Ventless Portable Air Conditioner Units for Windowless Use
A good portable and ventless air conditioner can keep you comfortable while also giving you the freedom to move cool air to any room you’d like with and without window access — all at a budget-friendly price point.
What is the best ventless portable air conditioner without a hose available today? Additionally, what are the top portable AC units that feature a low-profile vent, taking up minimal window space?
Today we’re going to discuss just that. We’ve rounded up the top portable and ventless air conditioners are for each size room and will help you pick the best one for your needs. Whether it’s a windowless air conditioner or a stand-alone AC unit that uses a hose to expel hot air, you’ll find the best options on this page.
SereneLife 10,000 BTU P
What is a Ventless Portable Air Conditioner Unit?
But first, let’s take a look at the fundamentals you should familiarize yourself with before you purchase one of the best portable air conditioner units.
Ventless Non Window AC Unit vs Portable Hose Air Conditioner
Not many people know this, but there are actually two different types of indoor air conditioning units you can choose your home.
If you confuse these two types of AC units, you could end up making a costly (and inconvenient) mistake.
The two terms you need to familiarize yourself with are:
- Ventless air conditioner (non window AC unit)
- Portable air conditioner (a hose connects to a window)
What is a Ventless Air Conditioner?
A ventless air conditioner is a type of air conditioning unit that doesn’t use refrigerant or a compressor system to create cool air. Ventless air conditioners don’t produce any heat or extract heat from a room, and therefore, do not require a hose for ventilation.
How a Ventless Air Conditioner Works
A ventless air conditioner works by the natural process of evaporative cooling to deliver chill the air in a room. Ventless air conditioners use a tank of water and a fan to mist cold water into the air as a way to make it cooler.
That’s the basics behind how do ventless air conditioners work. And this process is what makes a ventless portable air conditioner much more portable than a standard portable air conditioning unit because it doesn’t have to be connected to a window to exhaust hot air.
Ventless AC units are easy to move from room to room—like a rolling chair—whereas a portable unit with a hose requires some extra work to take down and set up.
What is a Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner is a self-contained air conditioning system that uses refrigerant and a compressor to create cool air. Portable air conditioners generate heat inside the unit and remove heat from a room, and therefore, must be connected to a window with a hose for ventilation.
Portable AC units are basically an all-in-one system that works similar to a central air conditioner unit and even a ductless mini split AC system. Although the best split air conditioner system doesn’t need a window for operation, it still requires professional installation and two units: an indoor evaporator and outdoor compressor.
How Portable Air Conditioners Work
A portable air conditioner operates by pulling hot air from a room, conditioning it, and then circulating cooled air back into the space. Along with removing hot air, portable air conditioners also extract moisture and funnel it through a hose and out the window.
For a portable air conditioner to function effectively, it should be positioned next to a window or vented in another way, allowing the exhaust hose to release hot air outside.
A fan on the front of the unit is what blows out conditioned air to cool the room. This process provides colder air than a ventless air conditioner because warm air is removed from the room.
Which Type of Air Conditioner Should You Get?
Now that you know how an evaporative cooler vs air conditioner works, it may seem like an obvious choice to buy a ventless air conditioner because it’s a lot more mobile; However, it’s essential to consider a more important factor before making a purchase, such as the humidity levels where you live.
Here’s Details what you need to know about these types of air conditioners:
Portable AC
This type of air conditioner is best for humid climates because it cools the warm air by removing moisture from it. That’s why this indoor air conditioner must be connected to a window—to expel the moisture and hot air.
The air it delivers is conditioned, making it colder.
Ventless AC
Ventless AC units are ideal for dry climates, as they help cool the air by adding moisture back into it. However, there must be a constant supply of fresh air, like an open window or door, to avoid overly-saturating the air inside the room with water vapor. Also, you need to keep the internal tank filled with water or ice to deliver the coldest air possible.
How to Choose the Right and Fit Size Air Conditioner
Now that you know how to pick an air conditioner for your home, the next step is choosing a model that’s properly sized for the room it’s going to be used in.
When you’re shopping for an indoor air conditioning unit, you’ll find two types of efficiency ratings:
- BTU is for portable air conditioners (e.g. 8,000 BTU or 14,000 BTU)
- CFM is for ventless air conditioners (e.g. 700 CFM or 2000 CFM)
While these numbers may seem complex, they’re actually quite easy to understand; each one pertains to a maximum square footage that the air conditioner can handle.
