Stay Cool Anywhere: The Perks of Portable Air Conditioners
Having an air conditioner in your home or office is important for comfort, especially during the humid Michigan summers. Portable air conditioners are an excellent cooling solution for homeowners, renters, and business owners who can’t install a more substantial traditional HVAC system. Although they’re limited in capacity, these cost-effective devices keep the summer heat at bay, one room at a time.
What Is a Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable AC is a small-space cooling solution. These self-contained, multifunctional units plug into the wall and vent out a window or sliding door, cooling and dehumidifying the room. A portable AC has less capacity than a ductless AC mini-split, but it’s less costly, more portable, and requires no special installation. These units offer convenient cooling for small offices, bedrooms, or rental spaces.
The Benefits of Portable Air Conditioners
The biggest benefits of choosing a portable AC are:
- Portability due to their relatively small size
- Easy installation with no demolition or special connections needed
- Ease of use with remote controls and programmable settings
- Low price when compared to traditional air conditioner costs
- Appealing design and color choices
Energy Efficiency of Portable Air Conditioners
Portable ACs have moderate cooling efficiency and use more electricity than mini-splits because they have to work harder to cool the room.
If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s AC to improve its energy efficiency, speak to an HVAC expert at Hoover. We’ll help you save money on your energy bills while reducing your environmental impact.
Key Features To Look For When Buying
Key features of the best portable ACs include:
- Smart features like timers, smart-home integration, and a remote control
- Energy efficiency
- A dehumidifier function
- Adjustable thermostat and fan speed
- Easy water drainage and ventilation
- Portability (wheels, handles, compact size, etc.)
- Quiet operation
Installation and Setup
Portable ACs are easy to install. Plug the AC directly into the wall near a window and follow the instructions for the air conditioner. Most portable ACs come with a window adaptor kit and drainage hose.
If you’re unsure how to install and set up your new portable air conditioner, contact Hoover for help. We offer all air conditioning services, from installation to maintenance and repair. We’ll make sure your AC is installed properly to keep your home comfortable.
Additional Features and Functionality
Some portable air conditioners are multifunctional. They come with a pre-installed heater, eliminating the need to purchase a heater for winter. You can also use them as fans without turning on the AC portion of the machine. Additional features of newer portable ACs include:
- Sleep mode timers: They allow you to set the AC to turn off automatically at set times.
- Self-evaporative systems: You don’t have to empty heavy water containers.
- Eco-friendly refrigerant use: It doesn’t affect the ozone layer like older refrigerants.
Choosing the Right Portable AC for Your Needs
Deciding on the right type of portable AC for your needs means more than choosing the one with the most settings. You’ll also have to consider the following factors.
Capacity
An AC’s cooling capacity is rated either in BTU (British Thermal Units) or square footage. If the size of the air conditioner is wrong for the space, it can’t cool the room effectively.
A too-small AC runs continuously without reaching your desired temperature. This results in an unevenly cooled room until the motor eventually burns out.
A too-big AC may short-cycle, turning on and off because it reaches the desired temperature too quickly. It won’t stay on long enough to dehumidify the house or circulate the air, and the constant turning on and off causes significant wear on the machine.
Follow these steps to help determine whether an AC will work in your space:
- Find the square footage of the room by multiplying the length of a space by the width (higher ceilings affect the cooling capacity).
- Research the number of BTUs needed to cool the room. For example, an 8,000 BTU air conditioner is rated to cool a room up to 350 square feet. The higher the number, the more powerful the AC.
Size and shape
Choose an AC that fits into the room with plenty of space around it for ventilation. It’s also important to consider where the hot air will vent (usually through a window), and how you’ll empty the drainage tank when it’s full.
Energy efficiency
If your portable AC isn’t energy-efficient, your summertime bills may be high. A programmable energy-efficient air conditioner can make a big difference on your next power bill.
Design
Some portable air conditioners are large and utilitarian, while others are designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Some come with handles or wheels on the bottom, while others are difficult to move from one room to another. If you plan to bring the AC to different rooms throughout the day or care about how your temporary cooling solution looks with your home decor, you’ll want to consider the AC’s design.
Noise
All portable air conditioners make some noise. Ultra-quiet models are available, but the average portable AC runs between 50 and 60 decibels, which is comparable to a quiet refrigerator. If your AC is so loud you have to shout over it or turn up the TV volume to hear properly, your AC is likely too big for the room.
Call Hoover Today
Hoover is Michigan’s top HVAC service provider, offering free estimates, excellent customer service, and helpful financing options to make your life easier. Whether you’re thinking about a whole-home HVAC replacement or want to talk to somebody about your AC options, we’re here to help.
At Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling we value our customers, which is why we guarantee high-quality home services at competitive prices. To learn more or schedule service, call us or use our easy online calendar to book an appointment. If you want it done right, contact Hoover today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of using a portable air conditioner?
Portable ACs are an inexpensive option, great for renters and homeowners who don’t have space for a full-size HVAC system. There’s little installation required, and they’re easy to move from room to room.
Are portable air conditioners suitable for apartments?
Yes. Many portable AC models are great for apartment living. They don’t require demolition or special installation and work as a simple in-home comfort solution for buildings with strict rules about window units.
Can I use a portable air conditioner without a window?
Yes, though it takes some effort. Your AC needs to vent the hot air outside. Depending on the room setup, you can vent through a sliding door, chimney, or dryer vent. Other no-window AC alternatives for ventilation, like wall venting or ceiling panel venting, require some additional construction on your home, which should be done by a professional.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in any room of my house?
Yes, you can use a portable AC in any room with ventilation. The AC extracts hot air, which has to go somewhere or it’ll pump back into the same area, making the AC useless.
What size room can a portable air conditioner effectively cool?
There are different types and sizes of portable ACs, but most can cool a closed 350-square-foot room. Research the air conditioner’s BTUs and measure the room you plan to cool to get the best AC for your needs.
