Common non-window air conditioners include ductless mini-split systems (wall-mounted indoor heads paired with an outdoor condenser), freestanding portable air conditioners, and smaller evaporative or personal space coolers.
Capacities range widely: small personal coolers around 1,200 BTU, many portable units near 14,000 BTU, common mini-splits around 9,000 BTU, and larger split systems up to about 18,000 BTU.
Mini-splits are ductless systems with separate indoor and outdoor units that typically require a full installation kit and are often installed professionally. Portable ACs are freestanding, include an exhaust/vent kit or hose for windows, and are designed for tool-free, room-to-room setup.
Newer mini-splits are listed using refrigerants such as R454B or R410A and show SEER2 efficiency ratings around 19–23. Portable units may list seasonal efficiency figures around 16.
Yes. Many mini-splits include built-in dehumidify and heat-pump heating modes. Portable units often include a dehumidifier mode with stated daily capacity. Evaporative coolers add humidity while cooling and usually include washable filters and simple humidify/cool controls.