We know well that air conditioning appliances have important function to supply fresh cool air that finally helpful to keep cool the inside of room either at office or home. And it will looks clearly we need these units especially during boiling hot summer season around us. Well, we might be familiar using central air conditioning types. But there are also other types in the market that can supply cool fresh air into our room more efficient and even can be installed with DIY option (without needing to hire a professional installed). And portable air conditioners are one of those choices to choose. And it is better to learn more about pros and cons of portable ac units before making deal to purchase or buy one of them!
The one big benefit and it looks clearly is their portable feature. This mobile feature make them can move or change their position from one position to another position easily. They are also so affordable in price, and much cheaper if compared to central units. This is one of the big reasons of their popularity at these days. They are the best choice for people who have low budget. Ideally, they are designed to cool small and medium rooms. Therefore we can cool small room without need to turn on the central models that usually need consume high energy. This reason is one of factors why many people call portable air conditioners are more efficient.
Then what are their cons? The size is the crucial issue that we must consider carefully. We cannot use these mobile air conditioning units for larger room; otherwise the unit cannot work less powerful satisfied and inefficient. And unfortunately some of them usually will produce unfriendly noise when running. They cannot work as quiet as central units!
Below are some simple tips on how to choose and buy a new portable air conditioner to meet your requirements:
- First, like written in the previous paragraph, you must measure the sq-ft of the large room to determine the size the cooling capacity of the unit that you must purchase! So you can avoid wrong size purchasing either lower or over size.
- Choose one that use eco-friendly R410a refrigerant if the budget permits! In addition, older version refrigerant (like Freon-R-22 refrigerant) can lead to the ozone depletion problem in the future! So if you care to the environment, prioritize to buy unit with R410a refrigerant!
- Then consider about the value of EER or the Energy Efficiency Ratio (range between 9.6 up to 12.0) of each products. For residential air conditioning appliances usually use standard parameter that usually called as SEER (seasonal EER). Higher value of EER and SEER indicates more efficient. Therefore, prioritize to choose and buy unit with at least 10 of SEER or higher!
- Prioritize to choose units that have Energy Star label. Although this model is priced more expensive than other units that don’t have Energy Star label, but they will pay back your money on energy saving of utility bills that you have to pay for each month.
- Do not forget to check the humidity feature. Choose the unit that can control the humidity and keep it comfort.
- Consider about the power fluctuation of you r home. Make sure the unit will keep work properly at its best efficiency performance when in peak electricity demands (06:00 to 10:00 PM)!
- Like mentioned before, the noise is one of drawbacks of a portable air conditioner. Therefore you might understand what you have to do! Surely… the lower noise is better! So check the level of the decibel of the unit that you will purchase. Lower decibel indicates more quiet!
- Find and read some reviews of the unit that you’re purchasing if necessary! Can the unit be operated easily or not? Check also the other features that make you can use and operate the unit easier and more satisfied, such as; remote control, small LCD monitor to display some variables (like the temperature and humidity level of the room when the unit is running) , programmable thermostat, etc. Ask also how many times you should clean the air filter in a year! Check also the lifetime warranty!
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Read also another guide: how to cool the garage with portable AC unit?
More tags: 2012 portable ac units everything to know before buying