Electronics & Appliances Portable AC stand alone unit

Hi, anyone purchased a portable AC stand alone unit and if so any experience with any makes/reliability. There appears to be many out there, probably quite a few are Chinese. It's for a living room which only has a large ceiling fan thanks.

 

Portable ACs are convenient for a living room with just a ceiling fan, but reliability and performance vary widely, especially with some lesser-known Chinese brands flooding the market. Many users report mixed experiences—some units cool decently but can be noisy or break down after a season. Brands like Midea, Black+Decker, and Whynter often get praise for better reliability and efficiency, with models like the Midea Duo being noted for quiet operation and solid cooling. However, single-hose portable ACs can struggle with efficiency in larger or poorly insulated rooms due to negative pressure pulling in warm air.
That said, have you considered a ductless mini split system? They’re more expensive upfront - around $1,500-$4,000 for a single-zone unit, but far more efficient and reliable for a living room. Unlike portable ACs, a ductless mini split system mounts on the wall or ceiling, is whisper-quiet, and uses inverter technology to maintain consistent temperatures without the energy waste of portable units. Brands like Mitsubishi, Gree, and Senville are known for durability and can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Installation is straightforward, needing only a small wall hole for the refrigerant line, and they don’t hog floor space or require window venting like portable ACs. For a living room, a 12,000 BTU unit could work well, depending on your insulation and ceiling height.