Shopping for the best ventless air conditioner? You’ve come to the right place.
Traditional central and window air conditioners consume a lot of energy.
And window AC units require an outside exhaust. Sometimes this also requires the purchase of a separate fan unit to push hot air outside.
In contrast, by purchasing one of the top-rated ventless air conditioners we review in this guide, you can save energy and enjoy cool air in your room without the hassle of installing an exhaust vent or fan.
Plus, a ventless unit won’t block the view from your window 😉
Our Top 3 Picks
- air cooler + diffuser + humidifier + fan
- Water level visible thru translucent bin
- Scented oil diffuser
What’s In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
In this guide, we review our top picks for the best ventless air conditioners for a single room, with a focus on their pros, cons, best features, and known issues.
Then we explain how non-window air conditioners work, explain how they differ from a standard window AC, and why they are safer than other top-brand alternatives.
Finally, we answer a few common questions regarding ventless non-window AC units.
Best Ventless Non-Window Air Conditioners
- Best Personal : Onewell 4-in-1 Mini Arctic Evaporative Air Cooler
- Best for Outdoor Use: Hessaire MC37M
- Most Convenient: BLACK+DECKER BEAC75
PureGuardian H8000BAward
Best Personal Ventless Non-Window ACDimensions
16.5 × 16.5 × 19 cmWeight
2.84 poundsFan Speeds
6Modes of Operation
4 – Cooling, Humidifier, Diffuser, and FanPower Source
USB port and batteriesSpecial Feature
7 Colors LED
Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative CoolerAward
Best for Outdoor UseDimensions
24 x 16 x 38 inchesWeight
39 poundsFan Speeds
3Modes of Operation
2 – Cooling and Fan onlyPower Source
Corded ElectricSpecial Feature
Easy to operate rotary controls
BLACK+DECKER BEAC75 evaporative air coolerAward
Most ConvenientDimensions
13.6 x 15.8 x 36.6 inchesWeight
16.96 poundsFan Speeds
3Modes of Operation
4 – Normal, Natural, Sleep, and SmartPower Source
Corded ElectricSpecial Feature
Remote Control
Onewell’s 4-in-1 Mini Arctic is the perfect solution for keeping yourself cool at home or work.
Designed for use on a desktop, the Mini Arctic is very portable and comes with a 7-color LED light set for an interesting effect.
This personal air conditioner has a clean and modern design that compliments any modern home or office environment.
PROS
- Compact size
- Super portable: battery or USB power
- 7-color LED light set
- Essential oil diffuser
- Very affordable
CONS
- Must refill water bin periodically
- Cannot handle high humidity
- Does not cool an entire room
Features
- 4-in-1 air cooler + diffuser + humidifier + fan
- Translucent water bin shows level
- Essential oil compartment
- Bacteriostatic light kills bacteria in water
Our Review
The Onewell 4-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler has many functions. It can serves as a personal air cooler, a humidifier, a diffuser, or as a fan.
From your bedside to your desk, this little unit adds just the right amount of cool air to make all the difference.
The bacteriostatic blue light kills bacteria in the water before it evaporates, and the fine water atomization generates a cool mist.
You can also add your favorite essential oils to it.
The Onewell Air Cooler runs on batteries; or, you can hook it up with your laptop, PC using the included standard USB adapter.
This is also one of the least expensive ways to stay cool at work.
That said, this air cooler is not designed to cool an entire room down. It’s best used on a desk or bedside table top.
Hessaire MC37M is a powerful compact air cooler that is powerful enough to be used outside during balmy days.
With a 3,100 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) cooling capacity, it can cool large areas of your home in no time. You can also use it on your patio, by the pool, or by the grill and enjoy the cool breeze as you enjoy your summer activities.
The MC37M uses standard dial controls, making it easy to operate by anyone without a manual.
It functions both as a fan and air cooler and runs at 3 different speeds, providing enough flexibility for any environment
PROS
- Very simple to operate
- Compact for so much cooling power
- Oscillating louvers cover a large area
CONS
- Not many color options
- Cannot run on DC power
Features
- 3 fan speeds
- Continuous fill option
- Caster wheels
Our Review
Unlike most other ventless ACs, the Hessaire MC37M is powerful enough to cool outside.
It doesn’t necessarily need constant refilling either. The Continuous Fill option makes the task easier – you have to attach a hose with the included float adaptor.
The control panel features 4 switches for adjusting fan speeds, controlling the pump, adjusting the fan louvers, and a power switch.
When the device is on, the power button lights up to indicate its status.
It also features 3-sided high-density cooling pads that increase the evaporative surface area for better performance.
As powerful as it is, the Hessaire MC37M is also very portable. It comes with a 7-feet long cord and caster wheels for enhanced mobility.
