When it comes to cooling a home, you need a system that has a wide reach and packs a lot of punch. Portable AC units do not exactly fit the bill. Such units don’t have the same power capacity as regular home systems, and are not a good fit for a large space. However, while portable ACs may not be the best fit to replace home air conditioning systems, they may be ideal for other applications.
How Do Portable AC Units Work?
Portable air conditioners have most of the same components as a traditional interior built-in unit: compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coils, exhaust hose, and fan. These components also function very similarly to their permanent counterparts. The compressor still compresses the gas the system uses as a refrigerant, pressurizing it, then the condenser coils cool the refrigerant until it returns to a liquid state. That liquid passes through the evaporator coil, and the heat from the air in the room is absorbed by the refrigerant. The resultant cool air is blown back into the room and the exhaust hose, vented through a window, releases the warmth into the outside world.
Portable AC units can be of the single hose or dual hose variety. Single-hose units use the same hose to draw in air and to release it, whereas dual-hose air conditioners have one hose dedicated to either purpose. Single-hose portable ACs are typically less expensive but are understandably less efficient. Dual-hose portable air conditioners are more efficient at cooling a room more quickly.
What, you may ask, is the draw of portable AC units? Why bother with an AC system that isn’t intrinsic to the home? Portable air conditioners are a common choice for renters who cannot make large-scale adjustments to their property. They are also a default for properties that do not have the space for exterior AC units. The application that we consider best, however, is small spaces outside of the home.
Advantages
Portable AC units certainly have their advantages; they wouldn’t keep making them if they didn’t. Such units are relatively inexpensive, mobile, and compact. They are convenient for smaller spaces that are not eligible for built-in systems. They also do not require installation, making them even more cost-effective. Some units can be controlled via app and they have the potential for use all year long.
As soon as a portable AC unit is in your possession, you can start using it. There is no wait for the contractor to come fiddle with the fins and fans. Because they are not secured, you can take them with you if you plan to work in one part of the house, saving yourself the need to cool the whole home if no one is in other areas. Many homeowners find that portable units require less maintenance and repairs. Portable AC units are also rесоmmеndеd bу еnvіrоnmеntаl асtіvіѕtѕ.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, Portable air conditioners also have their drawbacks. They are not usually powerful enough to cool more than one room at a time, and they are not a good choice for large rooms—they simply don’t provide enough power. Portable AC units are also quite noisy. They actually tend to use more electricity than built-in units, so running them is often more expensive. It is vital that portable air conditioners have sufficient ventilation to run, and the repairs when they arise are more specialized than those of a built-in unit.
Portable Air Conditioners for RVs
An RV is a wonderful way to access the outdoors while still enjoying many indoor comforts. They offer a fun and commodious home away from home. However, RVs can prove difficult to cool adequately. A portable air conditioner can ease this issue. In fact, many people find that portable AC units are the perfect solution for cooling their RV.
Portable air conditioners are usually just the right size for an RV. They can keep the vehicle refreshed even when the great outdoors get a little toasty. However, a standard portable air conditioner may not be enough to cool a massive rig. It is vital that you do your research before you settle on the right portable air conditioner for your RV to make sure that the unit you choose will be effective in your vehicle. If you’re unsure which portable AC unit is right for your RV (or any other space, for that matter), consult with the professionals. An HVAC professional will have the most recent intel on available models, including their specs and user ratings.
