Malaysia is a hot and humid country, and unless you are based in Cameron Highlands or Genting, the weather can occasionally get way too hot to handle for some. This can become a problem for those who don’t enjoy sleeping in a sweaty and uncomfortable environment.
This makes owning an air conditioner a must-have in every Malaysian household.
However, wall-mounted air conditioners require hacking and possibly some minor renovation works to get the piping done. The hassle and headache of installing a permanent air conditioner can easily turn anybody off.
The solution to this is a portable air conditioner, a small appliance that delivers dry, cool air to keep you comfortable all day.
In our article today, we have rounded up some of the best portable air conditioners in Malaysia that many trust, love, and use. We love how easy these portable ACs are to set up, how efficient they are at cooling a space, as well as how intuitive they are to operate and maintain.
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Buying Guide on The Best KL Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are great cooling solutions for rooms and apartments without needing to install a central AC. They’re easy to use, provide instant cooling, and even come with other amazing features for you to take advantage of. But before you buy one off the rack, here are a few aspects to consider to ensure you get the right one.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioners are rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The higher the BTU rating an A/C has, the more cooling power it offers, which also means it can cover larger areas. It is important for you to buy the right size portable air conditioner to make sure you’re not just wasting energy or money on a unit that can’t cool your room adequately.
Below is a general rule of thumb you can follow on the air conditioner BTU size to get:
- 8,000 BTUs can cover a room of 200 sq. ft. with an 8-foot ceiling.
- 10,000 BTUs can cover a room of 300 sq. ft. with an 8-foot ceiling.
- 12,000 BTUs can cover a room of 400 sq. ft. with an 8-foot ceiling.
- 13,000 BTUs can cover a room of 450 sq. ft. with an 8-foot ceiling.
- 14,000 BTUs can cover a room of 500 sq. ft. with an 8-foot ceiling.
However, do take note that environmental factors may also affect the air conditioner’s sizing you require. For example, rooms with a large window or balcony with plenty of direct sunlight will require models with slightly more BTUs.
Placement Location
While portable air cooler push out cool air, they also produce heat that must be exhausted somewhere. Some models have hoses where you will need to connect to the outside to expel warm air. Such kinds of portable air conditioners will need to be plugged in near a window so that you can place the hose out of the window.
Maintenance Required
All electrical appliances will require some maintenance but fortunately, you only need to really worry about draining collected moisture with portable air conditioners. All portable ACs pull moisture out of the air as part of their cooling process. This means that the unit will have a pool of water that you’ll need to get rid of regularly.
There are a few ways to do this and they include manually removing the pan and emptying it as needed, attaching a hose and let gravity do its work to drain it elsewhere, or installing a pump to push the water out into another location.
Some portable air cooler, however, have a fully self-evaporative design to evaporate all or most of the water they collect, so you won’t have to worry about draining them.
Noise Levels
Portable air conditioners generate airflow to cool the room, but that means that it also produces some level of noise. If you’re worried about the noise level, be sure to check the noise rating produced by each model.
If you plan to use one in the bedroom while you sleep, it is advisable for you to get models with lower noise ratings even at their highest settings.
Energy Efficiency
Electrical appliances like air conditioners can easily lead to high electricity consumption. If you’re concerned about your monthly energy bills, then you should look into their Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating.
The EER will tell you how many BTUs are used per watt of power. The higher the EER rating is, the more energy-efficient that unit is.
Top 8 Best and Strong Portable Air Conditioners in Malaysia
Now that we’ve looked into what makes a great portable air cooler, let’s dive into our top picks of the best air conditioners on the market.
1. Acson MOVEO 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA10C
Specifications:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 485 x 395 x 880 mm
- Weight: 30 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,130 W
- EER: 8.85
- Air Flow: 300 m³/hr (176.6 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 50 – 52 dBA
- Features: Silver ion filter, self-evaporative system (double condenser technology)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
Acson is Malaysia’s first local air conditioner brand that was established back in 1984. It was then later acquired by leading air conditioning solution provider – Daikin in 2006. Nonetheless, Acson still remains a popular Malaysian-made AC manufacturer.
Among the company’s list of products is the MOVEO 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA10C that has a 1.0 horsepower (10,000 BTUs) motor to effectively cool down a room that’s around 450 square feet of space. However, this is not a very ideal choice for larger areas such as the living room.
The Acson MOVEO portable air conditioner comes with a manual as well as all the accessories you need to set it up such as the window bracket, window outlet, exhaust hose, etc. Installation is also pretty easy such that you can set it all up on your own without tools!
The Acson portable air conditioner also comes with an intuitive touch screen panel as well as a remote control that allows you to change the fan settings. It also has a power failure memory system to restore the last setting in case of a power cut-off. One drawback to this portable air coi is that it doesn’t come with a timer, which is one of the most basic features of a portable air conditioner.
