What are portable air conditioners?

A portable air conditioner is an air conditioner that can be used in a room without having to install it into the window. The appliance is less efficient and more costly in the long term than window air conditioners or a central air conditioning unit, according to Home Energy Pros.

Portable air conditioners have a hose that exhausts the hot air from the room or home. This hose must be connected to the outside, so this appliance is not to be used in windowless rooms. Additionally, the further the unit sits from a window, the more energy it takes for the unit to expel the hot air.