Tips To Buying A Portable Air Conditioner

Every homeowner wants to save energy and save money, and a portable air conditioner can do both. Instead of having a large bill for cooling all your home, a portable AC unit lets you easily cool a specific area. And remaining comfortable during those hot summer months will be a big advantage of buying a portable unit if you don’t have central air conditioning. The overall size of your home is a factor when deciding which portable unit to buy, although there are other factors.

Size of Unit

Firstly, decide whether your portable unit will be moved around the house, or whether it will stay in one room and only cool that particular space. The size and weight of any portable AC unit should be considered if you plan to move the unit from one room to another routinely. Of course, you want a unit that you can easily carry home in your car, and it’s also a good idea to get one with wheels on if you’ll be moving it constantly.

You can be confident about buying the right AC for your specific needs by measuring the different areas you plan to use. It’s probably best to buy a smaller and more portable air conditioner. Otherwise, you may end up having to move and rearrange the furniture to accommodate a larger unit.

Size of the Room

Most portable air conditioners are designed to cool a bedroom or living room efficiently, and they won’t be able to keep an entire home or apartment cool adequately. The amount of space that an AC unit can cool is determined by BTUs, as they are known in the industry.

As per a professional company that does air conditioning, “Air travels a certain distance and in your home that is determined by the number of walls and doors. Your entire house won’t be cooled by just one unit if your home has a lot of rooms. Less powerful AC units to cool different rooms or a lighter unit that’s on wheels and easily moved are better options.”

Cost

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for a portable AC unit for home use, although you should expect to pay between $150 and $800. A unit that also functions as a heater or dehumidifier or that has a remote control, or timer feature will cost more, and the amount of power the portable unit has will also affect its cost.

Energy Usage

A programmable thermostat will help to save money on energy costs, one of the biggest concerns for most homeowners buying an AC unit. Energy efficiency can also be determined by studying online ratings.

Single and Dual Hose Units

Two hoses, one for intake and one for exhaust, are features of a dual hose unit, and this more efficient option cools your home about 40 percent more than a single hose air conditioner. A single-hose unit won’t work as efficiently, as the same hose is used for exhaust and air intake.

Installation

Looking at reviews online will help you determine whether a particular AC unit is easy to install, although most of them are relatively straightforward if you follow the instructions. If you plan to move the unit between rooms, consider an additional vent kit; it means you have to set up the hose when moving the unit and not install a vent in the window each time.

Available Features

Perhaps the most useful is a programmable thermostat, which lets you set the exact desired temperature. The unit shuts off by itself when that temperature has been reached. Another helpful feature is an AC and heat combination unit, which can be used to heat your home during the winter. An auto drain system eliminates the need to remove liquid from the unit, as the liquid from condensation is turned into the exhaust. A dehumidifier is a must for many homeowners as it controls the humidity in your home, while a remote control lets you adjust your AC while sitting and watching TV.