Portable Air Conditioners - the good, the bad, the ugly - which one?

King Tightarse on 09/11/2012 - 11:07
Last edited 09/11/2012 - 13:59

OK, OK I know portables are not the most efficient type of air conditioners but that's the type I need this season. There are so many models but looking closer at them it seems are large proportion are really the same few models "badge engineered" from the same Chinese factories.

Various issues to watch for are:

  • Crappy cooling power IE not meeting room/BTU ratings
  • Noise - this seem to come up a lot - seems a whole lot of them are damned noisy
  • Reliability - There is a compressor in there and they generally don't like being shaken up too much
  • Expensive shipping (bad if returned)

SO which one to choose?

Last year Aldi had a "Stirling" branded one that wasn't too dear - $299. It should be coming up again pretty soon.
http://aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_19663.htm

Kogan have a $299 one with free shipping ATM
http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/reverse-cycle-4-in-1-portable-ai…

TopBuy have a cheapy ($265 shipped)but…its TopBuy pretty much stuffed if you have a warranty problem
http://www.topbuy.com.au/1-5hp-portable-air-conditioner-with…

Others?

Anyone have recommendations or experience with these. I really only want to spend $300 tops for this kinda thing.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 09/11/2012 - 11:11

    I really only want to spend $300 tops for this kinda thing.

    That's going be a problem. If you look here

    http://www.appliancesonline.com.au/portable-air-conditioner/

    you see that all the well known brands cost more and still have the disadvantages you quote. I know because I have one.

  • tanoshiiki on 09/11/2012 - 11:29
    +2

    Personally, I don't think any portable air conditioners are worth it. They never really seem to cool very well, noisy, generate dampness, plus use a lot of electricity.

    If possible, better to shell out for an installed air conditioner.

    • King Tightarse on 09/11/2012 - 11:55

      Not in my current place. I am in Melbourne so its really only needed for a few weeks a year, but during those few weeks we can often cop 40c heatwaves, so I don't mind the inefficiency (power usage wise) because its not for much time over the course of the year.

      Thats why I am going to enter the minefield and get a cheapie but hopefully something with at least a two year warranty.

      • retiredfeline on 09/11/2012 - 12:07
        +3

        I think you will find that it's on very hot days that this type of aircon will struggle to cope. When people write inefficient, they don't mean just the power consumption but the fact that because they cool by expelling hot air, rather than discarding the heat through an external exchanger, you will find hot air being sucked in the room from outside, diluting the cool air. So they really don't cool as well as a permanent mount unit.

        • King Tightarse on 09/11/2012 - 13:58

          Yep I'm with you GP. I know these things are double inefficient - power and cooling but its an OK compromise for me due to the small amount of time it will be used. Only a few weeks of "skinkers" in Melb a year and I'd rather be able to have a place in the house blowing out cold air to stand in front of and to cool down the bedroom before bed time.
          I have done a bit of reading on the subject and if I was further North, I would definitely get something better.

          It's more down to which one will do the job (however averagely Lol)

        • tanoshiiki on 09/11/2012 - 15:53

          I'm actually in Melbourne too and I know we only get like at the most a few really hot weeks a year and in some years only a few days.

          Since we have an installed reverse cycle system, the heating aspect has been really good, although you may already have a heating system installed and find this point moot.

          Having a further read of this thread, sounds like the dual hose systems would be good, but I'd imagine they'd be more than $300.

  • fusion17 on 09/11/2012 - 12:15
    +1

    I believe from what ive read that the only decent ones generally have dual exhausts.
    ie. one for sucking in cool air and another for expelling the hot air. The problem is these ones are more expensive and (as of last yr) much harder to find in Aus.

    edit: here is a basic article as to why.

    http://www.compactappliance.com/Buyers-Guide%3A-Air%3A-Porta…

  • _Bruce_ on 09/11/2012 - 12:43

    I have had one before and found it performed pretty well provided you had a good seal on the exhaust and the room was closed up and not too large. Don't expect to cool multiple rooms.

    The only time it gave up on me was on 'Black Saturday'. Mine was one of the cheapest (ex display) models from good guys.

    If you can spring for it (and it bothers you), get one with an 'inverter'. They will be much quieter and more efficient.

