How to buy a Portable Air Conditioner

Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners offer more flexibility than other window/wall air conditioners. Often portable air conditioners have wheels and are about 2′ – 3′ tall. Since the air conditioner is contained in one unit the hot air needs to ventilate through a hose that is normally 3″ – 5″ in diameter. Condensation is either collected in a bucket, redistributed through a hole, or recycled through the air.

Portable Air Conditioners FAQs

How do I choose my portable air conditioner?
Like all air conditioners you need to know how many BTUs you need to cool the area you are trying to cool. Then you need to determine what type of condensation system works for you. You need to also determine if you want a dehumidifier or heat with your unit.

What are the pros and cons of a portable air conditioner?
Portable air conditioners are very versatile units that can be easily moved from room to room. No window is required for venting and with some small modifications a unit can be vented through a window, sliding door, wall, or ceiling. Some portable air conditioners have condensation buckets or trays that need to be emptied and non-commercial air conditioners have a maximum BTU of 12,500.

How do I install my portable air conditioner?
Most portable air conditioners come with installation kits for your window or sliding door that is easy to install.

Do some portable air conditioners have heat?
Some portable air conditioners have electric heat strips and a few have heat pumps for more information on the heating options go here.

What type of drainage is required?
This depends on the type of portable air conditioner that you buy. Some air conditioners will disperse of the condensation through a tube outside, some have a bucket or pan that needs to be emptied, and some are self contained where the redistribute the air in the room.

Do portable air conditioners require venting?
Yes, all portable air conditioners require some type of ventilation. It is important that you vent the hot air outside of the room you are trying to cool.

What types of venting options do you offer? What size hose comes with the unit?
Most portable come with an installation kit for your window or sliding door. You can also vent most portable air conditioners through a wall or a drop ceiling.

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