Are there portable ac units available immediately anywhere?

[DreadedInn]

Hi, my 93 year old MIL has been struggling with the heat in her flat. I have been looking for a cheap (around £150-200) portable ac unit my husband could take there and set up this week.
Obviously they are mainly out of stock but I am wondering if anyone has found a “secret stash” perhaps in a shop I wouldn’t normally think of?
Thanks

Do you still have these available by any chance? I’m desperate for my baby’s room. It was 34 in there in the last heatwave 2 weeks ago

Sorry, no. I have three people who want them.

If any fall through, I will let you know x

I ordered one of these when I saw this as my mum has been after one. They may not be as "in stock" as suggested though, as I just now got an email from them saying it's not coming tomorrow after all, no alternate date suggested yet so I cancelled the order. Just to be aware.

It also would depend on the ac unit- our portable one seems to need emptying regularly (or at least it did in the last heatwave due to humidity levels). Would a caravan unit work- or an above window unit- as she may find them easier to use... We have a netta one (going to upgrade to actual proper Aircon this week though for about £1000 a unit- it does heating and cooling)....

I got one a couple of weeks ago from Aircon direct for a bit over £400. They have limited stock now but they are legit (or at least: as far as I know! They delivered me what I had bought anyhow).
www.aircondirect.co.uk/ct/heating-and-air-conditioning/air-conditioners/portable

Just be careful out there.....
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jul/05/air-conditioning-scams-fake-deals-heatwave-aldi

I can imagine all too easily how something like those tips could fall on deaf ears. I'd definitely be pushing for some kind of air conditioning as the main strategy.

At the same time, I'd still see if your husband can stash some things like wet flannels in her freezer and just tell her they're there if she needs them. They're surprisingly effective when properly frozen, so I'd see them as important to have as an emergency backup.

Aldi we’re advertising them back in at £150 but not sure on availability

Was it really Aldi?

Because that's exceptionally cheap and most of the scam ads I'm finding now (especially via Google Ads) link to a site making a half arsed attempt to look like Aldi....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BXT6YV8K/ ?????????????

Fair point! Maybe not, I just remember scrolling past it on Facebook!

Then unfortunately I can probably guarantee that was a scam ad....

Is it worth approaching adult social care ?

Can they provide anything ?

I may be deluded in this suggestion .

I know older people have needs assessments etc

Are you having a laugh? Adult Social Care are not going to get involved in finding a portable ac unit. 😂

Means-Test Capital Thresholds
Under £14,250: The local authority pays for your care in full, subject to your weekly income.
£14,250 to £23,250: You are eligible for partial financial assistance; you contribute to the cost on a sliding scale.
Over £23,250: You are considered a self-funder and must cover the entire cost of your care yourself.

Amazon?

Might be worth considering something like this as an alternative.
https://vortexair.co.uk/products/vortex-air-pro-bladeless-hot-cool

Don’t get confused between air cooler and air conditioning unit

We got a cheapish Signature brand one, 7000 btu from Amazon in the 2022 heatwave, it was one of the few available and it’s been fine. Comes out each year now

Try www.stoki.co.uk to get instant alerts whenever air conditioners (or other products) come back into stock. Managed to get one from John Lewis using it

I bought two of these, they are fantastic!

Check Maeco out, they have some stock coming tomorrow apparently- their instagram page gives the info. 10am. But they are much more expensive than £100-£200 more like £500. Hope she’s ok.

There is no need to be quite so rude- as I said in my post , I was not sure !

Also , I have a friend in adult social care and they DO provide assisted living equipment !

We bought a 7000 power one for our bedroom and it didn’t touch the sides. We had to get a 12000 to notice a significant difference. Cheap isn’t always good. We went from a £200 unit to a £450 one.

I volunteer in a charity shop and when I went to work yesterday found out that the external wall mounted air conditioner unit had been stolen off the wall - along with some from the other shops. !

Just get a tower fan. We have ac it's the biggest con going.