Customer Review

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  Is this aircon for you...?
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 August 2019
  Anyone considering spending this sort of money on a portable aircon unit will doubtless be reading the reviews to see what others think before deciding whether or not to splash the cash (well I did!) Unfortunately the reviews for many of the aircon units on Amazon are in limited numbers, and even then seem to be at the extremes with their opinions. Having aircon in your home is a very subjective matter, and clearly people are very divided on whether they're any good or not.This review is for the Delonghi PAC EX100 portable air conditioner, and I'm writing it to hopefully help assist anyone in the UK who may be contemplating taking the plunge on purchasing an air con unit.First off, a few basics. Any air conditioner is obviously a machine of two parts: the fan bit, to blow the cold air around, and a compressor to chill the air passing through it. Both of these parts make different noises, and at different volumes, all of which are dependent on what you're asking the machine to do. If you set the fan at maximum and turn the temperature to the lowest setting then of course it's going to be nice and chilly, but on the flip side it will probably sound like you're living at the end of Manchester airport runway. No air con is "silent", although this Penguino model from Delonghi (and some of its sibling models) advertise what they call a "silent" mode. It isn't. Think of it being akin to Tesla advertising "auto pilot" on their cars which aren't really fully automomous and you sort of get the idea. In the case of this air con unit it's just slightly (and I emphasize the word "slightly") quieter.If you are looking to buy this model for use during the day then I whole-heartedly recommend this model. If however you are wanting it to cool things down during the night then there are a few points you may want to consider. I'm lucky enough to have a fairly large bedroom complete with a bay window big enough to accommodate a sofa, as well as having wardrobes either side of the room. As a result my air con is slotted into the bay window by the end of the sofa and effectively on the other side of the room from where my head is when I'm asleep - some 15+ feet away. I'm also a fairly sound sleeper. All of this is to try and give you some context for describing my opinion on the noise from this unit.If you've stayed in hotels with built-in air conditioning, I can tell you that on the quietest setting this device is ever so slightly louder. Essentially the fan noise is the same as a build-in unit you might find in a Premier Inn hotel room (other hotel rooms are available!), but in the hotel room you are shielded from the noise of the compressor. For the compressor think of it as being similar to when a fridge kicks into life to chill your food.If you are a light sleeper then you definitely don't want to have this unit in close proximity to you, but this is essentially true of all portable air conditioning units. You need to consider where to position it away from your immediate sleeping area, but don't forget that you do ideally still need it to be in the same room as you (with a closed door).As I mentioned at the start, noise output is subjective, but you also need to consider what you'll be asking the unit to do and what mode you'll be using. For me, having the unit set to 20' or 21' across the room and running in the "silent" mode is sufficient for me to get to sleep. For me, this setup keeps the fan operating at a constant speed (quiet consistent hum akin to a normal desk fan), with the compressor running in tandem at a slightly louder noise level. When the unit senses that the air temperature is close to what it's been set for, the compressor actually cuts out and then re-engages 4-6 minutes later periodically to help maintain the temperature. For me this background noise, and in particular the change in background noise level, is sufficiently minimal that it doesn't disturb my sleep. This model does also have the Delonghi "Real Feel" mode, designed to achieve the optimum temperature environment for you, but what tends to happen is when the unit feels it has reached the ideal temperature it goes to sleep completely (on the plus side, very quiet), but a few minutes later when it feels the need to cut back in again both the fan and compressor resume with quite a brief start-up noise. This variation in sound levels from completely silent to suddenly full on I personally find more intrusive than the constant background hum I previously described. I can't imagine anyone getting a sound night's sleep in the "Real Feel" mode if the unit is immediately next to their bed.In short, it's a machine, it's aircon, it does make a noise despite the "silent" badging. It's noisier than a fan. When deciding where to position your unit, try sitting right next to your fridge and when the compressor kicks in decide if that would be sufficient to disturb your sleep or not. Consider setting up your unit in the same room as you but as far away from you as reasonably possible. On constant cooling "silent" mode both my dogs are happy sleeping next to it.A few other observations:- This is a fairly meaty unit, compressor, fan and all its interior gubbins weigh in at a hefty 32kg. It arrives well boxed up but at 35kg in total. Seriously consider getting someone's help to bring it into your house and getting it to the room where you want it set up. To unpack it's simply a matter of cutting the various plastic security ties around it and the cardboard box them lifts up, leaving the unit in its base tray. Again, having an extra pair of hands to do this is definitely worthwhile, and as you lift be ready to catch some of the vent hose and attachments which may fall out as you do this.