The 12 Best Portable Air Conditioners

Years ago, portable air conditioners were but a dream. Nowadays, there are so many available models that it’s difficult to pick one. To help narrow your choices, here are 15 of the best portable air conditioners currently available on the market. Take a look to see which one best fits your needs according to their features.

The Best Portable Air Conditioner

Frigidaire – FFPA1222U1 (12,000 BTU)Frigidaire – FFPA1222U1 (12,000 BTU)

When talking about reducing moisture, there is no competition for the FFPA1222U1 model by Frigidaire. It is engineered especially for places with an excessive amount of air humidity and for families that wish to breathe healthier air, free of molds and bacteria that proliferate on moist surfaces. It also contains a built-in filter that captures odor and dust.

With 12,000 BTUs, Frigidaire provides three velocities of the fan and plenty of cooling options. The remote helps you get the comfort you want from across the room, and the timer with automatic on or off options gives you advantages when it comes to saving on your energy bill, all of this while you are guaranteed to get the purest air inside your home.

If you prefer old-style wall AC units, check out our guide to the best ones on the market that will help you choose wisely.

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LG – LP1218GXR (12,000 BTU)LG – LP1218GXR (12,000 BTU)

With a much nicer price comes the LP1218GXR, the latest model from LG in this category. It combines various appealing features: it is very silent, lightweight, and energy-efficient. It can cool down up to 400 square feet in a few minutes and dehumidifies 1.46 pts/hour with an oscillating air vent that helps circulate the air more effectively and eliminate any hot spots.

Comparing this with its predecessors from the same brand, we found a few new upgrades. One of these is the sleep button for easy turnoff that complements the quiet nighttime mode. There’s also a magnetized holder that allows you to keep the remote in sight and safe from losing it. It has plenty of style with an elegant sleek black look; and very importantly, a decrease in the noise among models of the same capacity. All of these reasons make this unit a good choice for cooling down bedrooms in hot summers at an affordable price.

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Pure Cool Me Personal Purifying Fan by DysonPure Cool Me Personal Purifying Fan by Dyson

This futuristic-looking fan achieves all the goals of a portable air purifier and looks like it comes straight out of a sci-fi movie. The Pure Cool Me contains a fully sealed HEPA and activated carbon air filter that cleans and retains bacteria, dirt, pollen, and allergens. It’s also compatible with Tower EVA filters for easy replacement.

Its technology delivers a uniform airflow, with a stream that you can adjust and personalize to your needs. You can even change its direction by moving the dome´s position, delivering a very precise flow of clean air. This model´s design is nothing like you have ever seen before in a fan, because the cool air runs subtly in the room without practically any noise and a nighttime mode that will help you sleep.

Among its features, it has an LCD display that indicates the filter’s life for effective maintenance. Each filter can last up to a year if the unit is used about 12 hours a day. This product is perfect for children and adults who suffer from asthma or allergies.

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Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner by Wynther (14,000 BTU)Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner by Wynther (14,000 BTU)

When it comes down to a powerful portable air conditioner, this is the ideal unit. Unlike many of the options in the market, this model by Wynther comes with a dual hose (one intake hose and one exhaust hose) that cools down the room much faster than any other portable air conditioner does. This happens because it is designed for keeping out the hot air and keeping in the cold air, making it eco-friendly. The dual hose makes it perfect for extremely hot areas and desert locations. Its hose’s extension of 5 feet makes it more manageable inside the house or office.

This unit is capable of cooling down a 500-square-foot room in minutes, and it comes with different features, like a built-in dehumidifier and a fan model. However, the most interesting function this model has is the 24-hour programmable timer that lets you come home to cool and dry air, just like a conventional A/C unit! Another remarkable characteristic about this one is the heating mode, which allows you to have both an air conditioner and a heater in the same appliance.

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CSO71AE Portable Indoor Evaporative Air Cooler by HoneywellCSO71AE Portable Indoor Evaporative Air Cooler by Honeywell

Especially built for small rooms or offices (about 100 square feet) located in places with dry climate, this is the perfect option for its practicality and price. Honeywell is a well-known appliance brand that this time offers a model that gives a totally new meaning to the word “portability”. This one doesn´t need to be set in a window to give your room a chill vibe.

In addition, it is very small and lightweight, so you can literally put it anywhere and not think too much about losing space or you can take it with you around the house. Also, this line is great for children or people with allergies provoked by traditional air conditioners, which tend to dehumidify the air too much creating an excessively cold and dry environment.

For more portable options to keep you cool in summer, be sure to check out our guide to the top floor fans.