    • King Tightarse on 09/11/2012 - 14:02

      Which model Bruce and how much, if you remember.

      • _Bruce_ on 09/11/2012 - 15:37

        Sorry I can't remember (unit is since sold). I do remember that the model was being sold off because the brand name has changed (there was a brand new model EXACTLY the same but with a different branding). So it would have been a generic cheap import, probably in your budget realm.

  • King Tightarse on 09/11/2012 - 14:01

    Did anyone grab the $299 Aldi "Stirling" one from this time last year?

    http://aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_19663.htm

    At least the warranty situation would be good and easy to use.

  • cdeep0 on 09/11/2012 - 15:03

    ..worth every Penny…I probably use the Aircon 10-15 times during Summer..and for that - I never recommend to have a costly installation done. GET ANY BRAND…and you would be fine. My 2 cents.

  • ozb-442 on 09/11/2012 - 15:16

    I'd also like some advice on a portable air con. I'll be mainly using it during summer and spring, my room gets really stuffy and doesn't have any windows. It's a fairly small room and I will probably only turn it on for an hour to cool down the room then turn it off.

    Any advice? Is the aldi brand better than the Kogan brand, seeing as Kogans include shipping?

    Thanks.

    • _Bruce_ on 09/11/2012 - 15:39
      +3

      You need a window for these to work. They don't magically produce cold, they pump the heat out. This means that you need to have somewhere to pump the heat TO. typically you open a window enough to fit the exhaust pipe then seal up the gap as best you can (blankets work well).

      You could pump it out of this room into the rest of the house, but then the rest of the house will be even hotter.

      • ozb-442 on 09/11/2012 - 15:56

        Thanks for the comment.

        My room isn't inside our house, so I could just pump the air outside?

        I have two doors in my room, on leading out to the garage and one leading to the backyard, so I think it should work.

        Any other advice would be appreciated.

        • _Bruce_ on 09/11/2012 - 16:03
          +1

          Yep, pump it outside and that would work fine. Be aware you'll need to come up with a system to connect this up and seal the door, and then getting in and out will be really annoying.

        • ozb-442 on 09/11/2012 - 16:05

          I'm trying to find a way to explain it.

          The wall inbetween my room and the garage is really thin, like a plaster of wood, maybe 2 or 3cm thick so i'm thinking i could just get a hole cut out.

          Thanks.

        • _Bruce_ on 09/11/2012 - 16:16
          +1

          In that case you have a new problem though. If the wall isn't insulating the AC will struggle as the heat will just come back through the wall. You will have this problem even with a fixed system. It will still work, but not nearly as well.

        • ozb-442 on 09/11/2012 - 17:29

          Thanks for your help, i'll keep you updated.

    • tanoshiiki on 09/11/2012 - 15:49

      only turn it on for an hour

      Portable air conditioners don't usually work that quickly either… You might be just better off with a fan.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2012 - 21:41
    +5

    I did a review on whirlpool on olimpia air conditioners. My answer to your question: buy a secondhand olimpia with warranty on gumtree or ebay. Don't get a cheap no brand air conditioner from dealsdirect or kogan! My no brand "heller" fridge died after 13 months of using it (compressor died). So convenient after the warranty expired.

    I previously owned the Nobo Polocool 5.5kw and that was a more effective air-conditioner in cooling down the room. Polocool worked well in the 36-40 degrees summer heat, my room was freezing and I really enjoyed that comfort. To give you a rough idea on its cooling capacity, my room is approx 3.5m*4m big. But the noise from the Polocool was so damn loud, I could not sleep at night even with ear plugs. I do not recommend this if you want to leave it on while sleeping. I paid $400 for the unit in September, while the previous owner paid $1100. I then sold it for $750 on eBay auction during November (really hot month)

    More about the Piu 12 unit itself. There is a misconception that it is 'very quiet', it's not! Each time the compressor switches on, it makes this loud 'baaang' noise for 2 seconds that can easily wake a light sleeper. Ear plugs are definitely necessary because the compressor switches between air-con mode and fan mode very often. Even though it is noisy, I can sleep with Piu using ear plugs and a ear muff (I am a very light sleeper). This is unlike the Polocool where I could not sleep at all. In fan mode, it is very quiet but that is because the compressor is resting. It doesn't cool the room as well as the Polocool for obvious reasons, Piu 12 is 3.5kw whilst Polocool is 5.5kw.

