Arlec - 4.7KW Portable Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner (PA1622HCHA)

Model number is PA1622HA (or PA1622HCHA for the $699 cooling + heating one). Done a heap of research, and 100% would recommend this model. It's rated 4.68kw (which for context, the next cheapest model I've seen at that cooling capacity is $1049), which covers a larger space 25-30 m2. (As a side note: the MAR 2024 CHOICE magazine has a table ranking the stats (running cost, price, efficiency, etc.) for a bunch of models. Not sure your state, but in SA you can access the CHOICE magazines for free with your free library account!) Also can bloody fucking sympathise with your frustration about constantly seeing "just buy a window unit" lmfao

I know this is a month old (I think) however... We are renting in Parkdale (Vic) and we bought an Arlec reverse cycle portable air conditioner (PA1622HA) from Bunnings a couple of years ago. I finally bit the bullet and bought a new air conditioner. Whilst noisy (it says around 60db or so) it's probably a little louder as I have it on a desk which is in front of a window. The drain tube now also goes out the window, unfortunately the drain tube is still slightly below the window so I need to suck on it to get it to drain out there. ( I have extended the tube by getting some clear tube from Bunnings, adding some tape to the outside of said tube and wedged it in the drain hole(inside the original drain tube). Search up 'broke and balding portable air conditioner' on YouTube to take a look at it. It works well for us.

You're gonna find this hard to believe, but I bought a $650 Arlec one from Bunnings which has turned out to be the most effective of portable air conditioners I've ever had. And I've bought a few - from the mega expensive Delonghi Pingu's to imported crap - all of which were more expensive and LESS effective on the space I have. I forget the model number - but it's a 4.7 KW unit from Bunnings. The only drawback is you need somewhere to vent it (obviously), and if you don't have a convenient drain, you need to shut it down and empty it periodically when the water tank gets full. It 'aint ideal, but it might get you out of a pickle.