Last updated on May 26th, 2024 at 12:44 am
In today’s modern world, where temperatures are getting hotter every year, portable air conditioning units have become increasingly popular. These compact devices offer an easy and accessible solution to beat the heat. However, like any other appliance, they have their advantages and disadvantages. Before investing in a portable air conditioner, it is essential to understand both sides of the coin. So, let’s dive into the pros and cons.
Pros of Portable Air Conditioning
Convenience:
One of the biggest advantages of portable air conditioning is its convenience. These units are compact, easy to move, and can be installed without major modifications to your living space. Whether you are in your bedroom or the living room, you can conveniently move the unit to wherever you need cool air the most. These units are also ideal for temporary installations in areas that are not meant to be permanent dwellings, such as construction site containers. They are often also used in apartment buildings where the body corporate doesn’t allow drilling through walls, which is necessary for the installation of split-type units.
Cost-Efficient:
Compared to central air conditioning systems, portable units are more affordable to purchase and operate. The difference in cost can be as much as 15%, depending on the make and model of the unit. Their energy consumption is relatively lower too, saving you money on your utility bills. This is often due to the more energy-efficient refrigerants that are used in the later model systems. These refrigerants not only run more efficiently, but a smaller refrigerant charge translates into positive environmental implications for the end user. Additionally, these devices do not require professional installation, which eliminates the often expensive installation cost associated with midwall split air conditioning units.
Flexibility:
Portable air conditioners offer unmatched flexibility. Unlike window-mounted or built-in systems, they can be used in various locations. This flexibility means you can use your portable unit in your home, office, garage, or even take it with you while traveling. They are particularly popular on camping trips in areas of high heat and humidity. No matter where you go, you can always stay cool and comfortable.
Easy Installation:
As mentioned earlier, portable air conditioners are incredibly easy to install. Most units come with a user-friendly installation kit that includes everything you need. Just follow the instructions, vent out the hot air through a window or opening, and enjoy the cool breeze.
No permanent changes:
If you reside in an apartment where you cannot make permanent changes, a portable air conditioner is ideal. Since these units do not require any modifications to the structure, you can use them without worrying about any consequences once you move out. There are no wall penetrations or permanent power supply installations needed. The system works as a plug-and-play model.
Cons of Portable Air Conditioning
Limited cooling capacity:
Portable air conditioners are designed for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, home offices, or individual rooms. Their cooling capacity is generally lower than that of central air conditioning systems. Therefore, if you have a large living area or want to cool multiple rooms simultaneously, you may need multiple units.
Noise Level:
Portable air conditioners can be noisy, especially if you are sensitive to sound. While manufacturers have made improvements over time, these units still produce a noticeable amount of sound. It is wise to check the noise level (measured in decibels) before purchasing a particular model to avoid potential disturbances. Due to their noisy operation, these units are not ideal for use in bedrooms, where elivated noise levels do not lend themselves to states of rest and peaceful sleep.
Limited Aesthetics:
While portable air conditioners have evolved in terms of design, they are still bulkier compared to window-mounted or built-in systems. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing and can take up valuable floor space. If you focus on the visual appeal of your living space, a portable unit might not be a suitable choice.
Ventilation Requirements:
To effectively cool the space, portable air conditioning units require proper ventilation. This may involve venting the hot air through a window, sliding door, or an external opening. Ensuring the availability of suitable ventilation options is necessary, as improper venting can reduce the unit’s efficiency. Ventilation options may not always be available, and you may need to improvise in order to meet the system’s needs.
Maintenance:
Like any air conditioning unit, portable ones require regular maintenance. Filters need to be cleaned or replaced, and condensation needs to be drained. Neglecting maintenance can compromise the efficiency of the unit and shorten its lifespan. The unit will often need to be removed from its installed position in order to carry out this procedure and will therefore need to be re-installed when the service is completed. This can often incur an additional cost for the end user.
Frequently asked questions:
Do portable air conditioners work without a window?
Portable air conditioners operate on the same engineering principles as split-type air conditioning units and, as such, require a means to expel the hot air from the condenser to the outside air. Because the condenser forms part of the self-contained unit, an exhaust pipe is used as a conduit to move the hot air away from the unit. The air conditioner therefore does not need to be fitted to a window and can indeed be fitted to any opening that connects to the outside air, such as a vent or door hatch that may be in position already. This makes the installation of the unit quick and easy, without the need for building modifications.
Do portable air conditioners need water?
Portable air conditioners do not require water to operate. The unit operates as a standard vapour compression system, which naturally dehumidifies the air, causing condensation to be collected in a condensate tray inside the unit. This water can be run off using an attached drain pipe or is often manually drained from the system by the end user. Some systems are designed to use the collected water to help cool the condenser during operation,thereby evaporating any water collected in the unit.
Do portable air conditioners use a lot of electricity?
The energy consumption of a portable air conditioner depends on a few factors, such as the make of the unit as well as the capacity of the system relative to the area being cooled. The method of expelling the condenser air is also a factor, as recircling hot air will increase the heat load that needs to be removed from the room. The most readily available units are of the fixed speed type, though, and as a result, they consume considerably more electricity than the inverter models that are commonplace in the midwall split system market.
What happens if you don’t vent your portable air conditioner?
If you do not vent the condenser air from your portable air conditioner, the hot air will be expelled into the room being cooled, thereby adding to the room’s heat load. This will cause the unit to cool inefficiently and, as a result, consume more electricity. As a result of the higher demand, the system’s increased work load will create more warm air that will be added to the room, thereby continuing the cycle. It is therefore advisable that the unit be properly vented to the outside air for effective operation.
How often do I need to drain my portable air conditioner?
How often your air conditioning unit needs to be drained depends on the relative humidity in the area being cooled. The higher the humidity, the faster the condensate tray will fill up and the more frequently it will need to be drained. If the unit has a drain pipe installed, then it will drain automatically; however, some models have an indicator light that alerts you to when the tray is full and needs to be emptied. For the models that do not have an indicator light or drain pipe, you would need to manually check the tray daily to see if it is full. This is the average amount of time that these types of systems take to fill the condensate tray.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without a hose?
It is not advisable to use a portable air conditioner in a room without a hose. This will cause the hot condenser air to circulate in the room along with the cold air, which results in an inefficiently running system, higher electricity bills, and poor system performance. It is therefore important that the system use a correctly fitted exhaust hose in order to properly expel the hot air from the condenser to the outside of the building.
Do portable air conditioners also dehumidify?
Air conditioning systems naturally dehumidify the area being cooled, and this removal of moisture from the air causes a buildup of condensation that is then expelled by the system via a drain pipe. The rate of dehumidification is proportional to the relative humidity in the area being cooled. In areas with sensitive materials like museums or operating theatres, special humidifiers are added to the system in order to prevent the system from lowering the humidity beyond a safe threshold for these materials. These humidifiers ensure that the humidity stays within an acceptable range for the materials being stored.
How many hours a day can you run a portable air conditioner?
A portable air conditioner can run for as many hours as is required per day. Anything up to 18 hours or more is acceptable for the design of these machines, as they will be running in cycles as they switch off when they reach their set temperature. This means that they will run in approximately 15-minute cycles each as they regulate around their setpoint. This cycle length depends on the heat load as well as the thermal transfer of the room being cooled.
Conclusion
Portable air conditioning units offer a convenient and cost-effective solution to beat the summer heat. Their convenience, affordability, and flexibility make them an attractive option for many. However, it is crucial to consider their limitations, such as limited cooling capacity, noise level, aesthetics, ventilation requirements, and maintenance. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a portable air conditioner that fits your needs and preferences.
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