- The unit itself is sturdy with good quality castors which roll well on both standard carpet as well as hard floors, so easy to maneuver to where you want it. Although the unit does come with its own heat removal hose for venting away the hot air, the unit does need to be fairly close to a window. You can bend and concertina the hose to the desired position, but obviously the closer the unit is to a window the easier this task will be and it will also be more efficient at pumping the warm air outside. Note that the hose does become warm when in aircon mode so best not to have any more hot hose in your room than absolutely necessary.- Initial setup is pretty easy really. Two people ideally, but I managed to do things on my own - just be mindful of the weight! For me the only tricky thing during setup was the connection of the exhaust hose. The hose comes with an adapter end already attached at one end. You then have a choice of several other adapter pieces to be attached at the other, depending on how you are planning on despatching the warn air to the outside world, eg. though a window, through a wall or through a dedicated orifice of some type. The instruction manual indicates first inserting one of these adapters to the rear exhaust port on the unit and then screwing the hose into it. The hose is a snug fit and rotating it in the adapter is a stiff task. I found it easier to first sit with the hose clamped between my legs and slowly rotate the adapter end onto the hose, so I could see exactly how it was fitting into the grooves inside it. I then simply attached the completed article to the exhaust port afterwards.- This unit has several modes of operation, such as fan only and dehumidify, but I'm guessing most people will be looking at it for the air cooling function. Note that air is expelled from a series of slats on the top of the machine which is effectively a flap. When the unit is switched off, the flap retracts down flush into the unit. When the unit is turned on the flap rises and can point in any direction from more-or-less straight up to forwards about 30' above the horizontal line. Note that this unit does not push air out directly in front of it - there is always a slight inclination upwards, which makes sense really as this is where the warmer air in a room will be. The flap can be set to oscillate up and down through it's range of positions (this motion is silent) and provides a good spread of air, or by pressing the cancellation button for this mode the flap will stay in the current desired position.- The remote control comes with 2xAAA batteries and works easily from 20'+ away. All the main functions are on it, including a few which are only available on the remote rather than the body of the main machine. When any instructions are given to the unit, via remote or direct touch, the unit beeps a confirmation and the LCD display is briefly brighter, then goes slightly dimmer about 3 seconds later. Even when slightly dimmer the display is still fairly bright, so again you may want to consider positioning the unit some distance away, or at least out of direct sight, if this sort of light is likely to disturb your sleep.- There is a timer function. Pressing the timer button will bring up a default time in hours on the main display where the temperature normally is. You can then adjust the time plus or minus 30 minute intervals using the + and - minus buttons. Be quick on this as it only gives you a few seconds to start making the adjustment. Pressing the timer button again cancels the function. The unit will switch itself off after operating for the specified length of time.Finally a few points on common sense, as clearly a few of the reviews I've seen have been from people with some unrealistic expectations:- this is a machine and does make a noise - no aircon is "silent", apart from the 'open a window' variety.- a reasonable room temperature is 20-21'C. I've seen reviews from people complaining about the lowest temperature you can set is 18', but seriously if you have a problem with this then you're not normal or you're trying to use it to store meat. I've previously worked in the supermarket refridgeration industry and long term exposure to 18' is not healthy. If you really need a colder setting than this then you need to see a doctor!- you get what you request from this machine, and by this I mean noise. If you want to cool a room rapidly and insist on setting it to 18' then don't expect this machine to be quiet. The warmer the room is to start with (and hence the greater degree of variation) the harder the machine will work to try to get to the desired temperature. If you have a door or window open and insist on setting a low temp then the unit may never attain the requested temperature. Don't be surprised if it sits there permanently working flat out.- be sensible and set the thing going well in advance of bed time - give it at least a head start to try and get the room to the temperature you want. Also be more reasonable and set a comfier 20' or 21' as the target and it will be quieter for you - eventually you should notice the compressor only occasionally kicks in to maintain the temperature.And finally.......I've noticed there's a video posted for the sister model, the black EX120, trying to show how quiet it is. To me it sounds like only the fan is engaged and the compressor hasn't started yet, which will make it slightly noisier. In terms of functions I believe both models are pretty much identical, although the EX120 has a higher BTU rating (can cool a slightly larger room more efficiently, if you really need it) but as a result doesn't have the A** energy rating which this model (the EX100) does.I hope you find this info useful and it clears up some of the misunderstandings people appear to have regarding air conditioning. Good luck with your choice!

