When you need supplemental cooling, a portable air conditioner is a great option. You can wheel it into place, set up the unit using the included kit, and plug it in. While all portable air conditioners create condensate as they operate, some models are fully self-evaporative, making them easier than ever to use.
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- How is Moisture Created in a Portable AC?
- How Do Self-Evaporative Portable ACs Eliminate Moisture?
- Recommended Portable ACs
- Additional Convenience Features
How is Moisture Created in a Portable AC?
As with all types of air conditioners, when a portable AC pulls in and cools warm, humid air, condensate is created. This is similar to how moisture is created on a cold glass of ice water when it's taken outside on a warm day. As moisture builds up, it is collected inside the unit into a bucket or pan and needs to be emptied, or the AC must be set up for continuous draining using a drain hose.
Luckily, select models use updated technology to automatically remove this moisture, so no manual draining or drainage hose is needed. These fully self-evaporating portable air conditioners can be set up and operated with little or no maintenance required.
How Do Self-Evaporative Portable ACs Eliminate Moisture?
Fully self-evaporating units use various types of technology to remove moisture. Some models automatically recycle residual moisture and expel it through the exhaust hose. Others have dual exhaust hoses which enable the air conditioner to evaporate more moisture than only a single hose unit.
While self-evaporating portable ACs are able to remove accumulated condensation under normal operating conditions, when the humidity level in the room is high, or they are operated in dehumidify mode, some moisture will accumulate in the unit. In this case, these units have interior container or pan which can be drained, or the portable AC can be set up with a drain hose.
To learn more about the difference between partially- and fully self-evaporating air conditioners (and their draining options), check out our Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide.
Recommended Portable Air Conditioners
Sylvane currently offers a variety of portable ACs with self-evaporating technology.
DeLonghi portable ACs use patented dripless technology to automatically evaporate and release moisture out of its exhaust hose. This impressive technology makes DeLonghi one of the most low-maintenance portable AC brands on the market. These self-evaporating portable air conditioner models are affordable and include many features that make operation a breeze.
Customers also appreciate Whynter's high efficiency-focused, "Go Green" mission, which includes their portable ACs. We offer a variety of Whynter fully self-evaporating portable ACs that cover between 300 and 600 square feet. Many of their models recycle collected moisture during the cooling process, using it to cool the internal coils. 
Friedrich ZoneAire dual hose portable ACs are available with or without heat mode, and include a sleep function and automatic shut off. They are also Wi-Fi connected as well as fully self-evaporative so they can be controlled from any smart device. In addition, this fully self-evaporating Honeywell portable air conditioner is a compact model with digital temperature controls which can cool up to 450 square feet.
Additional Convenience Features
- Multiple modes: Fan, Dehumidify, Automatic, Sleep
- LED digital displays for simple operation
- Remote controls
- Included window installation kits
- Self-diagnosis systems to identify any issues that may occur during operation
- Programmable timers
- Smart modes that automatically select a mode based on your ambient room temperature
Summary
Fully self-evaporative portable air conditioners make owning and operating one of these units even more convenient. Using patented technology, the created moisture is evaporated out through the exhaust hose, either by using dual vent hoses or by recycling it for cooling the condenser coil. When using the dehumidify or dry mode, or when the air is very humid, some moisture may collect and can be drained or emptied.
Still Have Questions?
For more information on a specific portable air conditioner or other air treatment solutions, browse our products and visit our Knowledge Center. Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guesswork out of decision-making. Contact one of our air treatment specialists at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
