SuperiorHeatingAndAir.com - Do window air conditioners have to have contact with the outside?

Do window air conditioners have to have contact with the outside?

Do window installation air conditioners have to have access to the outside? In other words, could I set one on a table and have it operate normally? I ask because I saw some "portable" air conditioners that do not need outside air, but are pretty expensive. I would like to get a cheap window one if it will work. Thanks. An early thanks for the answers recieved. I hadn't heard of airconditioners that don't mount in a wall or window either, until I went to BestBuy yesterday. They must be new. I guess I can live with spending a little extra. Thanks again.

Public Comments

cold air comes form the front, hot air and water come from the back.
I have never seen one that does not need to be vented to the outdoors
No, its not going to work the same,jenni is right. hot air and water comes out the back.
The purpose of an air conditioner is to move heat from the inside to the outside.If you den't vent it outside all you are doing is useing electricity(and generating heat) to move heat in a circle.
all a/c units have to have someplace to dump the heat
As mentioned, if it is a true air conditioner with refrigerant, it must be vented outside. Otherwise you will just be circulating air and dripping water on the floor. There are some portable air coolers that work inside; they generally cool with water, but can cause humidity problems if you are in an area with high humidity already