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A Buyer’s Guide for a Portable Air Conditioner

portable-air-conditionerIf your area has hot weather for only a short time each year, a portable air conditioner may be a better way to go. Compared to whole house A/C, portable units are relatively inexpensive and they can be stored out of the way when not in use. Another benefit of a portable unit is that you can move it to just the rooms you need cooled, rather than paying for cool air in the entire house. In this guide we'll present some information on features of portable air conditioners as well as a few tips for buying and installing the unit once you've purchased it.

Portable Air Conditioner Features
As you shop for a portable air conditioner, you'll want to determine the types of features you'd like to have – and how much you're willing to spend to get them. Here are a few features to look for:

  • Cooling Capacity – What size room is the air conditioner rated for? What size room do you anticipate using the unit in? You want to make sure that you purchase a unit that can do the job for you in an efficient manner. Avoid buying a unit that is too big as you'll end up spending more money on energy costs than is necessary
  • Drip vs. No Drip – Some less expensive models have a drip pan that has to be changed on a regular basis. If you'd rather not have to empty the pan, be sure to opt for a no drip model.
  • Single vs. Dual Exhaust – Duel exhaust a/c units will have a tendency to circulate cleaner air.
  • Multi-function – Some portable a/c units also operate as a dehumidifier and/or a heater. Decide if you need more than one function before making a final decision.

Tips for Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
Before you make a final decision, take some time to read a few reviews. HVAC reviews can be particularly helpful when you're trying to determine which brands and models have worked well for others. When reading reviews be sure to watch for patterns rather than reading just one or two opinions. There are always two sides to every story and some consumer are just naturally picky. If you find a pattern however, then you know that multiple consumers have experienced the same thing – good or bad.

Installation
Most portable air conditioners are easy to set up. If you run into trouble, search for a qualified HVAC contractor to help you with your HVAC installation. You might even want to talk to a contractor first to have them help you determine the right size A/C unit for your home.

Buying a portable air conditioner can be a wise investment. Before you buy, consider all the features you'll need and do some comparison shopping. Read HVAC reviews to be sure that your top picks are getting high marks from others. Once you buy make sure you follow the guidelines for installation or call for help. Then sit back and enjoy your climate controlled home all summer long.

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