We have refined our reviews by BTU criteria as well if that is your primary purchasing consideration:
- Best 5,000 BTU Air Conditioners
- Best 6,000 BTU Air Conditioners
- Best 8,000 BTU Air Conditioners
- Best 10,000 BTU Air Conditioners
- Best 12,000 BTU Air Conditioners
These numbers are important because you don’t want a ventless or portable air conditioner unit that’s rated too high or too low for the room you want to use it in.
When choosing an air conditioning unit, it’s important to select one that has sufficient power to effectively cool your room.
That will increase your monthly energy costs and leave the room feeling hotter than you desire. You also don’t want an AC unit that puts out too much power for the room.
Using an air conditioner that is too powerful for your space can lead to it overworking and eventually breaking down, not to mention the high initial costs you’ll incur.
It’s important to ensure that the AC unit is properly sized for the room to maximize both efficiency and cooling performance.
This process is easy to do and only requires two steps.
- Measure the room where the unit will be placed.
- Match the room size up with our handy reference chart below.
Step 1: Measure the Square Footage of the Room
Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the room you want to put the portable AC unit in.
For odd lengths, round up or down to the nearest whole foot number. Then multiply these two numbers together. This will give you the square footage for the room size.
This is the maximum amount of space you want your compact air conditioner to cover.
Step 2: Match to Room Size to the Correct BTU or CFM Number
After you have the total square footage in hand, the next step is to match it to the correct BTU or CFM number, depending on the type of air conditioner you want to buy (portable or ventless).
We’ve simplified things for you with these two charts below.
Below is a quick reference chart to find the right BTU capacity for
| Room Area To Be Cooled | Capacity Needed |
|---|---|
| up to 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 BTU |
| 350 to 400 sq. ft. | 9,000 BTU |
| 400 to 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 BTU |
| 450 to 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 BTU |
| 550 to 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 BTU |
All of the portable ACs reviewed on this page include the square footage and BTU rating to help you find the right indoor air conditioning unit for your needs.
Ventless Portable Air Conditioner Without Hose CFM Ratings
Unfortunately, CFM ratings don’t always match up as perfectly as BTU ratings do for square footage measurements.
Luckily, 99% of ventless air conditioners include the maximum square footage along with the CFM number in the product title or description. So, you really don’t have to worry about getting the CFM number wrong when shopping for a ventless AC unit.
Benefits of Portable & Ventless Air Conditioners
Here are some primary benefits of portable ventless air conditioners that help justify their often higher cost compared to traditional in-window style units. There are pros and cons to each but below are some of the biggest pros of ventless portable air conditioners.
Low Energy Consumption
One of the major benefits of owning a portable air conditioning unit is that it drastically cuts down on monthly energy costs for cooling your home.
When using a central cooling system, you end up paying for cooling the entire house, even if you only want to cool down a specific room. The average homeowner spends $100-200 per month for this type of cooling system.
By comparison, a compact cheap portable air conditioner uses one-eighth of the electricity required to run central air, which comes out to about $6-15 per month at the bare minimum to cool a room.
And a ventless air conditioner costs even less to use because it doesn’t have to run a compressor. Some of the best ventless AC units consume about 100 watts of electricity which is equivalent to a typical light bulb.
No Restrictions
The biggest competitor for portable ACs are window-mounted air conditioning units.
However, window units don’t comply with most building codes and HOA regulations. If you rent an apartment or live in an HOA zone, you can’t install them without written permission from the landlord.
Portable units don’t have this restriction because they don’t protrude from the outside. This makes these devices one of the best investments you can make to enjoy cooled air.
Non-Permanent and Easy to Install
Unlike other types of air conditioners, portable ACs are very lightweight, and as long as there is an electrical outlet and a place to vent the warm air, then you’re good to use it.
A ventless portable air conditioner is the easiest AC unit to install because it doesn’t need any installation. You just set it up, turn it on, and enjoy the cold air.
As for portable ACs, these are non-permanent installations as well. You simply place the window slider kit into the window, connect the hose, and turn the unit on.
You don’t have to be an HVAC professional to install any of these air conditioners and no special tools are required; everything you need comes in the box.
Quiet Operation
If you don’t like a lot of noise coming from your air conditioner, then you will find a ventless portable air conditioner to be the best choice.
