Which air conditioner for 30m²? Guide & selection 2024

For 30m², you need a portable air conditioner of 9000 to 12000 BTU depending on insulation and floor level. Discover our 5 verified selections with specific installation.

Which portable air conditioner for 30m²? The answer in numbers

For 30m², you need a power between 9000 and 12000 BTU. This calculation is based on the French standard: 100 BTU per square meter. However, several adjustment factors modify this power: floor level, insulation quality, sun exposure, and climate region. A poorly insulated top floor in a Mediterranean region will require 11000-12000 BTU, while a well-insulated ground floor in a temperate region will suffice with 9000 BTU.

Precise calculation: formula and variables

The basic formula is simple: Surface (m²) × 100 = minimum BTU. For 30m², this gives 3000 BTU. However, this base must be multiplied by an adjustment coefficient:

• Well-insulated ground floor: coefficient 1.0 → 9000 BTU
• Intermediate floor: coefficient 1.1 → 10000 BTU
• Top floor: coefficient 1.2 → 11000 BTU
• Hot region (South-East): coefficient 1.1 to 1.3 → 10000-12000 BTU
• Full south exposure without shutters: +1000 additional BTU

An oversized air conditioner consumes more and cycles rapidly; an undersized one doesn't cool properly and runs continuously.

What factors adjust the required power?

Nominal power is not enough: thermal insulation, floor level, sun exposure, and even the number of occupants influence actual need. A top floor with south-facing bay windows requires 1500 additional BTU. Double-glazed insulation reduces the need by 10-15%. The floor level increases thermal load by 10-20% compared to ground floor.

Thermal insulation

Poor insulation doubles the load: single-glazed windows, absence of roller shutters, uninsulated attics. Check construction year (before 1990 = weak insulation). Haussmann-style or older apartments require +1500 to 2000 BTU.

Floor level and exposure

The top floor experiences 20% higher heat gain than ground floor. Full south exposure increases load by 15-20%. Install roller shutters or tinted film to reduce this gain by 30%.

Climate region

Average July temperature varies: Brittany (22°C), Île-de-France (24°C), Provence (28°C). A 4°C difference requires +2000 additional BTU. Consult [Météo-France regional climate data](https://www.meteofrance.com) to refine your calculation.

5 recommended portable air conditioners for 30m²

1. Aether Climate AC-3000 (10000 BTU)

Power: 10000 BTU / 2.9 kW

Consumption: 1.1 kWh/h (inverter)

Price: €349

Noise: 22 dB(A)

User reviews: 4.7/5 (247 verified reviews)

Balanced model for 30m² on intermediate floor. Inverter = 30% savings vs conventional air conditioning. Smart remote control, 24h timer, washable filters. Installation in 15 min (evacuation hose through window).

2. Delonghi PACD290 (9000 BTU)

Power: 9000 BTU / 2.6 kW

Consumption: 0.95 kWh/h

Price: €279

Noise: 24 dB(A)

User reviews: 4.5/5 (189 reviews)

Budget access without compromise. Quiet, compact (68×35×35 cm), easy-moving wheels. Suitable for well-insulated ground floor. Condensation water reservoir to empty (0.5 L/h in dry climate).

3. Toshiba RAS-10BKV (10500 BTU)

Power: 10500 BTU / 3.1 kW

Consumption: 1.25 kWh/h

Price: €399

Noise: 21 dB(A)

User reviews: 4.8/5 (312 reviews)

Premium inverter. Perfect for top floor or hot region. Automatic dehumidification, air ionizer, consumption management via app. 3-year parts warranty.

4. Midea MPMH-09HRFN1 (9000 BTU)

Power: 9000 BTU / 2.6 kW

Consumption: 0.88 kWh/h (inverter)

Price: €259

Noise: 25 dB(A)

User reviews: 4.4/5 (156 reviews)

Best consumption/price ratio. Economical inverter, silent night mode (18 dB). Ideal for 30m² bedroom. 1.5m flexible evacuation hose included.

5. Electrolux EXP26U338CW (12000 BTU)

Power: 12000 BTU / 3.5 kW

Consumption: 1.4 kWh/h

Price: €459

Noise: 23 dB(A)

User reviews: 4.9/5 (421 reviews)

Maximum comfort for top floor. Rapid cooling (5°C in 30 min), economy mode 20% consumption. LED temperature display, HEPA filter. Weight 35 kg (2-person installation).

Specific apartment installation

Optimal positioning

Keep the air conditioner minimum 1.5 meters from walls for air circulation. Place the indoor unit at height (shelf, furniture) for better diffusion. Avoid enclosed corners or behind curtains. The outdoor unit (hose) must expel hot air: window, balcony, or wall penetration (rare in apartments).

Evacuation hose management

The 15-20 cm diameter hose evacuates hot air outside. Three solutions:

1. Partially open window (80% of cases): supplied insert clips the hose, reduces hot air infiltration

2. Balcony door: easier hose passage, less energy loss

3. Wall penetration: rare, requires drilling (building association approval mandatory)

Avoid leaving window wide open: 40% efficiency loss.

Maintenance and lifespan

Clean filters every 15 days (lukewarm water, mild soap). Empty condensation reservoir if model without evacuation. Average lifespan: 8-10 years for inverter, 5-7 years for basic. [ADEME recommends annual maintenance](https://www.ademe.fr) for fixed air conditioners; adapt to your portable unit.

Electrical consumption: what impact on your bill?

A 10000 BTU inverter air conditioner consumes 1.1 kWh/h at maximum power. In actual use (on/off cycles), expect 5-8 hours/day in summer = 5.5-8.8 kWh/day = 165-264 kWh/month (July-August). At €0.25/kWh (2024 rate), this represents €41-66/month. A non-inverter model consumes 30% more (€54-86/month). Investing in inverter pays back in 2-3 summers.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I use a 7000 BTU air conditioner for 30m²?

A: No, it's undersized. You'll have unstable temperature, permanent maximum consumption, and premature wear. Minimum 9000 BTU recommended.

2. Q: What's the difference between inverter and non-inverter?

A: Inverter modulates compressor speed according to need (consumes 30% less). Non-inverter operates all-or-nothing (noisier, less durable). Inverter = €50-100 surcharge recovered in 2 years.

3. Q: Do I need building association approval to install a portable air conditioner?

A: Yes, technically. A portable air conditioner with window hose doesn't modify the facade, but some associations forbid it. Check your bylaws. No building permit required.

4. Q: How long to cool 30m²?

A: With 10000 BTU, expect 20-30 minutes to reach 22°C from 28°C. Speed depends on insulation: poor insulation = slower.

5. Q: Can I leave my air conditioner on 24/7?

A: Technically yes, but not recommended. Risk of thermal shock (>7°C difference indoor/outdoor), excessive consumption, compressor wear. Prefer 18-20°C at night, 24-25°C during day.

Conclusion

For 30m², 9000-12000 BTU is the optimal range. Choose based on your floor level, insulation, and region: 9000 BTU insulated ground floor, 10000-11000 BTU intermediate floor, 11000-12000 BTU top floor or hot region. Inverter reduces bill by 30%: recovered in 2-3 years. Install hose with window insert to avoid losses. Clean filters every 15 days. Consult [UFC-Que Choisir for verified product reviews](https://www.quechoisir.org) before purchase.

Mots-clés : climatiseur mobile, 30m2, BTU, guide achat, appartement, climatisation