Mobile air conditioner buying guide: choosing well according to your needs

The power of a mobile air conditioner is expressed in BTU (British Thermal Unit). This unit measures cooling capacity: the higher the value, the faster and more efficiently the unit cools large areas.

What power for which room?

| Area | Recommended BTU | Use case |

|---------|----------------|-------------|

| Up to 15 m² | 7,000-9,000 | Bedroom, small office |

| 15-25 m² | 12,000 | Lounge, spacious bedroom |

| 25-35 m² | 14,000-18,000 | Large lounge, open plan |

| Over 35 m² | 20,000+ | Loft, open area |

An undersized air conditioner will run constantly without reaching your target temperature, increasing your energy bill. Conversely, an oversized model consumes unnecessarily.

Tempéra standards

Our 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner – Hot & Cold efficiently covers 20-25 m² and works year-round thanks to its heating function. The 12000 BTU portable air conditioner 3-in-1 offers the same comfort with cooling, dehumidification and ventilation for maximum versatility.

A mobile air conditioner shines through its flexibility. Unlike split or window models, it moves from room to room without complex installation. But beware: size varies considerably.

Space criteria

• Height: Most models measure 65-75 cm. Check your ceiling height and possible support points.
• Depth: 35-45 cm on average. Against a wall, under a window, in a corner: plan your available space.
• Weight: From 25 kg (compact models) to 40 kg (maximum power). Will you be moving it regularly?
• Design: Tempéra units prioritise discreet elegance. White or black, they blend into any interior.

Specific use cases

For a motorhome or caravan, the 1500W portable split air conditioner – Camping & indoor is ideal: compact, powerful, low consumption. For a mobile office or small flat, choose a lightweight and quiet model. For stationary use (home, lounge), power takes priority over lightness.

Air conditioning accounts for 10-15% of a household's annual electricity consumption. Choosing an efficient unit means saving sustainably.

Key indicators

• EER index (Energy Efficiency Ratio): The higher it is (minimum 3), the less the unit consumes to cool. Tempéra models display EER above 3.5.
• Energy class: A++ or A+ are current standards. Avoid B class or lower.
• Eco mode: Reduces power while maintaining comfort. Savings: 15-25% over a season.
• Programmable timer: Switching the unit off automatically at night or when away prevents waste.

Annual estimate

A 12000 BTU A+ class air conditioner consumes approximately 1,500-1,800 kWh per season (3 intensive months). At average French rate (€0.18/kWh), this represents €270-324 annually. A less efficient model? +€100 or more.

The 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner 3-in-1 incorporates inverter technology and intelligent thermostat to minimise parasitic consumption.

An air conditioner that cools but makes an awful noise? Bad compromise. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB).

Comfort thresholds

| Level (dB) | Perception | Suitability |

|-------------|-----------|----------|

| < 22 dB | Near-total silence | Bedroom, sleep |

| 22-30 dB | Very discreet | Office, lounge |

| 30-35 dB | Noticeable | Kitchen, active room |

| > 35 dB | Noisy | Best avoided for rest |

Split air conditioners (indoor unit + external compressor) are inherently quieter (20-28 dB) than single-unit models (28-35 dB), as the motor stays outside.

Tempéra technology

Our 1500W portable split air conditioner offers remarkable silence thanks to its external compressor. Ideal for light sleepers or noise-sensitive workspaces. Single-unit 12000 BTU models remain discreet (28-32 dB) in normal mode, silent in night mode.

Beyond basic cooling, some air conditioners offer versatile benefits.

Reversible heating (Hot & Cold)

A reversible air conditioner heats in winter and cools in summer. Ideal for regions with mild winters or as a top-up. Tempéra's 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner – Hot & Cold controls your climate year-round, reducing the need for additional radiators.

Dehumidification

In humid regions (coastal, mountainous), dehumidification removes excess moisture without cooling. The 12000 BTU portable air conditioner 3-in-1 combines cooling, dehumidification and simple ventilation: three units in one.

Pure ventilation

In shoulder seasons, circulate air without air conditioning. Energy savings guaranteed.

Connectivity and programming

Wi-Fi, mobile app, intelligent thermostat: control your unit remotely, schedule time slots, optimise consumption. Tempéra models incorporate these features for modern and responsible comfort.

Three buyer profiles, three Tempéra solutions.

Profile 1: Homeowner with comfortable budget, year-round use

Looking for maximum comfort and versatility? The 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner – Hot & Cold at £1,149 is your ally. Powerful cooling, reversible heating, absolute silence, mobile installation. A lasting investment for 10+ years.

Profile 2: Pragmatic buyer, seeking versatility and value for money

Hesitating between cooling, dehumidification and ventilation? The 12000 BTU portable air conditioner 3-in-1 at £999 offers three functions in one, without compromising on power. Discreet elegance, total mobility, certified savings.

Profile 3: Nomad, motorhome, mobile office

Need lightness, autonomy and concentrated power? The 1500W portable split air conditioner – Camping & indoor at £599 is for you. Compact, quiet, powerful cooling, simple installation. Perfect for caravan, small office or studio.