Small Portable Air Conditioner
Cool and dehumidify a room or a small apartment with this portable air conditioner. A fan pulls air into the unit and it is cooled by an evaporator coil that draws in water or ice from the storage bucket.
It’s important to select an appliance that is sized properly for your space. Read the Btu ratings carefully, as some manufacturers now list an ASHRAE rating as well as their government-mandated Btu rating.
Size
Small Portable Air Conditioners come in a variety of sizes. The size is important because it determines how well the unit can circulate air in a given space. A big portable like the 12,000 BTU Whynter ARC-14 is more effective in a bigger room than a smaller one, but it is also noisier.
The best portable ACs are small enough to be able to fit in your camper, trunk of your car or even on a countertop. They are also small enough to store when not in use and they don’t take up much floor space in your home either.
Choosing the right size depends on your room’s square footage and what your climate is like. Most manufacturers give their cooling output in BTUs. They also provide a sq ft Small Portable Air Conditioner to BTU converter to help you determine the proper size appliance for your needs.
Once you know the size you need, check if any extra features are available. For example, some units are programmable with timers or remotes while others have WiFi to connect to your voice assistant for automated routines. They may also dehumidify which makes them more effective in hot, humid conditions. They can remove up to 2.5 pints of moisture from the air an hour. Some are also very quiet, allowing you to sleep peacefully while they work.
Noise
When an air conditioner runs, it makes a variety of noises. The compressor, fan and blower create vibrations that can cause rattling sounds to develop. If a unit’s panels are loose, extra shaking can occur during operation that generates more noise than necessary.
Some units can be quite loud and generate 60 decibels of sound, which is roughly the equivalency of a busy office or noisy restaurant. However, there are many quieter models that can cool a room of up to 550 sq. ft.
Generally, the more powerful an AC is, the louder it is. This is due to the fact that it has a greater cooling output and a larger motor.
The best way to reduce the amount of noise that comes from a Portable AC is by placing it on an even surface. This will eliminate any excess knocking noise during operation. You could also try putting a rug under the device; this will help to absorb any excessive vibrations and reduce noise levels. Additionally, there are unique mats called anti-vibration mats that can be used under portable air conditioners; they do a much better job than a regular rug at absorbing the noise and vibrations that come from the device.
You could also consider adding a set of noise absorbing panels or other materials to your device to absorb any excess noise being produced. Additionally, it is a good idea to check that the casing of your device is secure; over time it can become loose and begin to rattle.
Energy efficiency
When you buy a portable air conditioner, be sure to check the BTU ratings. While manufacturers may use the old ratings system, the newer DOE/SACC system gives you more accurate information on how cool your space can be. It also helps you select the correct model for your needs.
The compressor in your portable AC compresses the refrigerant gas, turning it into a high-pressure vapor. This vapor then passes through the Small Portable Air Conditioner condenser coils where heat is removed from the room air and turned into cool liquid. The fan then blows this liquid into the room, cooling it and removing moisture. The excess heat is vented through an exhaust hose, which you may need to place in a window or on a wall.
Portable air conditioners create condensation, and some models drain the condensate into a pan that needs to be emptied. Others, like this LG model, use evaporative technology, which means that most of the humidity is evaporated out through the exhaust hose, so you don’t have to empty it.
This model has casters and is easy to move from room to room, making it perfect for small living rooms or home offices, dorm rooms, or tiny houses/campers. It has multiple fan speeds, a remote control with I Sense sensor, sleep mode, and dehumidification mode. The evaporative technology also reduces the need to empty a tank, although you may need to do so in extremely humid weather.
Convenience
The main function of any portable AC is to take heat and humidity from the air and transfer it outside. The process involves three key components: the refrigerant, a fan and condenser coils. The fan sucks the hot, moist air over the coils to transfer its heat to the cooling refrigerant. The compressor then compresses the refrigerant, changing it from a liquid to a gas. The cooled, saturated refrigerant releases the heat into the outdoor air as water vapor. This process happens through exhaust hoses on newer units and also by self-evaporation in older models that have a drain pump. The accumulated moisture is then drained out of the unit through a hose for easy disposal.
Another convenient feature is the ability to control the appliance with a remote control. This allows you to control the fan speed and temperature settings, set timers and even use voice commands with a smart-home device. Look for programmable settings that include sleep mode and other adjustable options.
Look for BTU (British Thermal Units) ratings in the spec sheet to see how much square footage the appliance is rated to cool. However, keep in mind that the old ASHRAE rating system is no longer used for portable air conditioners and that new DOE ratings are more accurate. Also, keep in mind that some of the ducting can leak into your home, which lowers the total BTU rating.
