Portable A/C Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a portable air conditioner and a window AC unit?
A portable air conditioner is a wheeled unit that can be easily moved wherever it is needed, and requires no installation. A window air conditioner requires a permanent installation, and may not be allowed in some apartments and condos.
What's the difference between a portable air conditioner and an air cooler?
Portable air conditioners use a compressor and Freon to cool the air and are better at cooling entire rooms and keeping the humidity low. Air coolers use water and evaporation to cool an air stream - they are not that effective at cooling an entire room.
The general rule of thumb is to buy a air cooler if you live in the desert or just need spot cooling and to buy an air conditioner if you live anywhere else or need to cool an entire room evenly.
How big an air conditioner do I need?
Portable room air conditioners are rated in BTUs, which is a measure of the amount of heat they can remove per hour. In general, at least 12,000 BTUs are needed to cool a room that is 300 - 400 square feet in size. The size of your A/C unit also depends on how much shade the room receives and how well the room walls and ceiling are insulated.
How are portable air conditioners vented?
If hot air from a portable AC unit is not vented, the portable air conditioner will not be able to cool a room effectively. Most portable AC units come with a venting hose and window foam kit. You can stick the hose out a window, into a wall vent, drop ceiling or simply out a door.
Should I spend more for a high-efficiency portable air conditioner?
Portable air conditioners come with an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), sometimes called an SEER. The higher initial cost of an energy-efficient model will be repaid to you several times during its lifetime, so yes! Look for a unit with an EERU of 12 or higher.
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