This Acson portable air conditioner may not be winning any beauty competition, but it was designed with practicality in mind. It comes with a set of installation accessories and a step-by-step manual for you to follow. It also has wheels at the bottom for you to move it from room to room with ease.
Pros
- Touch screen panel.
- All accessories included.
- Suitable for bedrooms.
- Wheels attached for easy maneuverability.
Cons
- No timer.
2. Midea MPH-09CRN1 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner
Specifications:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 458 x 372 x 774 mm
- Weight: 32.7 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,255 W
- EER: 9.56
- Air Flow: 400 m³/hr (235 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 55 – 57 dBA
- Features: Built-in Ionizer
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
Midea is another popular brand that you often come across when shopping for home appliances. The company produces quality products at affordable prices for everyone to enjoy. In fact, the MPH-09CRN1 portable air conditioner model is one of the most purchased models on Lazada, and for good reasons.
This sleek and stylish portable MPH-09CRN1 air conditioner comes with plenty of cool features such as a timer, sleep mode, auto-swing mode, and an auto-restart function. .
This model also features a self-evaporative system with no bucket design to eliminate the need to drain out accumulated water condensation. The model also has an omnidirectional caster to improve cool air distribution so that you can enjoy quick and even cooling anywhere in your room.
On top of that, the appliance also comes with silver ion filtration with a nanosilver attached to the filter. The silver ions are released during the cooling process to eliminate bacteria and ensure clean, healthy air in your home.
A notable drawback that many reviews have pointed out is that this MPH-09CRN1 portable air conditioner model can get quite noisy, especially on its highest settings. This is something that you will need to consider if you’re planning to use this while sleeping.
Aside from that, the MPH-09CRN1 is still an affordable portable air conditioner solution with decent quality for you to stay cool in Malaysia’s all-year-round summer heat. And it does so without burning a hole through your wallet.
Pros
- Self-evaporative system and no bucket design.
- Affordable price tag.
- Ag ion filter to eliminate bacteria.
Cons
- May be too noisy for bedtime use.
3. Pensonic Air Conditioner PPA-109
Specifications:
- 1.0 HP
- Dehumidifier
- Sleep Mode & Memory Function
- Timer Setting
- Self Diagnosis Function
- Vertical Auto Swing & Airflow
- LED Display
- No Installation Required
- Easy to Move
- With Remote Control
Pensonic is another local Malaysian brand with years of experience in the industry. Similar to the Midea portable air conditioner unit reviewed above, this portable air conditioner operates on 1.0 horsepower or 9,000 BTUs to adequately cool a room of approximately 300 square feet of space.
The Pensonic Portable Air Conditioner is a space-saving solution that can be placed throughout your house without taking up too much space. It also has a minimalistic design that will complement any home decor and not stick out like a sore thumb.
With an auto-swing, airflow, and timer setting, the air conditioner is designed to properly disperse airflow throughout the room, ensuring that cool air isn’t just focused in one direction. It also comes with a memory and auto-restart function in case of a power outage in the middle of the night.
An added bonus for this portable air conditioner is that it features a dehumidifier to help remove excess humidity in the air. This is a useful function for a tropical country like Malaysia as excessive humidity in a room can promote mold growth on clothes and furniture. Dehumidifying the air also helps make the room feel cooler and more comfortable.
As the best portable air conditioner, it is unfortunate that the Pensonic PPA-109 does not use inverter technology. Inverter portable air conditioners are more efficient and use less energy compared to their non-inverter counterparts, resulting in much less shocking electricity bills every month. So, heavy users may need to consider this before buying the model.
Aside from the above features mentioned, this portable air conditioner has all the basic functions that you’d typically see in a portable air conditioner including sleep mode, memory functions, timer setting, and even a self-diagnosis function.
The portable aircon even comes with a 1-year local manufacturer warranty upon purchase to protect you against any defects.
Pros
- Dehumidifier function.
- Vertical auto swing and airflow setting.
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Non-inverter technology and less efficient.
- May be difficult to get spare parts since this is an older model.
- Heavier than other units.
4. Elba 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner EPAC-A4010D(WH)
Specifications:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 443 x 340 x 830 mm
- Weight: 25 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,000 W
- EER: 10
- Air Flow: 400 m³/hr (235 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 53 – 62 dBA
- Features: n/a
- Warranty: 1 year
Elba is an Italian brand that started out as a family business back in 1950. Today, Elba is a well-known home appliances manufacturer for producing top-quality products. While Elba’s main focus is on kitchen appliances, they’ve also ventured into other home appliances, such as air conditioning as proven by their successful 1.0HP EPAC-A4010D(WH) model.
