Last Updated: February 26, 2024
It’s always hard to keep yourself and the house cool during the hot, dry summer months. Central ACs can be great, but they are expensive to install and maintain. You may also want to keep different rooms to hold different temperatures. If you have a windowless room or cannot adequately vent an air conditioner, the problem worsens. In this case, a portable air conditioner without an exhaust hose sounds like the best answer. However, does a solution like that even exist? Do you get portable air conditioners that don’t require venting?
Why do Air Conditioners Need Vents?
As per the first thermodynamic law, energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change forms. To understand why an exhaust hose is essential, we need to understand the mechanism of an air conditioner. An air conditioner is a self-contained system that uses refrigerant and a compressor to create cool air. A portable air conditioner’s work includes pulling hot air out of a room, conditioning it, and pushing cold air back into the space.
All refrigerant-based air conditioners need to vent the hot air generated as a by-product of the heat exchange process to cool the air. The hot air can be considerable, depending on how hard the machine is working. This means venting via a venting duct, installed window kit, or hanging out of a window to release the hot air from the room.
It’s almost impossible to create a hot-cold air conditioner exchange without a proper way of dissipating the heat. If you don’t use the exhaust hose, your AC will not cool your room as it will blow the hot air right back into your room. So it will probably dehumidify but not cool your space.
What is a Ventless Air Conditioner?
There is no such thing as a ventless air conditioner. The best way to describe the working of a ventless air conditioner is “Mimic the comfort of a cool lake breeze. “If you’re standing in the wind, you feel cooler due to the evaporation process on your skin. While the temperature is still the same, the perceived temperature will change.
Ventless air conditioners, also known as ventless coolers, or evaporative coolers, create a cooling breeze to cool us without decreasing the overall temperature. They don’t use heavy compressors or refrigerant gas to lower air temperatures or spray mist. Instead of moving heat from your indoor air to the outside, it traps heat by converting water into vapor.
In 1758, Benjamin Franklin and John Hadley tested their theory that the process of evaporation can quickly cool down an object. Through experiment, they were able to lower the temperature of a thermometer from 64 F down to 7 F by dipping the thermometer in ether and blowing on it with bellows. These so-called mini portable air conditioners employ the same evaporative cooling process to chill air in a room.
A ventless air conditioner can keep you comfortable while also giving you the freedom to cool air in any room with and without window access. Also known as evaporative coolers or swamp coolers, they are not air conditioners in the standard sense of the word, as they don’t use refrigerators or compressors to create cool air. These machines do not extract or generate heat from a room, and therefore, do not require a hose for ventilation. This process makes a ventless portable air conditioner much more portable than a standard mobile air conditioning unit because it doesn’t have to be connected to a window to exhaust hot air. For more, you can read our article on air conditioner Vs swamp cooler.
If you already have an AC unit at home, you may want to consider adding a ventless cooler to expand your cooling capability and even lower energy bills.
One of the best places to put an air cooler is in front of an open window so that it pulls in the hot, humid air and blows out cool air. For better ventilation and to allow for a steady flow of fresh, dry air, it’s best to keep additional windows open to prevent the inside air from becoming too clammy and uncomfortable. The best air coolers for use depend on the room size. Be sure to look for “cooling area,” “area covered,” or similar wording in the model’s description or specifications.
How Do Evaporative Air Coolers Work
Ventless air conditioners or swamp coolers work by wetting absorbent material in their interior and pulling hot air over it. A fan draws in hot air. The moisture evaporates as it passes through the wet media, taking heat. These machines use a water tank to wet the absorbent material through wicking or pump, while a water hose or line can continuously feed some large units.
Benefits of Ventless Air Conditioners
Low Energy Consumption: An evaporative cooler can drastically cut your monthly energy costs for cooling your home. On average, a standard air conditioner can use upwards of 1-2 kilowatts of electricity. Since a ventless air conditioner doesn’t run a compressor, it only utilizes around 100-200 watts to do a comparable job, representing considerable energy savings and lower energy utility bills.
