Portable Air Conditioners
''This buying guide is about portable air conditioner units. If you are looking for a windowConditioners'>click here. ''
Quick Picks
ConsumerSearch.com recommends:
Buying a Portable A/C
So you need an
window air conditioners and simple to use. You can easily move them from one part of your home to another and they save money by only cooling the area you need to. Portable air conditioners can also act as a fan when there is less of a need for cooling. In the winter, some can also act as a heater.
These may be a good choice for apartment buildings that do not allow window units. The units weigh from 50 to 80 pounds, but they come on wheels, making them easier to move around around the house or apartment.
Choosing the Right Size
The main issue to consider is what size room you are looking to cool. The unit's size should be adequate, but not too large for the space you need to cool. Currently, the largest portable air conditioner available has 13,000 BTU. It can cool an area of a maximum of 400 sq. feet. There are models available for just less than $500.
Smaller air conditioners have about 7500 BTU, which is adequate for a room of about 150 sq. feet. They cost about $300 and up. The average for a 250foot room is 10,000 BTU, and cost around $400 and up.
This chart, from
ConsumerSearch.com, will help you decide how many BTU you need. Another important thing you need to know is that you need a lot more BTU in a portable air conditioner than in a window unit. For example, a room of 150 square feet needs a 5000 BTU window air conditioner but a 7500 BTU portable air conditioner.
The numbers listed here are for a room with average sun exposure. For particularly sunny rooms, or rooms that frequently have more than two people in them, you should look for more BTU than listed.
If you need to cool an area larger than 400 square feet, you should look into a window unit or units.
Other Features
'''Efficiency rating'''. Always check for the EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) on the air conditioner. The minimum requirements by law are an EER of 10. While units with ratings of 12 or 13 are now considered acceptable, very shortly they will be under the new minimum of 13 EER. You should get a model with the highest EER you can reasonably afford. It will save you money and is a little easier on the environment.
'''Timers'''. Some models come with timers. You can set it to turn on half an hour before you come home, so that you don't waste energy cooling the home when no one is there but still come home to a comfortable environment.
'''Drip versus nodrip models are more expensive but they are also more convenient because you don't have to empty the water tray every day or so.
'''Single exhaust versus dual exhaust'''. If you are looking to save some money then go for a
air conditioner/dehumidifiers. Which you prefer is a matter of personal taste, the conditions of your home and what type of climate you live in.
Major Manufacturers
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Soleus
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Sunpentown
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Hamilton Beach
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IQAir
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Blueair
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Electrolux
Related Products
^^I am interested in having a unit cool down an exercise room for relatively short periods of time. How far from a window these units can be placed and still be effective? How hard is it to install and remove the hoses?^^
