Portable air conditioners (PAC) are a good alternative to cool a room addition, to keep a getaway cabin comfortable without investing in a mini-split, or for any space where supplemental cooling is needed if you can’t install a window unit. Here are some key factors to consider before you purchase a portable A/C:
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity of portable air conditioners is rated in British thermal units (BTU) per hour, and units with higher ratings produce more cool air. To choose a PAC with the right capacity for the square footage of the space you need to cool, you can compare data found on the EnergyGuide labels of individual units.
Placement
A PAC must be vented outdoors through a window, and plugged into a household electrical outlet, which can limit its placement in a room. Portable A/Cs typically come with five- to seven-foot long plastic vent hoses, and adaptor kits for standard windows. However, kits are available for use with sliding doors and larger windows.
Condensate Disposal
As with split-system air conditioners, portable A/Cs extract airborne moisture during the cooling process. To get rid of the condensed liquid, basic models have a collector pan that can be removed and emptied. There are also low-maintenance, self-evaporating models available that either release the condensate out into the exhaust hose, or recycle it to cool the coils.
Noise
Since the compressor is housed right in the unit sitting in the room it’s cooling, you’ll find a portable air conditioner noisier than a window or central A/C. If low noise is a primary concern, you can compare different models based on the decibel (dB) levels included in the manufacturer’s data.
Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of PACs is measured with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating that’s shown on the EnergyGuide label of each unit. Higher-rated PACs are more energy efficient, so you can save on operating costs by choosing a model with the highest EER within your budget.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a portable air conditioner and need expert advice, contact the Lorain home comfort pros at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about portable air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
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