To be honest, this Elba portable air conditioner is nothing to shout about as it comes with basic functions that most portable air conditioners have such as a 24-hour timer and fast-cooling function to quickly cool down your room in minutes. The Elba portable air conditioner may not look much, but the sleek EPAC-A4010D(WH) has a high EER and CFM. At 1.0HP, this air conditioner can be used in bedrooms as well as other areas.
The best portable air conditioner also comes included with 3-speed settings, a 24-hour timer, auto-swing, and other settings that you can control from the LCD panel on the front. It also comes with a remote control for you to adjust the settings without getting up from your seat.
While this Elba model does not have any dehumidifier function or have any special filter, it is one of the lightest portable air conditioners in Malaysia. It weighs only 22kg and even comes with integrated rotating caster wheels to make it even easier to transport around. This is one of the best portable air conditioners you can consider if you need to move it around frequently.
Pros
- Lightweight design at 22kg with integrated rotating casters.
- Front panel LCD display and remote control.
- High EER and CFM.
Cons
- Basic model with no other special functions.
5. MEC iPort G9000 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner
You might not have heard of MEC but that’s because they only specialize in air-related home appliances such as air conditioners and air purifiers. MEC is distributed by Fiamma, which is the same group that brings you other well-known home appliance brands like Elba, Braun, and Faber.
MEC Iport G9000 is not the cheapest portable air conditioner on our list here, but with their years of experience specializing in air conditioning solutions, we believe that this portable air conditioner offers the best value for money purchase thanks to its many features.
This portable aircond features a no bucket design and self-evaporating system to help get rid of excess water condensation. This means that you won’t have to constantly worry about draining the accumulated water.
Besides the usual features like auto swing and a washable filter, the iPort G9000 includes a Slide-to-Open and Follow Me Feature which is particularly convenient and useful.
The Slide-to-Open feature will close the sliding panel when the device is turned off in order to protect the blades and prevent the AC internals from collecting dust. The front panel will smoothly slide up when you switch on the portable AC for it to do its job.
Another interesting feature is the Follow Me function that automatically detects where you’re at and has cool air blowing in your direction. The remote control has a built-in temperature sensor that will send a signal to the AC every 3 minutes to direct cool air towards warmer objects (in this case, it will be you). You just need to make sure that you place the remote control closer to you when you have this feature turned on for more accurate detection.
All in all, this is a well-priced portable AC model with unique features for you to take advantage of to enjoy maximum cooling and comfort right in your home.
Pros
- Sleek design.
- Slide-to-open design to protect AC internals.
- Self-evaporative and no bucket design.
- Follow Me Feature to direct cool air towards you.
Cons
- No integrated wheels design which could make moving it a hassle.
6. MORGAN MAC-091 Feather Lite 1HP Portable AC
Specifications:
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 990 W
- EER: n/a
- Air Flow: 380 m³/hr (224 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: n/a
- Features: 4 Modes, Timer, Remote Control
- Warranty: 1 year & 5 Years (Compressor)
If you’re on the hunt for a personal air conditioner to use in your home or office, then the Morgan MAC-091 might just be your cup of tea. Morgan is another Malaysian brand that was established in 2006 and is trademarked by DKSH.
This sleek Morgan portable AC offers a plethora of features and it is able to efficiently cool down a room as large as 400 square feet. This Morgan model also comes with four caster wheels and remote control for greater flexibility and maneuverability between rooms.
The air conditioner also has a fan mode to circulate the cool air in your room and also a timer function to let you turn it off at a specific time.
In terms of setting it up, the Morgan MAC-091 comes included with an additional window mounting kit. This helps ensure that the hose stays in place as it releases hot air out the window.
However, it is noted that this model is not the most environmentally friendly option with an EER of 2.64 and the use of R410A refrigerant instead of R-32.
Aside from that, the Morgan MAC-091 Feather Lite Portable AC is a decent air cooling solution that helps keep you comfortable at a reasonable price tag that won’t burn a hole through your wallet.
Pros
- Comes with wheels.
- Includes an additional window mounting kit.
- Easy to use.
- Lightweight.
- 5-year local manufacturer warranty on the compressor
Cons
- Might be noisy for some.
- Low EER rating.
- Uses R410A refrigerant.
7. AUX PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER 1.5HP AM-12B4/LAR-EU
Specifications:
- Rated Capacity: 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,500 W
- EER: 2.61
- Air Flow: 410 m³/hr
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 64 dB(A)
Next on our list of the best portable air conditioner is another Malaysian brand that was founded in 2004. AUX is one of the lesser-known local brands but it exports electrical appliances to over 20 different countries. This is a testament to how reliable and trustworthy their products are as they’re sold in multiple countries. This model also has a 1.5HP or 12,000 BTU motor, making it a suitable choice for cooling large spaces such as a living room or master bedroom.
The AC model is also crafted with a hardy and break-resistant body, so you won’t have to worry about its exterior’s lifespan. This air conditioner is able to withstand a few bangs without breaking apart.
