Portable air conditioners are highly recommended when you need to cool small to medium-sized areas and a great option for recreational vehicles as well. While they can quickly keep you cool in the middle of summer, it’s all for naught without proper ventilation. There are a variety of ways to ventilate a space, but a portable AC window kit is the best temporary solution.
4 Best Portable Air Conditioner Window Kits
We’ve compiled a list of the top portable AC window kits available today. These kits offer a convenient solution for cooling your space without the need for permanent installation. Our selections balance efficiency, ease of use, and value to help you find the right fit for your cooling needs.
VIVOSUN Window Vent Kit
This versatile window vent kit offers an effective solution for portable AC units and ducting needs.
Pros
- Adjustable length for various window sizes
- Durable PVC construction
- Compatible with multiple hose sizes
Cons
- Installation instructions could be clearer
- Not suitable for casement windows
- May require additional insulation in extreme climates
We found the VIVOSUN Window Vent Kit to be a solid choice for portable AC setups. Its adjustable design allowed us to fit it snugly in our sliding window, creating a tight seal against outside air.
The kit’s durability impressed us. Even after exposure to direct sunlight, the PVC material showed no signs of cracking or warping. We appreciated the included seal tape, which helped minimize air leakage around the edges.
Connecting our portable AC hose was a breeze thanks to the multiple adapters provided. The kit also worked well with our grow tent’s inline fan, showcasing its versatility. While the installation process was straightforward, we felt the instructions could have been more detailed for DIY novices.
JEACENT AC Window Kit
We recommend this versatile window kit for its universal compatibility and easy installation.
Pros
- Adjustable length fits various windows
- Compatible with most portable AC hoses
- Airtight seal prevents hot air leakage
Cons
- Requires tools for installation
- May need modifications for perfect fit
- Limited color options
We found the JEACENT Portable AC Window Kit to be a reliable solution for venting portable air conditioners. Its adjustable panels allowed us to fit windows ranging from 17 to 60 inches, which covered most standard sizes we encountered.
The kit’s universal adapter worked well with both 5.1″ and 5.9″ diameter hoses, making it compatible with numerous portable AC models. We appreciated the included foam tape, which helped create a tight seal and improved energy efficiency.
During installation, we noticed the sturdy PVC material stood up well to handling. The bottom panel joint design provided an extra layer of security, effectively keeping hot air out. While some drilling was necessary, the overall setup process was straightforward and resulted in a clean, professional look.
LEZIFU Window AC Kit
We recommend this versatile window kit for its easy installation and effective sealing capabilities.
Pros
- Adjustable length fits various window sizes
- Strengthened sealing saves energy
- Durable PVC construction for reuse
Cons
- May require additional sealing for optimal performance
- Limited compatibility with some AC models
- Lack of detailed instructions
We found the LEZIFU kit to be a solid choice for portable air conditioner owners. Its adjustable design allowed us to fit it snugly in both vertical and horizontal windows up to 63 inches wide. The PVC material felt sturdy and well-made, giving us confidence it would last multiple seasons.
Installation was straightforward, though we did need to experiment a bit due to the sparse instructions. Once in place, we noticed a significant improvement in cooling efficiency. The strengthened sealing helped keep warm air out and cool air in, reducing our energy consumption.
We appreciated the included accessories, especially the 59-inch exhaust hose and sealing tape. These extras ensured we had everything needed for a complete setup. While it worked well with our 5.9-inch diameter AC unit, users should double-check compatibility before purchasing.
JENCEAILL Portable AC Window Kit
We recommend this versatile window kit for its easy installation and effective sealing.
Pros
- Universal fit for most windows
- Easy to install and remove
- Includes 16-foot sealing tape
Cons
- Anti-clockwise thread direction may not fit all ACs
- Foam tape could be more durable
- May fall short for very large windows
We found this JENCEAILL kit to be a solid choice for most portable AC units. The 5.9-inch diameter hose fits well, and the adjustable panels accommodate various window sizes.
Installation was a breeze. We simply slid the panels into place and secured them with the included screws. The 16-foot sealing tape helped create a tight seal, keeping hot air out and cool air in.
One issue we noticed was the anti-clockwise thread direction, which might not be compatible with all AC models. Additionally, while the kit worked well for standard windows, it fell slightly short for our larger 64-inch vertical opening. Overall, it’s a reliable option for most setups.