    I've had my Piu for 7 months now, still going strong. I recommend the Piu 12 for small rooms, it certainly isn't the quietest but I think its bearable with ear plugs/muff. Polocool is good for big rooms with enough horse power. My tip is to buy portable air cons during off-season (sept and march). Since it is October now, try and buy it when it is a cold week. I live in Sydney by the way and I've seen the Piu 12 vary in price from $200 to $600 (non-peak and peak seasons) on gumtree.

    • King Tightarse on 10/11/2012 - 09:57

      Excellent write up Coon, I will have a look a t those Oympia units and you made a valid point about buying in the off season - I wish I could….but I want it now.

    • caleb2003 on 12/11/2012 - 18:51

      I bought a 2nd hand one of these, probably based on your review!

      Anyway the Piu 12 works well, only problem is the hose is too short (yeah 'that's what she said') to reach my high windows, so I have to sit it on something.

      The noise does sound loud to me but I got a sound meter app on my phone which states its averaging around 42db and when I recently went to a Drs I measured their aircon (the room was quiet otherwise) and it averaged 50db, even though it didn't seem noisy there, I guess the brain decides these things.

    • Mugsy on 12/11/2012 - 21:02
      +1

      We got an Olimpia (Piu 16) and haven't looked back. Definitely one of the 'quieter' units around.

    • cooni on 14/11/2012 - 20:34

      What the heck I thought I was the only coon here

      (nice post)

  • Taita on 10/11/2012 - 12:44

    We had the Delonghi Pinguino (not sure about exact model) in our old rented place for 2 years. It cooled the room well enough. The vent was pushed out of the window. We found that we had to keep the door left a little open cuz otherwise the room will start smelling 'damp'. No issues with it for 2 years and then sold it on ebay once we moved.

    • King Tightarse on 10/11/2012 - 13:26

      Damp = moldy?

      • sirplus on 11/11/2012 - 20:00

        The water vapour is exhausted out the hose so it can't escape unless you allow air to enter the room to replace what goes out the hose.
        Seal the insect screen with cardboard with a hole same size as hose and allow air to enter the room via a door ever so slightly ajar.

  • aerona on 10/11/2012 - 17:28
    +2

    I suggest buying 30 fans and make a wall of wind in your room.
    Might be like 5 watts to 10watts to run to run each but blast all at summer time.

    • jimborino on 11/11/2012 - 20:43
      +1

      I wished the gym was like this sometimes =D Wall fan…..so good

  • zork1970 on 10/11/2012 - 21:33
    +2

    I've owned a couple of these and there is a fundamental flaw with portable ACs. They pump hot air out of a duct. This means that continually are sucking inside cool air out which means that hot air is being sucked in elsewhere in you house. Normal AC’s sit outside and leave your cool air inside.

    Think of your fridge with a hole in it.

    Your best option is to buy a cheap window AC and some really cheap plybaord and foam and stick it in a window.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/11/2012 - 23:25

      Not really a response to your comment but just a general comment. Most portable air con sets come with window kits. My window has a fly net, but I just put the pipe next to the net. It hasn't burnt a hole in the fly net yet, don't think the air is hot enough. There are heaps of cheap ACs for less than $150 on gumtree and ebay.

  • voteoften on 10/11/2012 - 23:42

    What about those portable evaporative ac units would that suit the OP?

    • _Bruce_ on 11/11/2012 - 10:26
      +1

      Evaporative coolers (as distinct from AC) are more to take the edge off a hot day. Fine if you don't have or can't afford actual AC.

      Evaporative coolers are also pretty useless on very humid days (but work well in dry heat).

      • Sage on 15/11/2012 - 02:07

        The other thing about them is they don't have the exhaust pipe.

