French consumers seeking relief from a summer heatwave are turning to next-generation portable air conditioners that eliminate traditional window exhaust hoses, as demand for home cooling sweeps across the country.
The surge in sales comes as manufacturers roll out two-part split units and prepare water-cooled technologies aimed at lowering household energy consumption and simplifying installation in homes and vehicles.
Speaking on French morning television show Bonjour ! La Matinale TF1, technology and innovation journalist Anicet Mbida identified the Portasplit as the standout portable air conditioning unit of the summer, noting that retailers were struggling to keep it in stock. He said that despite carrying a retail price between 1,000 euros and 1,200 euros, shipments of the device sell out as soon as store inventories are replenished.
Air conditioning usage in France remains relatively low compared to nations such as the United States or China, where central air conditioning is widespread. TF1, France's major commercial broadcaster, regularly highlights consumer technology trends on its morning program as householders adapt to increasingly frequent European heatwaves.
Two-part split design and market pricing
The popularity of the Portasplit stems from a design that divides the air conditioner into separate indoor and outdoor modules. Mbida explained that by placing the noisy compressor module outside the building, cold air can be sent to an interior module through a thin connecting pipe just two centimetres thick, eliminating the need to leave a window wide open for a bulky hot air exhaust hose.
Several other manufacturers are adopting the two-part system, including brands such as Klim, Remko, Rexair and Klima. Mbida noted that compact versions of these split systems are now available for use in caravans or dedicated parking spaces, while overall market prices have begun to fall, with entry-level units appearing at 800 euros.
Hose-free water cooling and sensor features
Further technological advancements are scheduled to reach the market within a few months with the introduction of completely hose-free portable air conditioners. Mbida said these upcoming devices extract heat from hot air using water cooling, returning the air to ambient room temperature so that the unit can operate in any room without venting outside.
Design innovations are also altering the visual appearance and functionality of premium units. Mbida presented top-tier models featuring natural wood finishes and integrated electronic sensors that track where occupants are located inside a room, adjusting the direction of the airflow to prevent direct cold drafts on the back of a user's neck.
While premium design features remain expensive, energy efficiency remains a primary driver for industry innovation. Mbida pointed out that conventional portable air conditioners can add up to four euros per day to electricity bills, making technological developments essential to reduce power consumption while keeping indoor spaces cool.
