Portable Air Conditioning: What It Can and Can’t Do For You
On the whole people will agree that portable air conditioning isn't the best way to cool off. It just doesn't work as capably as a central air conditioning system or even a window air conditioner. Nevertheless, there are some circumstances where neither of the other more favored choices is practical.
For instance, those who live in an apartment building might discover that this sort of equipment is the only means by which they can obtain any respite from overheated conditions. Frequently, there isn't a window that's appropriately positioned, or perhaps your rental agreement forbids the installation of a window air conditioning unit. This makes a portable air conditioner your only feasible option.
You might also need to occasionally cool down only a specific location. It can be impracticable to install a permanent fixture in some locations like a workshop or garage. In this situation portable air conditioning can be a viable option. It will help you to attain a comfortable environment without the hassle of permanent installation.
Portable air conditioning units perform in a comparable way to other kinds of residential air conditioning systems. They draw in air, cool and remove the humidity from it, then push it back out. However they don't draw in outside air like other styles of air conditioning systems. Portable air conditioners only treat the air that is present in the room.
This is a good example of why they simply aren't as efficient. Actually, most people who complain about portable air conditioning units do so because the room just doesn't get as cool as with other types of air conditioners.
As a result, you should probably not expect the degree of cooling with portable equipment that you're otherwise used to. Still, a portable unit can make a difference in an overly warm area and give some respite to those who live there when nothing else will work.
You also must keep in mind the square footage of the room and the cooling capacity of the unit. If the room is 150 square feet or smaller, a 7500 BTU unit should be enough. For 200 square feet, 9000 BTU units are more suitable. This basically means that you need 1000 to 1500 BTUS per 50 square feet if you want to get the most effective performance.
You'll need to expect to empty the condensed moisture that is a consequence of the cooling process. This is different from window or central air conditioning where the moisture is eliminated outdoors. Some styles have a tray that must be detached. You might even have to flip over the entire fixture to drain the water. Other types have an exhaust hose that you can hang out the window to empty the water outside. These kinds typically incorporate a foam insulation package to allow better window sealing.
When the temperature rises to the point where living indoors becomes unbearable there is a real need to cool things down so you can work, relax and sleep. A residential air conditioning system is the best way to handle the situation.
