How To Choose A Portable Air Conditioner?

Answer 1

A portable air conditioner is a small unit that can be moved from room to room as needed or required. It is different from other air conditioning systems by size and by purpose. Unlike window-seated air conditioners, it can be moved to a different room easily. Usually it comes installed with three or four wheels on the bottom. All that is required to run it is to simply plug it in. Choosing a portable air conditioner involves making sure the purpose for which the customer wants it requires a portable air conditioner and not another type of air conditioning system.

To choose a portable air conditioner, follow these simple steps.

1) Since air conditioning system capabilities are calculated in terms of heat, the relative power of a single unit is typically expressed in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. The higher the number of BTUs, the greater the air conditioner’s cooling power. Homeowners should carefully examine their home’s floor plan and insulation before making a purchase. If they buy a portable air conditioner with too little power, the room will not be cooled and the unit will most likely burn itself out. On the other hand, if they buy a unit with too much power, the unit will short itself out due to over-condensation.

2) Portable air conditioner units can also function as de-humidifiers, so this factor should be taken into consideration, as well. If the room for which the unit is intended is characteristically damp or humid, the unit should be considered in terms of its ability to de-humidify the room, and not necessarily in terms of its cooling ability. As in step one, since the de-humidifying capacity is also measured in BTUs, the floor plan and insulation must be taken into account in order to avoid a burn-out or a short-circuit due to condensation or electrical failure.

3) Finally, choose the right brand to fit your needs. Different units come with their own special features, which are marketed by companies in order to maximize their profitability. Also do not forget to make sure the unit comes with at least a one- or two-year warranty; this will ensure the homeowner can replace it if they make the wrong choice, initially.

Answer 2

A portable air conditioner can be one of the best types of air conditioner to cool a room or smaller space, especially if the room faces south or west, the hottest rooms in the house. The energy efficiency ratings of portable air conditions has improved in recent years, so rather than turning down the air conditioning for the entire house, using a portable air conditioner can save money on the overall costs of cooling a hot room. Portable air conditioners add considerable comfort to a room by cooling the air and removing humidity.

Portable air conditioners come in two basic styles. The first are the commonly seen window air conditioners that can be installed in the window when the weather warms and taken out during winter. The other types are portable air conditioners are on wheels and can be moved from room to room. These units use a hose to send the hot air outdoors.

Both units have advantages. In rooms that are used daily, a window air conditioner may be the best solution since these install easily in both horizontal and vertical windows. A portable air conditioner on wheels may be a better choice if people want to move the air conditioner from place to place to cool hot spots within a house.

The disadvantage of using window air conditioners is taking them out and storing them during the winter. The main disadvantage of using an air conditioner on wheels is that the hose needs to be vented outside, requiring a window to be open to let the hot air out. Of course, people can buy or make a solid window cover to block the air coming in by drilling a hole that the hose will fit through. The water storage tank on freestanding portable air conditioners also need to be dumped from time to time since they evaporate water from the air. Forgetting to do this could result in a wet floor.