If you’ve considered getting a portable air conditioner, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Portable air conditioners are not replacements for central air conditioning, but they can be used as temporary or supplementary solutions. Let’s take a closer look at how these units work to determine if one is right for you.
What Are Portable Air Conditioners?
Portable air conditioners come in many styles. They are typically designed to cover a single room, such as a bedroom or a living room. Window units are made to sit on the window ledge, secured by pressure from the closing window. The bulk of the unit sits on the exterior of the house, while the control panel and filter remain on the inside of the house.
Other portable air conditioners are made to be mostly indoors. There is a tube that vents to the outside, but the actual air conditioner remains inside. These units tend to be more expensive than window ACs, but they are less noisy and do not require as much window space.
The Purpose of Portable Air Conditioners
As we mentioned above, portable air conditioners are not replacements for traditional AC units. They do not cover the same amount of area, and they are not as efficient or long-lasting. Portable units are mostly meant for specific circumstances. For instance, let’s say you have a shop in your backyard. It has electricity but doesn’t have any connection to your home’s air conditioning. A portable aid conditioner could keep you cool while working out there.
If your air conditioner is in need of repair, you could use a portable air conditioner to temporarily cool your house. At Quality Comfort HVAC, we stock our repair vehicles with replacement parts to reduce the time you are without AC. However, you may not be in a position to have your air conditioner repaired. A portable unit could keep a room in your home slightly cooler until you are able to get the repairs done.
Pros and Cons of Portable AC Units
Portable AC units are relatively affordable, starting around $100 and going up to $700+. The prices vary based on several factors, including energy efficiency, sound, coverage, and more. With that in mind, portable AC units do use a lot of electricity. You may see a sharp spike in your energy bills after prolonged use.
The biggest downside to portable air conditioners is that they are not made to cover multiple rooms in a house. They are also loud – much louder than the noise coming from your aid conditioner. If you have the unit in a room where you watch TV or listen to music, it may be difficult to hear over the lull of the machine.
Conclusion
Portable air conditioners do serve a purpose. They are great for situations where traditional air conditioning simply isn’t available. Renters without central air can get a portable unit and take it with them when they move. Landlords can also have portable air conditioners on hand for their tenants if an AC problem occurs. If you are in a situation where you need temporary cooling in your home, a portable aid conditioner could be a good fit for you.
If you are in need of AC repairs, Quality Comfort HVAC is open 24/7. Our emergency repair technicians are available on weekends, holidays, and all other occasions. Reach out at (586) 778-8600 to schedule a free quote for heating and air repair.