  • SumaraiPizzaCat on 11/11/2012 - 16:59

    The main thing to worry about is noise. I have a Dimplex and a Delonghi. Seriously you can't sleep with a Dimplex. Imagine trying to sleep with TV turning to high volume. The question I had at the time was, why have a portable air cond when the noise is so loud you can't sleep at all. I even tried to push the portable air cond outside of my room, still too noisy. Delonghi a bit better, but not by much. If you keep it at low air cond still livable, but if you have a kid forget it…

  • sirplus on 11/11/2012 - 19:32
    +2

    I have been in air conditioning for 20 years for a major air conditioning chain.
    I have sold portables in the past.
    The refrigerated type with the hose consistently fail to hit the mark due to reasons stated above.
    For this reason I have discontinued selling them a number of years ago.

    If you are determined then there is only 1 I would comtemplate.
    Delonghi PAC 25 or modern equiv
    It is much stronger as you can add water to boost it so it pumps less air out the hose (so sucks in less hot air into the rest of the home and eventually the room being treated) and gives more cooling due to the substantial boost of cooling the condenser coil with evaporating water as well as air which seems to be all the others use), use rain water not tap water. They are expensive to buy and very heavy.

    Delonghi also made(/make ?) portable split systems, they cost a lot more but work fine. I would go with one of these as much quieter and they work.

    You won't get a Delonghi PAC25 for anything like the price you want but they will work provided you aren't trying to do more that a largish bedroom.

    I will definitely steer you clear of dimplex (and it's unlikely those others are much better).

    To get something that works for the $ you want to spend (or much less) look for a second hand evaporative Convair 1000 or 2000. They are big and boxy only outperform the current ones with axial/propellor fans by a long way.
    Make sure the fan spins before you buy it. If there is a grating sound it's likely salt in the bottom in the pump cavity which will need a clean. Both these have a barrel fan and give the best air flow I am aware of any cooler as well having a larger and therefore more effective filter (the filter cools the air).
    If you are using an evap (only works if its not humid and not too hot) then seal the back of the unit to an open window with tape and cardboard so it sucks in 100% fresh air from outside. You have to let the air out by opening a window somewhere else. Make sure air is only going out the exhaust window. You can even exhaust it through another room by opening a window in the other room thus getting benefit in more of the home. I recommend to use only rain water or you'll need to fill then drain it to eliminate salt every month or so plus before you put it away for winter (leave it empty).

    • King Tightarse on 11/11/2012 - 21:18

      Good advice sirplus.

      Hey, I have been reading up on the Omega Altise split portable systems. Seems like they REALLY do the job and as they have the inverter outside, cover a of of the issues with these things.

      http://www.omegaaltise.com.au/Product.aspx?Category=Portable…

      Looks excellent. Only downside is the much increased chance of damage with those long, presumably pressurized pipes and the initial $$$ outlay.

      • MATTDAMON on 13/11/2012 - 21:20
        +2

        Can't get them though, they were end of line for awhile now.

        • EnALup on 03/12/2012 - 23:36

          Yes, not available anywhere. I think price was a factor, they were not that famous. But looks like the better alternative to the portable ones.

  • narcilepsy on 11/11/2012 - 22:32

    Hey King,

    I went through this a couple of years back, i bought 3 before i found one that actually works, but they are more than you want to pay.

    I had Delonghi Penguino, a Mistral and a Dimplex….all of which were quite crap, a mate Put me on to a brand called Olimpia Splendid PIU, its a little known Italian brand and its the best by a country mile.

    I use it in my home office, a 4m x 3m room, and it keeps the place frosty. I have the mid size PIU14, there is a PIU16 that would do a larger room.

    I got mine from GG, there's not many places that sell them, but after trying a few these were the best by far.

    Also, a mate got the same one and uses it to cool his mancave/garage.

    Cost around $600

    GL

  • handelbert on 12/11/2012 - 08:35

    We have a hotpoint 2.95kw portable on special for $199 at: www.esold.com.au. we have had great feedback on this unit and normal rep us around $200 more

  • StewBalls on 12/11/2012 - 09:06
    +4

    These portable AC threads are always a typical example of OzB champagne tastes on beer budgets. You get a lot of people pontificating about inefficiency & noise, how they would only have this or that & generally only thinking about their own situation without considering the fact that other people have constraints that they may not be subject to…frankly, like many topics on OzB, looking at some of the comments you can tell the people who have never had one, and are just regurgitating the same old rumours that usually surface.

