Yes, all air conditioners, except for evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers), need to be vented. Air conditioners work by removing heat and moisture from indoor air and releasing it outside. Ventilation is necessary for two main reasons:
Heat Disposal: Air conditioners work based on the principle of heat exchange. They absorb heat from the indoor air and transfer it to the outdoor environment. If there is no ventilation or a means to exhaust the heat outdoors, the air conditioner will not be able to effectively cool the indoor space.
Moisture Removal: Air conditioners also remove moisture from the indoor air, leading to a decrease in humidity levels. The moisture collected from the indoor air needs to be drained or expelled to the outside to maintain the desired humidity level inside the room.
Window air conditioners and portable air conditioners usually come with an exhaust hose or vent that needs to be connected to a window or a designated venting location. Central air conditioning systems have ducts that distribute cooled air throughout the building and return warm air to the air handler to be cooled and recirculated or expelled outside.
Evaporative coolers, as mentioned earlier, are an exception. They do not require traditional ventilation like other air conditioners. Instead, they work by evaporating water to cool the air and increase humidity. These coolers are best suited for dry climates, as they add moisture to the air, which may not be ideal in humid areas.
In summary, if you are using an air conditioner that cools the air through refrigeration or compression, proper ventilation is essential for the system to function effectively.