Portable air conditioner hot and cold

There are many instances in which a portable air conditioner is necessary. Many older buildings, especially ones now converted into apartment buildings, do not have a central air conditioning unit. This can be a problem for many people since summer is unavoidable in many cities — it’s even worse if you live somewhere warm year-round. Sitting in high heat and humidity is one of the most uncomfortable sensations, especially since so many of us are working from home and not in nice office buildings that always feel a few degrees too cold.

Portable Air Conditioners

Many people are owners of portable AC units for the reasons listed above. With work from home becoming the regular living situation now though, they are being used for longer periods of time to keep the house cool. Since so many people are sitting in their houses all day while they work, it has prompted the question of — can I leave my portable air conditioner on all day?

There’s nothing stopping you from leaving the AC on all day in terms of safety reasons, but there are a few things to consider when deciding how long you want to have the AC on for and how efficient you want to be. 

Can you leave your portable AC unit on all day?

First of all, if you choose to leave your AC unit turned on all day, it will definitely cost you more money because that’s more energy being used. You will see this on your electric bill and may want to reconsider how much of your portable air conditioner you use after that first bill gets delivered to your house. The good news is that turning the unit on and off throughout the day will not only save you more money, but it’s the more efficient way for your machine to run. This means that it will cool your house more efficiently as well. It’s better if you have your AC unit working at full power throughout the day to get the temperature back down instead of having it at a lesser power maintaining the temperature. This is because the systems are manufactured to work better at full power. 

Maybe you do not work from home but want to get your house cool throughout the day so you can come back home and feel comfortable. If this is the case, an important thing to note is that your portable air conditioning unit uses 3-5% less energy with every degree that you raise the thermostat. So if you want to leave the unit on while you are out of the house and optimize energy savings, the best temperature to set your unit at is 78 degrees. This will be fine because you are not in the house and it’s the best level for the unit to work at if you still want it on while you are gone.

If you do choose to leave the unit on all day often, you should check the filters regularly. Overuse can cause them to be clogged which will only make the efficiency of the unit even worse. Another thing to consider is the size of your AC unit; it’s important that the size is compatible with the size of your house you are trying to cool down. If the unit is too small, it will not be able to meet the demand of your larger space and this will cause it to have to work much harder to maintain the temperature you desire. 

This can result in higher bills and an AC unit dying much faster than it should from being worn out. Lastly, make sure your unit is placed in the house somewhere that allows for the airflow to get to all of the rooms effectively.  

Conclusion

Ultimately, leaving the portable AC unit turned on all day may not be the most efficient way to run it both in terms of your electric bill and the energy required by the machine. Try out the method of having it work at full power throughout the day instead of a lower power all day — the first option is how portable air conditioners are designed to be most effective. 

Power outages are never convenient and always seem to happen at the worst times. Whether it’s a malfunction in the electric system or caused by severe weather, most people feel better knowing they have a generator to run the house when the power is down. Refrigerators, AC, and outlets are some of the most important things to keep running when the power goes down. Think of all of that food that could go bad and even worse — in the heat. For those who live in warm weather year-round or just a place with warm summers, a generator that can power the AC might be a must-have. However, generators can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget you might opt for a portable one. But can a portable generator run an air conditioner?

Why get a portable generator

Losing power is one thing, and sitting in the extreme heat is another. Purchasing a full-house generator can be pricey, however, and sometimes just excessive. Maybe you just need a portable generator to make sure all of the essentials get powered while you wait for the electricity to turn back on. Then a portable generator might be the right option for you. 

How to use a portable generator

Powering an entire AC unit is possible with many portable generators, but you have to pay extra careful attention to the wattage requirements. To start, you need to figure out the starting wattage and running wattage capacity of the portable generator you will be using.