    I've had a few of these over the years, yes they're a bit noisy…but that has gotten better as tech has improved; yes they're less efficient than a window or split, but if you can't install then you have little option. However, they ARE NOT useless, a decent portable (10-12k BTU min) can knock 5-10 degrees off the temp in a small room, or the same in a modest size area. If you put a little bit of thought into routing (shortening) & insulating the exhaust, then you can mitigate the main downside considerably.

    In short, if you can't install a fixed AC unit for some reason (i.e. lease) & you're looking to make a small living/sleeping area tolerable, then these units can do the job. I've got splits in my home, but when I was a tenant (especially a shiftworker), these things were a godsend! I still use mine in my spare rooms for guests in summer!

    I've had my old Dimplex for over 20 years, noisy as hell, condensation tank fills & has to be emptied ever few hours, but still works like a champ! I also have a Mistral that I got from BigW for $348 about 5-6 years ago & it's a lot quieter, vents the condensation into the exhaust so no emptying tanks every few hours & is slightly more efficient & powerful than the old 64k BTU Dimplex! My advice would be to get one locally so returns are not an issue if you're unhappy…shipping heavy items like these could be a real PITA! ;)

    • retiredfeline on 12/11/2012 - 10:09
      +1

      BTUs? Your age is showing, StewBalls. :)

      I don't think most of the people were trying to discourage KT, just pointing out the drawbacks of this technology but it seems that KT knows about them so that's good.

      • TScott on 12/11/2012 - 22:05
        +1

        I have two Dimplex DAC3400 s around that age too, got them from a garage sale. They run super cheap (350W)[the compressor is so cute =)] from memory and can keep a medium room at ~22 degrees on a 33+ day. It is quieter than the no-brand 3.2KW portable aircons (I have one too).

  • quop on 12/11/2012 - 13:18

    Like you I can't justify the cost of installing a split system for something that I would only use maybe a dozen times a year. I went the second hand route and have used 3 such appliances thus far, all purchased second hand for ~$150-200 each. This was before the likes of Kogan and Aldi were selling similarly specced units for ~$300.

    Two were Dimplexes around of 2.9kW output, which I've since re-sold as I found they weren't quite powerful enough for my room (about 15sqm?). The current one I'm using is a 3.5kW unit (can't remember the brand, but it's not a Dimplex), and I find that if I turn it on for an hour or two (on max setting) before going to bed it's able to cool the room reasonably well - not freezing cold, but enough to be comfortable in terms of both temperature and humidity so that I can sleep without lying in a pool of sweat ;)

    Noise wise I will either turn the unit off as I'm going to bed, or at least put in on the minimum speed settings and set a timer for it to turn off shortly, so that it's not disturbing me the whole time I'm trying to fall asleep.

    • King Tightarse on 12/11/2012 - 13:50

      Thanks quop, thats pretty much al I am tryinbg to achieve here.
      If you remember the brand and model, please post.
      I notice most people seem dis-satisfied with the various Dimplex ones.

      • warmbeer05 on 12/11/2012 - 22:21

        I've owned a nobo cool that i purchased from hardly norman 4yrs ago and it has been brilliant, changing the heat extraction hose to a foiled insulated hose that you can pickup at bunings for around 20bux also made one hell of a big difference to the feel of the 4 rooms that it usally keeps cool in the middle of summer

      • quop on 13/11/2012 - 02:01

        Just checked, my current unit is a Heller ACKP12C, which is actually only 3.2kW, not 3.5 as I said previously. Had it for two years / gone through two summers, not sure how old it was when I purchased it second hand but so far no issues with it.

        The Dimplex units I had were DAC 9005 and DAC 9005-2 (2nd edition of the former?). They were still helpful in reducing humidity, but left me wishing the room could be a bit cooler, so when I had the chance to upgrade to a more powerful unit I took it.

  • MATTDAMON on 13/11/2012 - 21:12

    My recommendation are the domain rpc range, I got the rcp-44 a while ago, it's a dual unit, so does both heating and cooling, it's also self evaporative so don't need to empty the water out of it, it uses that water to cool the coil, increasing efficiency. The 4.4kw unit is 599 direct from the domain website.

