Portable air conditioning units offer a range of benefits, including consistent cooling during a heatwave and reducing allergens and pollutants. However, they come with a hefty price tag and aren’t that small to store either, meaning you’ll have to have a space to store them through the cold months. I wanted to see whether they were really worth the cost, and so I tested out AEG’s Comfort 6000 AXP26U330CW from AO.com, which has a 4.6 rating out of five.
After using it for just a few weeks, I can totally see why people invest in these appliances and how they’re worth it. I went from sleeping in intense heat to sleeping comfortably in a cool room, and it doesn’t take long for the room to cool down either.
The air conditioning unit was super easy to set up, requiring just a couple of steps to put the hose together before getting started.
After that, I simply plugged it in, placed the hose out of the window, set the mode I wanted, and my room was instantly cooling.
The hose has a maximum length of 168.3cm, which is quite lengthy, and it fits perfectly out of my window.
The air conditioner unit retails for £469 and has three speed settings and an automatic setting. The clever auto fan function automatically adjusts the temperature to keep you comfortable.
It also has a handy CleanAir filter, which clears the room of any allergens, which was great for my hayfever symptoms.
There’s also an easy LED display that clearly demonstrates what mode it is on and the temperature. The Mode button allows you to switch between Auto, Cool, Fan, and Dry modes. You can easily adjust the desired temperature by pressing the buttons. In Cool mode, the desired temperature is shown on the digital display, while the Fan mode shows the current room temperature.
You can also connect it to your phone, meaning you can stay comfortable in bed or on the sofa when you need to adjust the temperature. If you’re connected to WiFi, a little light comes on if the air filter needs cleaning. AEG says this will only occur after 250 hours of operation.
While the aesthetic of an air conditioning unit isn’t necessarily the most important factor, this unit fits into my home a lot nicer than other ones I have seen, which are more plastic-looking.
Its sleek and minimal look, with cleverly rounded edges, means the unit often went unnoticed by many despite its size.
I also found it super easy to move from room to room despite weighing 31.5kg thanks to the handy wheels which means any room can be cooled down in the home.
However, I did find this appliance quite noisy while it was on, so I didn’t have it on while I was sleeping. However, it’s still quieter than other ones I’ve seen, so I didn’t mind that, and it maxes out at 64dB.
Plus, I was grateful for any cool air throughout the heatwave, which can otherwise feel quite suffocating.
The window kit isn’t included with the air conditioning unit, but it can be purchased separately if you need one. This can help to cool down the room even faster and keep any indoor pets safe.
If you’re looking to invest in a unit, then I’d highly recommend the AEG Comfort 6000 as it works fast to cool rooms down. The touch panel is well-designed, it’s easy to operate, and the range of settings was great.
It’s also good to know how to use a unit properly to avoid wasting energy and money. Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at AO.com, told Express.co.uk: “A common trap that people fall into is popping their appliance on at a very low temperature. Instead, try to aim for a setting between 22C and 25C as this will keep your home cool without becoming a walk-in freezer. Similarly, try to keep all doors and windows closed when you’re running your air con. Unlike a fan, this appliance works by circulating and cooling the air already in the room. Leaving the windows or doors open will just invite all that warm air back in and force your appliance to work even harder.
“It’s also worth noting that where you place your air conditioner can directly affect its performance. Try to place yours centrally, with enough air to breathe and away from direct sunlight. This gives your appliance the best conditions to run in, and allows the air to circulate effectively.”
The AEG unit can be purchased from a variety of online stores, although it is selling out fast, including AO.com and Appliances Direct.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, opt for Qlima’s 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for just £299.97 or Delonghi’s PAC EM77 Pinguino 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, which is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.