When you live in an apartment, you’re at the mercy of building management when it comes to heating and cooling. This is why many renters consider investing in a portable AC or window AC unit. While you may be able to independently control the temperature in your unit, you still might find that it isn’t cool enough in the summer. That’s especially with rising temperatures (as I write this, it feels like 44°F in Ontario!) Maybe the air conditioning isn’t turned on early enough in the year (remember that May heatwave a few years ago?) or doesn’t stay on long enough. Even worse is if the building doesn’t have AC at all or it seems to perpetually be under repair (they swear it will start working soon!) What is the best air conditioner for renters who can’t modify the apartment? When comparing portable vs. window AC, it’s important to first know your rental restrictions. Once you know what you can get, it’s important to find a model that will work efficiently in your space.
What does your lease actually say?
Before even considering a model, check your lease agreement. If you are still unsure, speak with the superintendent, landlord, or building management. If it’s a private rental, for example, a landlord might be more lenient as long as the installation does not violate building, municipal, or condo corporation rules.
Rental agreements: Some leases prohibit any modification of windows, and installing a window AC could fall under that. Some also don’t allow exterior-facing installations. This would also rule out a window AC as an option since half of the unit sticks out of the window.
Condo bylaws: If you live in a condominium, read the bylaws for the building. Some restrict the installation of any window-mounted appliance or visible exterior equipment. That means no window ACs. Some may permit window AC units but have specific installation methods and rules you must follow.
Portable AC vs window AC at-a-glance
Assuming you have the option to choose between both, let’s see how they compare in the key aspects. You can dive even further in our air conditioner buying guide once you’re done reading this article.
| Portable AC | Window AC | |
| Cooling Efficiency | Very good | Excellent |
| Noise Level | Variable | Quiet |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy | Easy to Moderate |
| Portability | Good (usually on castors) | Good (need to uninstall to store) |
| Typical Price | $150-$900+ | $200-$1,200+ |
| Rental Friendliness | Very | Dependent on building rules |
| Energy Consumption | Moderate (less with inverter, dual hose) | Excellent (can be twice as efficient) |
| Storage After Summer | Simple (but needs more space) | Simple (but requires removal, needs less space) |
Key takeaway: Portable ACs are the easier option for renters. But if your building permits it and you’re willing to do the installation (or pay a professional), window ACs are generally more efficient. They also run more quietly and don’t take up any floor space.
Is a portable AC or a window AC better for a small apartment rental?
The answer to this question depends on the rules in your building, for your unit, and what is noted in your lease or rental contract. Generally, a portable AC is the safest choice since it does not require complex installation. No part of the unit sits outside the window: the hose only mounts to it. They are also easier to remove. But if your lease notes that you are permitted to install a window AC, it is the more efficient option with a cleaner setup.
What is the best air conditioning solution for an apartment that doesn’t allow window units?
Portable air conditioners are the best solution if you’re unsure about rules. All that’s needed is a window to which to mount the vent hose. There’s no installation requirements beyond that. They are quick and easy to set up and remove.
There’s a range of options from which to choose. On the high end of the scale, there’s ultra-smart, app-connected premium units like the LG LP1419IVSM 3-in-1 Portable AC, named the best overall portable air conditioner for small apartment rentals. It’s good for larger open-concept apartments. Or, you can go with a more affordable value option that handles efficient cooling of a small room and has basic features, like the Insignia NS-AC8PWH5-C portable air conditioner.
Portable air conditioners for renters
Need some ideas? Alongside our selection of the best portable air conditioners for summer, we have a few recommendations.
Insignia NS-AC8PWH5-C: Best value choice
With 8,000 BTU, you can cool a room up to 150 square feet in size with this portable air conditioner. There’s nothing especially fancy about it. It employs a simple, boxy design, comes with a handy remote, and based on our reviewer’s experience with a similar model, it’s incredibly easy to install and sufficiently cools a small room. With built-in castors like most portable ACs, and an ultra-lightweight design, you can easily wheel it away at the end of the season.
LG LP1419IVSM: Best premium portable AC
If you want a top-line, premium model, this one boasts 14,000 BTU, making it ideal for a large open-concept apartment, bedroom, or living room area up to 500 square feet in size. You get smart connectivity through the LG ThinQ app as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. The unit itself has digital controls. The four-way direction and oscillating air vents ensure cool air is circulated throughout the room. There are also three fan speeds and a programmable 24-hour timer. Thanks to dual inverter technology, it’s not only efficient, but also quiet at just 44dB.
Window air conditioner for renters whose leases allow them
If your rental agreement permits the use of window AC units and you want to install one for the cooling efficiency benefits, we have some recommendations, too.
