A portable air conditioner is a great option to cool a small area of a home without engaging your entire HVAC system. The small units, similar to a dehumidifier, take in the air in the room, cool it, and then circulate the treated air back out. If you are in the market for one, you probably realize just how many options there are. Consider the following when making your purchase to make the right decision.
BTUs
The power of each portable air conditioning unit is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. The higher the BTU count, the more powerful the AC unit is. For example, a 14,000 BTU unit can cool up to 500 square feet. If you just need to cool a 200 square foot area, get one around 8,000 BTUs. Generally, the math is 1,000 BTUs for every 100 square feet.
Upkeep
If you’re worried about upkeep, a compact portable air conditioner is for you. They require very little ongoing maintenance outside of draining the collected moisture. If anything goes wrong with it mechanically, it is likely covered by the factory warranty.
Energy Efficiency
Portable AC units will affect your monthly energy bill, so consider the energy efficiency of each unit before making your purchase. To judge this, use the air conditioner’s EER, or energy efficiency rating. The higher the EER, the more efficient it is.
If you are considering improving the climate in your home, a portable air conditioner is the way to go. Contact MovinCool for professional guidance on what air conditioner is best for you.
