Expert Guide for Portable Air Conditioners

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Portable air conditioners are self-contained units designed to cool individual rooms. They are a flexible alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. They are particularly useful when installing a window unit or central air conditioning system is not feasible. Sometimes times portable air conditioners are used for temporary cooling needs.

How Portable Air Conditioners Work

Portable air conditioners draw warm air from the room, cool it through a refrigeration cycle, and expel the cooled air back into the room. The warm air is vented outside through an exhaust hose. These units also remove humidity from the air. They collect moisture in an internal reservoir that needs periodic emptying. Alternatively, the moisture is expelled through the exhaust hose.

Types of Portable Air Conditioners

Single-Hose Units

Single-hose portable air conditioners are the most common and are easy to set up. These units, ranging from $250 to $500, use one hose to expel warm air outside. However, they use indoor air to cool the condenser, making them slightly less efficient. They typically lower room temperature by 10-15 degrees.

Dual-Hose Units

Dual-hose units are more efficient. They use one hose for air intake and another for exhaust, preventing the unit from using already cooled indoor air. These units, priced between $400 and $700, can lower the room temperature by 15-20 degrees.

Evaporative Coolers (Swamp Coolers)

Evaporative coolers use water to cool the air, adding humidity, making them ideal for dry climates. These units cost between $100 and $300 and can lower room temperature by 5-10 degrees. They are not suitable for humid environments.

Portability and Storage

One of the main advantages of portable air conditioners is their mobility. These units typically feature caster wheels and handles, making it easy to move them from room to room. This is particularly useful for targeting specific areas that need cooling at different times. When the unit is not in use, it can be compactly stored in a closet or storage room. Proper storage helps maintain the unit’s condition and ensures it is ready for the next season.

User Reviews and Ratings

Homeowners should always read reviews when choosing a portable air conditioner. Look for feedback on cooling efficiency, noise levels, ease of use, and maintenance issues. Customer reviews on sites like Amazon or Best Buy can reveal specific model strengths and weaknesses. This helps in making an informed decision.

Comparing Portable Air Conditioners to Other Cooling Systems

Window Units

Window units are installed directly in a window, taking up window space but freeing up floor space. They cool efficiently and are quieter because the compressor is outside. Portable air conditioners, on the other hand, do not require permanent installation and can be moved between rooms as needed. While they may be noisier, they offer greater flexibility and are ideal for spaces where installing a window unit isn’t feasible.

Central Air Systems

Central air systems cool entire homes using an outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit via ducts. They provide consistent temperature control across large spaces and are managed by a thermostat. Portable air conditioners, in contrast, are designed for cooling individual rooms. They are less efficient for whole-house cooling but are perfect for spot cooling or temporary use in specific areas.

Mini Splits (Ductless Air Conditioners)

Mini splits consist of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air-handling units. They are highly efficient, provide independent room cooling, and operate quietly. Portable air conditioners, on the other hand, are more flexible and easier to install since they don’t require ductwork. However, they tend to be noisier and less efficient for cooling multiple rooms. Portable air conditioners are a practical solution when ductwork isn’t possible or for temporary cooling needs.

Safety Features

Many units have automatic shut-off mechanisms that activate when the unit overheats or the water reservoir is full. Child locks are another crucial feature, preventing children from tampering with the controls. Additionally, tip-over protection is vital for homes with pets or active children, ensuring the unit shuts off if knocked over. These features provide peace of mind and ensure the safe operation of the air conditioner.

Environmental Impact

Portable air conditioners impact the environment through their energy consumption and refrigerant type. Units using eco-friendly refrigerants like R32 have a lower global warming potential. Additionally, models with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings use less electricity. A great way to reduce a carbon footprint. By making mindful choices, you can enjoy effective cooling while minimizing environmental harm.

Humidity Management

Portable air conditioners dehumidify the air, managing moisture in two ways:

• Internal Reservoir: The unit collects moisture in a tank that needs to be emptied periodically. This method is simple and effective but requires regular maintenance.
• Exhaust Hose: The moisture is expelled through the exhaust hose along with the hot air, minimizing maintenance.

If you live in a humid climate portable air conditioners can have this added benefit for you.

Effectiveness of Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are not ideal for cooling large spaces. Higher BTU ratings indicate the ability to cool larger spaces. For example, a unit with 8,000 BTUs is suitable for rooms up to 200 square feet, while a unit with 14,000 BTUs can cool spaces up to 500 square feet. They are also typically noisier and consume a significant amount of electricity, which can impact energy bills.

Portable air conditioners should vent hot air outside using an exhaust hose. This ensures the unit cools the room efficiently by removing the heat generated during the cooling process. They must be placed near a window or another suitable outlet. Please keep in mind, that they are not a long-term solution for underperforming central AC systems.

Noise Levels

Portable air conditioners can be noisier than other cooling systems. Noise levels vary, typically ranging from 50 to 70 decibels. To put this in perspective, 50 decibels is like a quiet conversation, while 70 decibels resembles a vacuum cleaner’s hum. Some models include a sleep mode, reducing noise during nighttime. Some people are used to sleeping with some background noise, so your portable air conditioner can double as a sleep noise machine.

Recommendations

As an HVAC company, we often set customers up with portable air conditioners to keep them comfortable before an install. We generally use LG brand portable air conditioners because they are well-known for their quality. However, there are many other good options on the market. Hopefully, these examples will guide consumers on what features and characteristics to look for:

LG LP1419IVSM Smart Wi-Fi Portable Air Conditioner

• BTU: 10,000
• Coverage: Up to 500 square feet
• Features: You can control it with the ThinQ app or remote, and it’s easy to move with caster wheels. The unit uses inverter technology for powerful, quiet performance. It offers cool, dry, and fan modes to suit different needs, and you can adjust temperature and fan speed via the control panel or remote. This unit also has a dehumidifier function and a low noise level of 56 decibels (Business Insider).

LG LP0621WSR Portable Air Conditioner

• BTU: 6,000
• Coverage: Suitable for smaller rooms
• Features: Compact design, energy-efficient, and includes a dehumidifier function. It is praised for its portability and ease of installation, making it ideal for quick setups in smaller spaces.

By considering these features, you can find a portable air conditioner that best suits your needs and preferences. While you can put this temporary solution in place, we urge you to call Aaron Services for fixing your main AC. Be sure to check out our HVAC service specials for great deals.