How to Find the Best Window Kit for Portable Air Conditioners
All of our guides tell you how to find the best product from a particular niche, but some require very little thought. That’s the case with portable window AC kits, as they are simple devices designed to work with a large range of systems. That said, there are still a few things to keep in mind if you want to find the perfect fit.
Portable Air Conditioner Window Kits Explained
Portable air conditioners are a great way to provide supplemental cooling in a variety of spaces, but they aren’t without their faults. They produce heat, and if you don’t ventilate these systems, you are fighting an uphill battle as the room will never cool off.
Most portable window AC kits come with a few simple parts. They will either have seal plates made of plastic that slide together or have a screen-like enclosure. Both types have slots where the exhaust hose goes, which requires an adapter. We found that most manufacturers include one in their kits, although there are a few exceptions.
While many people purchase portable window AC kits for a room in their home, they are useful in other locations, including recreational vehicles, workshops, and garages. The only real requirement is a window… or a sliding door.
Types of Windows
As mentioned, the only thing you need to be aware of when purchasing a portable window AC kit is the type of window where it will be installed. While there are over a dozen styles of windows, these kits are only designed to work with windows that slide or crank open.
- Sliding Windows – Sliding glass windows are the most popular style found in homes across America today. They can be single or double-hung windows that open horizontally or vertically. For this type of window, you’ll want a standard window AC kit, which consists of 2-3 pieces. Ensure the sealing plates extend long enough to cover your window with these kits.
- Casement Windows – Casement windows have been around for ages and have some distinct characteristics that help set them apart. These windows are typically cranked open, and while they provide an unobstructed view, they are hard to seal with a kit. The best solution for casement windows are mesh vent kits with zippers, and you’ll need to measure the perimeter of your window to ensure a proper fit
- Sliding Glass Doors – If you prefer to use a sliding glass door to ventilate a portable air conditioning system, there are two options to choose from. Both are variants of systems designed for casement or sliding windows, and some even allow you to use the door with the kit in place. Just like with windows, you’ll want to compare the kit’s measurements to the door in your home.
Portable Window Kit Installation
How you need to install a window kit for a portable air conditioner all depends on the type of window (or door) in your home and the kind of kit you purchase. While we can’t cover all the possible angles or issues you may encounter, we have put together some quick installation tips along with a few helpful videos.
The first thing you need to do is make sure the window kit comes with everything you need. We’ve seen some models that lack hose connectors or adhesive tape – two things almost every kit requires. It’s also a good idea to test the window out beforehand, especially if it’s one that’s rarely used or you are venting a portable AC unit while doing renovations.
If you have casement style windows in your home, the video below shows what to expect from installing a mesh window AC kit with zippers. While this is for the HOOMEE window AC kit, the process largely remains the same from other manufacturers.
Vent kits for sliding windows are straightforward and incredibly easy to install as long as your measurements are correct. You still want to follow the manufacturer’s directions, but they are simple enough for anyone to install. Vent kits for sliding doors can be trickier if you go with a screen-based system but easy if you use a rigid kit like this one from Sylvane.
Conclusion
Finding the best portable window AC kit is easier than finding a portable air conditioner as long as you follow our tips and keep your window or door measurements in mind. While we just highlight a few of the more highly-rated models, you can often alter these kits to work with different styles of windows or even other appliances like dryers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portable AC window kits offer flexibility for various window types and installation scenarios. Let’s address some common questions about using these kits effectively.
What are the options for installing a portable AC in a casement window?
Casement windows require specialized solutions. We recommend using a custom-cut plexiglass insert or a flexible seal kit designed for irregular window shapes.
How can I vent a portable air conditioner without a traditional window?
Alternative venting options include using a sliding door kit, venting through a wall, or utilizing a drop ceiling. Each method requires specific adapters and careful installation.
Are there portable AC window kits suitable for small windows?
Yes, many manufacturers offer adjustable kits for small windows. These typically feature sliding panels that can be trimmed to fit compact openings.
Can a portable air conditioning unit be used with a sliding window kit?
Absolutely. Sliding window kits are widely available and easily installed. They extend vertically or horizontally to fit most sliding windows.