No Restrictions: If you install a window air conditioner, it must comply with building codes and HOA regulations. You need to take permission from your landlord if you rent an apartment or live in an HOA zone. Ventless air conditioners don’t have this restriction because they don’t protrude outside.
Easy to Install: Ventless air conditioners do not need to vent outdoors, and you don’t need an HVAC professional for installation. You just set up a ventless portable air conditioner, turn it on, and enjoy the cold air. On the other hand, Window units usually require two persons for installation due to being heavy.
Quiet Operation: Ventless air conditioners operate using a fan and a small motor; hence they are comparatively less loud.
Easy to Maintain: Evaporative coolers are easier to maintain than window air conditioners and central AC systems. They have fewer moving parts, and no unit part is exposed to the outside. The machine’s filters are easy to remove and can be cleaned with water, making the cost of ownership much cheaper than a central ac unit that uses degradable air filters.
Weatherproofing is not required: Because window ACs are exposed partly to the outside, they usually need some cover for weatherproofing to stop from getting damaged.
Portable: Evaporative coolers can be easily moved from room to space.
Eco-friendly: Evaporative coolers use water as a cooling medium instead of refrigerant that prevents any release of ozone-depleting chemicals into the air.
Is an Evaporative Cooler Right for Your Climate?
Ventless air conditioners are ideal for dry climates, where humidity is not an issue. However, there must be a constant supply of fresh air, like an open window or door, to avoid over saturating the air inside the room with water vapor.
The major downside of evaporative coolers is that they do not perform very well in high humidity areas. A humidity level of 60% or higher will render an evaporative cooler much less effective. When the climate is humid, the ventless AC unit will not function in the same way since water droplets fill the air. The warm droplets interfere with the cooling effects of a portable, ventless air conditioner.
Things to Consider When Buying a Ventless Air Conditioner or Evaporative Cooler
Speed: Look for a model that allows you to regulate speed and operate at different options for optimal performance per requirement. Always look for evaporative coolers that provide a better cooling effect and less noise.
Water Level Controller: An automatic water level controller help in maintaining water in the cooler at pre-set levels and prevent it from seeping out
Remote Control: A Remote control allows you to operate the machine conveniently without getting up
Oscillating Louvers: Oscillating louvers move air from side to side and are especially handy if you want to spread a cool breeze across a vast space.
Casters: Evaporative coolers with casters make it easy to move them around for cooling and store it away during the off-season.
Tank Capacity: The larger the tank capacity, the longer the unit can run without refilling. If you don’t have a hose available for continuous fill, look for coolers with large tanks for lower maintenance use.
Timer: This feature allows you to program your cooler to turn on or off after usage
Air Filtration: Eliminate large allergen particles like dust and pollen as you cool by choosing a model with added air filtration.
Comparing The Best Portable Air Conditioners Without Hose
1. COMFYHOME 2-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler
2-in-1 Remote Control Evaporative Air Cooler for Home Office with Bladeless Design and 3 Wind Speeds.
The COMFYHOME 2-in-1 Evaporative Cooler and Tower Fan offers a robust solution for all your needs at every budget. The cooler includes a powerful fan that cools down your room within minutes and also consists of a humidifier to add moisture to your room. This cooler can help reduce the heat and dryness in your room and provide you comforting, fresh wind; and is perfect for small spaces, such as bedrooms, offices, kitchens, garages, etc.
Unlike a typical tower fan that blows wind at room temperature, the COMFYHOME air cooler uses a fan, a pump, and a honeycomb-shaped evaporative cooling media to circulate humidifier chill air. The cooler comes with a one-gallon water tank that can easily bring up the humidity by 82%. The evaporative cooler uses Air Amplifier technology to increase airflow, with no compromise on quietness.