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  Beauty and the Beast
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 June 2020
  I make this short, I have had this unit for one year and bought it for our living room and kitchen area and it has been very good. Yes it makes some noise but it's much smoother running then other units I have or had in the past. It takes about 30 minutes to cool the area ( 68sqm) from 27 C to 20 C) . On maximum output the noice level I measured was 44 to 47 db, that's is very good compare to a floor fan on max at 62 db. The only disappointing part is that the exhaust pipe is short and its same quality and assembly as cheaper units you can buy on the market.So get this unit if:1. You need a unit that looks smart and part of your modern stylish furniture so it doesn't look out of place.2. You know how a portable air conditioning works and the noise levels it makes. Its quiet but it's not silent.3. You can afford it and looking for a longterm solution .4. This is a heavy unit at 32kg but easy to roll it around on the floor on its wheels.5. It has everything you need, it would have been desired for it to work with home automation kits and maybe on future models it will.6 . You are prepared to read its instructionsDont get it of you are used to moaning about everything.

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  Really good mobile A/C unit
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 December 2017
  This is not cheap, but it's one awesome tool. It started cooling my study very quickly, I bought larger than needed so it doesn't need to run flat out all the time. The exhaust is huge and fittings to go on the hose are a bit of a fiddle, and it's a two person job to take these fittings off again, simply because of the diameter and the position of the retaining clips, but that is no big deal for me. The machine is smart to look at, easy to operate and light enough for one man to carry upstairs. It will roll okay on carpets but it could have done with bigger castors. The castors are very good for solid floors and have not left any marks to date. I do like the silent mode and the A++ rating on power consumption, which was one of the major selling points for me.I would recommend you download the operating instructions so you can see where the exhaust is positioned and you can check if the outlet point on your window needs a longer hose than the 1.2m hose supplied. You can then order a longer one and save more waiting time.Yes I would definitely recommend it.

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  Worst Air Conditioner I ever bought.
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2018
  Beyond bad.I bought this to replace my old air conditioner costing a third as much ... wish I hadn't bothered.First point ... the vent is on the TOP !My old air conditioner you had the vent on front so you could stand in front of it for a fast cool down or aim it at the dogs to cool them down or aim it in any direction to get cooling there fast.Second point... The temperature setting minimum is 18C. My old one was 16C. Not only that but this takes forever to cool even a small room and never reaches that temperature.Third Point ... Noise. On normal mode this is not to bad but the motor can be heard varying up and down in power, if you switch to QUIET mode it gets worse ... yes it's quieter but it's more noticeable because you're hearing this motor continually varying pitch as it seems to be trying to adjust output while being quietForth Point : Flutter and water. There's a weird fluttering noise like a dog scratching every couple of minutes on QUIET more. Worse is the drip drip drip of water condensation. I never noticed on my other air conditioner but this one seems to be continually condensing and collecting water. Try sleeping on a hot night with all this and the motor spooling up and down.Fifth Point: This thing is heavy. Waaaay heavier than my old machine. No idea why.Given the lack of functionality, noise, cost and weight I have never regretted buying something so much.It's definitely going back

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  Noisy, but reasonably effective air conditioning for a medium-sized room
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2019
  A welcome relief in the Summer heat, but struggles a little in my 4Mx3M room when it's really hot outside. At our peak 37C this year, it brought the temperature down to about 24C and could not get it any lower. I vent the air out of a dedicated hole through the wall formerly required by a gas fire in the room, but as it's 2M off the ground this unit is standing on a table with castors removed to reach it. Have seen advice not to extend the ducting beyond what is supplied so I haven't tried to. It's not really practical to vent out of the windows and noisy enough that I would not want it in the bedroom at night anyway. It's noisier than my fridge freezer compressor, but in fan mode is a lot quieter. I find that setting the temperature to a higher 23C or 24C keeps it in fan mode a lot more and still makes the room more comfortable on a warm evening. It generally does an excellent job. When the temperature outside is not oppressive it could easily reach 20C I suspect, built I prefer to aim for 22C.It didn't do such a good job reducing humidity, reducing from about 60-65% by about 5% only. I know it re-distributes the moisture back into the air so you don't have to keep emptying it, but it's still a little moist for me. In dehumidifier mode it similarly only reduced moisture by about 5% and makes the room a lot colder. It also runs the fans at full tilt.I like that it's efficient, and using a plug socket electricity meter I can see that it peaks at about 1600W, as documented, in aircon and dehumidify mode. Fan mode uses up to about 20W.I'm glad I bought it, but if I wanted to use it at night I'd be looking at a split air conditioner instead.