BLACK+DECKER BEAC75 features a stylish design and ultra-fast speed performance. It blows out cold and fresh, clean air, creating a cool and comfortable indoor environment for you to relax in.
The device effectively reduces dry air issues like dry skin, itchy eyes, and chapped lips. Using its evaporative technology, it infuses moisture into the air, making it easier to breathe in. It boasts 4 different operational modes and runs on 3-speed levels for added comfort and convenience.
PROS
- Highly efficient with a budget-friendly price
- Adjustable fan speeds and mode settings
- Lightweight and extremely portable
- Built-in wheels make it easy to move around
- Replaces dry air with humid air for comfort
CONS
- Needs a direct power source to work (not battery-operated)
- Noise levels can be a bit irritating for some people
Features
- Remote control operation
- 3 different fan speeds
- Portable
Our Review
BLACK+DECKER BEAC75 uses water, a fan, and a pump to cool your space. It leaves behind a significantly low carbon footprint than any of its traditional counterparts, and it is very efficient.
The BEAC75 is designed explicitly for areas with low humidity levels. You will find it perfect for the dry summer days, as it will not only cool down your home but also help eliminate dryness by adding the moisture back into the indoor atmosphere.
With different fan settings and modes, you can adjust the device according to your liking.
The normal mode blows out a steady flow of cool air. When set on the natural mode, it will cycle between different fan speeds.
The sleep mode allows it to work at a lower speed after 30 minutes of use.
While on smart mode, the air cooler automatically regulates its fan speed according to your room temperature.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Windowless Air Conditioner
If you’re confused with so many options, don’t worry.
Here are some points you should keep in mind while shopping for a windowless air conditioner:
Energy Efficiency
Ventless air coolers are an efficient solution to your energy bill problems.
Because evaporative air conditioners use a natural process for cooling, they generally consume less energy.
But since every product has different specifications, their energy consumption can also differ.
That is why you should make sure that you check out the energy consumption of each product before making your purchase.
Noise Level
Even though ventless AC are manufactured to make minimal noise, the fan speed can sometimes become an undeniable hassle.
For this reason, you should look at the sound levels and choose one with a lower frequency. This will help you enjoy your cool air without the constant hum of the AC.
Room Size/Cooling Capacity
Room size is the most important factor when it comes to choosing an air conditioner.
A small, personal ventless AC will usually only covers 150 square feet, while a bigger, more powerful unit can often cover up to 1,000 square feet.
Warranty
Many ventless AC come with at least a year of warranty coverage, which is the minimum you should look for.
Price
Ventless/evaporative ACs are generally not that expensive.
That said, you still have to choose an option that meets your requirements and budget.
Typical prices range from $50 for a personal desktop cooler to more than $1,000 for a more powerful unit with lots of features capable of cooling a small apartment.
Thermostat
In an AC, a thermostat makes sure that your room reaches your desired level of cooling and then stops until the temperature changes again.
When the temperature rises, the air conditioner turns on again, and when it reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat acts up and turns the device on standby.
Depending on your budget and need, you can find an AC unit with a built-in thermostat to help regulate temperatures better.
Low Maintenance
Almost all ventless non-window AC are pretty low-maintenance. In most cases, all you have to do is clean the filter occasionally and refill the water tank.
However, some models do require more maintenance, so choose wisely.
What Is a Windowless Air Conditioner - and how does it work?
Standard air conditioners work with a compressor and refrigerant technology. They compress the air taken from the atmosphere, condition it, and release the water and hot air outside. But in ventless or windowless air conditioners, there is no need for a compressor or refrigerant.
So, how do they work, you might be wondering?
Well, ventless air conditioners are pretty nifty when it comes to their design. They have a small compartment for water storage. You add water to the tank, and once you turn it on, it evaporates the water and throws cool air into the room. Hence, it cools down the environment to comfortable levels.
And the best part is, there are no restrictions regarding where you can place a windowless AC.
Unlike splits and window AC, you can place ventless AC anywhere. You only need to take caution of the humidity levels of a room (and if a unit can handle such an area), but other than that, ventless air conditioners are pretty much portable.
How Evaporative Air Coolers Work
Evaporative air coolers have several parts that help them perform the desired function smoothly. But the primary parts are the cooling fan and the water tank.
When you fill the water tank of the AC, the fan takes it up and evaporates it in the room in the form of cool air. Since it has no dependency on any duct or compressor, it neither releases hot air nor water.
That said, you will have to refill water occasionally, but other than that, you can enjoy cool air comfortably.
Pros and Cons
The term ‘ventless’ simply represents how simple and convenient these cooling devices are to use. But there are some limitations to their usage too. We discuss them below.
