Portable air conditioners

Sweating through another Aussie summer? Yeah, nah. From hot days and stuffy nights to not enough breeze to take the edge off, it’s no fun without the right setup. That’s why Aussies head to JB for heating and cooling solutions that actually work.

But if you're a renter, shifting rooms or just want cooling without punching holes in the wall, a portable air con is a no-brainer. Our range of portable air conditioners is full of big brands, smart features and zero-install dramas. Just plug it in and chill.

Portable air cons don’t pump out cool air from nowhere. They pull hot air from your room and strip the heat out of it. Inside, a compressor pushes refrigerant through a cooling loop that does the hard work. The result? A solid blast of chill flying back your way.

That heat’s gotta go somewhere, and in most models, it’s booted out the back through a hose. It’s classic refrigeration, the same setup fridges and freezers use. But because it’s all built into one box, it’s a solid pick if you don’t need a full-blown install or high-powered split system air conditioner.

That depends on what you need it to do. Here at JB, we’ve got everything from simple setups to smart, multi-use units built for year-round comfort. You’ll find trusted brands like Dimplex, EWT, and more big names cooling rooms across Australia, all at JB’s unbeatable deals.

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right one:

• Cooling Capacity: Got a bigger living room? You’ll need more cooling power. Match the unit’s kilowatt rating to the room size for best results.
• Extra Features: Some models go beyond cooling. Think portable ACs with heaters, air treatment, and a built-in dehumidifier to handle summer, winter and everything in between.
• Smart Control: Models with Wi-Fi, app support or a remote control slot straight into your smart home setup. Power, temp and fan speed, all sorted from your phone or couch.
• Energy Efficiency: Keep your power bill down with energy-efficient units that still deliver solid performance when it counts.
• Noise Level: For bedrooms, studies or anywhere quiet matters, go for a unit with lower noise levels so it cools without cutting through the silence.

Evaporative coolers keep things even simpler. They use water instead of refrigerant, which means no hose and no big upfront cost. They’re great for smaller rooms, dry Australian heat or just keeping hot air under control without overthinking it.

If it’s got a compressor or works as a reverse cycle heat pump, then, yes, it needs a vent. These units pull in warm air, cool it inside using a condenser, then boot the leftover heat out a window. No vent? No cooling. Simple. But not all portable air cons work that way. Evaporative models don’t use refrigerant, so there’s no hose and no heavy install.

Picking the right size comes down to matching the unit to your room size and knowing what the numbers on the box actually mean. Too small and you’ll barely feel it. Too big and you’re just wasting power. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the right fit:

• Room Size: Measure the space you want to cool. A 2.6kW portable air conditioner is great for bedrooms or studies up to around 20m², while a 3.5kW portable air conditioner suits mid-sized areas like living rooms or open-plan zones up to 30m².
• BTU Ratings: Some models use BTU (British Thermal Units) instead of kilowatts. As a guide, 2.6kW is about 9,000 BTU, and 3.5kW is roughly 12,000 BTU. Higher BTU = more cooling grunt.
• Airflow in the Room: Higher airflow helps cool the space faster and more evenly. Check the unit's airflow rating (in m³/hour) if you're cooling a larger area or want faster results.
• Ceiling Height & Sun Exposure: Bigger ceilings or west-facing rooms can push a unit harder. You might need to size up if your space cops a lot of sun or doesn't hold cool air well.
• Room Use: A bedroom needs less cooling than a busy living space or a kitchen full of appliances pumping out heat. Match the size to how hard the unit’s going to work.

Whether you’re cooling a single room or chasing a setup that runs all summer, JB’s got the gear to sort it fast. Our full range of air conditioners includes everything from portable units and smart ACs to wall-mounted systems, plus fans, air purifiers and more to keep your space feeling right. Shop in-store at your nearest JB or online to find the right unit without the guesswork.

While you’re at it, kit out the rest of your place with the good stuff. JB’s the go-to for home appliances across Australia, from benchtop legends like coffee machines, air fryers and toasters, to everyday heroes like vacuums, dishwashers, washing machines and washer-dryer combos. Big brands, low prices, no dramas.