When you’re looking for something to keep you cool during summer, it’s normally a good idea to go for Split or Window ACs. They can offer a higher area coverage and more powerful cooling. However, it might be a better option to get a Portable AC in some cases. What is a Portable AC, you ask?
I’ll be answering that question in this post and telling you details about all its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s get started.
What Is A Portable AC
The extra portability offered by Portable ACs is primarily what sets them apart from their bigger counterparts. In terms of cooling mechanism, the process is similar to Standard ACs, except that everything is fit into one appliance. Like every other AC, these devices use an evaporator coil, refrigerant gas, condenser coils, a fan and a compressor to cool down the air. The unit’s fan first sucks in hot air inside the room; then it passes through the evaporator coil, where the refrigerant gas removes the heat from the air and cools it. Finally, the cooled air is released back into the room by the fan.
While the refrigerant gets compressed, plenty of heat is also generated. Portable ACs get rid of the heat through an exhaust hose. Another thing about these ACs is that the way they remove moisture from air varies from model to model. There are three primary ways these ACs remove moisture from the air.
- Gravity Drain Method: This is the method most portable ACs use. In it, the moisture is drained out through a hose.
- Bucket Collection: This is an outdated method you’d only see in older Portable ACs. All the moisture gathers inside a bucket inside the unit; it needs to be drained manually afterwards.
- Self-Evaporation Method: Some Portable ACs have an exhaust vent through which they automatically push out excess moisture and warm air. You should be looking out for ACs that use this method; it’s the newest and most efficient way of handling moisture.
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Single-Hose Portable ACs vs Dual-Hose Portable ACs
The Indian market primarily consists of one type of Portable ACs; Single-Hose ones. However, Dual-Hose Portable ACs are also starting to make their way into it.
Portable ACs with a single hose use it to both suck in air from outside and push out the warm air. Consequently, these units are less effective as they have to fight against the pressure difference.
On the other hand, Dual-Hose Portable ACs have two hoses; one hose brings in air from outside while the other expels the warm air. They work more efficiently because of that. Good Dual-Hose ACs are a little harder to find, but they’re worth the effort. You can still do well with Single-Hose ones; just make sure that the place is properly insulated and the doors are closed to get the best performance.
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What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Portable ACs Over Regular ACs?
Aside from the difference in efficiency, both the pros and cons are the same in the two types of Portable ACs.
Benefits Of Portable ACs
- Installation takes less time.
- Most models are equipped with wheels and are lightweight, so they can be moved about easily.
- Portable ACs are perfect for smaller rooms.
- They need much less maintenance.
- Higher-end models offer wifi control.
Drawbacks Of Portable ACs
- They’re not as powerful as regular ACs and cannot quickly cool down a large room.
- The noise levels are usually higher than those of full-sized ACs.
- Finding the right one according to room size can take some effort.
Overall, Portable ACs are good. They’re no replacements for Standard ACs, but they can still serve you really well.
Picking The Right Capacity
Unlike standard ACs, Portable ACs should be chosen according to their BTU numbers, not tonnage capacity. BTU stands for British Thermal Units, and it indicates how much heat the AC can remove in an hour.
Here’s a rough guideline to help you pick the right BTU number for your specific room size.
| Room Size | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Less than 350 Square Ft. | 8000 BTU |
| 350-400 Square Ft. | 9000 BTU |
| 400-450 Square Ft. | 10,000 BTU |
| 450-560 Square Ft. | 12,000 BTU |
| 560-700 Square Ft. | 14,000 BTU |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Final Word
What is a Portable AC? I hope this post was able to answer that question for you. Portable ACs can be a great addition to your home; the right one can keep you perfectly chill and comfortable during even unusually hot days. Just make sure to do your research before making any purchase. Thanks for reading!
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