Idealy, an 12,000 BTU can cool a house of 400 square feet with ease. If you are feeling the exact same way, don't worry, we will tell why you should choose this product over other products. Before buying a portable room air conditioner, set aside a budget. If you only require air conditioning during occasional heat waves, a mobile air conditioner may be a more convenient option. Farrell, a senior editor for Consumer Reports with a passion for cooking. While you'll have to stoop to pick it up, it is easy to grip and lug around once you have it lifted. The center of gravity and size of the wheels also make it difficult to push around on carpet. First of all, split systems are far more energy-efficient. This is an intelligent AC. If you have a room with high ceilings, a lot of sunlight, or poor insulation, buy a BTU that is higher than recommended. Air conditioners circulate hot air through coils of coolant. It is a snap to install!Compared to a window air conditioner unit, which might restrict your view and incoming light, a portable air conditioner hose takes up a fraction of your window. When choosing the right portable AC for your upstairs area, you must first determine the size of the space and how many BTUs it requires. Unlike a window air conditioner, movable units give you more access to natural lighting through your windows. Stand-alone ACs have many features that boost efficiency and improve comfort. First, they tend to be more expensive than standalone systems. Portable air conditioners are used in a variety of situations.