Insignia NS-AC5WWH0-C: Best budget window AC
With 5,000 BTU and the ability to cover a small space up to 150 square feet in size, this window AC isn’t as quiet as others at 56dB. But it will efficiently cool a room throughout the day and night as needed. A best-selling option at Best Buy Canada, it has two customizable fan speeds and a washable filter. Perfect for the bedroom, it comes in at under $250. “An excellent product,” says one happy buyer. “It cools the room quietly and efficiently.” Another calls it a “lifesaver,” noting that they installed it in minutes and it took no time for the room temperature to drop from 24°C to 19°C.
LG LW15221VSM: Best premium window AC
Thanks to dual inverter technology, this premium window AC runs both efficiently and quietly, though it’s rated at 65dB. This means you’ll hear a louder hum than with other units, similar to a vacuum when it’s running. But it provides great power, too, at 14,000 BTU. That’s enough to cool an entire 800 square-foot apartment. You can control it remotely via the LG ThinQ app, via voice using Alexa or Google Assistant, or using the included remote. It has three cooling speeds and four fans, along with washable and reusable filters. With 4.6 stars from previous Best Buy buyers, 94 percent would recommend the unit. “I am thoroughly impressed with the performance and efficiency of this air conditioner,” says one enthusiastic shopper. Many customers point out that it’s large and heavy, so you might need two people to install it.
Portable AC vs window AC: Which is quieter?
Generally, you’ll find that window AC units are the quieter of the two. This is because once you mount a window AC, the compressor part that makes the noise is positioned outside. This means while the sound is more audible outdoors, it’s less so inside. By contrast, a portable AC hose mounts to the window but the compressor is inside, so it’s usually louder.
You can get quieter portable AC units. These boast lower dB ratings of under 50dB. Inverter models are quieter because they adjust the speed instead of constantly turning on and off to keep a room sufficiently cool. So, you don’t hear the large “clunk” noise each time they come on and turn off.
If you are looking for an air conditioner for a bedroom, home office, or smaller apartment where you need something to be as quiet as possible, you should check your lease agreement to see if you’re permitted to have a window AC. If not, find an inverter portable AC model with a low dB rating.
Portable AC vs window AC: Which is cheaper to run?
When looking at the cost of an air conditioner in Canada, including cost to run it, a window AC is generally more efficient. So, you will likely pay less over time. They cool rooms more quickly since the hot air is pulled outside through the back of the unit. With a portable AC, the exhaust hose pulls hot air outside, too. But the units and hose get hot and some of this heat can end up back in the room. A dual-hose portable AC uses a second hose to exhaust hot air, counteracting this effect. You might find that this makes them slightly cheaper to run.
Which type of AC should you buy?
Now comes decision time: are you better off with a portable AC or window AC? The decision will come down to a few factors, but here’s quick at-a-glance advice.
| If you are… | Recommendation |
| Renting and lease prohibits window installation | Portable AC |
| Living in a condo with strict bylaws | Portable AC |
| Planning to move soon | Portable AC |
| Want maximum cooling efficiency | Window AC |
| Want lower energy use | Window AC |
| Need a quieter bedroom setup | Window AC |
| Need flexibility between rooms | Portable AC |
| Want the simplest installation | Portable AC |
| Have minimum open floor space | Window AC |
| Have a larger open concept space | Portable AC |
Finding the right AC when you’re renting
Finding the right air conditioner when you’re renting an apartment isn’t as easy as when you own a home. You need to abide by the rules for installation. For this reason, portable AC units are the most attractive for renters. All you need to do is vent the hose through a window. They can be easily moved from room to room if needed and taken with you to a new home. Window ACs are more efficient if you have the option to install one in your building. For a bedroom, nursery, or home office where noise is a particular concern, you may want to investigate if you have the option to go this route.
The right choice for you and your home comes down to lease restrictions, room or apartment size, and cooling priorities. Don’t forget to ensure you properly size the air conditioner, getting a model with the right number of BTUs for your space.
Explore air conditioners at Best Buy Canada and you’re sure to find a portable AC or window AC to meet your needs.
FAQs
Is a portable AC or a window AC better for a small apartment rental?
A portable AC is the simplest choice for a small apartment rental. But if your lease agreement permits, a window AC is more efficient. It more quickly cools a room and they tend to run quieter.
What is the best air conditioning solution for an apartment that doesn’t allow window units?
A portable AC unit is a perfect solution in this case, and you can find a wide variety at different price points at Best Buy Canada.
Are window AC units allowed in apartments in Canada?
Buildings and lease agreements vary across Canada, provinces, cities, specific buildings, and even specific contracts. So, they may be. It’s best to check your lease agreement or ask building management, the superintendent, or the landlord.
Do window and portable AC units come with mounting hardware?
Window ACs usually come with internal mounting rails, side panels, and necessary hardware for installation. If you want or need support brackets to further secure it from the outside, you will have to buy those separately. Portable ACs come with window kits that are usually adjustable to fit different sized sliding windows. If you have other windows, like vertical or crank ones, you might need separate panels or foam boards to seal gaps. If the standard kit doesn’t fit an unusually sized sliding window, you might need door extensions to fill space as well.
