Portable Air Conditioners: The Morphy Richards Buying Guide

When the summer sun turns your living room into a veritable oven, few things can restore the blissful balance of cool comfort like a portable air conditioner.

If you’re looking for the best portable air conditioner, or wondering how they work, then look no further, as that is exactly what we’ll be covering in this article. Keep reading to learn more…

Air conditioning: a history

Hot and humid air has plagued mankind since the dawn of civilisation. From cave people seeking out their namesakes for chilled solace, to engineers using technology influenced by space exploration to improve how we cool our homes, we have been trying to beat the heat for literal millennia.

The Romans turned cooling into an art form. They were known for their stunning, and innovative aqueduct systems, which channelled cool water through buildings to create more temperate indoor spaces. 

In Egypt, reeds soaked in water were hung in windows, their evaporation cooling the air passing through, a precursor to basic evaporative cooling systems. 

These early attempts relied on the natural elements and clever ingenuity, but there was no way to control temperature with precision. 

Is it hot? Tough luck. Find a shady spot, and hope for a breeze.

Fast-forward a couple dozen centuries to the 19th century, and the idea of artificial cooling first began to materialise.

In 1842, American physician Dr John Gorrie invented a cooling system that used ice to bring down the temperature of a room in order to treat patients suffering from tropical fevers. 

His invention laid down the proverbial gauntlet for mechanised cooling, but it wasn’t scalable or practical enough for widespread use.

True progress came at the dawn of the 20th century, courtesy of Willis Carrier. Carrier invented the first modern air conditioning system to use in a printing company. His system controlled humidity levels, enabling consistent paper quality and ink application.

But it didn’t take long for the broader potential of his invention to come to light. Before long, Carrier’s system was being used in public spaces.

Throughout the 20th century, air conditioning evolved from a luxury to a standard feature. Advances in technology made systems more affordable and accessible, leading to widespread adoption in homes, offices, and schools across America.

The same cannot be said in the UK. Between our wet, chilly climate, and our old, condensed buildings, the need for bulky air conditioning units never quite took hold in the same way. What we needed was something smaller and more portable. If only such a thing existed…

What is a portable air conditioner?

Well, would you look at that, something does exist! Who’d have thought?

Portable air conditioners are truly a marvel of a creation. They take the cooling power of those big, clunky air conditioning units, and shrink it down into something compact and mobile, bringing cooling relief wherever and whenever you need it.

At their core, portable air conditioners use the same cooling principles as traditional models, but with added panache. They extract heat and moisture from the air in your space and replace it with a glorious flow of crisp, cool air.

This miraculous transformation is achieved through a clever combination of refrigerant, compressors, and fans that work wonders on the air in your room. If you’d like to learn more about how portable air conditioners work, we’ve created a handy article on that exact subject that you can read here.

Where portable ACs stand out, though, is in their portability. To achieve this, many use a water collection tray instead of a ventilation system to manage humidity, making them particularly user-friendly for smaller areas. Gone are the days of grappling with bulky units that demand permanent installation and a whole toolbox of frustration. 

Portable air conditioners are designed with you in mind. They’re equipped with wheels or handles, so you can whisk them effortlessly from one room to another, chasing the perfect breeze wherever you go. 

Need cooling in the living room by day and the bedroom by night? No problemo. They’re up to the task, ready to follow your lead.

Why you need a portable air conditioner in your life

Air conditioners don’t just chase away that persistent, bothersome heat. They offer a suite of benefits that stretch far beyond mere comfort to really improve your quality of life. Here are just a few reasons why you should seriously consider a portable air conditioner:

Stay cool

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke. Air conditioners mitigate these risks by providing a controlled environment that helps lower core body temperature, so you stay cool and protected during scorching weather.

Better sleep, better health

Few things are as frustrating as tossing and turning on a sweltering night. Air conditioners transform your bedroom into a cool haven, helping you to get a deeper and more restorative sleep.

Clear the air

With built-in air filters that capture dust, allergens, and even bacteria floating in the air, air conditioners can be a game changer for your home. Cleaner air reduces respiratory irritants and allergens that can trigger symptoms, especially in those who suffer with asthma or allergies.

Even for those without respiratory issues, improved air quality can have a noticeable impact on overall well-being, reducing headaches, fatigue, and sinus irritation.