    They receive good reviews overall.

    It's not too loud either, you know it's on, but it's loud by any stretch.
    They do a 2.8kw for 399 or a 3.6kw for 499

    http://www.domainappliances.com.au/air-conditioning/portable…

  • bb_hunter on 14/11/2012 - 08:43

    I bought an AussieAir 3.5Kw portable 2 yrs ago, it won't cool down a room about 18sq m and it is very noisy. Due to economic reason I can't afford to install a wall type or split air-cond. I read previous comment about Delonghi PAC25 series and went on Google found that Delonghi has this "water to air technology" claims to be more efficient and quieter than the normal air-air. Can anyone comment on that? Also found a Delonghi PAC60 on Gumtree for around $200, looking the picture it look so ancient use dial timer and no digital display not sure what vintage is this model and if it worth getting?

    • King Tightarse on 14/11/2012 - 09:28

      Is it this model?
      http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/williamstown/other-stuff-for-…

      The Nobo Cool ones also do an excellent job from all reports - they are a modern design and powerful enough for a large room. Perhaps that would suit you?

      • bb_hunter on 14/11/2012 - 10:25

        yes, same model and it is a piece of sxxx. My budget is around $200. I know I won't be able to buy brand new but I don't mind a good used one. Just to be sure they are better than the AussieAir I got.

        • King Tightarse on 14/11/2012 - 10:55

          Well I am staring to think you need at least > 4kw to do any normal sized living room. Most of the smaller ones will do a study or small bedroom and only "maybe" for some of the dodgy bros Chinese ones.
          The most consistent "good" replies have been about the Olimpia models and the Nobo Cool. Both real brands and both reported positively. Omega Altise - case by case some good ones. Not much love for the various Dimplex models or any of the Chinese one hit wonders. There are some OK DeLonghi ones but you need to do your homework on the specific models. I am not a huge fan myself as I have had DeLonghi devices pack up pretty quickly - nice to look at but not all that reliable, much like Italian cars in general, lol.

        • StewBalls on 14/11/2012 - 11:13

          Why don't you just do the Aldi run, they have one ATM for $299 or something…I saw one yesterday in a store, 12k BTU (yep, they still use them as a metric) or ~3.5kw. You at least have 60 days risk-free to decide then! ;)

          Personally, I couldn't fault Dimplex as a brand…my old one has been rock solid!

        • King Tightarse on 14/11/2012 - 13:34

          Where did you see it SB?
          I have been looking at their catalog every week. Its due, based on last years cycle, around now. But hasn't popped up yet AFAIK.

        • StewBalls on 14/11/2012 - 13:43

          I saw it at the new Aldi Kotara (NSW), but when I noted it the wifey said she'd seen the same thing in other Newcastle stores as well (Wallsend, Cardiff & Glendale knowing her shopping habits).

          IIRC it was in the previous cattledog, not the current one starting today…hopefully there's some stock in one of your locals too!

        • King Tightarse on 14/11/2012 - 13:55

          Didn't happen in Vic, unless they released it before I started looking a few weeks back. The Aldi one is one of the few Chinesey ones I would try, based on their excellent returns policy and good guarantee- 'part from that I will hang out on Ebay for a higher quality one used.
          Will keep an eye out.

  • ozb-442 on 14/11/2012 - 10:49

    Decided i'd like an evaporative cooler due to the size of my room

    Any suggestions?

    I'm currently looking at this - http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/mistral-10l-evaporative-cooler-remote-control/?cm_mmc=Shopping%20Comparison--myShopping--Appliances-_-NA&utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NA

    • StewBalls on 14/11/2012 - 11:21

      Evaporative coolers are utterly useless, save your money & buy a good fan!

      • _Bruce_ on 14/11/2012 - 11:38

        Not really true, they are useless when it is humid, so if the humidity bothers you don't get one. If you are OK with humidity but don't like dry heat then it will help.

        • StewBalls on 14/11/2012 - 11:45

          That's fine in theory, but I haven't seen a good portable evaporative (consumer) cooler in donkey's years! I've seen some awesome commercial units, but they are a different beast altogether.

