Set the device upright after being assembled and leave it alone for one hour. This gets the internal systems back on track and puts the device where it needs to be to provide calm and clean air.

When setting your device up, you’ll want to find a window that allows you to vent out the exhaust from the room. Stick the exhaust hose out the window and seal it with the provided sealing method.

For some devices, this is a structured unit with a window supporting it; for others, an adhesive material might be provided.

To maintain the device, you might be required to empty the water traps that build up throughout the use. Some units have self-evaporating methods that remove the water on their own.

Keep wiping the unit down to remove any dust or bacteria build-up. This ensures your air is fresh and healthy.

All in All

Finding the right portable air conditioner for your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the vast array of options and features different models advertise.

By simply knowing what your space needs and what features specific devices offer, your shopping experience will go smoothly.

While all ten units we reviewed are fantastic options and will each work endlessly to provide you with the comfort and cooling your home needs in the warmer months, we found Frigidaire FFPA0822U1 to be the best for most consumers.

Finding the best portable air conditioner in Canada can be easy.

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