A breath of fresh (dry) air

Clear air isn’t the only component that air conditioners help with. High humidity is a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and dust mites. These unwelcome guests thrive in damp conditions and can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems. Air conditioners with dehumidifying capabilities regulate indoor humidity levels, so your home stays dry and healthy.

Stay sharp

Air conditioning can do wonders for your focus and productivity. Excessive heat saps energy and concentration, leaving your mind feeling sluggish and less effective. A cool environment helps keep your mind sharp, making it easier to concentrate on work or enjoy leisure activities.

Happy heart

Certain medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or heart issues, can worsen in high temperatures. For individuals with these conditions, air conditioning is a necessity. A consistently cool environment can help manage symptoms and reduce the health risks associated with temperature extremes.

The features you should look for when buying a portable air conditioner

Hopefully by now you’ve been sold on the wonders of the portable air conditioner, but before you start searching for the right one (don’t worry, we’ll cover that in a little while) how do you know what to look out for?

Here are the essential factors you need to consider:

Cooling capacity

The cooling capacity of an air conditioner, measured in BTU (British Thermal Units), is fundamental to the performance. If you want to stay nice and cool, you need an air conditioner that can handle the size of room you’re in.

So how do you work out how many BTUs you need? As a rule of thumb, it takes approximately 25 BTUs for each square foot of space.

For example, the Morphy Richards FLEXI FREEZE Portable Air Conditioning Unit’s 12,000 BTU rating means it can cool rooms up to 24m² - or 250ft² - with ease, making it perfect for most homes.

Energy efficiency

Found on most appliances, energy efficiency ratings scale from G (least efficient) all the way up to A (most efficient), which helps to give you an idea of how much energy it will use. It’s a practical way to lower running costs and minimise environmental impact.

Given the nature of the air conditioner, you’re probably going to have it running for long periods of time, so you really need to pick a model with a high energy rating.

Luckily, the Morphy Richards range of portable air conditioners features powerful yet energy-conscious motors that help deliver a cool breeze without the guilt of high energy consumption.

Dehumidification

Humidity is arguably worse than the feeling of heat itself, so save yourself the hassle and pick an air conditioner with a dehumidification function.

A robust dehumidifier not only extracts surplus moisture, but also improves air quality and helps prevent mould growth. 

Take the Morphy Richards FLEXI FREEZE Portable Air Conditioning Unit, which has the capability of extracting up to a staggering 40 litres of water per day.

Noise

Some people don’t mind the sound of an air conditioner buzzing away in the background. But for others, it’s akin to nails on a chalkboard. If you’re one of the latter, look for models that come with a “Low Noise Operation.” 

The Morphy Richards S1 PRO Ductless Air Conditioning Unit, with its dual centrifugal fanning system and advanced acoustics, is designed to keep operational sound to a minimum. This way, you can work, sleep, or relax without the distraction of buzzing machinery.

Control and convenience

It’s the 21st century, so when you buy an appliance, you want it packed to the rafters with convenient, user-friendly features.

For portable air conditioners, looking for features such as remote controls, intuitive touch panels, and even app connectivity so that you can adjust your cooling settings from anywhere in the room, or even from your mobile. 

A 24-hour timer is particularly useful, allowing you to schedule the unit’s operation so that you return to a perfectly cooled space. Such conveniences make daily operation straightforward and hassle-free.

All these features come as standard on the S1 PRO… just saying.

Portability

A portable air conditioner might say it is portable, but saying and doing are two very different things. Make sure you pick a model that it is easy to move around. The FLEXI FREEZE, for example, has built-in wheels and a compact form factor that allows you to move the unit between rooms with ease. Being compact, it’s also easy to store when not required.

Airflow and oscillation

Effective cooling isn’t just about low temperatures. You want to distribute those cool air currents evenly. Advanced oscillation features, such as the 3D automatic oscillation found in the S1 PRO, mean that cool air is directed both horizontally and vertically, removing the need to constantly rearrange it to find that sweet spot.

Added extras

Don’t overlook the extra bells and whistles that can make your unit even more appealing. Look for practical additions such as:

• Water full indicators - signals when it’s time to empty the condensate tray, so you’re not in the dark about when the AC has stopped working.

• Detachable filters - make your air conditioner cleaning and maintenance all the easier with detachable filters that pop out and replace easily, meaning your air stays fresh for longer.

• Multiple fan speeds - sometimes you want a little extra oomph from your air conditioner. Make sure you pick up a model that allows you to fine-tune the cooling intensity to suit your current needs.