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FGPC1244T1: Gallery Cool Connect Smart Portable by Frigidaire (12,000 BTU)FGPC1244T1: Gallery Cool Connect Smart Portable by Frigidaire (12,000 BTU)

For all the tech lovers, there is a special model for you. This modern unit from Frigidaire breaks all the molds when it comes to traditional portable air conditioners. Among the remarkable features this appliance has is its Wi-Fi compatibility. You can control the temperature, fan velocity, turn it on and off, and set modes through an app on your smartphone. It can also connect automatically with Alexa and other smart home systems for an automated experience.

Another excellent feature is its original air circulating mechanism that rotates in a 360° angle, reaching all sides of the room much more effectively. Being this smart of an appliance, it can´t miss some eco-friendly settings, so of course, it comes with sleep and auto cool modes to reduce the electrical bills. Last but definitely not least, this model differs from others by having an incredible air filter that removes particles and dust for a better quality of air in your home.

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ARC-122 DS Elite from Whynter (12,000 BTU)ARC-122 DS Elite from Whynter (12,000 BTU)

In case of a heat wave, the ARC-122 DS Elite model by Whynter is your pick; just like the 14,000 BTU of the same brand, this one has the great advantage of having a dual hose, which is definitely the best option for battling those truly irritating heat waves during the summer. Basically, there is no competition for Whynter in the department of dual hose portable air conditioners, and these ones have nothing to envy a traditional window A/C unit when it comes to power.

This model has its bets operation performance in climates above the 95 °F. This is when all the advantages really kick in. Therefore, we recommend sticking to the original single hose ones when the temperatures are moderate.

This model’s conventional look will make it go unnoticed in any room, and its simple controls appeal to everyone in the family. When it comes to noise, this unit can be compared with the best ranked single hose models, so the noise level makes it ideal for bedrooms. For bigger spaces, we recommend going up on the BTUs in this same brand.

You may also like these reliable bladeless fans from our list. Check them out.

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Black+Decker BPACT14WT (14,000 BTU)Black+Decker BPACT14WT (14,000 BTU)

In the saving money department, and incomparable in its price range, we have the very popular brand Black+Decker with a durable unit, the BPACT14WT model with a 14,000 BTU capacity. It can cool down a room or office of 550 square feet on a hot summer day without hurting your finances.

It comes with functions for dehumidifying, cooling, and nocturnal noiseless operation great for bedrooms of people with light sleep tendencies. In addition, this model has an air filter that will capture all the impurities in your air. This slide out filter is easily washable at home without needing special tools or replacements of any kind.

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LP1419IVSM by LG (14,000 BTU)LP1419IVSM by LG (14,000 BTU)

“Maximum cooling for maximum comfort” is the slogan for this LG model. The LG Dual Inverter provides excellent performance during operation while giving the user all the control possible. This is a modern machine with a sleek unperceivable outside look. It comes with the integrated SmartThinQ system that allows you to connect to your smart home system or your smartphone while delivering the quality of air you are looking for.

Among its features, this one has a built-in auto evaporation system that eliminates the necessity of cleaning and draining the condensed water out of the bucket. The key to its efficiency relies on the compressor, which has Dual Inverted technology (meaning one dual rotary compressor with two rotors) that guarantees it will eliminate excessive noise and save electricity up to 40% at peak performance.

This upgrade from traditional compressors can also operate at variable velocities, meaning you can enjoy a flexible range of temperature and humidity. This is definitely one of the high-end models of the family of smart portable air conditioners, with an initial price that’s later paid off along its life in the form of saving on your energy bills.

Our comprehensive guide to best-selling tower cooling fans features more amazing options that will help you survive hot summer days.

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Extreme Cool (12,000 BTU) by EdgeStarExtreme Cool (12,000 BTU) by EdgeStar

Edgestar is a well-known brand, and its main products revolve around the refrigeration and air conditioning department. The modern outside look of this model goes perfect with the effectiveness it offers when it comes to controlling the heat and humidity of the air. One of its best features is undoubtedly the high and silent performance, which is ideal for bedrooms, and the special approach it has when it comes to reducing humidity.

In addition, it comes with a built-in automatic evaporating drainage system that eliminates any manual draining of the water and helps you forget that this is a portable unit at all. Also, this appliance offers a compartment that holds the cord when stored in winter.

In addition to the cooling and dehumidifying modes, this model has three fan speeds and a remote for controlling the settings from across the room. Although it can be expensive for a portable air conditioner, the healthier mold-free bedrooms on a summer night makes it totally worth it.

