Do portable air conditioners work? Of course they do but there are certain factors that you need to be aware of before you purchase a portable air conditioner on a whim. The fact that you are reading this is already showing that you are one step above the rest. It is important to be knowledgeable of portable air conditioners before you go out and purchase one otherwise you may end up with a unit that doesn’t cool your room properly. Below are necessary facts that everyone should know before making the purchase.
Cooling Capacity
The capacity in which an air conditioner cools is measured in British thermal units or BTU. This will tell you how big of a room the air conditioner is able to cool. For instance, an 8000 BTU portable air conditioner can normally cool a room of up to 250sq ft. It is important to buy a unit that has the correct BTU for the room you are trying to cool. Too many BTU can result in extra condensation and water damage, while too little BTU may not cool your room properly.
Portability
Although they are called portable air conditioners, they are not always as easily portable as you may assume. Some models may weigh as much as 100lb. If you plan on moving the model from room to room or up and downstairs, you will want to make sure that it is lighter in weight, has wheels, and a pull handle. This will help you to move it around with ease. The dimensions of portable air conditioners are usually about 3ft in height and over a foot wide so make sure you have the room for it.
How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
Being knowledgeable of how they work may help you to feel a bit more informed and certain of your decision. Portable air conditioners consume all of the hot air and usually let it out through a window using a window kit. In most cases the unit also absorbs all the moisture in the air too. Most of the water is usually evaporated and any extra water is let out into a tank or tray. The unit cools the air before releasing it back into the room and even sometimes disinfects or cleans it through special filters. This is great for those who have children, asthma, or allergies.
Proper Usage and Maintenance
In order to insure that your portable air conditioner will work correctly, you need to utilize it properly. Make sure it is placed under a window for easy exhaust, keep it free of dust, clean and replace filters, and to shut it off when it is not being used.
So, do portable air conditioners work? Yes and it is up to you to insure that it works as efficiently as you hoped. By being knowledgeable of your purchase, using it right, and keeping it clean, a portable air conditioner can be a great choice for any small room.