Ventless AC units are very quiet because they only operate with a fan and a small motor. So they’re about as loud as a whisper.
A standard portable air conditioner, on the other hand, can be as loud as 55 dB on the highest fan speed settings and as quiet as 45 dB on the lowest setting. So the noise level is much louder than a ventless air conditioner, but still not intolerable.
If you’re wondering are portable air conditioners good for a bedroom, the answer is that they can be, as long as you can tolerate some compressor noise. If not, you may want to consider small air conditioners that keep noise levels low.
Easy to Maintain
When it comes to portable AC maintenance, these units are much easier to maintain than window air conditioners and central AC systems.
Because no parts of the unit are exposed to the outside, there is less damage that can occur when compared to a window unit.
Also, the filters are easy to remove and clean with water, making the cost of ownership much cheaper than a central air conditioner system that uses degradable air filters.
Ventless & Portable AC Units vs Window Air Conditioners
If you were thinking about getting a window air conditioner, there are some things you may want to consider before making that purchase.
A portable air conditioner without hose or with a vent could be a better choice for you. So look over these window AC vs portable AC points to help you make the right choice.
No Need for Weatherproofing
Because window ACs are partially exposed to the outdoors, they often require some sort of weatherproofing cover to keep them from deteriorating. The top portable air conditioners are designed without any exposed parts, ensuring they remain protected from weather-related damage.
Easy to Install
It doesn’t require much effort to install a portable unit and each model comes with a window venting kit. Ventless air conditioners operate without requiring any venting to the outdoors. Window units, on the other hand, often require two people for installation because they’re so heavy. These devices also need one person to hold the unit in place while the other adjusts the window around it.
Can Move It from Room to Room
A major advantage of portable and ventless AC units is that you can roll them from room to room and set them up with ease. Once you mount a window AC unit, it stays put.
More Attractive
Portable air conditioning systems come in very attractive and modern designs. Window unit designs haven’t really changed that much over the years and can be an eyesore for some people.
Can be Used in Apartments
Not many apartment complexes allow the use of a window air conditioner; however, some do let you install a portable ACs because they’re non-intrusive. All landlords will allow ventless air conditioners to be used for cooling because they don’t need any ventilation.
Single Exhaust Hose vs Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners
If you choose a portable air conditioner instead of a ventless air conditioner, you’ll find that each unit will either use a single exhaust hose or dual hose system.
No matter which option you end up with, the end result is the same – hot air is drawn out of the room and sent outside through one of the exhaust hoses.
To understand more fully how each of these systems work, we’ll explain what you need to know next.
Single Exhaust Hose AC Units
As the name suggests, this type of portable air conditioner only has one exhaust hose coming out the back of the unit.
After the air is pulled from the room and sent into the air conditioner, it’s passed by the internal coils to be chilled before being pushed back into the room. Some of that air is used to cool the unit down and then sent through the hose and out of the house. That process creates negative pressure.
Exactly What this means is that hotter air from the outside or other rooms of the home can be sucked into the space through cracks and gaps around doors and windows.
Therefore, portable AC units with one exhaust hose may have to work harder to keep a room cool if there are a number of air leaks inside the space.
For most home applications, the negative pressure issue is generally not a significant concern. A major benefit of using a single hose air conditioner is that these units are much easier to move to other rooms of your home because the set up is simpler. Also, if there is ever any issues like the portable air conditioner not cooling, the repair can be much easier to troubleshoot and fix yourself because only one hose is involved.
Dual Hose AC Units
Dual hose air conditioners have two hoses coming out of the back of the unit.
One of the hoses in a dual hose system is used to draw air in from the outdoors and use it to cool down the portable AC unit’s compressor and condenser coils.
The other hose is an exhaust hose and used to expel that used air out of the home after it’s served its purpose.
A dual hose design doesn’t cause negative pressure so there are no concerns there.
The main benefit of using a dual hose air conditioner is that these units can cool down a larger space much quicker because they don’t have to work as hard.
For that reason, you’ll want to consider a dual hose AC unit for large rooms. We have a comprehensive guide available for the best dual hose portable air conditioners if you’re looking to compare the top models.
Which is Better: Single Exhaust Hose or Dual Hose Air Conditioners?
After all of the factors are considered, there’s not much evidence that either a single exhaust hose or dual hose portable air conditioner is a better option.
But it’s worth knowing what the differences are so you are well informed before making a purchase on one of these indoor air conditioners.
