According to Globenewswire, the air conditioning industry is set to reach a value of $ 180.65 billion by 2027. Air conditioning is a staple of American homes, and offices and a lifesaver in confined spaces like hospitals.
This vast industry offers a variety of ways to keep your cool in the summer, as well as options to keep the air you breathe healthy and allergen-free.
A portable AC unit is one of the most useful types of air conditioners available today. Keep reading to discover more about these appliances and the best ones for your needs.
Types of Air Conditioners
The first air conditioner inventor could never have guessed his far-fetched idea would become a billion-dollar industry and take on as many forms as it has. Today, homeowners can choose from:
- Central air conditioning
- Ductless mini-split air conditioners
- Window air conditioners
- Floor Mounted air conditioners
- Smart air conditioners
- Geothermal air conditioners
- Hybrid air conditioners
Portable air conditioners are a convenient and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of cool, clean air wherever you go. They’re the ideal stand-in when your air conditioner needs repairs.
Uses for a Portable AC Unit
Apart from providing cool relief when your home’s air conditioning is on the blink, portable air conditioners suit a range of other applications, too. These include:
Cooling Server Rooms
A server room is the hub of every business, and it needs cooling around the clock to prevent damage to delicate systems. When you set up a portable air conditioner in your server room, you don’t need to run your central air conditioning all night or on weekends simply to keep one room cool.
Thanks to this, a portable AC can save you a lot of money on your electricity bills.
Cool Travels
RV vacations are a great way to enjoy the summer, but things can get uncomfortable when your whole family is inside on a rainy day.
A portable air conditioner is the best way to ensure your RV’s interiors stay cool and comfortable during your trip. All you need is a top vent or small window for the system exhaust, and you’re good to go exploring in comfort.
Portable air conditioning also does the trick to keep your boat’s cabin cool during long cruises in the heat of the day, and the same applies to a secluded cabin in the woods.
Cooling Extra Rooms
Chances are your current air conditioning system doesn’t reach every room in the house. If you’ve recently added a room, or want to keep an outbuilding cool, a portable AC is ideal for you.
Types of Portable Air Conditioners
There are three main types of portable air conditioners. These are:
Monoblock Portable Air Conditioners
Single-hose monoblock air conditioners offer a simple and quick air conditioning solution. The entire mechanism occupies a single unit mounted on wheels.
These systems work well if you need to move your air conditioner frequently, but they do need exterior venting. Most of them have a flexible hose for this purpose. The cheaper varieties of these AC units can be noisy, so always choose a casing with good soundproofing.
Some monoblock models also have a dehumidifier mode, and you can program the best ones to stop and start at predetermined times.
Dual-hose monoblock air conditioners have one hose for collecting outdoor air and another one for releasing warm air. This makes it easy to cool down ambient air without introducing any hot air into your room.
Portable Split Air Conditioners
These ACs work like the monoblock models, but they comprise two separate parts. You install the compression and the condensing unit outside your home and place the portable ventilation unit inside.
You connect the two components with a flexible hose. They’re not as portable as monoblock units, but they make a lot less noise.
Self-Evaporating Portable Air Conditioners
Self-evaporating air conditioners release excess moisture along with the warm air they extract. This eliminates the need to empty a drip tray every so often.
These ACs are small, affordable, and lightweight. They suit small spaces best but aren’t as efficient as larger portable air conditioners.
How to Choose the Best AC For Your Needs
When you go shopping for a portable air conditioner, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. These are the features available to make your life more comfortable:
Cooling Capacity
Air conditioner manufacturers express cooling capacity in British Thermal Units (BTUs). One BTU equals 1055 Joules, and you’ll need at least 7000 of them to cool a space of 15 m².
It’s easiest to calculate the cooling capacity you need by converting BTUs to Watts. One W equals 3.414 BTU, and you should work on 100 to 130W per m² of your room.
Energy Consumption
Like all air conditioners, portable units use a lot of energy, which will impact your electricity bills. A+++ rated air conditioners use the least energy and are the best choice for budget and eco-conscious homeowners.
The coefficient of performance refers to the ratio between electrical power consumption and efficiency. Always choose an AC unit with the highest COP possible.
Extra Features
Programmable portable air conditioners add an extra layer of convenience and cost savings, while remote control options are awesome for controlling your room temperature from a distance.
You can also choose models with a ventilation-only, ionization, or dehumidifier mode, which gives you more flexibility regarding cooling options.
Some air conditioners come equipped with additional purifying filters. Activated carbon filters work best for removing odors from a room, while electrostatic filters help fight dust and bacteria.
Stay Cool All Year Round
In most cases, a portable AC is no replacement for a full-size air conditioner, but they come in handy in situations where conventional ACs simply won’t work.
If you’re renting a small apartment with no HVAC system, one of these ACs is the ideal summer solution for you.
Would you like to uncover ways to maximize every season? Browse some more of our articles for the best tips.
