Best Air Conditioners For Windowless Rooms (11 Cooling Solutions) (2024)

Written By

Josh Mitchell

Expert Reviewed By

Holly Curell

Last Updated On

May 28, 2024

When you read reviews online from 'windowless portable AC units' you will usually get suggestions of regular AC units that still require venting and a window (thanks google).

Or, you may get suggested evaporative or swamp coolers as an 'air conditioner'.

Thankfully, there is a solution that combines AC technology (refrigerant) with personal cooling so you can stay cooler inside a windowless room. Meet the Coolzy Pro...

I’ve tried various portable air conditioners, and Coolzy is the best windowless air conditioner I've used, as it's the only one of its kind.

It was developed in Australia for harsh outback conditions and is designed for high efficiency with low power consumption and 2 different operating modes.

It can be set up as a typical small BTU portable AC with a vent attached. BUT…it can also work as a personal cooler, with cold, refrigerated air being pumped towards you.

How can this work I heard you say? Let me explain...

It works in a similar way to an evaporative cooler in that it blows cold air directly at a person. When the flexible venting hose is not attached, the hot air is blown out the back and away from the person.

This means you get a stream of cold air consistently, staying cool, while the room stays the same temperature due to the hot and cold air being both pushed in opposite directions.

I love the versatility of the Coolzy Pro as it can also be used with the hose for regular veting through windows, bathrooms, doors or other small holes.

The unit doesn't require any complicated setup—no hoses, no water tanks, just plug-and-play. It's compact and lightweight (only 35 pounds), making it highly maneuverable and great for cooling a small or unconventional space.

In my opinion, this direct cooling method is perfect for personal spaces or specific areas within a larger room.

The process also removes moisture from the air, which helps reduce humidity and improve comfort.

However, portable AC units also produce heat that must be expelled from the room to prevent it from counteracting the cooling effect. This is typically done through an exhaust hose that vents the hot air outside.

My favorite portable air conditioner with a venting solution is SereneLife SLPAC8.

This portable air conditioner is unique because it combines cooling, dehumidifying, and fan settings in a compact unit that can be moved across different rooms.

The SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner has a mobile design, which makes it perfect for use in bedrooms, living rooms, or even garages.

I’ve had success using this portable air conditioner with alternative venting methods in windowless rooms, such as venting through a drop ceiling or a dryer vent.

These methods involve directing the exhaust hose to these outlets to expel warm air out of the enclosed space.

One of the most effective and sustainable options to cool a windowless room is to install a mini split air conditioner system.

I like the Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012A-20 Mini Split Heat Pump for its versatility in cooling and heating.

I believe that mini splits are a top choice for windowless areas due to their efficiency and minimal space requirements. They do come at a high cost though.

The Pioneer model doesn’t just make a room comfortable, but my clients report it does so efficiently and reliably.

I've installed this unit several times in the last few years.

I prefer this setup because a mini-split system is a permanent installation that separates into two main components: the indoor and outdoor units, connected by small conduits. This setup eliminates the need for large ductwork.

In my opinion, this makes it suitable for windowless rooms where conventional ducted systems aren’t an option.

While professional installation is required, I think that the benefits are substantial, as it provides both cooling and heating with good energy efficiency.

A cooling fan that blows cold air operates differently from a standard fan.

Instead of merely circulating existing air in the room, these fans often incorporate a cooling element, such as a water tank or ice tray, to lower the temperature of the air before blowing it out.

My recommendation for a cooling fan that blows cold air is the Dreo Evaporative Air Cooler. It operates by pulling warm air through a wet cooling pad.

As the air passes through, it cools down by evaporating the water in the pad. It blows cooler, humidified air into the room.

In my opinion, this is a simple but effective method that doesn’t just circulate air but actually cools it.

I believe that the Dreo cooler is best for smaller spaces or as a personal cooler. My clients report that its efficiency drops in larger or very hot rooms.

Still, it can make a noticeable difference for a single room like a study or a bedroom.

What stands out about the Dreo Evaporative Air Cooler is its dual functionality. It cools the air but also adds a bit of moisture, which can be a godsend in dry climates.

An evaporative cooler has a basic mechanism that involves pulling hot, dry air through moistened pads.

As the air passes through these pads, water in the pads evaporates, which cools and adds moisture to the air inside the room.

The fan within the cooler then blows this cooled, humidified air out into the environment.

The Honeywell 525 CFM Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler is a versatile solution for both indoor and outdoor spaces that need cooling without extensive installation.