Gather up these seeds of knowledge and use them to narrow down what you want from a portable air conditioner. And now with that in mind, here are our top suggestions for the best portable air conditioner.

What is the best portable air conditioner?

Choosing the right air conditioner is about more than mere numbers, it’s about trust, functionality, and smart design. 

You want an air conditioner that will stand the test of time, and provide you with that refreshingly cool air when you want it, where you want it.

And when you want quality, you turn to Morphy Richards.

At the heart of our philosophy is the creation of “smart ideas for your life.” This means designing products that are not only efficient but also delightfully user-friendly. When it comes to portable air conditioning, we’ve taken this mantra seriously. 

Let’s have a look at our two flagship portable air conditioners: the FLEXI FREEZE Portable Air Conditioning Unit, and the S1 PRO Ductless Air Conditioning Unit:

The FLEXI FREEZE Portable Air Conditioning Unit

When you want robust performance, you go with the FLEXI FREEZE.

Designed with a 12,000 BTU output, this incredible device is capable of cooling rooms up to 24m² effectively, shattering the notion that portable air conditioning units are only good in small spaces.

Another myth it dispels? The idea that air conditioning is bad for the environment. With an astounding Class A Energy Efficiency rating, the FLEXI FREEZE not only saves on your energy bills, but also keeps its environmental impact at a minimum. Ensure your cooling solutions are as kind to the planet as they are to your comfort.

Who doesn’t love a multitasking product? Well, this model is more than just an air conditioner. Whether you’re looking to cool via traditional air conditioning, create a healthier home environment through dehumidification, or simply improve general air circulation with a dedicated cooling mode, the FLEXI FREEZE has you covered.

Did we say dehumidification? Heck yeah, we did. One of the biggest features of the FLEXI FREEZE is its dehumidification prowess. Capable of extracting up to 40 litres of moisture per day, the generous dehumidifying system channels water into a spacious 1.5L tray. 

And if you’re worried about having to constantly drain the tray, worry not, because the FLEXI FREEZE has a self-evaporating system that does the hard work for you.

But that’s not all the FLEXI FREEZE can do. It features an intuitive LED display that makes it easy to operate. A remote control lets you adjust settings from across the room, while a 24-hour timer ensures your cooling schedule fits your lifestyle.

With three fan speed settings, you can customise airflow to suit your immediate needs, and a handy water full indicator gives you a handy reminder if the tray gets full.

Equipped with wheels and a compact build, the FLEXI FREEZE is as portable as it is powerful, a seriously practical solution for modern living.

The S1 PRO Ductless Air Conditioning Unit

If you want a stylish model that provides cool air on the go, you want the S1 PRO. 

Distinctively different from traditional models, the ductless design means you can simply plug it in and enjoy immediate cooling without the headache of window kits or exhaustive installations.

The S1 PRO uses a dual centrifugal fanning system, an innovative mechanism engineered to handle large air volumes efficiently and quietly. Its targeted cooling is particularly effective within a 2-metre radius, so your immediate space is always refreshingly cool.

For ultimate convenience, the S1 PRO offers a suite of control options. Between the responsive touchscreen, the sleek remote control, or even the handy app, you can control your air conditioner from anywhere.

Just like the FLEXI FREEZE, the S1 PRO is a multifunctional delight. Air conditioning, dehumidifying, and oscillating cooling are all possible with this incredible product. 

Let’s focus on that oscillating feature for a moment. Gone are the days of confined air cooling. The S1 Pro features advanced 3D Oscillation technology that manoeuvres air horizontally and vertically, for an even distribution of cool air.

When it comes to maintenance, the S1 Pro’s detachable filter makes it a breeze - pun intended. Simply remove, clean, and replace to keep your indoor air pristine. 

Eco-friendly design considerations are central to the S1 PRO’s construction. With an impressive energy rating and a design focused on low noise output, the S1 PRO operates quietly even during intense cooling sessions.

Stay cool with Morphy Richards

Whether you pick the FLEXI FREEZE or the S1 Pro (or both, dare we suggest), you’re in for many a refreshing day.

When you buy direct from Morphy Richards, you’ll benefit from a two-year warranty (with an extra year of warranty for free when you register your portable air conditioner with us).

We also offer free shipping and flexible payment options that let you spread the cost of your new portable air conditioner.  

Shop the best portable air conditioners now

For more home appliance buying guides, inspiration and recipes, explore the Morphy Richards blog…

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