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Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air ConditionerHoneywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner

This simple model gives you all the power to cool down and dehumidify a room of 350 square feet as removes up to 44 pints/24 hours. Among its features, it has auto evaporation drainage, automatic turn on and off, and most importantly, a dual filtration system that allows this unit to get rid of the dust, pet dander, and other harmful particles in the air.

This is ideal for rooms that need to save space; its compact design has the best of both worlds with great performance in a small volume. This makes it really practical and portable for moving it around the house thanks to it being so lightweight. Also, the installation is fairly easy, as it comes with all the accessories necessary for a vertical or horizontal window.

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MN12CESBB by Honeywell (12000 BTU)MN12CESBB by Honeywell (12000 BTU)

This appliance has a very futuristic and smooth aesthetic to it that changes how a traditional portable air conditioner usually works. This is because of the soft touch control panel and display that eases the control on this machine, as well as a remote for controlling it from the other side of a room.

Out of the Honeywell similar items, this has the lowest noise levels. It is very simple to use, and it comes with an entirely washable dual filtration system. Maintenance-wise, the self-evaporation system eases those annoying activities of emptying the bucket, even though a continuous draining system can be set up in a few minutes for those very humid climates. Its minimalistic design and shiny black finish help it go unnoticed in your room.

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BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner by Black+Decker (8,000 BTU)BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner by Black+Decker (8,000 BTU)

This model stands out from the conventional units for its vertical motion, whose airflow upward reaching all the corners of the room, attacking directly all the hot air that revolves around the ceiling. It is important to have in mind the size of the room in which this unit will operate because this particular model is perfect for small rooms or offices, where the space is no bigger than 100 square feet.

However, it is strong and delivers just the right power at a price that is friendly to your wallet with 8,000 BTUs. It only weighs 53 pounds, so moving it across rooms is not a problem. Its panel is faced upward, so the display and the LED lights won´t keep you up at night. Also, it comes with a very silent fan that you can program according to your needs.

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Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner by Honeywell (12,000 BTU)Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner by Honeywell (12,000 BTU)

This model by Honeywell has a 12,000 BTU capacity that competes directly with other well-known brands. The Contempo line by Honeywell is the most modern looking going from 9,000 to 14,000 BTU and cooling up to 700 square feet. This line focuses on energy saving more than others and has a special cycle with a pre-set program that increases the temperature at night when people don’t even notice the difference, for saving electricity.

Specifically in this line, we see very low noise levels in a range of 49 to 52 decibels, which is no louder than a normal conversation. Its filtering system is completely washable in a sink, and it has the Honeywell evaporation system, allowing you to forget about emptying the condensed water bucket. For moister climates, there is the option of setting a continuous drainage system. Is white and blue smooth exterior is friendlier for children and fits well in modern homes.

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ARC-12SDH Portable Air Conditioner and Heater by Whynther (12,000 BTU)ARC-12SDH Portable Air Conditioner and Heater by Whynther (12,000 BTU)

The ARC-12SDH model by Whynther is the current Best portable Air Conditioner to buy in 2020, but what do we and others find so appealing about it? Well, this appliance offers four modes: cool, fan with three speeds, dehumidifier, and heater. This is a great option if you are looking for savings and want to buy one unit that you can use throughout the year. In addition, it has a 24-hour programmable timer.

Wynther states that this unit is specifically designed to be portable and flexible, and unlike the other options they offer, this one is much more affordable for having dual hose operation. With this model, you don´t need to empty and clean the water bucket because it has auto drain technology that takes the condensed water from the air´s humidity as a prime product for cooling the air even more. On the filter side, it has an activated carbon filter and a washable pre-filter that provides the purest air. This portable air conditioner heater combo can cool down a room of 400 square feet.

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Previous Article Picks

There has been a steady increase in the average temperature of most places in the recent past. Hot weather can be very unforgiving and harsh. This is where air conditioners save the day, making it possible for you to enjoy your time anywhere comfortably.

For a long time, central air conditioners have been the most popular cooling models available. The fact that you have to install them permanently, however, makes it impossible for people who don’t own homes to use them. If your landlord didn’t have central air, you would be stuck with the outdated window air conditioner options. Portable air conditioners solve the problem completely.

You can move portable air conditioners from one place on castors, making it possible to cool whichever room you’re in using the same air conditioner. The greatest advantage, however, is that it can be used even when traveling to hot places without air conditioning.

Another great feature of portable air conditioners is that they act as dehumidifiers. They make the room they are in drier and more comfortable. They are also much more affordable than central air conditioners.

Black + Decker BPACT14HWT 14000 BTUBlack + Decker BPACT14HWT 14000 BTU

You can try this portable air conditioner when trying to save on space. Its small and compact size makes it very ideal for leaving an unassuming footprint. It also features strong fans that allow it to blow air at least 10–15 feet up or down, depending on how you adjust the levers.

