Read and Learn about portable air conditioners

1. How is a portable air conditioner different than a window AC?
   A portable AC is a small mobile air conditioner unlike a window AC which must be mounted through-the-wall.  Furthermore, portable air conditioners do not require permanent installation. All our portable air conditioners are between 29" and 34" tall and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds.  Portable air conditioners also work great in apartment situations where a window unit is unacceptable.
    
2. Is a portable air cooler and a portable air conditioner the same thing?
   No they are not the same. Air coolers use water and evaporation to cool much the same way a swamp cooler cools.  Only the direct air stream is cooled (10-15 degrees) and generally air coolers cannot cool the ambient air in a room.  Portable Air conditioners use a compressor/Freon to cool and are much more effective in cooling rooms and at keeping the humidity low.
    
3. Could you explain why and how portable AC's are vented?
   Portable air conditioners extract hot air that must be vented.  If the hot air is not vented, the portable air conditioner will not be able to cool a room effectively. Window and venting kits are always included with our portable air conditioners at no extra cost. You may also vent the portable AC through a wall vent, into the attic or drop ceiling, or even around a door!  You are only limited by your creativity.
    
4. How long is the exhaust hose ?
   The exhaust hoses are generally between 5 and 7 feet long and are made of high quality 5" flex hose.
    
5. How does the window kit work?
   The foam window kit simply is cut to fit most any slider or up-down window in your home up to 4 feet.  The window is then closed against the foam to seal the air from the outside, the exhaust hose then is fit through a small cutout in the foam.  Installation takes about 5 minutes and this allows for easy portability from window to window.  For windows larger than 4 feet, simply purchase extra foam at the local hardware store.  As mentioned earlier, for unique window situations ( casement (crank-out) windows), a little creativity is all that is needed.
    
6. Can the exhaust hose be extended?
   All the Portable AC's come with the standard hose length of 5-7 feet.  If you need a longer hose, they are readily available at the local hardware store but it is a good idea to avoid hose lengths over 12 feet as well as 90 degree bends.  You can also vent through the dryer hose as long as the hose diameter is 5" or more and the outdoor venting flap is removed.
   
7. Do portable air conditioners collect water?
   All portable air conditioners condensate water as they are cooled, this water is then contained in a internal water reservoir. On all our models, this water reservoir has the auto shutoff feature so that water is never accidentally spilled on the ground.  With the unit off, the water is easily emptied into a drip pan. You can also gravity drain the portable AC by connecting a hose to the connection on the reservoir.
   
8. Are portable AC's energy efficient?
   Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is a standard measure of efficiency for comparing appliances and the cost of operation.  The higher the EER, the more energy efficient the air conditioner.  The WA1200E has an EER of over 12 while the Soleus KY32U has and EER of 10.  Any rating of 10 or more is excellent.  Furthermore, by cooling only one room, portable air conditioners can save you considerable on your monthly electric bill.  All of the portable air conditioners that we carry operate on 115 Volt/ 60 Hertz (normal household standard). They generally run on about 7-10 amps and require a regular 3 prong grounded plug found in all homes.
    
9. Are portable air conditioners used to cool computer server rooms?
   This is one of the most common uses of a portable air conditioner!  Even in small computer rooms, a 12000 BTU unit should be purchased due to the extra heat produced.  Moreover, the portable AC will help keep the air dry and more suitable for computer application.
   

Click to return to our Portable Air Conditioner Selection