Almost 70 years have elapsed since the air conditioner was initially invented, but the Earth isn’t getting any colder! Though it is evolving into a virtual necessity even before summertime comes around, air conditioning is even now a luxury for a wide range of folks. A central air conditioning unit remains a costly acquisition for the home and may be unnecessary in more compact houses.
It’s a good thing that portable air conditioning has landed as it’s a practical option for property owners who want to defeat the hot summers inexpensively.
An Examination
A portable air conditioning unit is distinct from a central cooling or wall-affixed system in that it’s compact and movable. Nearly all portable systems are 29-34 inches tall and weigh 30-36 kilograms. There’s absolutely no need to conduct a permanent installation when a portable air conditioner is implemented. This means walls can stay unchanged!
Occasionally, the words “portable air conditioner” and “portable air cooler” are made use of interchangeably, although this shouldn’t be the case. The former uses a compressor and Freon as a coolant, while the latter functions on the principle of water evaporation. With this in mind, portable air conditioners are able to cool a full home way more successfully than an air cooler, in addition to having a dehumidifying effect.
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Just how Does It Do the job?
A homeowner or renter will require the following to be able to set up portable air conditioning:
– Room for the machine
– A power outlet
– An exhaust vent for the hot air flow
The process of portable air conditioning is equivalent to old fashioned air conditioning units. The system cools an area by implementing a refrigerator cycle and Freon, as stated above. A portable air conditioner contains a box-frame incorporating hot and cold sides an addition to an exhaust hose used to expel hot air outdoors and is typically 5-7 feet long. The moisture build-up or condensation that results from cooling is reused to cool the equipment itself, although surplus condensate can occur once in a while.
There are two options to eradicate extra condensate:
Manual eradication – the condensate accumulates in a pail or plate inside of the unit and preferably should be purged from time to time.
Evaporative elimination – the condensate evaporates and is eliminated by the principal vent hose via a drop ceiling, window or wall.
Venting is mostly implemented through a window and can be accomplished utilizing an adapter kit. This is generally included with a portable air conditioning machine. The kit will serve to keep the vent hose in place and additionally insulates the partially-open window or space.
Exactly where Can I Take advantage of One?
As a result of their small size and great flexibility, these air conditioners are ideal for smaller spaces that need quicker spot cooling. Good examples include flats, home offices, server rooms and any other location where setting up a big air conditioning system is unfeasible. In the interests of energy efficiency and fast cooling, they can be put to use in larger properties to cool down several selected rooms as well.
Why Should I Use One?
Effortless set up – a system can be shifted from one room to another without problem as it doesn’t need to be permanently fixed to anything.
Flexibility – a large number of, if not all, portable air conditioners are preloaded with rolling casters. That way, the device can be placed literally wherever you wish it to be and moving it isn’t going to give you a hernia in the process.
Multiple operation – not merely do they cool the air, the cooling method itself allows for the machine to behave as a dehumidifier. In addition, ever more portable air conditioners incorporate air cleaners to ensure cleaner air flow for the consumer.
Power efficiency – portable systems run you a great deal less to run a comparison to central air conditioning units owing to their more compact size. There is also significantly less power wastage where smaller sized systems are involved mainly because they’re ?n a position to cool a particular area a good deal more quickly.
Budget – the absence of installation charges, fundamental operating standards and the specifications of a portable air conditioning system aids to keep prices lower. A more electricity-efficient unit will set you back a little extra, but even this will be more affordable than the final price of a regular air conditioning machine. Maintenance of a portable device is also a good deal simpler and inexpensive, and it’s painless to execute small repairs on your own.
Portable Air Cons have come a long way since the advent of air conditioning and they are continually improving. Though often not as powerful as their stationary counterparts, the benefits they bring in cost, efficiency and flexibility make them a fantastic investment.
How to Pick the Best Portable Air Conditioner
If you’re wondering what would make a portable air conditioner unit the best, it would be its power rating. You can determine this by looking out for the BTUs (British Thermal Units). BTU simply measures the amount of heat that the portable air conditioner can take out from the room.
Room size is an important factor so getting a proper balance between room size and cooling capability is key. Read more on getting the best portable AC for you by clicking on the links below:
Also, always remember these tips when you’re shopping for the best portable ac unit:
Tip 1: When choosing a portable ac unit, choose one that best suits the space available in your home and not only your cooling needs.
Compromisation of the two factors may be needed; your cooling needs may require a big unit but that little corner that you have may not fit a big unit without being an obstacle.
Tip 2: Always hunt for the best bargain.
Smaller portable air conditioners does not always come with small price tags. I’ve seen bigger units that are more cost efficient than their smaller counterparts.
Portable Air Conditioners Types
Different people have different preferences when it comes to the right portable AC unit for their home. When it comes to portable AC units, these are some types/features that you may want to consider:
Drip vs. Non-drip types: Between these two types of models, drip portable air conditioner units are generally less expensive.The difference between the two is that with drip models, you need to empty out the small tray that collects the condensated moisture when needed.
Single exhaust vs. Dual exhaust types: The dual exhaust type has a lot more advantage because it circulates air and cooling it better.
Multi-functional types: These units have other functions other than cooling your space; some can dehumidify, fan-cool or heat and some can do all these and more.
When to Buy A Portable Air Conditioner
Having the best portable ac unit with you can be very useful; they are small and are easily mobilized. But, there are times when having even the best portable ac unit is simply not in your best interest.
Here’s a general rule to know if your future purchase will be worth it:
– It’s not possible to mount a permanent ac unit. Some building owners do not permit tenants to install ac units, so by having a portable air conditioning unit to cool your space is the next best thing.
– You live in a damp climate. If you live in a damp, humid area, having the right portable air conditioner can be very useful as most (but not all) portable air conditioners also acts as dehumidifiers.
