NewAir AC 10000E 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

A portable air conditioner can make a person’s or family’s life more comfortable during hot, muggy days.

Though people usually think of either central air conditioners or window units when considering how to cool down their homes, portable air conditioners can really be an asset.

From ease of installation to flexibility, a portable air conditioner is a problem-solving appliance.

Portable air conditioners allow the user the flexibility to

SPT WA-9020E 9,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner

move the appliance as needed, without a difficult, time-consuming installation. Though portable air conditioners are about as heavy as window units, they usually have wheels that allow the users to quickly and easily transport the unit from one place to another.

The cooling power the unit provides can be used where it is most needed when it is most needed. They also provide the user with the freedom to locate the unit where it is most convenient for the user, since it is not limited to one place.

When window units are not allowed, cannot be installed or are simply undesirable, portable air conditioners are the answer. Though they should be installed near a window for ventilation, they prevent windows from being cluttered with a large appliance and allow access to the window.

Portable air conditioners are usually easy to install, in a few simple steps that take a relatively short time. Installation normally includes a short set up using a provided window kit for ventilation, making it easy for the user to have the unit ready and cooling down the space in very little time.

They are usually as versatile as window units and can be used as fans and humidifiers as well as air conditioners.

EdgeStar - AP14009COM Portable Air Conditioner

These units are also perfect for when guests arrive and a guest room is needed. Guests can be provided with a comfortable, cool room, even at the last minute, by simply bringing in the portable air conditioner and setting it up.

Maintenance is not a problem since many of the portable air conditioning units are either self-evaporating units or use the condensation created when the unit is running to cool down.

Very little effort is needed to drain the excess water. But even if drainage is necessary, it is normally a one-step simple process that users can perform every once in a while.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Portable Air Conditioning Unit

Whynter ARC-14S 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

If you’re considering purchasing a portable air conditioning unit, there are several things you will want to keep in mind to make sure the air conditioner you choose is right for the use you intend.

First, consider whether the portable air conditioner is adequate for the size of the room in which you want to use it. The size of these units is usually rated in BTUs, and product descriptions usually tell you how large a room the unit will cool.

Keep in mind that if you plan to use it in an extreme climate or if nighttime temperatures don’t get below 80 degrees, you may need a more powerful unit than the manufacturer recommends.

SPT WA-7500M 7500 BTUs Portable Air Conditioner

Second, consider whether you will have to vent hot air. Most portable air conditioners that use a compressor require a large vent hose — similar to a dryer hose — to vent the hot air from the room.

You’ll need to position the unit close enough to a window or other opening and install the included mount for the vent hose. If a room contains a large window that opens, a window-unit air conditioner might be a more efficient choice.

Third, consider how the unit deals with extracted water. Portable air conditioning unitsand dehumidifiers work by extracting water from the air that is either eliminated inside the machine, collected in a reservoir or carried away through a hose.

You’ll need to make sure you have a drain to accommodate the hose or someone available to empty the reservoir if one is included. These units stop working if they can’t eliminate water.

Whynter ARC-12SDH Eco Friendly 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Finally, look for added features like a remote control and timer. If you want your room to be cool upon your return, a timer is a great asset.

A remote control can be useful if you want to be able to easily adjust the unit without getting up. This is especially useful for people with disabilities.

If you take these few factors into consideration before you purchase a portable air conditioners, you’ll be much more likely to be satisfied with your purchase.

A portable air conditioner can keep you cool on even the warmest days if you carefully choose the right unit for the job.

Who Benefits from Owning Portable Air Conditioners?

KuulAire PACKA50 Portable Evaporative Cooling Unit

Portable air conditioners, both window units and freestanding models, are perfect for renters, those with allergies or asthma, or those who don’t need or want whole-house air.

Whole-house units are very pricey and use existing ducts to force cool air throughout the house. Not only does this force your utility bill higher, it also cools unnecessary space. A portable unit may be just the solution for your unique needs.

Renters

Apartments that boast a whole-building air conditioning unit not only command much higher rents, but often the temperature is hard to control. Tenants may still be too warm or, worse, frigidly cold. A portable air conditioning unit is perfect for renters.

A portable air conditioning unit does not leave behind any trace that it was installed, and can be taken to the next residence easily. Owning a portable unit or two can mean lower rent and a more comfortable atmosphere in your unit.

Allergy or Asthma Sufferers

SPT WA-1140DE 11000 BTU Portable Air Conditioning Unit

If the spring breezes bring nothing but dust and pollen into your home, your allergy flare-ups can make you miserable. Nearly all portable air conditioning units include a filter that removes these irritants from the air, making sleeping and living in your home more comfortable.

For those with asthma, a portable unit in the bedroom can make for far fewer attacks and less use of a rescue inhaler. Portable air conditioning units with filters are especially useful for children and the elders, both of whom may not be able to tolerate medication.

Those Not Needing Whole-House Air

Fridgidaire FRA12EPT1 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Some homes have ‘hot spots’. If the rest of your home stays cool with the use of ceiling fans but the bedroom or office is the equivalent of a blast furnace, a portable air conditioner is the perfect solution.

Simply turn the unit on when the room will be in use and shut the door to trap cool air inside. Why pay to cool the entire house if you don’t need to?

A portable air conditioning unit can be the ideal solution for many types of people. Those allergic or asthmatic can sleep well with purified air, and renters will love having air conditioning at a lower cost. Anyone with a hot spot or stuffy room in the house can also gain relief with a portable unit.

Who Are The Top Portable Air Conditioner Manufacturers?

There are a number of top portable air conditioner manufacturers.  Each provides a quality offering of portable air conditioning units.

From the higher end portable air conditioners being made by companies like Movincool, Haier,  and EdgeStar, to the more modestly priced models distributed by companies like Unistar, SPT and Sunpentown, there are portable air conditioners to meet a variety of consumer needs and budgets.

Currently, the major players in the portable air conditioning manufacturer world, include:

• Amcor
• American Comfort
• Convair
• DeLonghi
• EdgeStar
• Friedrich
• Fridgidaire
• KuulAire
• MovinCool
• NewAir
• Port-A-Cool
• Royal
• Soleus Air
• SPT
• Sunpentown
• Whynter

Each manufacturer offers their own spin on what makes a quality portable air conditioner.  Within the pages of this site you will find many reviews of the different models of portable air conditioning units so you can make an informed buying decision.

What Are Typical Portable Air Conditioner Prices?

Like many products, portable air conditioner prices can vary sharply between the different brands.

A very low end unit, such as the Unistar DF158 4-in-1 portable air cooler, will typically cost between $50 – $100.

Movincool Office Pro 63 Portable Air Conditioner

A higher end unit, on the other hand, such as the Movincool Office Pro 63 portable air conditioning unit, can cost you over $10,000.00.

The typical price of portable air conditioners, however will likely run between the mid $100 to the deep $400 range.

The different features offered by the various portable air conditioner manufacturers is one of the factors effecting the cost variances, as is the quality and reputation of the portable air conditioner maker.

To see the latest portable air conditioner sales prices on Amazon – click here