The general consensus among experts is that window air conditioners are more efficient. However, window installation isn’t an option for some homes, condos, and apartments, so a portable air conditioner may be the only choice.
Portable ACs often serve as an alternative to window or wall air conditioners or as a supplement to central cooling systems. They’re ideal for apartment buildings that don’t permit window units or for homes with windows that cannot accommodate permanently installed window AC units. Installation doesn’t require any heavy lifting, and because these portable AC units are usually mounted on rolling casters, you can theoretically move them from room to room. Nonetheless, installation does require that you place the unit close to a window because you’ll need to run the exhaust hose outside.
Despite a large number of units on the market, we actually found relatively few portable AC reviews and comparisons. Most credible reviews actually come from owners.
My parents were actually shopping around for a portable air conditioner for my brother’s dorm room a few months back. They were able to find quite a few models under the $500 range, but there was little to no reviews on many of the products we saw. They eventually settled on the DeLonghi PAC A110L and bought it Lowe’s based on the few reviews they did find.
So far it works fine and looks great, but it was a little bit on the pricey end (a little over $500 with tax). I really wish there were more consumer resources for portable air conditioners on the lower end.
I went to an old friend’s baby shower for a few minutes to drop off my girlfriend. As I looked about their newly settled nursery I saw a peculiar figurine, which I thought was a toy of some sort, sitting by the baby’s changing station. I asked my friend what it was, and consequently she answered, “Oh, it’s an air purifier!”
The purifier was in the whimsical form of a penguin. Their baby boy’s room was decorated with the theme of an arctic scene. My girlfriend bought a stuffed polar bear to match the decor. She told me she had gotten it from Walmart and that so far, it seems to have been doing okay.
I wouldn’t know if the purifier was working efficiently because it was not mine. How would you know the purity of air by simply breathing it in? It certainly didn’t smell like a baby…he was about a month away. I read the box and several of the features popped out to me. It was not only a true HEPA filter, but also had UV light and an active carbon filter to eliminate odors.
I asked her several questions and she responded pretty enthusiastically that she had checked on the filter…which showed signs of debris after two weeks of consistent, constant use. So, according to my friend, perhaps the penguin air purifier, the Crane Penguin Air Cleaner, is worth a try at its economic price.
Energy costs are rising, especially in my native CA where it can get quite dry and sunny. When I was in college, I had to come up with rather creative ideas to stay cool while spending as little money as possible. Many homes are investing in portable ACs for the simple fact that they do not cool the whole home, but cool where you need it most. Here are several factors why portable ACs are useful:
1. Spot cooling: If you spend most of your day in the living room, then chances are that you don’t need other areas (let’s say…like the kitchen) cooled off at your expense.
2. Minimal installation: Portable ACs are not permanently installed, so if you need to move the unit to another room at the end of the day, you can.
3. Energy-saving: Again…why cool the whole house when you only need your bedroom cooled at night? Also, many portable AC units come with thermostats or timers to cool when you need it, when you want it. You can save plenty of money with this summer strategy.
4. Price: Installing a permanent AC system can run hundreds. A good portable AC is often under $400, and some are even less than $200. Plus, if you live in an apartment lifestyle (as many young adults do), portable ACs can come with you.
So consider these facts when purchasing your own portable AC. Of course, it’s not for everyone but it can be a great choice for those looking to save a little cash, stay cool this summer, and keep their lifestyle a bit more eco-friendly.