While we’re not saying that you should take its sturdiness for granted and throw it around, this is a great model for households with young children running around.
In addition to a sturdy build, the AUX portable air conditioner also has a premium-quality design. We love how futuristic and modern it looks with a minimalistic style to suit any home decor.
Not only does this model look elegant, but it is also equipped with a touch-screen display for you to select your favorite settings with a simple touch of the screen.
One downside to this model is that it is not environmentally friendly with an EER of 2.61 and the use of R410A refrigerant.
However, the portable AC unit also has a super dehumidification feature to deliver cool, dry air into your room. It also comes with a perfect air duct, low noise compressor for silent operation, meaning you can use this in the room without interrupting your sweet dreams.
Pros
- Break-resistant body.
- Premium sleek design.
- Touch screen display.
- Able to cool larger rooms.
- Dehumidification function.
Cons
- Low EER rating.
- Uses R410A refrigerant.
8. MIDEA 1.5HP MPF-12CRN1 Portable Air Conditioner
Specifications:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 458 x 372 x 774 mm
- Weight: 32.7 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,255 W
- EER: 9.56
- Air Flow: 400 m³/hr (235 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 55 – 57 dBA
- Features: Built-in Ionizer
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
Last on our list is another Midea model that sports a clean design and has slightly more horsepower than the previous model. If you need a 1.5 HP portable AC that doesn’t cost too much, then the MPF-12CRN1 might just be worth considering.
This is a powerful air conditioning unit with a built-in ionizer function that creates anions for fresh and healthy air. The unit also boasts a biofilter and a silver ion filter as well to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Other than its filtering capability, the Midea MPF-12CRN1 air conditioner is a breeze to use with the ability for you to set your desired temperature and timer. In general, this portable air conditioner is easy to install and use.
But the challenge is to find the right outlet through the window for the exhaust hose to go since it is comparatively bigger than the other models. But once that is resolved, the rest is straightforward.
The Midea portable AC features a no bucket design with a self-evaporating function so you don’t have to frequently drain the water condensation. But still, it is advisable for you to take a look at the water occasionally to ensure it is all properly drained out. And even if you don’t, you’ll be glad to know that the unit is smart enough to remind you to do so.
Midea also understands that most Malaysians use a portable air conditioner to sleep and that means the unit cannot be noisy. That is why the company has developed a solution to that with a sleep mode feature to eliminate noisy operation and to let users enjoy a good night’s rest with zero interruption.
The unit will increase its cooling effect for the first two hours before shutting on its own after the temperature is stabilized for the next 5 hours. This will ensure power saving while delivering great comfort as well.
Pros
- Great cooling capacity.
- Comes with an ionizer, biofilter, and silver ion filtration for clean air.
- No bucket and self-evaporation design.
- Auto self-diagnosis and auto-protection features.
- Sleep mode with great power savings capability.
Cons
- The hose may be a little short.
- Some complaints on the poor reception of remote control
Conclusion
Portable AC popularity has been on a steady rise thanks to its flexibility and mobility. While they have some minor restrictions, they’re still excellent alternatives to wall-mounted AC for those who do not want to hack their walls.
The best part of having a portable air conditioner is that they do not require complicated installations and are generally hassle-free. We hope today’s article has given you sufficient information and comparison on the best choice of portable AC in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable ACs worth it?
Yes, portable ACs are worth it as they’re an effective, cost-sensitive solution to small space and humid environments like Malaysia. Unlike window units, they come with an exhaust hose to expel hot air through the window. They can be placed even in small rooms such as bedrooms and studies, making them a go-to option for those who need spot cooling or have limited space. They’re worth the money and make a space much more comfortable without all the hassle.
Do portable ACs use a lot of electricity?
While cooling appliances tend to use up a lot of electricity, a portable AC only uses 1/4th the electricity of what a central AC usually does. This goes to show the difference in energy used to push cool air into the property. In general, a portable air conditioner is a compact solution designed to provide targeted cooling.
How long does it take for a portable air conditioner to cool a room?
A portable air conditioner is usually very effective and would typically take between 20 minutes to an hour to cool a room. However, this will, of course, be dependent on the power of the AC, the size of the room, and the current temperature of the room.
A great thing about portable AC units is that you can use them in just about any space or room. They’re portable and some even come with wheels for you to move them with you. This will ensure that you stay cool and comfortable anywhere in the house.
Do Portable ACs need to be drained?
Yes, some portable ACs need to be drained from time to time. However, certain models have self-evaporation features that will evaporate the condensed water on its own. In many cases, portable ACs will vent the moisture with the expelled air.
Can portable ac units be laid down?
No, not recommended. When the portable ACs is operating, it should not be inclined, tilted or laid on the side or back. If you do so, the compressor may fail permanently. This is due to the oil deprivation and the inability to retain condensation, leading it to spill or flow on the floor.