The Top Five Portable AC Units

Friedrich ZoneAire

• The Friedrich brand was founded in 1883, as a furniture maker. Then Ed Friedrich invented one of the first refrigeration systems, and his company became one of the world's largest manufacturers of refrigeration equipment for businesses. In 1952, Friedrich began producing "floating," or window-unit, air conditioners. The Friedrich name is synonymous with commercial refrigeration and cooling, but its air conditioners easily fit in residential settings where quality is mandatory. The Friedrich ZoneAire portable 3-in-1 air conditioner is Energy Star® rated and is available in 9,300 BTU and 11,600 BTU models. It is a dehumidifier, fan and air conditioner all in one unit. The ZoneAire features a 115-volt power connection, remote control, three speeds, automatic restore during a power outage, and dual hoses for venting and closed cooling. The 2011 models range in price from $400 to $650.

Comfort-Aire PD-121B

• The Comfort-Aire PD-121B, 10,000 BTU, portable air conditioner is a compact powerhouse. It features a washable air filter, three fan speeds, 24-hour timer, automatic restart after a power outage and sliding adapters. The PD-121B can easily cool a 500-square-foot room and comes with 48-inch dual hoses for fan use. This portable unit's airflow rating is 259 CFM (cubic feet per minute). The Comfort-Aire PD-121B retails for around $450.

Champion CP70

• Champion has been a trusted name in the air conditioning industry since 1943. Its CP70 model portable air conditioner is environmentally friendly and stylish. It is lightweight and has a small footprint. It also comes with a six-quart-capacity reservoir and has a CFM rating of 700. Perfect for small spaces fewer than 500 square feet, the Champion CP70 retails for around $250.

Delonghi Pinguino PAC WE125

• Delonghi has become a household name in the U.S. for its small appliances, and is now known for high-quality air conditioners. The Delonghi Pinguino PAC WE125 is a 12,500 BTU, water-to-air unit. Water-to-air systems do not require outdoor access. It utilizes the environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant, which produces no harmful gases. The PAC WE125 has a streamlined, sleek look with a back-lit LCD screen and remote control. Never worry about leaking or emptying out full reservoirs; the PAC WE125 reuses the water to produce cool air, and can be used continually for 12 hours on one tank of water. It can even run without water, however; for the best cooling and energy usage, Delonghi recommends that owners use water for a maximum of 13,000 BTUs of power. It has an automatic timer, smart and sleep modes, and three fan speeds. Installation takes about five minutes, and the casters allow for easy moving. The Delonghi PAC WE125 retails for $700.

LG LP1411SHR

• The LG LP1411SHR, 14,000 BTU, portable air conditioner and heat pump is a year-round climate controller. LG produced this unit to be super quiet and attractive, and it offers a 90 percent cut in your carbon footprint. Features include a dehumidifier, programmable timer, remote control and oscillator. There is also a washable air filter and auto restart for power outages. This model retails for around $550.