– You are environmental savvy. If you are campaigning to save the earth, you would appreciate a portable air conditioner because it cools down a room with less energy.
In general, buying a good portable air conditioner that you can get is a good thing because they are practical. Read more on the pros and cons of a portable air conditioner to find out if it is for you.
Portable Air Conditioners Troubleshooting
One hot afternoon, I came back home after a long day of client meetings. All I wanted was to feel the cold air rushing at me as soon as I open my front door (my portable ac is always on a timer). I was wrong. My portable ac unit did not start on time. I was puzzled for a while but after going through my checklist, it came alive again.
This goes to show that even though you have the best rated portable air conditioner unit that you can afford, it may still need some troubleshooting now and then. Here’s a checklist of what you should do:
1. Check the circuit breaker and wall plug if the unit won’t run. It could simply mean that the power is not on.
2. Clean the filter if there are any clogs in the evaporator or condenser coils.
3. Unclog the drain and reinstall it if there is a leak from your unit.
4. Check for loose condenser or evaporator fans if there is any rattling noises.
5. Call a professional if you find anything broken after the checks above.
Taking care and keeping your portable air conditioner clean will make them last longer.
Best Portable Air Conditioners Features
Choosing the right portable ac unit size is the most important when you want to purchase the best portable air conditioner for your own use. However, there are many other features of the portable air conditioner that are available in the market.
Here are some other things that you may want to look out for when you’re scoping for a unit:
Mobility
The best portable ac units are the ones that have caster wheels on them so that it is easy for you to cart them around if needed. This will make it easier for you to roll them around the house/ office when needed or in/ out of storage. I do however, do not recommend that you move your unit much once you set them up as they are rather heavy for a relatively small appliance.
Oscillating Louvers/ Multi directional Airflow
After my morning/ afternoon jog, I would be all sweaty and heated up. Having to come home to a cooled house wouldn’t be enough that only a direct blast of cool air on me would do the trick; all I have to do is direct the cooling air on me.
This shows that having oscillating louvers is an added advantage to have. So, I do think that having the option to have multi-directional airflow is a plus to not only for a quick cool off but also to allow better air circulation and faster cooling.
Remote Controls
I’m the classic couch potato especially when I’m at home. That is why I always go for appliances that comes with a remote control; I get the benefit of not getting up from the daybed change/ set the temperature, speed of the fan or mode of operation. I’m too lazy, aren’t I?
Sadly, these remote controls tend to malfunction more, which will then make even the best portable air conditioner useless as most that comes with remote controls don’t have manual ones on the body. Thankfully, most manufacturers provide warranties.
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Efficiency
As with any other appliances, you would want your portable air conditioner to perform at its best with the most efficient usage of energy. Not only is it kinder to your pocket (the more energy efficient an appliance is, the less energy cost you will need to pay), it is also kinder to the Earth. So, get a model that has high energy efficiency ratio (EER), preferably something that is higher than a 10.
These are general guidelines that I’ve put together based on my experience using among the best portable air conditioners. I would recommend that you look what is available to you, then read reviews before buying anything so that you can make a more informed decision.
10 Cheap Ways to Stay Cool when the Heat is On
Does the warmer weather have you begging for a reprieve? Is your pocket book at odds with the temperature? Never fear- here are the top ten ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank…
1. Head to the Beach – An easy fix for the sweltering sun, pack your bags and plan a day on the coast. In Western Australia, consider the ever popular Palm Beach in Sydney, Hyams Beach, Mission Beach of Queensland or Bells Beach in Victoria. Ride a wave or play in the surf- either way, you’re sure to cool down in a hurry. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
2. Check out a Museum – Now you can cool off AND enjoy some culture- just cruise over to your nearest museum. Many museums offer discounted rates or free admission, and the air conditioning inside blended with the educational value makes this a great fix for the heat wave.
3. Stay Hydrated – The easiest way to overheat during high temperatures is to become dehydrated. Remember to keep drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day. H2O = nature’s remedy. It’s not just for your body, though. Placing small bowls of water around the house can help as well, as evaporation aids in cooling the air.
4. Buy a Portable Air Conditioner – You knew we were going to slip this in somehwere! But seriously, stationary air conditioning bills are enough to get your blood boiling these days and are simply not feasible if you’re renting. The solution? Consider buying a Portable Air Conditioner. Even if you can’t afford to keep your house or office an igloo, having a portable unit turned up and pointed your direction will make you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury.
5. Catch a movie – There are a wide variety of cinematic gems gracing the silver screen these days, and movie theaters still know how to keep you cool. Cheaper than developing frost on the inside panels of your home windows, this will cool you off AND keep you entertained.
6. Shut the curtains – This small step has two advantages. Not only will shutting the curtains keep your home dark and cool, blocking out the hot sunlight that can bake your living room, but the privacy means you can wear as much or as little clothing as you like!
7. Stick your clothes in the freezer – This may seem like an odd step, but nothing feels more brisk than pulling on a cold t-shirt in the middle of a hot afternoon. Leave a couple of articles of clothing in the freezer for an hour or two, and experience the refreshing touch of ice cold cotton as your reward.
8. Take a cold shower – Cool off quickly by taking an ice cold shower. This cheap option gives you the refreshing nature of the beach or the pool without having to don a swimsuit in public. Bonus!
9. Chow down on some spicy food – It may seem counter-intuitive, but spicy food can cool you down. Foods like chili have chemicals that make us sweat more readily, which in turn can cool you down.
10. Take a mental vacation – Can’t afford to hit the slopes and escape the heat? Read about it. Reading books set in cold climates can help distract you from the current temperatures. The more free time your mind has to wander, the more likely you are to focus on the thermometer.
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Last Update: 2024-04-19 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
