Portable AC

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Welcome to the South Mini Splits collection for Portable AC. We feature high-efficiency systems from industry leaders like Cooper & Hunter, OLMO, MRCOOL, and Bravo.

These self-contained, easy-to-move, and highly convenient units are the ideal solution for quick supplemental cooling, rental properties, or rooms that lack standard window access or ductwork.

💡Why Choose South Mini Splits for Your Portable AC?

✅ Wholesale Pricing: Competitive rates on top-tier HVAC equipment.

✅ USA-Based Support: Expert help from sizing to post-install troubleshooting.

✅ Free Shipping Over $300: Get your complete system delivered fast.

What are Portable AC Units?

A Portable AC unit is a self-contained, rolling air conditioner that can be moved from room to room as needed. It pulls in warm room air, cools it using refrigerants, and exhausts the resulting hot air and moisture out of the space through a flexible hose, typically vented through a window or sliding door.

Portable AC units are the perfect fit for areas requiring flexible, on-demand cooling, such as:

  • Temporary Spaces: Dorm rooms, garages, workshops, or seasonal rental properties where a permanent installation is not feasible.
  • Rooms Lacking Windows: Spaces where traditional window-mounted units cannot be installed due to sash styles or building restrictions.
  • Supplemental Spot Cooling: Targeting areas that receive intense afternoon sun or where the central AC system struggles, providing targeted relief.
  • Quick Relief: They offer an immediate, one-box solution that requires no tools or professional installation, making them popular for immediate summer needs.

Key Factors for Portable AC (Pro Insight)

Unlike mini splits, which require precise sizing, portable ACs have their own specific set of performance considerations:

  • BTU Rating (Sizing): While a general BTU-per-square-foot guideline is used, look for the SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) rating. This is the most accurate measure of a unit's cooling power, reflecting real-world conditions where the exhaust hose impacts performance.
  • Single-Hose vs. Dual-Hose:
  • Single-Hose Units: More common, but they create negative pressure in the room by exhausting air outside, which pulls warm air in from other parts of the house.
  • Dual-Hose Units: Much more efficient. One hose draws air from outside to cool the unit's condenser, while the second hose exhausts the hot air, preventing negative pressure and cooling the room faster.
  • Moisture Management: All portable ACs generate condensate (water). Look for units with Self-Evaporative Technology where the moisture is expelled with the hot exhaust air, minimizing the need for frequent manual emptying of the drain pan.

FAQs/Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a window to use a portable AC unit?

A: Yes. All standard portable AC units must exhaust hot air and moisture through a flexible hose that vents out of the space. This usually requires a window, or sometimes a drop ceiling or sliding door, to properly seal the vent kit.

Q: Can a portable AC unit replace a central air conditioner?

A: No. A portable AC is designed for spot cooling or single-room comfort. It cannot effectively cool an entire home or large, open-concept spaces like a central AC or multi-zone mini split system. It is best used as a temporary or supplemental solution.

Q: How often do I need to empty the water tank?

A: This depends on the unit's technology and humidity levels. Units with self-evaporative technology are designed to minimize or eliminate the need for draining in average humidity. In high-humidity environments, or for units without this feature, you may need to empty the tank once a day or more.

Q: How loud are portable AC units compared to mini splits?

A: Portable ACs are generally louder than ductless mini splits because the compressor, condenser, and blower are all housed in one unit inside the room. While noise levels vary by model, we recommend checking the decibel (dB) rating—typically between 50-60 dB—if quiet operation is a top priority. Mini splits separate the loudest component (the compressor) to the outside, making them much quieter indoors.

Q: Does a portable AC also act as a dehumidifier?

A: Yes, all air conditioning fundamentally dehumidifies as it cools. However, a portable AC's primary job is cooling. If your main concern is high humidity, we recommend a dedicated Dehumidifier unit. While a portable AC lowers moisture, running the unit in dry mode or having a separate dehumidifier will be significantly more effective for pure humidity control.