If you’re looking for personal-sized cooling, what’s the best mini AC unit to consider? The first thing to do is moderate your expectations. The downsized devices small enough to carry around with you aren’t really air conditioners by the common definition. They are actually miniature evaporative coolers that circulate a limited volume of water from an internal tank through the airflow of a small fan to produce cooling. The evaporation process of a mini AC unit may generate noticeable cool air output if the unit is less than 5 feet away on a desktop, bedside table or is even held in your hands.
While it will never take the place of a window air conditioner or central air conditioner for acceptable comfort, the best mini AC unit may be a short-term cooling option for a very limited space. Advantageous characteristics of these units include:
- Convenient. You can apply quick cooling up close without waiting for an entire room to cool down.
- Rechargeable. The best mini units include a USB connection for easy power availability, including connection to a computer or rechargeable battery pack.
- Available cooling source. Plain water is the only required ingredient that must be added.
- Space-saving. For convenience, the best mini AC unit will have dimensions of about 8 inches by 8 inches by 10 inches.
- Water capacity. The more water a mini AC tank holds, the more convenient it is. A tank with a capacity of at least 12 ounces is preferable to avoid overly frequent refilling.
Caveat: Just like whole-house evaporative coolers that are common in some regions, the humidity of the local climate has a very significant impact on the effectiveness of a mini AC. Once relative humidity exceeds 50%, the actual cooling effect of a mini AC begins to decline precipitously. In these cases, a real window AC or a central air conditioner is recommended to maintain comfort.
Ask the pros at Paitson Bros. for reliable information about the best mini AC unit. We’ve been providing reliable advice for cool comfort since 1922.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922