          I'd be interested to see a link to a good one, because I haven't seen one that actually cools since my grandmother's old (Breezair?) brown box on a trolley!!! ;)

        • _Bruce_ on 14/11/2012 - 11:57

          Maybe just buy a roof mount one and stick it on a trolley then?

        • StewBalls on 14/11/2012 - 12:03

          Not feasible on many levels…

  • StewBalls on 15/11/2012 - 15:35

    Another option might be this one for $368 from BigW: http://www.bigw.com.au/home-garden/garden-outdoor/coolers/bp…

    …less the $40 discount code from: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/84726

    I'm not sure if you can pick up from your local BigW or if the over $50 free shipping deal applies; but if you can do either then $328 might be do-able! :)

    • King Tightarse on 17/11/2012 - 13:40

      Thanks SB, had a look at that one.
      Reviews seem OK for a basic unit, http://www.productreview.com.au/p/coolway-cwac10.html only deal breaker, no thermostat. Its basically just off or on. Good in some ways in that its simple, but no good for maintaining a temperature.
      You mentioned being happy with you particular Dimplex model. Looks like they have had them made by different factories in differing countries over the years. Do you remember which model is it? Might try and track one down.

      • StewBalls on 19/11/2012 - 12:00

        Mine's quite old, 20years plus but it's been an absolute champion. DAC6400 is the model. Yeah, that sucks if they've shifted manufacturing & stuffed up the consistency & reliability!

        My advice would be to set 10k BTU as your absolute minimum, preferably 12k! Otherwise, unless they're in a really small room the thermostat won't make much difference as they'll cycle very infrequently in hot/humid weather anyway.

        • King Tightarse on 19/11/2012 - 15:24

          Thanks. You are the second person I have heard sing the praises of that unit. Its old, it looks funky but its a good performer. Those ones were made in Japan from memory

          I just scored myself a second hand NoboCool today, so I am now sorted for cooling (phew at last).

        • StewBalls on 19/11/2012 - 15:36

          Well done! I had a quick look into the NoboCools when I saw them mentioned earlier, I liked the take-home message from pretty much every review - powerful cooling! :)

  • ozb-442 on 15/11/2012 - 15:52

    But why is this better than the portable air con's listen in tightarses description? They seem to be 12000 BTU's over 10000 as well.

    • StewBalls on 19/11/2012 - 12:04

      Not meant to be better, just another option if all else fails…

      • ozb-442 on 20/11/2012 - 09:10

        But, do you think it'd be better? Would that air conditioner be higher quality than the cheapo's from topbuy/ kogan etc?

        • StewBalls on 20/11/2012 - 09:32

          Not necessarily. Personally, I'm pretty stingy…I'd just buy the cheapest & most powerful one I could get that suits my purpose. :)

  • Ughhh on 12/12/2012 - 21:29

    Anyone know if this is worth it? - Arlec 10,000 BTU 2.9kW @$350 ?
    http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_arlec-portable-a…?

  • sebaslock on 18/03/2013 - 07:21

    What is a better air conditioner? Portable or window? I read on portable air conditioners that portable are better because they are cheaper, easily to install and move form one room to other. But I am worried about portable air conditioner cooling performance. What you think?

    • _Bruce_ on 18/03/2013 - 07:39

      Cooling performance is fine as long as you can seal the room up properly. This can be very annoying with portable.

      • sirplus on 18/03/2013 - 11:09

        Unfortunately all the Portable ones I know exhaust hot air from the room so that needs to be replaced by sucking in hot air from other areas; meaning it's always chasing it's tail. :-/
        Window/box and split types does not suffer from this as the hot heat exchanger coil is outside the home, also can be much more powerful; infinitely better…….

  • Fancy on 09/11/2013 - 13:45

    Polocool 4.4kW Cooling Only Portable Air Conditioner
    On HN website is showing $995, but in store HN Gepps Cross, SA showing $799 for this model
    http://www.harveynorman.com.au/heating-cooling/polocool-4-4k…

    At http://appliancecentral.com.au/

    4.4KW NOBO PORTABLE REFRIGERATED AIRCONDITIONER is always at $799
    http://appliancecentral.com.au/shop/index.php?route=product/…

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