It’s very easy to set up and works quickly. With this model, it won’t be long before you start enjoying its cooling effect. The fact that it is one of the quietest portable air conditioners makes it ideal for use in the bedroom during hot nights.

It has a remote control system that works for all the functions. It can receive signals from the remote from any direction, so you won’t need to worry about facing it the right way. You will need to drain and clean it regularly to make it work more efficiently and without any hitches. This unit allows you the luxury of using it throughout the year as you can also use it to heat up a room during winter. You won’t need to spend money on extra heating gadgets.

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Whynter 14000 BTUWhynter 14000 BTU

When it comes to electric powered gadgets, energy consumption levels matter. The less energy a unit consumes, the better for your electric bill. The Whynter 14000 BTU is a very economical choice. It’s also very easy to set up and use.

One feature that sets it apart is the amount of moisture it pulls out of the air, making it very good for people living in highly humid areas. When it comes to cooling down a room, it works wonders in a very short time and can reduce the temperatures to ice-cold levels. It features powerful fans that effectively blow the conditioned air around the room. The positioning of the hose inlets in the unit is angled away from the air intake, making it much easier to push it against the wall without interfering with the proper airflow.

It’s a bit heavier than most of the other air conditioners in its category but still very efficient when it comes to delivering the services it is intended for. Another advantage is that you also do not have to drain it regularly to maintain it.

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Honeywell 470 CFMHoneywell 470 CFM

Among the top-rated portable air conditioners in the market today is the Honeywell 470 CFM, and rightly so. It efficiently reduces the temperature in a room, and if you have ice cubes and you use them in place of the water, then it can get that much colder. This, coupled with the fact that it takes a very short time to reduce the temperature, makes it a great product.

It is very effective even in rooms that are a bit bigger than the 350sq ft. recommended in the user’s manual. The noise you get from this unit is almost like the sound that comes from a table fan, and is more like the sound of a breeze than a motor.

It has three different settings: air conditioner, humidifier, and fan. This means you can use it to regulate different conditions. The energy consumption levels are also fairly low, and it is easy to set up.

To get the best results and to minimize the noise, you need to drain it regularly. The filter is washable, which greatly minimizes the odor common to other portable air conditioners.

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LG LP1015WNR 115VLG LP1015WNR 115V

The dry mode in this a/c unit is so effective in eliminating moisture in a surprisingly short period it is the ideal unit for people living in areas with above-average humidity levels. It is also very effective in reducing heat in a standard 15”x40” room, no matter how hot it is, within a very short time.

If you want a portable air conditioner with very easy to clean and store parts, then this is your best bet because it doesn’t accumulate dirt. Also, the unit comes with a complete installation kit, making it very easy to set up and start using.

LG is a leader in creating beautiful designs that easily blend in with the interior of most houses, and this unit is not an exception when it comes to perfect aesthetics. The adjustable vents, access to the filters, and the compact shape makes it very attractive for a floor air conditioner.

It’s very comforting that with all these services, you will not spend an arm and a leg on the power bill. It is a very economical model.

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Haier 10000 BTUHaier 10000 BTU

If you have ever doubted products by Haier, then you need to use this portable air conditioner. From first glance, you might dismiss it, but the moment you power it on, you will realize the cooling giant you are dealing with.

This unit runs on only three modes: high, low, and dehumidifier. The fans, however, are so powerful that it can cool a 400 square foot room even when it is in low mode. The dehumidifier also works well and easily sucks water out of the atmosphere.

Many people are put off with the sound, which is on the higher side, but considering the amount of work it does, you can excuse this. Besides, it’s something that you can easily adjust to leaving with.

It’s also helpful that all the function control buttons are marked clearly, making it very easy to use. Plus, it comes with a remote control that you can use to turn it on, off, or adjust the mode from anywhere in the room. Like with most of the other portable air coolers, you need to drain it for it to function smoothly.

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EdgeStar AP12000HSEdgeStar AP12000HS

Some appliances cannot be compared to others when it comes to durability, and this is certainly one of those that outclasses the rest. It can constantly run for a long time without developing faults. It effectively cools a 20”x 17” room within a very short time. Most people have reported cooling at least two rooms using just one of these units, which shows how effective it is.

This unit is also very effective in heating up a room during the cold months. It is very heavy but, at the same time, very easy to move around because of its heavy duty wheels. Because of its weight, many people might think that it is hard to set up, but on the contrary, it is very easy to set up and use.

