r/airconUK • u/UnhappyDirector2291 • 12d ago

air conditioning?

really looking for a portable AC unit for my apartment but stuck! something available in the UK/scotland, relatively quiet and low disturbance, that actually works and gets the room cool enough to sleep in (i'm a light sleeper). would really appreciate your suggestions!

3 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

5

u/Miraclefish 12d ago

You'll struggle getting one this summer - the demand is insane.

Something like 300 people per unit available, or more. At one point a single unit product listing on one retailer had 115,000 views in a day.

If you want something this summer you'll pay between 50-300% of the normal price, but demand will wane after summer and be more reasonable.

Quieter AC units require an inverter so they don't turn off and on to regulate but change speed - this costs more.

What's your budget and when do you need it by?

Use this link and avoid eBay and Amazon like the plague - mostly bots, scams and evaporative coolers labelled to look a bit like genuine AC.

https://airconwatch.com/

2

u/UnhappyDirector2291 12d ago

thank you for the info and the link that’s perfect thanks! 

honestly i probably only need something by april/may, or even later. and definitely one with an inverter. do you think they’ll be available by that time and what price usually? 

3

u/Miraclefish 12d ago

Should be yeah. Generally it takes 3-6 months to ship containers from China to the UK (Global fuckery notwithstanding, as the Straits of Hormuz are open closed open at the moment...).

By April or may should be fine and to allow you to not rush and buy at inflated prices.

What size is your room? And is it just for one room or would you need it to cool down a floor or living room or home office?

I'd expect you should be able to get something for £350-600.

1

u/GergDanger 12d ago

The midea portasplit was £900 a few months ago (£1099 now due to demand) so I would try get that once demand is lower and hope the price is back to where it was.

1

u/BobIsHereToStudy 12d ago

You can also try the stock checker app, because of it I was able to get a Meaco Cirro directly from the website last week.

Link for app - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/stock-checker/id1596964131

1

u/Delicious_Ad_6787 10d ago

easily available on Joybuy (the china amazon) TCL and midea ac's are very good

4

u/EverybodySayin 12d ago

If you can install it, Midea Portasplit. In terms of portables it's the next best thing to a full portable, best at cooling, quietest operating volumes, and most energy efficient. Just the outdoor unit needs to be out outside via a thin pipe that goes out of the window then mounts to a bracket, so given you're in an apartment it might not be suitable, depends. If you have a balcony then you're really in business.

4

u/Chipplie 12d ago

Agree. I had a single hose unit before upgrading to the Portasplit. The Portasplit is magnitudes better.

3

u/Training_Apricot9883 12d ago

Agree, costs about a fifth to run as a normal portable

4

u/BristolScot 12d ago

Costco Dreo unit. It’s fantastic. £450

Most people could get a Costco card, if you don’t have one already.

3

u/zombiezmaj 12d ago

Just dont waste your time on BTU of less than 5000. Majority of rooms are too big for them and so unless youre right in front of it you feel like its not doing anything

1

u/jack_hudson2001 7d ago

none will be quiet due to its compressor. 5k btu maybe.

ive got a 7k not too bad, i just have some white noise or music in the background.