The intake creates negative air pressure which can pull warm, moist air from other rooms and slow down cooling. We see this most often in older and homes with just one central return. Compact air conditioners are yet another stand-alone type of air conditioner. So, you've decided you want to save some money this summer and a mini air conditioner is the way you want to do it. Mini-split ducted air conditioners are smaller and have inverter technology instead of a large outdoor unit. It can effectively chill rooms up to about 700 square feet. I ran into problems moving it from a room to another one on the same level. Overall, dehumidifiers can be a great way to improve your indoor air quality. Depending on your needs, a portable air conditioner can also be cost effective. LG's energy-efficiency is the main reason why it won the top position. It's therefore important to find a model that fits your budget. However, a portable AC unit can give your central AC system a rest. The maintenance for a portable AC system is relatively easy in comparison to a double-hose. Installing a portable AC is easier than installing an air conditioner.