The Great British Portable-AC Show-down (2025 Edition)
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When summer in the UK decides to flip the thermostat to Mediterranean, a good portable air-con can feel like a super-power. Below you’ll find a no-nonsense breakdown of four popular 3.5 kW R290 units so you can pick the one that’ll actually make life cooler—literally and figuratively.
Why all the fuss about R290?
All four machines use R290 (pure propane) instead of the old HFC gases. R290 has a tiny global-warming potential and gives manufacturers a little efficiency boost, so you’ll see lower running costs and a greener conscience.
Quick buyer’s checklist
| What to look at | Why it matters | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling capacity | Measured in kW/BTU – matches room size | 3.5 kW ≈ 12 000 BTU; comfy for 18–30 m² rooms |
| Heating mode? | Year-round value | Look for “heat-pump” or “reverse-cycle” |
| Noise | Bedroom vs. office tolerance | <55 dB = quiet chat, 60-65 dB = loud conversation |
| Energy ratio (EER/COP) | Running cost | ≥2.6 is the minimum you’ll see on R290 portables |
| Weight & wheels | Moving between rooms | 30–35 kg is typical—casters are a must |
| Hose length | How far to a window | 1.25–1.50 m on these models |
The Contenders
1. Carrier Portable AC – “The Quiet Achiever”
- Cooling / heating: 3.5 kW cool, 2.9 kW heat
- Noise: 49–53 dB (pressure) / 65 dB (power) – the softest whisper on our list
- Air-flow: 380 m³ h⁻¹ – gentle but steady
- Coverage: up to 30 m² master bedroom
- Weight: 34 kg; smooth-rolling casters
- Price snapshot: £432
Pros
- Lowest sound levels great for light sleepers
- Reverse-cycle heating extends its usefulness to winter
- Big-brand reliability & spare-parts network
Cons
- Heaviest unit here
- Stock shortages make it tough to grab
2. Pump House PAC-H-12 – “All-Rounder With Heat-Pump”
- Cooling / heating: 3.5 kW cool, 3.0 kW heat
- Noise: 65 dB (sound power) – middle of the pack
- Room size: up to 24 m²
- Weight: 37.5 kg (heat-pump hardware adds heft)
- Price snapshot: £569
Pros
- Does heating and cooling – ideal for garden offices
- Simple top-mounted controls + remote
- Decent hose length (1.5 m) for flexible placement
Cons
- Weighty – moving upstairs is a two-person job
- On the louder side if you’re right next to it
3. Pump House PAC-C-12 – “Budget Cool-Only Workhorse”
- Cooling: 3.5 kW (12 000 BTU)
- Noise: 56 dB (sound power) – a tad quieter than the PAC-H-12
- EER: 2.6 (energy-class A)
- Coverage: 18–26 m²; ideal for average UK lounges
- Weight: 34 kg; identical chassis to PAC-H-12
- Price snapshot: £329
Pros
- Cheapest ticket to 12 000 BTU cooling
- Slightly quieter than the heat-pump sibling
- Same sturdy build & 1.5 m hose
Cons
- No heating option – you’ll pack it away after September
- Basic feature set (no Wi-Fi or fancy sleep modes)
4. Sinclair Portable AC – “High-Airflow Hybrid”
- Cooling / heating: 3.5 kW cool, 3 kW heat (A/A++ energy label)
- Noise: 65 dB max; large fan pushes more air
- Air-flow: 450 m³ h⁻¹ – highest on test, good for open-plan spaces
- Room size: up to 35 m²
- Weight: ~31 kg; slightly slimmer footprint
- Price snapshot: £369
Pros
- Strong airflow quickly mixes cool air around a bigger room
- Heating mode rated A++ (cheap to run in shoulder seasons)
- Smart timer & washable air filter add livability
Cons
- Fan volume creeps up when you unleash full airflow
- Hose only 1.25 m – may need a window kit extender
Which one should you choose?
| Scenario | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom, light sleeper | Carrier | Quietest dB figures; reverse-cycle keeps you cosy in winter |
| Garden office / year-round use | PAC-H-12 | Heat-pump function + straightforward controls |
| Student budget, summer-only | PAC-C-12 | Lowest price, no-frills cooling for 20 m² flats |
| Open-plan living/dining | Sinclair AMC-14P | Higher airflow covers up to 35 m² quickly |
Final tips before you click “Add to Cart”
- Measure the window gap – these all ship with a single-duct hose; a window-seal kit costs ~£20 and stops hot air sneaking back in.
- Plan the drainage – most models auto-evaporate but in high humidity you may still empty the tank occasionally.
- Think about storage – 30 kg units are chunky; make sure you’ve space in a cupboard or loft when winter arrives (unless you choose a heat-pump and keep it running).
- Check return policies – noise tolerance is subjective; a 14-day return window is your safety net.
Stay cool, and good luck hunting down that one remaining unit in stock!
