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Some rooms may not have central air conditioning, or simply do not receive enough AC or circulation. Portable air conditioners are a good and simple fix for this issue—easy to install and non-permanent, these products can help cool your area quickly and efficiently. There are plenty of models to choose from, so how do you know which one will be your best bet? Below is a guide to help you during the process of buying a portable air conditioner.
There are many varieties of portable air conditioners, and they often come with varying features. There are a number of ways that the units can be installed, such as through a window, wall, sliding door, or a drop ceiling. In order to choose which one would be fitting for your needs, you should bear in mind the following:
Size of the unit: When looking for the right size, it’s helpful to consider the required BTU or British thermal unit. This is related to the amount of heat being removed from a room, where a higher number means more cooling power is needed to cool the room. However, the amount of cooling power needed also depends on the environment the unit will be placed in. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has an online assessment called the cooling calculator, which is very beneficial to utilize.
Removing moisture buildup: When a portable air conditioner cools indoor air, it also acts as a dehumidifier and removes the moisture. There are several different ways the conditioner can achieve this:
Amount of hoses:
Other Features:
Timers: Programmable timers allow for you to turn the air off and on at specific times. This is a great feature for those who may forget to turn off the air before they leave for work. It can be a huge energy saver.
Heat: Some models offer the option of heating, which can also be a huge energy and money saver.
Fan mode: Oftentimes there are different fan speeds available, which can either speed up or slow down the cooling process while circulating the air in a stuffy room.
Filters: Can be washable or may not even need to be cleaned, depending on the modes of operation.
Installation: Easy set up and transportation are essential qualities. If you are moving the unit daily or weekly, this is even more important to consider. An AC with wheels or one that is lightweight would be ideal for this person.
Noise: Those that prefer a quiet home environment should not buy a loud air conditioner, especially if you will have the air on while you sleep.
Time: How long will it take to actually feel a difference in the temperature of the room? If it is very hot or very cold out, you will most likely want immediate relief, and some models may take longer than others to perform their functions.
Honeywell: Its models all have wheels for fast and easy transportation. There are various sizes that can be purchased as well as an abundance of energy saving features.
Whynter: Produces many eco-friendly models of portable air conditioners. Its products contain no ozone depleting chemicals and also apply low-energy consumption. Many of its models have various fan speeds along with other useful technologies.
LG: Established for over 50 years, LG has many innovative designs. There are resources available on their website to help and give information about its air conditioners—a great tool for online shopping!