Portable & Ventless Air Conditioners Reviewed in This Guide
Here’s a quick comparison chart showing you the best portable and ventless AC units. We’ll cover each aspect of these units in the reviews section below, but this gives you an idea of what’s available and an easy way to compare them.
Due to recent disruptions in the global supply chain, certain air conditioner models may currently be out of stock. But don’t worry because we’ve given you the best alternative for each of those units. That way, you can get an equally powerful portable and ventless air conditioner for your home.
Portable Air Conditioner Without Window Access vs AC With Exhaust
We have one quick note before we jump into the list of reviews. There’s a key difference you need to understand about using a portable air conditioner without window access versus an AC unit that uses an exhaust hose.
Ventless air conditioners are a type of portable air conditioner that doesn’t need a window. You can use these self-contained units anywhere in a room, as they provide cool air without the need for a hose. This makes them the best type of portable AC without a window option.
Standard portable air conditioners need a window for proper ventilation. A hose on the back of the unit attaches to a window kit that sits on the window sill to exhaust hot air. They’re easy to install and only take a few seconds to set up or take down and move into another room. This is the best type of portable AC unit if you do have window access.
Best Portable & Ventless Air Conditioners
Also Good for Small Rooms: Honeywell CL201AE Ventless Air Conditioner
470 CFM
300 square feet
If you need to cover a bit more space with a ventless AC unit than our #1 review, then this model is a great choice.
What makes this the best ventless portable air conditioner is that chills rooms up to 300 sq. ft., has wheels for easy transport, and three rhythmic wind modes that mimic the feeling of real wind.
A key feature is the washable Activated Carbon filter, which helps purify indoor air by trapping dust, odors, and other pollutants.
As for the cooling capacity of this ventless portable air conditioner with no window needed, it has a 5.3-gallon water tank that chills a room for 6-8 hours.
A top-loading ice compartment allows you to make the air even colder, which also makes it more energy efficient.
You can control every aspect of this air conditioner (including the 8-hour timer) from the onboard LED panel or by using the remote control.
Best Ventless Air Conditioner for Medium Size Rooms: Honeywell CO30XE
525 CFM
320 square feet
This ventless air conditioner is the best in its class for use in areas with low humidity (just check the customer reviews).
It covers up to 320 sq. ft. which makes it ideal for most home applications and is an excellent portable air conditioner without window access.
Additional perks include three cooling speeds, oscillation mode, an LED control panel, and remote for easy control.
Under normal use, the 7.9-gallon water tank only needs to be replenished every 48 hours so you can enjoy cooler air for long periods of time.
But similar to our #1 review, this unit can sell out fast. So a good alternative is the Honeywell DLC203AE unit with a slightly smaller 5-gallon tank size.
Also Good for Medium Size Rooms: Hessaire MC18M Ventless Air Conditioner
1,300 CFM
500 square feet
While this may not be the most attractive ventless portable air conditioner with no window required, it’s really your best option for cooling an area up to 500 sq. ft.
Not many other quality products exist for medium size rooms between 300-500 sq. ft.
If you do pick this air cooler, you won’t be let down.
You’ll enjoy four fan speeds (two cooling modes and two fan-only modes), oscillation, a carrying handle, and wheels that make it easy to move.
Under normal use, the 4.8-gallon water tank gives you between 3-4 hours of operation. Or, you can attach a standard hose to the back of the unit for non-stop, continuous use.
Best Portable Air Conditioner for Medium Size Rooms: Honeywell MN10CESWW
10,000 BTU
350 square feet
If you’re looking to cool a medium-sized room in your home or apartment, this is the top portable AC unit to consider.
This compact Honeywell portable air conditioner has more than 2,000 positive reviews and can cool and dehumidify a space up to 350 sq. ft.
It also has a fan-only mode if you’re just looking for a cool breeze without setting a particular temperature.
If you’re using the air conditioning function, the single hose must be attached to a window because it must exhaust the hot air outside.
Easy operation is controlled by buttons on the front panel or with a remote control.
This model also doubles as a dehumidifier.
A self-evaporation dehumidifier system also means a bucketless (and draining) operation. It removes 2.75 pints per hour of moisture.
Now, if you want a two-toned unit with a sleek black and white color scheme, then you may want to consider the Honeywell HF0CESWK6 or our next review. They’re just as good at cooling but the design may be more appealing to you.