The comfy home air cooler is designed, programmed, and engineered for adaptability. Add water to use as an evaporative cooler in hot, arid climates, or use a fan alone to refresh up to 250 sq. feet of living space. With the oversized 1-gallon water tank, you need fewer refills — often only every other day. The machine features 3-speed settings, low, medium, or high, and a 40°automatic swing to give all the comfort you need.
The Comfyhome air cooler features an 8-hour timer and remote control for ease of convenience. The remote has a range of 20 feet, making it possible to enjoy a gentle outdoor wind without getting up. ComfyHome Air Cooler’s signature look and compact size make it an eye-catching addition to your house while utilizing minimal space footprint. The machine’s bladeless design makes it easy to clean and protects you from traditional bladed fan accidents.
The ComfyHome Air Cooler gives you the ultimate control over your budget. The COMFY HOME room cooler only costs you less than 30 cents for a whole day of cooling. The machine is eco-friendly and does not utilize any chemicals or refrigerants that can damage our environment.
Pros
- Versatile Performance
- Bladeless Design
- Easy to Clean
- Lightweight
Cons
- The water tank can only fit in one of the ice packs.
- Has no wheels to move around
2. HESSAIRE MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Hessaire MC18 is one of the most versatile portable evaporative coolers on the market, delivering 1,300 CFM of excellent airflow covering up to 500 sq. ft.
The Hessaire MC18 comes with a 2-speed fan that allows maximum cooling on HI and comfort and quiet on LOW. Adjust the settings as a low fan only if you want to use the fan without the pump and evaporative cooling on low to circulate air. On the high fan only, the cooler circulates air on high without the pump and evaporative cooling. On the low Fan w/ Pump on, you can use the fan on low with evaporative cooling, while the pump on mode turns the pump on to pre-wet the pads.
The MC18M evaporative cooling fan is optimal when used in hot, dry climates to filter ambient air while increasing the moisture and delivering cool airflow. The machine comes with two different water filling options. You can manually fill the 4.8-gallon internal water tank for up to 3–4 hours of cooling. While the built-in float valve and garden hose adapter allow for easy connection and contiguous water flow without overflowing your tank for hours of continuous use. The machine comes with a water level indicator to enable you to know how much water to put in and where the water level is through.
The MC18M evaporative cooler’s front style grill features manually adjustable louvers that you can move individually for pushing air up and down while assisting in drying floors and providing personal cooling. The cooler’s body is made from injection-molded ABS with UV additives for outdoor exposure to sunlight. The
Weighing in at just 16 lbs., the Hessaire MC18 comes with an easy-to-lift handle, as well as caster wheels that allow it to be moved anywhere with ease. . Before storing, run for 30 minutes on the fan to dry the filter to prevent future mildew. You should place the air conditioner on a firm floor to minimize noise and vibration.
Pros
- Multiple Filling Options
- Sturdy Build
- Easy to Move
- Strong Airflow
Cons
- Noisy
3. Bestooth Evaporative Air Cooler
With Remote Control, Cooling & Humidify with 3 Speeds, 4 Wind Mode, LED Display.
The Bestooth 3-in-1 evaporative cooler adopts ice crystal refrigeration and air humidifying technology to help you cool down effectively. Place the water and ice cubes in the water tank, press the cooling button and see it cool down your air in just 5 seconds. You can put it in your kitchen, dorm, office, or anywhere you like.
The Bestooth evaporative cooler features 3-speed(low/med/high) and four wind modes (standard/natural/sleep/cooling) and delivers wind at wide-angle, designed for personal space cooling. You can select the perfect wind power as per your need. The machine features a bladeless design that prevents scratching or twisting; it is much safer to use in the household with children or pets. It also doesn’t blow out dirty air from the blades.
The Bestooth 3-in-1 evaporative cooler comes with a clear digital LED display; it shows all your adjustments. The machine includes a handy remote control to set the time easily, speed, and mode from across the room. It allows you to adjust the bladeless fan’s function within long-distance without moving your body. The evaporative cooler comes with a 5 Liter large-capacity water tank that ensures that cold air can be sprayed continuously for several hours without worrying that it might stop. Our Air Cooler comes with nine reusable Ice crystal boxes, and the effect is better when used with it together. The drawer design is convenient to place and remove.
