# How does a stand-alone inside air-conditioner work **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415 **Category:** Factual Questions **Created:** [June 27, 2024, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415 "2024-06-27T21:31:00Z") **Posts on this page:** 1 **Showing post:** 15
### Author: ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines) #### Post date: [June 27, 2024, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415/15 "2024-06-27T23:47:29Z")
See also this thread: > [@Chillwell A/C units. Do they work or is it a scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chillwell-a-c-units-do-they-work-or-is-it-a-scam/966272/2): > > Based on everything I’ve seen about them, it’s not . . . totally a scam. What it seems to be is a micro [swamp cooler](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/swamp-cooler.htm), like maybe, one smallish rooms worth. If a swamp cooler works with your climate, then, yeah, it would cool you a bit. Especially for the brief time you add ice to the unit. If your climate is humid, or the temps are high enough, nope, does nothing more than a multi-speed fan would. But for the small coverage area, they seem quite expensive, so I’m leaning towards over-hyped … Which references this one as well: > [@Are these advertised products frauds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-advertised-products-frauds/988306): > > Are these frauds? Or are they genuine and I’m missing something? I’ve seen all of these products advertised on YouTube videos. Some are available on Amazon, eBay, and Lowe’s. Why hasn’t the FTC sued these companies for fraud. The first product is a mini “air conditioner” about the size of a toaster. It advertises to cool a room in minutes. You can save $$$ with this device. BS: It’s not an air conditioner; it’s a small humidifier. How it works: It has a 660ml reservoir for you to put t… But yeah, “no installation/venting/outside access required” are almost always underpowered swamp coolers (sometimes with ice added), standing fans with woo, or out and out frauds. Yes, I know the OP is referencing a tower, not the mini-mini variants, but same technology (or lack of) almost all the time. At least with a tower, you’ve got a bigger fan! ETA - of course, if it’s the same/similar to this: > **[Amazon.com: Outfany Portable Air Conditioner, Shirem Cooling Ace, Outfany...](https://www.amazon.com/Outfany-Portable-Conditioner-charging-Bladeless/dp/B0D6W9PR1G)** > > Specification: Name:Outfany Portable Air Conditioner Colors: Gray, White Types: USB Rated Current: 2.1A Weight: 588g Size: 9.44x6.69x3.93 in Package Includes: 1 PCS \* Outfany Portable Air Conditioner Note: 1.Due to the lighting effects and shooting... Then it’s calling itself a portable air conditioner when it’s described operation is ONLY of a fan. So, more scammy than usual. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415)._