How Do I... Choose a Portable Air Conditioner?
If the heat is getting to you and you're considering buying a portable air conditioner, here's all you need to know
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, Andrew Foard, seasonal buyer at The Good Guys, gives the lowdown on choosing the right portable air conditioner for your home.
How do they work?
Most portable air cons work by emitting cold, air-conditioned air through the front vents and expelling hot air outside through an exhaust hose connected to your window. You’ll usually need a window kit to set up the exhaust, which will generally come with your air con.
Most portable air cons work by emitting cold, air-conditioned air through the front vents and expelling hot air outside through an exhaust hose connected to your window. You’ll usually need a window kit to set up the exhaust, which will generally come with your air con.
How do I assess power output?
Power output – or cooling capacity – is shown on the energy label of each air conditioner. Portable air conditioners display this as a kW figure, which translates to kWh (kW per hour). The higher the kWh figure, the more powerful the machine.
Power output – or cooling capacity – is shown on the energy label of each air conditioner. Portable air conditioners display this as a kW figure, which translates to kWh (kW per hour). The higher the kWh figure, the more powerful the machine.
What size should I get?
- For a room 10 to 20 square metres in size – consider a 2.6kW unit;
- For a room 20 to 30 square metres in size – consider a 3.5kW unit;
- For a room 30 to 45 square metres in size – consider a 5 to 6kW unit;
- For a room 45 to 65 square metres in size, consider a 7 to 8kW unit.
How do running costs compare with a fixed system?
Portable air conditioners and fixed air conditioners can be among the more expensive cooling solutions to run. There are variables that will affect the overall running costs of each, including power output, energy efficiency, temperature selected, room size and window furnishings. However, in most cases a fixed system will cost less to run and will provide more effective cooling than a portable system.
Portable air conditioners and fixed air conditioners can be among the more expensive cooling solutions to run. There are variables that will affect the overall running costs of each, including power output, energy efficiency, temperature selected, room size and window furnishings. However, in most cases a fixed system will cost less to run and will provide more effective cooling than a portable system.
How are portable air cons and portable evaporative coolers different?
Portable evaporative coolers, which use evaporation to cool a space, can be a smart alternative to a refrigerated portable air con as they are generally less expensive to buy and run.
However, you’ll need to live in the right climate – evaporative coolers aren’t as effective in humid parts of the country. They are also better suited to alfresco areas and patios than indoors.
Portable evaporative coolers, which use evaporation to cool a space, can be a smart alternative to a refrigerated portable air con as they are generally less expensive to buy and run.
However, you’ll need to live in the right climate – evaporative coolers aren’t as effective in humid parts of the country. They are also better suited to alfresco areas and patios than indoors.
What’s good to know?
- Portable air cons can be a little noisier than a fixed system and will take up floor space.
- You’ll need to change or wash the filters regularly.
- Most portable air cons have a water tray that will need to be emptied regularly.
- If you don’t want the hassle of emptying a water tray, most portable air cons come with a drain and some will pump it out for you.
- The window kits that come with portable air cons suit most window types, except for wind-out windows. For these, you will need to buy a separate window kit.
- Some portable air cons have a reverse cycle function, so they can heat the room in winter too.
Roughly what should I expect to pay?
From around $400 to more than $1,100 for a top-end model.
Tell us
Have you used a portable air conditioner? Tell us about your experience in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
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From around $400 to more than $1,100 for a top-end model.
Tell us
Have you used a portable air conditioner? Tell us about your experience in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
More
Read more ‘How Do I…’ stories
Image from Omega Altise