Portable air conditioners are mobile units that can be wheeled from room to room and that do not require permanent installation. 

They will cool the room and dehumidify the air, taking out humid water vapour. They provide an inexpensive alternative to far more costly installed systems, especially in the temperate UK climate where the comfort of air-cooling may only be required for a few weeks each year. Many models do however have room heating options so that their use can be extended into the colder months.

Models will need venting for the warm exhaust air and this is usually done though a flexible vent hose discharging through an window. Some models have a self-contained and energy efficient evaporative water collection vessel.  Electrical wiring is through a normal 13 amp plug. Modern models are constructed to energy efficient standards meeting "A" rated requirements.

Control is by way of on-unit controllers or and by remote infra-red hand units.

Amongst other UK suppliers, Alaskan Air Conditioners are suppliers of a range of air conditioners from portable units up to whole-house installed systems. They are currently promoting half-price promotions on a range of their portable air conditioners.