With window AC units, the unit pumps in cool air and takes out warm air that is then distributed outside. Because the main unit is outside, the components and processes in the unit don’t affect the temperature of the room. With portable units, however, everything is inside the room, including the unit and its functions. This means that as much as you can cool the room, it will be at least somewhat heated by the processes constantly going on within the air conditioner, which is in the room being cooled. This may seem like a minor difference, but it’s enough to make window air conditioners significantly more efficient than portable ones. Still, if you have to use a portable unit, you should find one that has a higher efficiency rating and better overall reviews. Several brands have a better reputation for making efficient units than others, and there’s always new models coming out each year that may or may not be an improvement on the last.
One other thing to consider with these units is the idea of portability: although they can be moved, you’re more likely to keep it in one place simply because most units in this category still weight between 40 and 80 pounds. So while you can scoot the AC from room to room as needed, most units end up becoming somewhat stationary due to their size and the fact that they still need to be hooked up to a window in order to vent out warm air.
Of course, you’ll also consider other elements, like the amount of direct sun your room gets, but in general, you’ll want to stick to a portable unit that’s rated to cool the relative size of your room. A unit that’s too small won’t cool the room quick enough, and a unit that’s too large will cool the room down before enough moisture is removed from the room, which means it can feel sticky and clammy – more humid – than a properly sized unit would allow. Below are some of the factors that one should consider when purchasing a portable air conditioner.
Because portable units are inside the space they cool, many users like to focus on finding the smallest possible units – that still work well. You can get a small AC that doesn’t take up much room, but also doesn’t cool down the air as well as a larger unit. In this case, then, it’s important to balance size and performance, and if you’re looking for the best, most effective and smallest unit, you’ll want to look at the size of your room and how much cooling power you really need.
Aside from space, one of the most important considerations people make when buying a portable unit is the sound level. Although nearly all appliances give off some level of sound because of their components and processes, with portable air conditioners there’s a decent enough range of sound levels – measured in decibels – that it warrants finding a quiet unit if you’re a light sleeper, or if the unit will be used in an office or nursery where you’ll want to keep noise to a minimum.
If you think a portable air conditioner is the right AC choice for your home or business, talk to us today. We can offer more information and can install your unit whenever you’re ready.