Putting up an air conditioner unit in your space requires a complex installation. So, a portable aircon unit is the best option to skip the labor. This aircon type offers several benefits, such as easier installation and controls and convenient moving around, especially if you live in rental homes or apartments.
Portable Air Conditioners in Australia come in various brands and features. To guide you in buying the best one, here are a few reminders on how to shop and maintain this appliance at your home.
Size
When it comes to size, whether of your aircon unit or your room, all you need to remember is the British Thermal Unit (BTU). This measurement indicates that a smaller room should have a lower BTU to ensure the conditioning function will work properly.
For instance, smaller rooms like bedrooms and small offices measuring 350 square feet may have a portable aircon unit with 10,000 BTU. For larger rooms, such as living rooms, you may require higher BTU. But as the BTU increases, you should also remember that the size and weight of the aircon unit also increase, and probably the price.
Hose Model
Portable ACs come with two models based on their hose. These are the single and dual hoses. The hose is the pathway of the air for exhaustion and cooling, so choosing which hose model can affect how the aircon will work for your space.
A single-hose portable AC is ideal for smaller living spaces and those seeking a more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, the dual-hose portable aircon unit is more efficient to use in larger areas but may also cost you an expensive price.
Ventilation and Exhaust
You should also check how the ventilation and exhaust system works in a portable aircon unit. Typically, all portable ACs must ventilate hot air for cooling. Then, the hot air will travel in the exhaust hose and be released into space.
Most portable air conditioner units come with panel kits you can install to make the overall ventilation and exhaust system work. That’s why you should also check on these available features.
Condensate Drain
Since an aircon cools down, moisture buildup is also something you should look into. There are different ways a portable aircon removes water from the air, depending on your chosen model. The draining condensate includes:
- Buckets: The simplest type consists of a single internal container to hold the water.
- Condensate Pumps: Separate accessories that help you pump out the water manually.
- Gravity Drain or Drain Hose: A permanent hose attachment automatically drains the water to your chosen drainage container.
- Fully Self-Evaporative Portable ACs: These units you can leave unattended as they already exhaust the condensation, leaving little to no water to collect for drainage.
- Partially Self-Evaporative Portable ACs: These aircon units function similarly to the type listed above, but the draining frequency may depend on the environmental conditions in your area.
Energy Efficiency
using air conditioners has expensive energy consumption, and the same thing applies whether it’s a portable type, especially if you frequently use it. That’s why you should also check the energy efficiency rating of the unit you want to purchase.
Confirming the presence of an energy-saving mode setting in your portable aircon unit will also contribute to long-term savings.
Heating Options
For areas experiencing hotter temperatures in the summer and colder winter, a portable AC unit with a heat-generating feature comes in handy. That way, you won’t have to buy another heater to keep room temperature during colder days. But note that a portable AC that pumps heat may require more energy, so you should consider how you will use it.
Noise Level
Another important thing you should check when buying a portable air conditioner is how loud it operates. The noise comes from the compressor system and the motorized fans that circulate the air, making them cooler.
Some people may not be bothered by the noise and consider it background noise in a quiet space, but it can be disturbing for some, especially for light sleepers.
Installation Setup and Maintenance
Unlike other aircon types where you need to drill a larger hole in the wall, the portable aircon unit does not require any of those. But you may want to place it near a window to connect the exhaust hose. Besides that, the entire unit simply works in a plug-and-play function.
First, check the plug to see if it fits your room’s outlet. Take note: you should plug the unit directly into the outlet and not on extension cords to receive an uninterrupted power supply. Turn on the unit and let it operate for at least an hour. And, there you have it, your portable aircon is now ready to function at your service.
When it comes to maintenance, your main concern is the drained water. But, depending on the type and feature of the unit you will purchase, how frequently you will manually remove the water from the drain. Aside from the drain, schedule a bi-weekly cleaning for the air filter and keep it a habit to wipe the unit with a dry cloth to remove dust.
Chill at Home With a Top Quality Portable Aircon
As you can see, choosing the best portable aircon unit for your space is pretty convenient. It is also easy to maintain, leaving you a more budget-friendly option to experience a more comfortable home. As long as you follow the recommended maintenance procedure for your aircon unit, it can last long and help you save money in the long run.