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  Relief!
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 May 2021
  Bought this air con unit in May 2020, as I was going to be working from home for a long time and I dont handle hot weather very well.The unit comes with an expandable plastic board, which can be inserted into an open window and which houses the exhaust vent/pipe. The board is certainly suitable for sash Windows, perhaps not so much for casement type windows.After a years use here are my thoughts :- I can work comfortably. I work on the top floor of a 3 storey victorian house, so virtually no insulation in the roof. I also live in the south east of the UK, so generally quite warm in the Summer. When it's 20c outside, the room will rocket up to 27c+ very quickly. In last years hot weather, the room quickly gets up to 30c+. The unit does a fantastic job of bringing the room temperature down to something far more bearable. The room is 19ft * 12ft, 7 ft ceiling.- In very hot weather (30c), the unit will get the room down to 23/24c - so not super cool, but very bearable.- In warm weather (20c - 25c), the unit gets the room down to 18c, cool enough to need a sweater (yes, I know thats not the point).- I wheel the unit into my daughters bedroom in summer evenings, to take the heat out of her room (south facing, also on the 2nd floor and gets baked all afternoon long). Last year was the first year that she was able to sleep all Summer long in her own room.So, whilst a fairly expensive unit, it was the best £700 I've spent.The "quiet mode" isnt that quiet - it does reduce the noise a bit, but I think anyone would struggle to sleep with it on.Overall, very pleased. Super simple to set-up and use.

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  Efficient, yes. Quiet? Not really.
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 April 2020
  I have had 2 portable air conditioners in the past 20 years. When the last unit failed last summer, I replaced it with this 'quiet' PAC model from Delonghi.As I already have venting through the walls, installation was easy.Now, in quiet mode, the fan will run constantly and the compressor will activate when needed. At which point the noise level increases with a drone and gurgle as the coolant circulates. When the room is cool enough, the compresser will shut off. Now you are cool and comfortable but probably awake!In 'real feel' mode the unit will shut down completely until the room warms up, at which point it will re-start.... Are you awake again? You will be.I haven't tried the dehumidifier mode yet so can't comment.I would assume that moisture is largely expelled through the exhaust hose as the instructions say to drain excess water at the end of the season.Now this drain hole is a rubber plug retained by a plastic screw cap. So where is the water catching receptacle? Not included so you'll have to improvise.Also, no provision to store the power lead. Very odd.To be fair, there is no such thing as a quiet PAC as everything needed to cool a room is contained within a single unit.To conclude, this PAC is no quieter than others I've had but it is efficient and stylish albeit rather expensive. Update on review. The temperature is 31 degrees celcias and this unit is the most efficient PAC I have owned. Still understandably 'not quiet' but most effective in cooling.

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  Intolerable noise - how can this be marketed as quiet (or even silent)?
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2018
  I bought this despite its high cost because it claimed to be quiet. I can't imagine how they get away with this claim because the noise is intolerable. Even in "silent" mode, all that happens is the fan goes slower, making the noise from the compressor even more obvious. MUCH louder than the compressor in a fridge or freezer. Going back to Amazon for refund. I am curious to see some 5* reviews - like we are reviewing a different product. Maybe different batch or brand of compressor?

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  Louder than advertised & struggles to cool.
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 May 2019
  I bought this just to cool our living room. While it does get a little bit quieter on "Silent" mode, it doesn't seem to make a huge difference. Also, the velocity of the air isn't very high compared to a cheaper model I've owned in the past. Overall, this unit just barely keeps the room at a reasonable temperature on those hot days when you really need it. While it wasn't a complete waste of money as it still does a minimal job, I'd recommend spending less money to anyone considering this unit.

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  Sold as new, recieved either returned item or shop soiled.
  Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 May 2020
  I paid for a new item but clearly, when delivered it was either an item someone had returned or shop soiled. Box it came in was shabby, packing inside damaged, accessories not sealed in any bags, in fact, no bags at all.Exhaust items had clear scuff marks from use and information booklet notably thumbed through.The item itself was bought on the assumption it was quiet, I have quieter fridges on Max at home that are quieter!Listen to the attached video. Item when running is warm to hot to touch, the pipe also.I have tried to contact the seller but I have now options to do so, the reason for this review.