Also Good for Large Rooms: Honeywell CO60PM Ventless Air Conditioner
1540 CFM
840 square feet
If you thought the previous ventless air conditioner was powerful, you’ll be even more amazed by this AC unit.
For home use, it’s our top pick for using both indoors or outdoors for a lakeside-style breeze.
It covers a very large amount of space for a portable air conditioner without window access, up to 850 sq. ft., and has extra-wide fan blades for delivering cooling airflow.
(The only other unit that can beat its power is the Hessaire MC61M that covers up to 1,600 square feet.)
An optional ice compartment allows you to chill the air even more.
This unit includes a jumbo 15.9-gallon water tank that can last around 10 hours on the low fan setting or you can choose to connect the continuous water supply option for non-stop air cooling.
Similar to our #9 best ventless portable air conditioner, the Luma Comfort EC220W, this product also has rotary dials instead of digital controls.
But at this price point and power, you won’t find a better option.
Best Portable Air Conditioner for Large Rooms: Whynter ARC-14S
14,000 BTU
500 square feet
If you want a super stylish AC system that covers a ton of space, then you’ve found it in this machine.
No other indoor air conditioner on the market looks this good and can handle a room up to 500 sq. ft.
It’s perfect for large living rooms, office spaces, and single levels in a townhome.
With digital controls, a wide range of temperature settings, three cooling speeds, and a 24-hour timer, you’ve got the best of everything in this product.
Plus, it’s one of the quietest portable air conditioners around.
Additionally, this AC unit does more than just cool your room.
It also includes an Activated Carbon air filter that purifies the air and leaves your home smelling fresh and clean in addition to pumping out cold air. Plus, you can choose the Whynter ARC-14SH version if you want it to double as a heater for year-round use.
Finally, it’s outfitted with a self-evaporative dehumidifier which exhausts condensation automatically for you—up to 101 pints per day.
Also Good for Large Rooms: Honeywell HL14CESWB Portable Air Conditioner
14,000 BTU
700 square feet
If you liked the design of the Honeywell model recommended above for medium size rooms, you’ll be happy to know that it also comes in a more powerful version.
This unit has all of the same features but covers an area up to 700 sq. ft.
With this portable AC unit, you get stress-free and easy self-evaporation with the dehumidifier function, vertical air output for more even air distribution, and a set of air purifying filters.
As for condensation removal, it can evaporate up to 111 pints per day, which is more than any other product on this list.
It also has three fan speeds, digital controls and display, and a remote control to set the ideal temperature for the room.
A 24-hour timer function can also be useful when you need it.
This model also comes in three colors: pure white, white and black, or white and blue.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Honeywell HJ4CESWK9 is also available. This unit is just as powerful but has a rectangular design to match modern furniture and home décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ventless air conditioners work?
Ventless air conditioners do work to cool a room. A ventless air conditioner is best used in dry climates where indoor humidity is not a concern. By adding a mist of coolness to the air, a room can feel more refreshing.
In humid climates, a ventless AC unit does not work as well because the air is already saturated with water droplets. The warm droplets will help balance the cooling effect produced by a ventless portable air conditioner.
Can I we a portable air conditioner in a room without any window?
You can use a portable air conditioner in a room without a window as long as you vent it in some way. The heat must be exhausted from a portable air conditioner in a room without windows. A simple way is to point the hose out a doorway.
A ventless air conditioner can be used in any room with or without windows because it doesn’t require ventilation. No hot air is generated or removed, therefore it is a good non window air conditioner choice.
If you’re looking for a window-type air conditioner that doesn’t require a window for ventilation, you could also choose a wall mounted air conditioner unit. It looks similar to a window AC unit but is installed through an exterior wall and mounted inside a metal sleeve.
How to vent a portable air conditioner without windows?
There are several ways to vent a portable air conditioner with no windows. You can connect the portable air conditioner hose to several options for venting, including a dryer vent, through a drop-ceiling, up a chimney, out a door, through a hole in the wall, or through the floor into an unoccupied space.
Check out our guide on portable air conditioner venting options for the full list of ideas and how-to methods.
If you choose a ventless AC unit, then you won’t have to worry about venting the air conditioner. This type of non vented portable air conditioner can cool a room without the need for a hose.
Bottom Line
By following the advice given above about how to properly size an indoor air conditioning unit for the intended room, you should be able to make the right choice.