One thing that is always a worry when purchasing a compact air conditioner is how frequently you will need to drain the water. This particular unit requires less drainage and cleaning than other units.

It is also very quiet compared to some brands in the market, but of course, it cannot be entirely silent.

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DeLonghi PACAN 140ES. WH – 3A Pinguino PlusDeLonghi PACAN 140ES. WH – 3A Pinguino Plus

The first thing you will notice with this compact air conditioner is just how easy to operate it is. It has a large, clear, and easy to see LED window on top of the unit, making it very easy to program. The very functional remote also makes it very easy to use.

The dehumidifier in this unit works great, even though the tank might fill up frequently. The fact that it makes the room nice and dry is a big plus.

It is heavy but has large casters that are very handy when you want to move it from one place to the other. The setup process is simple and takes a very short time. As for noise, it is safe to say that it is quieter than most of the other brands but not entirely silent.

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Honeywell MN10CESBBHoneywell MN10CESBB

Some people cannot stand noise coming from their appliances. If you are one of them and you are looking for a portable air conditioner for your home, then this is the best unit you will come across. It cools a room within a very short time (15–30 minutes) and does it very quietly. This unit has been known to cool rooms a bit larger than the standard size indicated in the product’s manual.

The manual is very easy to understand, helping the setup go quickly, and your use of the unit go smoothly. Simply follow the instructions to cooler air. You might need to drain the evaporation tank more often while using the honeywell dehumidifier but doing so is incredibly easy with clear instructions provided in the manual.

The unit can work on three modes: air conditioner, fan mode, and dehumidifier. It would be an oversight not to say that the fan mode works perfectly, and you can opt to use it on those days when it is not especially hot.

The energy consumption of this product is on the minimum side and should not be a worry for most users.

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Whynter ARC-14SH 14000 BTUWhynter ARC-14SH 14000 BTU

The dual hose in this unit makes it more efficient than the others with a single hose. The dual hose does not use the already cooled air in the room to cool down the compressor, which is what the single hose units do. Since it doesn’t recirculate the already cooled air, it can achieve cooler temperatures in a short time.

The dual hose portable air conditioner also ensures that it does not create negative pressure. It does not draw hot air into the room, further ensuring much cooler temperatures. Another feature that has ensured that this unit deserves its place among the giants in the market is the fact that it emits very minimal noise compared to other portable air conditioners.

Winter will never be unbearable again with this unit because it effectively heats up the room to your desired temperatures. This means that you won’t have to spend money looking for a heater. The design of the unit is also very appealing, and it seamlessly blends in the décor of your house.

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TCL TAC -10CPA/HATCL TAC -10CPA/HA

Air conditioners are all about cooling a space, and this machine does it like a pro. It effectively cools down a 160 square foot room in a very short time. Energy efficiency is another essential aspect, and you can be sure that you will not have huge electricity bills while using this unit. In fact, it has an energy efficiency ratio of 8.7.

There is nothing as comforting as knowing just what is going on in your machine, and this air conditioner gives you just capability with the LCD display showing most of the processes taking place, including when the evaporation water tank is filling. You can, therefore, be sure that you have no leaks whatsoever.

The evaporation tank does not fill up regularly either, and you take some time before you have to drain it. The unit is a bit bulky and compact, but at the same time, it has wheels that make moving it from one place to another much easier. Setting it up is also not an issue as it has a very intuitive design.

The noise level is very manageable, and you can comfortably get used to the sound it produces. The effectiveness of the unity greatly outweighs the noise, making it a non-issue.

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EdgeStar AP12000SEdgeStar AP12000S

This portable air conditioner does well at keeping the temperature of a room constant after it has cooled it down. The unit automatically turns off once it achieves the desired temperature, and after that, it only works to maintain the temperature. It works equally well for cooling large and regulating the temperature of large rooms.

The thermostat and built-in shutoff ensure that it won’t waste energy. You don’t need to drain the unit regularly, either. In fact, there is nothing to drain out as only a few drops of condensation accumulate on the unit’s vent.

It features a flexible exhaust that is about 4 feet long, which helps to make it more portable.

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Madoats 9.5 Inch Super Mini Portable Air ConditionerMadoats 9.5 Inch Super Mini Portable Air Conditioner

This list would not be complete without mentioning the Madoats Super Mini air conditioner. It is a very effective portable A/C unit that does not consume a lot of power. It is a very good option for people who are on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the comfort of cooler air.

The fact that it is very small personal air conditioner makes it very easy to travel with, and the size also makes it very quiet.

To get the best from this unit, add ice cubes to the water for an even greater cooling effect. Plus, you can add some essential oils to make the air in the room smell fresher.

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