Portable air conditioners, unlike some other models, are not inherently self-evaporating.
They generate condensation as they cool, typically collecting in an internal reservoir.
Traditional models require manual emptying when the tank is full.
However, there are self-evaporative portable air conditioners designed to reduce the need for manual drainage.
These units use methods like recirculating condensate over coils to help it evaporate.
While they minimize manual intervention, they might still need maintenance in humid conditions.
So, while not all portable air conditioners are self-evaporating, self-evaporative models exist to ease the burden of constant water drainage.
What is a Self-Evaporating Portable Air Conditioner?
A self-evaporating portable air conditioner is a type of air conditioning unit that utilizes the process of evaporation to remove moisture from the air.
Unlike traditional portable air conditioners, which require a separate drainage system to remove condensation, self-evaporating units use the water collected from the air to cool the condenser coils, eliminating the need for a drainage system.
How does it Work?
Self-evaporating portable air conditioners pull warm air from the room and pass it over cold evaporator coils.
As the air passes over these coils, the moisture in the air condenses and collects in a reservoir or evaporates back into the air through the unit’s exhaust.
The remaining dry air is then recirculated back into the room.
Benefits of Self-Evaporating Portable Air Conditioners
- Convenience: Self-evaporating portable air conditioners are incredibly easy to use and require no additional drainage system, making them an ideal choice for individuals short on space.
- Or don’t have the time or resources to maintain a traditional air conditioning unit.
- Energy-Efficiency: Because these units don’t require a separate drainage system, they use less energy overall, resulting in lower energy bills and a more environmentally friendly option.
- Versatility: Self-evaporating portable air conditioners are highly versatile and can be used in various settings, including apartments, offices, and small living spaces.
- They can also be easily moved from room to room, providing efficient and effective cooling wherever needed.
Drawbacks of Self-Evaporating Portable Air Conditioners:
- Limited Cooling Capacity: Self-evaporating portable air conditioners are generally only suitable for cooling small to medium-sized rooms.
- If you have a larger living space or multiple rooms that need to be cooled, you may need to purchase multiple units.
- Water Reservoir: While self-evaporating portable air conditioners don’t require a separate drainage system, they do have a water reservoir that needs to be emptied regularly. This can be inconvenient for some users, especially if the unit is in a hard-to-reach location.
- May keep shutting off: It can keep shutting off.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Self-Evaporating Portable Air Conditioner:
- Room Size: Consider the size of the room you need to cool before purchasing a self-evaporating portable air conditioner. Units with higher BTU ratings are better suited for larger
- rooms, while lower BTU ratings are better for smaller spaces.
- Noise Level: If you plan to use your portable air conditioner in a bedroom or other quiet space, consider the unit’s noise level before purchasing. Look for units with lower decibel levels to ensure a quieter operation.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for models with a high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) to save on energy costs over time.
- Dehumidifying Capacity: Consider the humidity level of your living space and choose a unit with a higher dehumidifying capacity if necessary.
- Price: Self-evaporating portable air conditioners are available at a range of price points. Determine your budget before making a purchase and consider the features that are most important to you.
Johnny, can you recommend or list any portable AC units WITHOUT the auto evaporation function?
I need to cool a garage with no window and would vent the unit into the attic, which should be large enough and vented enough to handle it. – however I do not want to be venting moisture into the attick to cause dampness, mildew or mold !! I’m looking for a single hose unit that draws air from within the room and vents exhaust into he attick, while the water is drained away separately through a hose. This has become a bit frustrating as many units that have ‘auto evaporation’ advertise that fact but most say nothing at all but I suspect may still employ this strategy. Obviously none of the explicitly state that they “don’t” have this feature, which is actually what I’m looking for! Thanks for any advice, sincerely Russ G
Hi Russ,
Sure, here are some portable AC units without the auto evaporation function:
1. De’Longhi Pinguino PAC EX140 Silent. This unit has a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and can cool rooms up to 550 square feet. It has a built-in dehumidifier and a timer, but it does not have an auto evaporation function. It is also relatively quiet, making it a good choice for bedrooms or offices.
2. Honeywell MN14CHCS Quiet Set Portable Air Conditioner. This unit has a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and can cool rooms up to 550 square feet. It also has a built-in dehumidifier and a timer. It is not as quiet as the De’Longhi Pinguino, but it is still relatively quiet for a portable AC unit.
3. Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner. This unit has a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and can cool rooms up to 550 square feet. It also has a built-in dehumidifier and a timer. It is one of the most affordable portable AC units on the market.
4. LG LP1417WSR Portable Air Conditioner. This unit has a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and can cool rooms up to 550 square feet. It also has a built-in dehumidifier and a timer. It has a sleek design and comes with a remote control.
5. Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioner. This unit has a 10,000 BTU cooling capacity and can cool rooms up to 400 square feet. It is a good option for smaller rooms or apartments. It does not have a built-in dehumidifier, but it does have a timer.
I hope this helps!