Are Portable Air Conditioners Worth It?
Were you unsatisfied with the performance of your AC this year, or is it on its last leg and ready to be replaced? If so, you’re likely shopping around and might have heard of portable air conditioning systems.
These small, inexpensive units sound like just the ticket to keep things cool and cozy in your home, right? Well, maybe not. Let’s talk a bit about portable units and how we’re certain you can do better.
What Are Portable Air Conditioners?
The question is worth asking because the industry can be a bit misleading about product naming at times. Things like evaporative coolers and window units can get mixed into the term, but these are not portable air conditioners!
Portable units are simple stand-alone cooling systems that function much like portable space heaters. Usually, a tube or mini-duct runs from the unit out a window, and the system simply plugs into any outlet.
Are Portable Units Good?
Well, mostly no, but a little yes? It’s confusing, we know, but bear with us. The problem is that portable ACs aren’t (or shouldn’t) be considered a permanent solution.
You can get some mileage out of the investment when your AC system is being repaired, or they can be handy to cool a garage or office. But they are never the best option (if you can’t deal with the ducts of a central heat pump or forced air system, you can go ductless).
Portable units are extremely simple. They lack many of the major components and technology of central or whole-home cooling systems, meaning they have to compensate for that lack by using more power — and for fewer benefits.
The three biggest drawbacks of a portable system are:
- They have extremely low energy efficiency: If we take the sample of an 8,000 BTU (250 square feet of cooling power) portable unit with a standard EER, we can expect the unit to consume between 900 and 1100 watts. That’s like a microwave running 24/7. The energy consumption is massive, and you can expect bills to skyrocket.
- They’re weak: A good portion of the energy consumed goes into the exhaust system of a portable unit, which reduces its ability to cool. That means on a hot Florida day, you’re not even getting as much cooling as you need.
- Maintenance is frustrating: Portable units, like whole-home AC, will create condensation. Portables are equipped with a drain pan to catch this, but the pan has to be emptied every few hours, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.
Pros & Cons of Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are a popular choice for cooling individual small spaces. Like all home appliances, portable ACs come with their own set of advantages, including:
Pros of Portable Air Conditioning
- Easy installation: Portable air conditioners are relatively easy to install. They typically come with a window kit and exhaust hose, allowing you to set them up quickly without needing professional assistance.
- Flexible design: As the name suggests, portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room. This makes them an ideal solution for renters or those who need to cool individual spaces at different times.
- No permanence: Unlike window units or central air systems, portable ACs don’t require permanent installation. This makes them an excellent option for those who can’t modify their living areas.
Cons of Portable Air Conditioning
- Noise levels: Portable ACs can be quite noisy compared to other cooling options. The compressor and fan are housed in the same unit inside your room, which can lead to higher noise levels.
- Cooling capacity: Portable air conditioners are generally less powerful than window units or central air systems. They’re best suited for small to medium-sized rooms and may struggle to cool larger areas effectively.
- Drainage issues: These units often require regular draining of collected moisture. Some models come with self-evaporating systems, but many still need manual draining, which can be inconvenient.
Better Air Conditioning Solutions With Greens Energy Services
All in all, we can say that a portable AC might be able to help you while your central AC system is being repaired, but otherwise, they aren’t enough to really offer what you need. But don’t worry! As specialists, we can confidently say that the best option is always available.
All it takes is a quick call to your trusted Orlando experts. So stop waiting and contact us today to get started.
Portable AC Frequently Asked Questions
How long do portable air conditioners last?
Portable air conditioners typically last five to 10 years, depending on the model and maintenance.
How often do portable ACs need maintenance?
Portable AC systems require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters every few weeks and checking the exhaust hose for obstructions. Annual servicing is also recommended to keep the unit running efficiently.
What are the best brands of portable air conditioners?
Some of the best brands of portable air conditioners include LG, Honeywell, Whynter, and Black+Decker, which are known for their reliability, efficiency, and user-friendly features.
