Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioner A portable air conditioner takes in room air, cools it and directs it back into the room, venting warm air outside through an exhaust hose you install in a window. Controls on the unit allow you to adjust settings such as fan speed and temperature. This appliance is a simple, versatile alternative to central air conditioners and window units. Designed to cool an individual room, it's relatively easy to install and can be a good option for rooms with no existing cooling system or rooms you don't need to cool all the time. It can also supplement larger systems and help cool apartments or rentals where you're unable to install a permanent unit. Easy setup and the portability provided by a compact design and wheels allow you to move the air conditioner from one room to another and reinstall it with minimal effort. Good to KnowMake sure your window is compatible for use with a portable air conditioner. Units fit different window sizes and those designed for single- or double-hung and sliding windows will not work with casement windows, which open by swinging outward.

Choosing the Right Portable Air Conditionertrane 4 ton ac unit costTo find the proper air conditioner, determine the square footage of the room you want to cool by multiplying the room length by its width. suburban rear ac blower Up to 200 sq ft: look for an 8,000-BTU unitharga ac standing floor gree Up to 300 sq ft: look for a 10,000-BTU unit Up to 400 sq ft: look for a 12,000-BTU unit Up to 450 sq ft: look for a 13,000-BTU unit Keep in mind that as the BTU rating increases, the size and weight of the air conditioner does as well. Portable Air Conditioner Features Look for features that make the device more versatile and convenient. You can find air conditioners with multiple functions in addition to cooling.

A dehumidifier mode removes moisture from the air without cooling. A fan function simply circulates air in the room. Some portable air conditioners have a heating capability, allowing you to keep the temperature comfortable year-round. Make sure you configure the unit for each mode. For example, cooling mode requires warm air exhaust, while the dehumidifier function requires access to a drain to remove the moisture the unit collects. If your portable air conditioner has a heater function, the heating unit will have a separate BTU rating, meaning the room size it fits may be different. There are other features available: As an air conditioner cools the air in a room, it also removes moisture. Water collects in the unit. Self-evaporating air conditioners reduce the need to drain this water. A programmable timer lets you set the unit to turn on and off at specific times, helping you reduce energy consumption by operating the air conditioner only when needed. A remote control adds convenience — you can adjust settings and turn the air conditioner on and off from across the room.

A lamp-off feature lets you turn off the panel display lights so they don't make the room uncomfortably bright at night. CautionFollow the air conditioner manufacturer's instructions for safety, use and maintenance. Portable Air Conditioner Setup and Maintenance Select a location near a window and an available power outlet. Note that the manufacturer may specify that you plug the device directly into the outlet with no extension cord. Setup is relatively quick and easy and should require just a screwdriver to complete. Install the unit's adjustable window panel and connect the exhaust hose. Allow the unit to stand upright for at least an hour and it's ready to operate. Portable air conditioners require simple maintenance. Disconnect the unit from power before you begin. Drain the water from the unit as needed. Depending on conditions, even self-evaporating units may need draining. Clean the air filter every two weeks or as directed by the manufacturer.

Regularly wipe the air conditioner down with a damp cloth to remove dust. Wipe up excess moisture with a dry cloth. Shop for Portable Air ConditionersThousands of homeowners across the country will be faced with making the quick decision to replace their air conditioners this summer. With high temperatures, you can’t always risk being without cooling for very long — when you must replace your air conditioner in the middle of cooling season, you won’t have as much time to research and evaluate your options as you would when replacing in the off-season, where cooling isn’t critical. Just because a breakdown forces you to purchase a replacement quickly doesn’t mean you have to do so uninformed — ask your HVAC contractor these questions to help determine the right choice for your home and family. Ask Your Contractor These 5 Questions… Which type of system is best for me? A good contractor will evaluate your home and discuss with you the functionality you want in order to provide you with sound advice regarding which type of system is best for your home.

For example, in homes with failing or nonexistent ductwork, a multi-unit ductless mini-split system may be the right choice for you. Your contractor can answer any questions you have about using a mini-split, central AC, or heat pump in your home. What size do I need? Size does matter when it comes to your air conditioner — undersized and oversized units will consume excessive energy while causing comfort issues in the home. In order to determine the correct size unit and configuration for your home, your contractor should perform a Manual J cooling load calculation. Are there other things that need done to my home to accommodate installation? The air conditioner itself is just one piece of the cooling system — other components include your duct work, thermostat, and air handler, amongst others. Replacement or repairs to these components may be necessary to accommodate the installation of your new air conditioner and facilitate efficient operation. Your new high-efficiency air conditioner won’t offer the savings you expect if your conditioned air is leaking out the duct system!

Have your contractor evaluate all the components of your cooling system to see if other work is needed. What do SEER ratings mean? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the ration, the greater efficiency of the system. All air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER, but SEER ratings go all the way up to 23. If you decide to go with a heat pump, you’ll be looking at HSPF ratings (Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor). These equipment efficiency ratings will have a great impact on the energy use and operating costs of your new unit, and your contractor can help you estimate your monthly or annual costs associated with the new unit. Higher efficiency units typically cost more to purchase, but their savings can result in quick payback periods. What’s the warranty term and what does it include? Manufacturers’ warranties cover various parts for a specific period of time. Make sure you know what is covered on your new unit and how long the warranty lasts so you can have qualifying work performed under the warranty if needed, rather than paying out of pocket.