If you’re trying to cool a room with no access to a window, finding the right air conditioner can be a serious challenge. Traditional portable air conditioners typically require a window for venting hot air. But what if your room doesn’t have one? Whether you live in a basement, an interior room, or a space with sealed windows, there are still solid options to keep things cool and comfortable. This guide dives into the best portable air conditioners that don’t require window access—and how to use them effectively.
Can You Use a Portable Air Conditioner Without a Window?
Yes, you can—but you’ll need to choose the right type. Most traditional portable air conditioners are designed to exhaust warm air through a window using a hose. Without a window, this design won’t work unless you can redirect the hose elsewhere—like a wall vent, ceiling, or door.
However, there are other cooling solutions that don’t require any exhaust at all. These include:
- Evaporative coolers (aka swamp coolers)
- Ventless portable air conditioners
- Portable air conditioners with alternate venting options
Let’s explore each category in depth, then look at the best models on the market today.
Types of Windowless Portable Cooling Options
1. Evaporative Coolers (Swamp Coolers)
Evaporative coolers work by pulling in warm air and passing it over water-soaked pads. As the air passes through, the water evaporates, naturally cooling the air. These devices don’t need exhaust hoses, making them ideal for windowless rooms. However, they’re best suited for dry climates.
Pros:
- No exhaust vent required
- Energy-efficient
- Humidifies dry air
Cons:
- Less effective in humid environments
- Needs regular water refills
2. Ventless Portable Air Conditioners
These are essentially high-powered fans with evaporative or hybrid cooling capabilities. They offer a similar design to swamp coolers but may include ice compartments or built-in humidifiers to boost cooling.
Pros:
- No hose or installation required
- Portable and easy to move
Cons:
- Not true air conditioners—can’t lower room temperature dramatically
- Best for personal comfort rather than large room cooling
3. Portable ACs with Alternate Venting
If you’re set on using a traditional portable air conditioner, you can still do it without a window—as long as you have an alternate place to vent the hot air. This could be a drop ceiling, laundry exhaust, wall vent, or even a sliding door with a custom seal.
Pros:
- Real air conditioning—can reduce room temperature significantly
- Some models support dual hose for better efficiency
Cons:
- Requires some modification or venting access
- Bulkier and heavier than ventless models
Best Portable Air Conditioners Without Window Access
1. Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler – Best Overall
The Hessaire MC18M is a powerful evaporative cooler that can handle rooms up to 500 square feet. It’s incredibly energy-efficient and requires no exhaust hose. Simply fill the water tank, plug it in, and enjoy cooled air. It’s perfect for garages, enclosed patios, or any space without a window.
- Cooling Area: Up to 500 sq ft
- Tank Size: 4.8 gallons
- Airflow: 1,300 CFM
Pros:
- Massive cooling area
- Simple setup and maintenance
- Durable and easy to roll
Cons:
- Noisy on high settings
- Doesn’t work well in humid conditions
2. Honeywell CO60PM Evaporative Cooler – Best for Large Rooms
Designed for areas up to 850 square feet, this beast from Honeywell delivers serious airflow. It’s ideal for basements, sunrooms, or shared spaces without any window access. You can use it indoors or out, thanks to its weather-resistant build.
- Cooling Area: 850 sq ft
- Water Tank: 15.8 gallons
- Remote Control: Included
Pros:
- Massive tank and airflow
- Dual use for indoors/outdoors
- Long runtime per fill
Cons:
- Large footprint
- Expensive
3. Evapolar evaCHILL – Best Personal Windowless Cooler
If you’re just looking to stay cool at your desk or bedside, the Evapolar evaCHILL is your best bet. It’s compact, USB-powered, and uses evaporative technology to provide a gentle cooling breeze. Great for dorms, offices, and nightstands.
- Cooling Area: 45 sq ft
- Power: USB
- Water Tank: 800 ml
Pros:
- Highly portable and compact
- Whisper quiet
- Eco-friendly and energy efficient
Cons:
- Not for full-room cooling
- Needs frequent refills
4. Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner – Best Alternate Vent Option
If you have any way to route an exhaust hose—like through a drop ceiling or into an adjacent vent—the Midea Duo is the best portable air conditioner to consider. It uses inverter technology for ultra-efficient cooling and has a quiet, sleek design.
- BTU: 12,000 (SACC)
- Room Size: Up to 550 sq ft
- Smart Control: Yes (Wi-Fi, Alexa)
Pros:
- Super efficient inverter system
- Quiet operation
- App and voice control
Cons:
- Still requires some kind of venting
- Pricey
5. Whirlpool Portable Air Conditioner with Heat – Best All-Season Option
For all-year use in spaces without windows, Whirlpool’s dual-function model offers cooling and heating. If you can vent it through an alternate location, you’ll enjoy climate control regardless of the season.
- BTU: 10,000 (cool) / 11,500 (heat)
- Area: Up to 450 sq ft
- Modes: Cool, Heat, Dehumidify, Fan
Pros:
- Multi-season functionality
- Good cooling and heating performance
- Compact and mobile
Cons:
- Requires exhaust option
- Not the quietest unit
Tips for Using a Portable Air Conditioner Without a Window
- Use drop ceilings or dryer vents: These are great alternate venting options for exhaust hoses.
- Check for built-in evaporators: These reduce the need to drain water manually.
- Keep doors open: Helps with airflow in closed-off rooms.
- Supplement with fans: Boost circulation, especially for evaporative coolers.
Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Cooling Area | Venting Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hessaire MC18M | Evaporative | 500 sq ft | No |
| Honeywell CO60PM | Evaporative | 850 sq ft | No |
| Evapolar evaCHILL | Personal | 45 sq ft | No |
| Midea Duo | Portable AC | 550 sq ft | Yes (alt vent) |
| Whirlpool AC + Heat | Portable AC | 450 sq ft | Yes (alt vent) |
Conclusion
You don’t need a window to stay cool. Whether you’re working in a basement office, living in a sealed apartment, or just want a more flexible setup, there’s a solution that fits your needs. Evaporative coolers like the Hessaire MC18M or Honeywell CO60PM offer powerful cooling with zero venting. For personal use, the Evapolar evaCHILL is unbeatable in portability. And if you can vent elsewhere, the Midea Duo gives you true air conditioning with smart controls.
Choose the right model for your space, and you can stay cool—even in the hottest months—without needing a single window.