When the weather gets hot, the last thing you want is for your home to feel like an oven. Portable air conditioners are a great way to keep cool during the summer without breaking the bank.
They’re also perfect for people who don’t have access to central air conditioning. There are a few things you should know before you buy a portable air conditioner, though. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about portable air conditioners so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
What is a Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner is a small, self-contained air conditioner that can be moved from one room to another. They’re usually placed on the floor or a table, and they have a hose that goes to a window to vent the hot air outside.
Most portable air conditioners are between 5,000 and 10,000 BTUs, which is enough to cool a small room. Some larger units can cool a room up to 400 square feet.
How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?
A portable air conditioner works by taking hot air from the room and cooling it using a refrigerant. The refrigerant is compressed and then passes through a series of coils. The coils release the heat, and the cooled air is sent back into the room.
The hot air that’s been removed from the room is vented out through a hose to a window. Most portable air conditioners come with a window kit that includes everything you need to vent the air outside.
What are the Different Components of a Portable Air Conditioner?
There are four main components of a portable air conditioner:
- The compressor
- The condenser
- The evaporator
- The expansion valve
The compressor is the part of the air conditioner that’s responsible for cooling the air. It’s powered by electricity and uses a refrigerant to cool the air.
The condenser is the part of the air conditioner that removes the heat from the air. It’s usually located outside the room that’s being cooled.
The evaporator is the part of the air conditioner that cools the air. It’s located inside the room that’s being cooled.
The expansion valve is the part of the air conditioner that regulates the flow of the refrigerant.
Features to Look for in Portable Air Conditioners
When you’re shopping for a portable air conditioner, there are a few features to look for. Some of these features are more important than others, but all of them will help you choose the best portable air conditioner for your needs.
Remote Control
A remote control is a handy feature to have, especially if you’re using the unit in a large room. You can adjust the temperature without having to get up and walk to the unit.
Programmable Timer
Programmable timers are another handy feature. You can set the unit to turn on or off at a certain time. That’s useful if you want the unit to turn on before you get home from work, so the room will be cool when you walk in the door.
Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a must-have if you live in a humid area. They remove moisture from the air, which can make the room feel cooler.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode is a useful feature, especially if you’re using the unit in a bedroom. It keeps the unit from making too much noise so that you can sleep peacefully.
Auto-Restart
Auto-restart is another useful feature, especially if you live in an area with power outages. If the power goes out, the unit will turn back on when the power comes back on.
Conclusion
Portable air conditioners can be a great solution for cooling a small space, and they have several advantages over traditional air conditioners. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and portable, so you can take them with you if you move. However, they’re not as energy efficient as traditional air conditioners, and they can be noisy. If you’re looking for a way to cool a small space, a portable air conditioner may be a good option for you.
London Climate Hire can help you if you’re interested in renting portable air conditioning units in London! Our HVAC specialists provide comprehensive solutions to ensure that your heating and cooling needs are addressed for affordable prices. Simply go to our website to learn more!