Air conditioner choices for bedrooms, offices and larger rooms
Valuhub's air conditioner collection brings together portable AC units and mini split heat pumps that cool a room fast. Portable models roll from room to room. Mini splits stay mounted and cover larger spaces. Each product page lists the BTU rating and the room size it suits.
Valuhub Canada built this range for hot summers in apartments, condos and homes without central cooling. Many models also dehumidify and run a fan. Compare the full fans and cooling range if you want more styles.
Air conditioner at a glance
Types of cooling units in this collection
Each portable air conditioner and mini split here falls into one of three groups. The table below compares them.
Compact portable AC (8,000 BTU)
An 8,000 BTU portable AC suits a small bedroom or office of about 345 sq ft (32 m²). These units cool, run a fan and work as a dehumidifier. Most come with a remote control, a 24-hour timer and a window kit for the hose. Some add sleep mode and WiFi voice control. Pick this size for one room, not an open plan.
Mid-size portable AC (10,000 and 12,000 BTU)
A 10,000 BTU unit lists about 441 sq ft (41 m²). A 12,000 BTU unit lists about 550 sq ft (51 m²). Larger rooms and sunny spaces need this extra power. The 5-in-1 model adds heating to cooling, a dehumidifier, a fan and sleep mode. Compare the wider fans and cooling collection for more sizes.
Mini split heat pumps (12,000 to 23,000 BTU)
A mini split heat pump has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The inverter adjusts power to save energy, and the 22 SEER2 rating shows its efficiency. These models give cooling and heating and connect over WiFi. A technician usually installs them. See mini split heat pumps for more.
Check each product page for exact sizes, power needs and features.
How do you choose an air conditioner?
Choosing an AC unit starts with room size and how you plan to vent it.
Match BTU to the room
Measure the floor area first. Here, 8,000 BTU lists about 345 sq ft (32 m²). A 12,000 BTU unit lists about 550 sq ft (51 m²). Choose the next size up for sunny rooms.
Pick portable or mini split
A portable AC plugs in and moves between rooms. A mini split is fixed and quieter inside, and it also heats. Choose a mini split if you want one room cooled all season.
Check the power supply
Portable units run on a standard household outlet. The 12,000 BTU mini split runs on 115V. The 18,000 and 23,000 BTU mini splits need 230V, so ask an electrician about the circuit.
Plan the venting
A portable AC needs a window, and the window kit sets up the hose. Measure the window opening before ordering. A mini split needs a wall spot for the indoor unit and an outdoor spot for the other.
Choose useful controls
Look for a remote control, a 24-hour timer and sleep mode. A wifi air conditioner lets you start cooling before you get home, where the listing shows WiFi voice control.
Where do portable AC and mini split units work best?
Bedrooms and home offices suit a compact portable AC. It cools one room, and sleep mode keeps overnight use simple. The 24-hour timer starts cooling before you get home. Pair it with a fan to move cool air across the room.
Living rooms, basements and open spaces suit a 12,000 BTU portable unit or a mini split. A mini split cools and heats, so it works in spring and fall too. Add a dehumidifier for damp basements, since moist air feels warmer.
Condos and rentals often rule out an outdoor unit, which makes a portable AC the easy choice. Homes without ducts suit a mini split. It needs only a small hole in the wall for its lines. For extra winter warmth, see space heaters.
How do you set up and care for a cooling unit?
Place a portable AC on a level floor near a window and keep the hose short and straight. Leave about 30 cm (12 in) of clear space around the unit. Clean the air filter every few weeks in the cooling season. Empty or check the drain as the manual says. Have a licensed technician install a mini split.
Shipping and returns: Orders over $150 ship free across Canada. Delivery details show on each product page. Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery under our refund policy.
Cooling FAQs
What size cooling unit do I need?
Match the BTU rating to your floor area. An 8,000 BTU unit lists about 345 sq ft (32 m²). A 10,000 BTU unit lists about 441 sq ft (41 m²). A 12,000 BTU unit lists about 550 sq ft (51 m²). Go larger for sunny rooms.
Does a portable AC need a window?
Yes. A portable AC vents hot air outside through a hose. The window kit holds the hose in the window opening. Check the product page for what the kit includes, and measure your window before you order.
Is a mini split better than a portable AC?
A mini split is quieter indoors and covers larger rooms. It also heats as a heat pump. A portable AC is cheaper to set up and moves between rooms. Choose by room size, noise and whether you want installation.
What does SEER2 mean?
SEER2 measures seasonal cooling efficiency. A higher number means the unit uses less electricity for the same cooling. The mini splits in this range list 22 SEER2. Compare SEER2 only between models of the same type.
Can a mini split heat a room?
Yes. A heat pump runs in reverse to give cooling and heating. The mini splits here are inverter models that adjust power as needed. Check the product page for the lowest outdoor temperature the unit can heat in.
What does WiFi voice control do?
WiFi models join your home network. You can set the temperature or timer from a phone app. Some listings add voice control with a smart speaker. Check the product page for the apps and speakers it supports.