Pros
Less Expensive
Evaporative air conditioners are surely a budget-friendly solution to beat the tiring and exhausting heat waves. Because they have a simpler mechanism, they are also cheaper than traditional AC.
But despite their low price, they are as efficient as any other air conditioning system with no extra expenses.
Power-Efficient
Since evaporative air conditioners have a simple approach to how they function, they don’t consume excessive electricity. This way, you save not only on your device expenses but also on electricity bills.
With a ventless AC, you can enjoy refreshing evenings in the summers even when you’re on a budget.
Eco-Friendly
Evaporative air coolers do not contain any kind of refrigerant or other harmful substances that can pollute our environment. All they use is a water tank and a handy fan that cools down the water.
So, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option to beat the heat, an evaporative air cooler is a good option.
Filtering Features
Non-window AC also contain filters that prevent dust and dirt from spreading into your room. This might not be a priority for everyone, but it is undoubtedly an added benefit for a device that cools down a room.
Easy to Store and Use
Since evaporative coolers do not need any vent or compressors, you can place them wherever you want without any restrictions on a window wall. You can also move it from one place to another with significant ease.
Cons
Water Maintenance
Since evaporative coolers use a water tank, you have to be careful about maintaining it. You have to refill it now and then to ensure constant cooling.
Humidity Control
Since evaporating air coolers use water, they can significantly increase the humidity of any place. And if left unnoticed, this problem can become a hassle.
Usually, leaving a window open for a while can do the trick, but sometimes, you have to find better solutions for this issue.
Key Differences: Ventless Non-Window AC vs. AC with Exhaust
While both ventless non-window AC units and AC units with exhaust have the same purpose, they have a few key differences. These include:
- A ventless AC doesn’t have space restrictions, and you can place it anywhere. On the contrary, a window AC needs a specific place with proper ventilation.
- A window AC functions with a refrigerant or compressor. On the other hand, a ventless AC only requires a water tank and a cooling fan.
- An exhaust AC takes in atmospheric air, conditions it, throws cool air in the room, and releases hot air and water outside. On the contrary, a ventless AC does not require any external support.
Installation of Non-Window Air Conditioner
Non-window air conditioners do not require any special installation. Since they don’t have any external vent or exhaust, they can be placed pretty much anywhere.
Depending on the unit, you just need a cable connection, and you can place it somewhere where the cooling will spread evenly around the corners.
Why buy a Non-Window Air Conditioner?
A non-window air conditioner provides many benefits, as discussed above. If you’re still not sure about purchasing one, here are a few more reasons why you should buy a non-window AC:
- If you have a room that has no place for an air conditioner, go for a ventless one. Since it doesn’t need a dedicated window, you can just put it anywhere you want and even move it around without any hassle.
- It is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option, and all you need to do is manage the water tank.
- You should invest in a ventless windowless AC if you don’t have the time to deal with installation and frequent maintenance.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Ventless non-window air conditioners are quite easy to maintain and clean.
Unlike other devices, they do not have any part that hangs or is set outside the machine. That is exactly why they don’t require much cleaning. On the contrary, you just have to wipe down the dirt on the exterior and clean the tank.
And to ensure that there is no remaining dirt in the device, make sure to change or wash the filter once in a week or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are windowless air conditioners bad for health?
Generally, windowless air conditioners are quite safe for your health because they don’t contain any sort of refrigerant.
But if you don’t clean them and let the dust accumulate, they can become harmful to your health. An unclean tank pr clogged filters can impact the purity of air being released into the room.
All you need is a cleaning routine to ensure that you don’t face any adverse consequences.
Do ventless air conditioners give better cooling?
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner depends upon several components—the size of the room, the device’s capacity, and finally, the cooling mechanism.
Ventless air coolers can sometimes outperform window AC, particularly in small rooms with low humidity.
However, in large rooms, a window AC is better.
Does a non-window air conditioner use a lot of electricity?
No, in fact, windowless air conditioners reduce your overall energy usage. They save energy in many ways. First, they don’t have any compressor system, thus saving that extra electricity expense. Also, they cover a small area and don’t require a lot of energy to function.
Final Verdict: What is the best Non-Window Air Conditioner sold today?
Since all ventless air conditioners more or less have a similar primary mechanism and fulfill different requirements, rating them from best to worst isn’t quite possible.
However, given the uniqueness of the Onewell 4-in-1 Mini Arctic Evaporative Air Cooler, we find it the best ventless non-window AC, especially if you’re looking for something for personal use.
Meanwhile, we like the Hessaire MC37M for its ease of use.
And the BLACK+DECKER BEAC75 is also a convenient option.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
