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High humidity is one of the most common reasons for air vents to sweat or produce condensation. When the cool, dry air from your HVAC unit meets warm and moist air in your home, it will cause condensation. Insulating your ductwork can help prevent this. If you live in a very humid region, a dehumidifier can also help.

Yes, ventless portable air conditioners exist, and not all standard portable air conditioners must be vented through a window.

Ventless portable units, often called evaporative coolers, do not have exhaust hoses. They use a water reservoir and a cooling pad to add moisture to the air, making it feel cooler. These units work best in dry climates because humid areas cannot absorb much additional moisture.

For standard portable air conditioners that do require venting, a window is not the only option; they can also be vented through a door, wall, or ceiling. However, it is essential to vent these units properly. Running a standard portable AC without venting it is counterproductive because it needs to expel heat to cool the room. Failing to do so will only increase the room's temperature.

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours. 

A one-stage air conditioner only has one setting, while a two-stage air conditioner has a high and low setting. A two-stage air conditioner costs between $500 and $2,500 more than a traditional air conditioner, but it has a longer lifespan and helps to increase energy efficiency. To make this decision, you should consider your energy needs and available budget.