The Truth about Portable AC Units

Frididaire 8000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

Many consumers think that window air conditioner units are ugly.

Manufacturers have picked up on this trend and made a big push to sell portable A/C units–which sit inside the room and are not visible through the window–as an alternative to a window AC. As a result, we have recently seen a huge spike in portable AC unit sales.

In some cases, apartments and condominium boards even ban the installation of window air conditioners precisely because they are deemed to be an eyesore.

Many manufacturers tout their portable A/C units as being “windowless.” In reality, however, this isn't exactly true.

Yes, the portable air conditioner sits inside your room and does not rest on the windowsill. However, even a portable AC unit has to be vented through a window or sliding door. This is necessary so that the hose from the back of the unit can expel the hot air outside.

Although a portable AC is not windowless per se, you really can't see it from outside of your home or building. As a result, most apartments and condos will allow you to use one of these units, even if they ban window air conditioners.

Koldfront 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Is important to keep in mind that, if you are planning to purchase a portable AC unit, it is essential that you place it in a room that will allow you to vent through to the outside. If the portable AC unit cannot remove the hot air and push it outdoors, it simply will not cool your room.

You will also have to rig up a system through which to feed the hose. Many portable air conditioners come with an installation kit that consists of a strip of plastic with a hole big enough for the hose to fit through. You are supposed to attach the plastic to the window nearest the unit to feed the tube out. This means, however, that you will have a white or gray plastic strip attached to your window.

Also, because the entire air-conditioning unit is housed in one case, a portable AC also creates heat from its compressor and condenser. This means that the unit itself gives off a fair amount of heat. Again, this means that you must have a way to set up the venting hose.

Bear in mind that you will have to place your portable A/C unit in a room that will allow you to vent its outside. In other words, it will have to be placed in a room with a window or sliding glass door.

If you are looking to purchase a portable AC to use in a factory, however, you may have a different option for venting.

Some consumers purchase portable AC units to keep workers cool on the assembly line. In this case, it's feasible to vent a portable AC unit not to the outside, but to a different section or room of the building. This would result in keeping the workers cool where you want them to be and directing the key to a different space that is unoccupied.

12000 BTU Air Conditioner

Your choice of a portable AC unit depends on your particular individual needs.  You might live in a leased room or sublet an apartment that does not have air conditioning facilities.  To avoid major discomfort due to sweating it out while inside the room, you buy a portable air conditioner.  Naturally, you want to get one of the highest-rated portable cooling systems on the market, while also staying within your budget.  Following is a list of the best sellers:

1. NewAir AC-12000E 12000 BTU Air Conditioner

Customer satisfaction surveys name the NewAir AC-12000E as one of the most efficient and reliable portable ACs on today's market.  It is perfect for space up to 425 sqft and provides a full 12,000 BTUs of cooling power.  It is environmentally-friendly as it uses R-410 refrigerant with automated evaporative technology.  it is one of the best-ranked portable ACs in its category and unparalleled in its performance, style, make and overall value for the money.  It comes with a one-year comprehensive Manufacturer's Warranty and one of the best return and warranty policies in the entire industry.

2.  Whynter 12000 BTU Air Conditioner

As it features CFC-free R-410A refrigerant and RoHS-complaint lead-free components, this unit cools very efficiently.  It utilizes a patented technology for its auto-drain features that recycles accumulated moisture to generate cold air.  A double-hose system enables the machine to cool a room up to 400 sqft with 12,000 BTUs of cooling power.  It has three operational modes:  Fan, Air Conditioner, and Dehumidifier.

3.  Honeywell MN12CES 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

With a sleek modern design, this unit is among the best-rated portable ACs around.  It offers optimum cooling efficiency and dehumidification for areas of up to 600 sqft.  It has a digital LED display, automatic 3-speed on and off timer, and feather-touch controls.  It also features a fully functional remote control that lets you set room temperature from across a room.  The unit comes with an exhaust duct hose extension kit that affords easy maneuverability by increasing the length of its flexible hose.

4.  SoleusAir 8,000-BTU Portable AC

This product has a single evaporative hose that provides rapid cooling.  It also includes a 38.4 dehumidifier that decreases excess moisture in the air and allows it to drop down into the condenser.  Its programmable timers shut the unit on and off, its memory sets controls, and its sleep mode helps conserve energy.  Other helpful features include:  3-speed fan system, washable and reusable filters, and 4-way adjustable louvers for enhanced airflow. 

5.  Frigidaire FRA0531PU1 5,000-BTU 115

This is the ideal cooling device for areas of up to 216 sqft in size.  It has a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs along with electronic controls that shift the air to all areas of the room.  It also comes with an antimicrobial mesh filter that allows access to the top of the filter from the back of the machine.  In addition, a remote control feature lets the user control cooling performance from across the room.  It also includes a three-fan speed with swing air directional controls for increased cooling comfort and flexibility.  Finally, a set of caster wheels and side handles makes it a breeze to move this product around.

In Summary

The best cooling products have user-friendly features.  They must also deliver cooling comfort very efficiently and be easy to operate.  Moreover, they must be reliable enough so that owners may depend upon them to last for a long time.  Their design should be sleek and modern in order to complement room furniture.  Finally, they should be capable of delivering enough cooling power to provide user comfort even during severe heat.