In my opinion, this cooler is only suitable for regions with low humidity. It's equipped with a large water tank and can be used indoors or on covered patios.

The IcyBreeze Platinum acts as both a personal cooler and a portable air conditioner.

In my opinion, what makes this product uniquely suited for windowless environments is its ability to function without external venting.

It uses ice as a cooling agent to deliver air up to 35 degrees below the ambient temperature.

This unit harnesses the cooling power of ice water, chilling air before a fan disperses it into the surroundings.

To me, it feels like having a breeze blow across a block of ice toward me, creating a refreshingly cool environment.

The system is freon-free and exhaust-free, making it safe and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

I've used similar devices, but the IcyBreeze Platinum stands out for its dual utility. It doesn't just store drinks; it improves my comfort, especially in compact, windowless areas like workshops or garages.

Plus, the ability to direct the airflow precisely where I need it via the flexible hose is an excellent feature.

The Evapolar EvaSMART operates using evaporative technology, which is energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

The EvaSMART pulls in warm air and passes it through a water-soaked cartridge, cooling the air through evaporation. This cool air is then pushed out to create a comfortable microclimate around the user, ideally within a few feet of the device.

I have used this unit in various climates and learned that it's most effective in hot, dry climates where additional humidity is beneficial.

To me, what stands out about this smart portable air conditioner is its compact design and ease of use. It's particularly handy for small, personal spaces like a desktop or bedside area.

The device connects to USB for power, making it portable enough to move around the house or even take on trips.

Its operational cost is low compared to traditional air conditioners, and from my experience, it also humidifies the air, which is a plus in drier environments.

The Shark FlexBreeze Fan is an innovative solution I have used for cooling that combines the benefits of a powerful fan with the refreshing effect of mist.

From my experience, this combination is especially suitable for windowless rooms or outdoor areas where traditional cooling methods might be ineffective.

The fan includes an InstaCool Misting Attachment, which emits a fine mist along with the airflow when connected to a water source. This mist helps lower the air temperature around the fan by up to 10 degrees, providing immediate relief from heat.

I believe this misting feature is particularly effective in dry climates where the added moisture can also improve comfort levels.

I’ve used similar misting fans in various settings, and I find the Shark FlexBreeze to be exceptionally good for both indoor and outdoor use. Its ability to function as both a corded and battery-powered unit is of great value.

You can move it wherever cooling is needed without worrying about plug points. I also think that the mist feature adds a refreshing touch without making the surroundings uncomfortably damp.

The Vornado Air Circulator Fan is a high-quality solution for improving air movement in any space, but I feel that it's especially effective in windowless rooms where air can feel stagnant.

This fan has a powerful vortex action that ensures air circulates throughout the entire room, not just in the immediate area around the fan.

The fan efficiently moves air up to 75 feet using Vornado's signature Vortex air circulation technology.

In my opinion, this helps to keep the air in the room cool and fresh by continuously circulating it, which prevents hot spots and inconsistent temperatures.

I talked to clients who have used Vornado fans in both their homes and offices, and they are satisfied with its effectiveness.

The adjustable height and tilt features allow for targeted airflow, making it perfect for direct or indirect cooling. Its ability to circulate air across a large area makes it ideal for larger rooms that might otherwise require multiple fans.

Fans that clean the air typically integrate a filtration system, such as HEPA filters, which can capture a high percentage of airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and even some viruses and bacteria.

The fan moves the air throughout the room, which on its own can help cool the environment by improving airflow and evaporating sweat on the skin, making the room feel cooler.

As the fan circulates the air, it simultaneously pulls it through the built-in filters, trapping particles.

Some advanced models may also include activated carbon filters to remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The best fan that cleans the air I have used is the The Dyson Purifier Cool™, which is a tower fan.

It doesn't just circulate air but integrates advanced HEPA H13 filtration to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including viruses like Influenza A.

From personal use and client feedback, the Dyson Purifier Cool™ has proven to be a powerhouse in both air purification and circulation.

It’s particularly beneficial for those in urban areas or places prone to pollution. It has the dual benefit of removing harmful particles while also cooling the space.

The BedJet is different from other options on my list because it’s an innovative air-based cooling and warming sleep system.

Its main purpose is to improve your bed's climate for a better sleep experience.

I have sleep issues, so I've tried most portable air conditioners and various sleep-enhancing technologies.

I like the BedJet because it's especially effective for night sweats and maintaining a comfortable sleep temperature.

Its ability to rapidly adjust and maintain the desired temperature throughout the night can significantly improve sleep quality.