Bedrooms, offices, garages, and server rooms are often warmer than desired because of a lack of proper ventilation or poor air circulation. This is precisely where portable air conditioners come in: They're small, portable cooling systems that quickly cool rooms without access to central AC. They're also great for spot cooling specific areas like your bedroom, apartment, or office. For easy accessibility to the topics in this guide, use our topic list: A portable air conditioner is used to provide supplemental cooling to specific areas in your home or business. They don't require permanent installation, but most require a window for ventilation or a separate space to direct the system's exhaust. Most models dehumidify as they cool, and most are also easily mobile. Portable ACs differ by brand, maximum cooling area, venting configuration, energy efficiency, and special features–like multiple operating modes, remote control operation, programmable timers, and specialized air filters.

The most important thing to determine when choosing a portable air conditioner is the size. An air conditioner that is too small won’t keep up with the cooling demands of your environment. If it’s too large, the AC will cool the area and shut down before removing excess moisture from the area–leaving unwanted moisture in your air. The following list is an estimate of the coverage area to expect based on a portable AC’s BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, which is the unit used to measure cooling power. Use the estimates below to find an appropriate model for your room: Note that you should increase the size and power of your portable AC if: If you need help determining the right size for your needs, watch the video below or call our product experts at 1 (800) 934-9194 for a free consultation and an expert recommendation. All portable air conditioners vent hot air as part of the cooling process. This hot air is typically vented out of the area being cooled using an exhaust hose and can be vented out of a window, drop ceiling, sliding glass door, or through a wall.

Most portable ACs come with window kits or drop ceiling panel kits that include the needed exhaust hose and parts.how to install an ac unit in a car For more detailed information about ventilation, read our article How To Vent Your Portable AC.parts to outside ac unit Portable ACs can be single- or double-hosed for exhausting hot air and pulling air in to cool. cheap ac repair in las vegasSome models have both exhausting options. Here is a breakdown of both options: When a portable AC cools indoor air, it also acts like a dehumidifier and removes water from the air. Portable ACs have different ways of handling this moisture buildup: Portable ACs tend to be energy efficient and can save you money on your monthly electric bill.

Efficiency is measured by the portable AC’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER); generally speaking, the higher the EER, the more efficient the model. A rating of 10 is typically considered a very good rating for portable ACs. Read our Lower Your Energy Bill with a Portable AC article for more about portable air conditioners and efficiency. Most portable ACs use a typical household 120-volt power outlet and require no special wiring. However, some powerful portable ACs, such as commercial-grade units, may require special outlets. Read the product description and specifications to determine the power requirements when selecting a room air conditioner. Portable air conditioners make noise, because they use motorized fans and compressor systems that cool and circulate the air. Many people consider it “background noise,” others are concerned with appliance noise. If you’re concerned about noise in your room, we suggest buying a portable AC with special features that minimize the sound.

Features to look for include a programmable timer, multiple speeds, and a Sleep mode. Some portable air conditioners list the decibel rating of the system at each fan speed. You can compare these ratings to other indoor appliances, but remember sound is different to each individual. Many conditions can affect the sound level, such as the position of the unit, if you have carpeting, what type of furniture you have, and the fan speed. For easy reference, use the comparison chart below to get an idea for the level of sound a portable air conditioner will make based on its decibel measurement. Maintaining your portable air conditioner is simple and requires very little effort. Most systems work as a "set it and forget it" appliance. However, to get the most out of your investment, you should keep up on general maintenance to ensure it has a long lifespan. Clean air filters as needed (usually once every summer). Ensure it’s installed correctly for maximum efficiency.

Drain your portable air conditioner before storing it. Check your warranty for more specific information on the parts and services covered. Cooling Server and Computer Rooms Additional cooling is needed in many server rooms, and portable ACs are often used as supplemental or primary cooling systems in these areas. When considering an AC, overestimate the amount of BTUs needed to cool the space; these areas get very hot with electric equipment running. Exhausting your AC is another consideration, because many server rooms don’t provide access to windows. Our customers usually direct the hot air exhaust hose into a drop ceiling or through a hole in the wall in these cases. Check out our suggestions for computer/server room portable ACs. Portable ACs that offer a Heat mode generate heat either through a heat pump or electric heater. Electric heat is suggested for cold, northern climates while heat pumps work best in moderate temperatures. In winter months, a heat pump extracts heat from outside air and disperses it throughout the area.