The Bestooth 3-in-1 evaporative cooler comes with four smooth-rolling casters that allow you to move it from place to place with zero effort easily. The machine is compact, making it ideal for rooms with limited space.
Pros
- Remote Control Operation
- Multiple Operating Settings
- Portable Operation
- LED Display
4. Honeywell 525 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler –
For Indoor and Outdoor use
The Honeywell CO30XE beats the summer’s heat and keeps the good times rolling, fanning out fresh cool breeze. The weather-resistant outdoor evaporative cooler extends indoor comfort outdoors—whether it is backyard barbecues, outdoor pool parties, relaxing on the porch, garden, or deck.
The Honeywell CO30XE is built to cool your medium-sized recreational spaces. The swamp cooler is customizable for optimal air comfort and is equipped with an ice compartment, body-level air throw, and humidity control to regulate moisture output. The Honeywell CO30XE is US compliant and is made with UV resistant material & a GFCI cord for safe outdoor operation.
The Honeywell CO30XE is designed with three central components: a fan, a pump system to circulate water, and a honeycomb-shaped absorbent panel. The fan draws in warm air through the wet honeycomb media, converts the moisture into water vapor, and releases cooler, more humid air on the other side. Please note that the honeycomb media may have a distinct odor when first used, which will dissipate after a couple of hours.
The Honeywell CO30XE comes with smartly-designed air vents to blow the cool air at body level. The machine’s ice compartment aids in delivering refreshingly cool air. The machine’s top-loading ice compartment includes a continuous water hose connection & triple-sided Honeywell Honeycomb Cooling Pads, which means powerful evaporative cooling all day long. The durable cooler features three humidity settings to ensure optimal relative humidity levels for your space.
The Honeywell CO30XE features a detachable water tank for effortless operation. You can lift out the large, 7.9-gallon tank for easily accessible water filling and maintenance. You can operate the evaporative cooler using the full-featured remote without leaving your deck chair, hammock, or couch. The machine is programmable for up to 7.5 hours for uninterrupted operations.
Pros
- Strong Airflow
- Large Detachable tank for Uninterrupted Operation
- Can Be Used Outdoors
Cons
- If you want to clean the cooling media, you have to remove screws from the back to remove the frame.
5. VCJ Evaporative Air Cooler
Portable, 3 Speed Cooling Fan, Includes 4 Ice Crystal Boxes
There are no more hot, sweaty summers with the VCJ evaporative air cooler, whether in-home, office, or dorm. The machine can be used as a regular fan, personal air cooler, and humidifier.
The VCJ evaporative air cooler is equipped with a large water tank that can run continuously longer than ordinary coolers, allowing you to enjoy cool air longer without worrying about adding water again and again. Additionally, this air cooler comes with 4 / 6 ice crystal boxes, further enhancing cooling performance. Make sure to put at least 1 gallon of water in the machine before turning it on to prevent possible damage from happening like burning out the pump.
The VCJ evaporative air cooler features three wind speed settings (Low/Med/High). The machine’s air-cooling fan is taller so that more air can run up and down, which means the wind is more robust. Moreover, the left-right swing fan can evenly spread cool air to a more expansive space. The portable air cooler features a visual low-water line that helps you monitor the water level. In addition, the built-in air filter can filter out dust, improve air quality, and help you stay cool simultaneously.
The VCJ evaporative air cooler has two operating modes: standard wind and cold wind. You can put the ice crystal box into the water tank to make the room a bit cooler. Also, the large-capacity water tank can spray much more fresh air and effectively increase air humidity. The machine’s four rolling wheels at the bottom make it easy to move around. At the same time, its compact size makes it pretty space-saving.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Quiet Operation
- Water Level Indicator
- Wider Reach
- Value for Money
Cons
- Plastic Body