Are Portable Units Right For Your Windows?
More and more home improvement stores are selling portable air conditioning units. These are usually used as a substitute for window units. While they can't replace a central AC system, they are perfect for creating a little more cold air in the hotter areas of your home. This article serves as a very useful buying guide to portable AC units.
BTUs and Room Size
The first thing to look at when shopping for a portable AC unit is the BTU rating. The BTUs will basically determine how big of a space the unit can effectively cool.
For example, a 5000 BTU unit it will probably have a 100 square foot capacity. So, if you have a room that is about 10' x 10', 5000 BTUs might be acceptable.
Buy Big
However, it is almost always advisable to buy a unit that is bigger than you necessarily need. The BTU rating is based on running the unit at maximum power. So, in order to effectively cool down a 100 square foot room, the unit will basically need to be running at all times. This can result in astronomical electricity usage and the accompanying bills.
Basically, if you have a larger unit, even though it might cost more, you could end up saving money because you won't need to use it as often, and it won't be able to evenly cool down a space more consistently.
Remote Controls
Another important thing to consider in regards to portable AC units is the controls. Most modern units have a handy remote control that makes it so much easier to turn the system on and off, set up a timer, and change the operation mode. Ultimately, you will be more efficient if you have a remote control.
Is A Portable Unit Right for Your Property
You also need to consider if a portable unit is even the best option for your property. That is, even though portable units have a lot of advantages, they aren't perfect for every room.
Portable units are great if your room doesn't have a normal sliding window with a solid sill that the unit can rest on. Some rooms have casement or glass bottom windows that make using a traditional window unit impossible.
If you do have a fixture that is ideal for a window unit, it could be a better choice. Window units are out of the way, mounted permanently in the fixture, and they don't take up any floor space.
Even though portable units are convenient and affordable, you need to make sure they are going to be the most practical option for your property before making the investment. For more information, contact an air conditioning company such as CNR Air Conditioning Inc.