You also need to know the required wattage of your air conditioner so you can know if they are compatible. If your AC needs 5000 starting watts and 5,500 running watts, then your generator needs more than that for both of those numbers to be able to safely power the AC unit. If you want to power other things in your house, you will need to make sure that your generator has leftover wattage. If all of that wattage is just going to the AC unit, then it will not be able to power anything else. 

Starting wattage on an AC unit is usually the higher wattage requirement. This is because it requires more energy to start up. Information on your unit’s wattage requirements can usually be found on the unit itself, or you can always call the manufacturer. 

Additionally, there are no average wattage amounts for AC units — it really depends on the brand you have. It’s important to note that some older units can require up to 10,000 watts and new, energy-efficient ones still need around 2,000. Keep in mind which type of unit you have before you start using your portable generator. 

If you forgo the wattage requirements, you could end up causing serious damage. You can ruin the generator itself and anything else that is plugged into the generator. Overloaded generators have also caused fires in the past, so take the time to figure out all of the important wattage information. 

It’s safer to buy a generator with extra wattage than the starting and running wattage requirements so that you can guarantee your air conditioning runs smoothly and strongly for hours. Also, you probably want to be able to run other things in your house, like the refrigerator. What is the point of air conditioning if all of your food is going to go bad?  If you have a window unit, most portable generators will be able to run it. The wattage rules are the same — just remember to leave extra wattage for the other appliances in your house. 

Another important aspect to keep in mind is that weather and humidity can affect how much energy it takes to run an AC unit. As the temperature and humidity increase you will need more power to start your AC which means that generator output will decrease. 

Final thoughts

In sum, get a portable generator with a higher wattage than your AC requires to be safe. No one wants a portable generator that can only run your AC for a little bit — you want efficient, cool air. Remember to be careful and evaluate your wattage requirements closely to avoid disaster. You want to be able to rely on your portable generator to make power outages more manageable and not have to worry about it malfunctioning. 

Portable air conditioners are an appliance many of us would never be without in the summer months, but they come with one drawback — they need to be drained. Of course, the next question is how you drain a portable air conditioner, as well as why you need to do it in the first place. It’s easy to forget that they aren’t like your standard AC units which are installed directly into your home. Luckily, the answers are simple, and you will be maintaining your PAC effortlessly in no time at all. 

Why Do You Need to Drain a Portable Air Conditioner?

Generally speaking, portable air conditioners do not need to be drained. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. The most common reason for draining is that your PAC doubles up as a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in your home at a reasonable level. 

Additionally, there are some cases where extreme humidity can prevent your air conditioning unit from exhausting the water collecting from the hot air in your home. In these cases, you will need to empty the unit yourself to ensure that it’s able to remain clear and fully functional. Extreme humidity can prevent your air conditioning unit from exhausting the water collected from the hot air in your home. In these cases, you will need to empty the unit yourself to ensure that it remains clear and fully functional. 

How to Drain a Portable Air Conditioner with a Hose

This could not be simpler. All you need to do is attach the drainage hose to the port on the back of the portable air conditioning unit. Next, you will need to have the hose lead to a nearby drain or sink so that it can clear the water contents continuously and without interruption. 

That’s all there is to it! If your PAC comes with a drainage hose, that makes things a lot easier, but you can also buy the hoses online for a very low price. Just check the measurements first so that you know you’re getting the right size for your machine. 

How to Drain a Portable Air Conditioner without a Hose

Draining the portable air conditioner yourself comes in a series of quick and easy steps that you can follow. 

1. Unplug the unit and make sure it’s disconnected from the mains. Then, find a drainage pan or a bucket and move the unit to a location where it can be drained into either of these items or a sink. 
2. Find the drain plug on the back or side of the unit. This is also where you can attach a drainage hose. Be aware that as soon as you remove the plug, water will run freely from the unit. 
3. Place the unit in the container of your choosing and remove the plug. Once it’s empty, replace the plug and put the unit back ready for use. You can repeat as often as needed for your portable air conditioner. 

To Conclude 

The easiest way to drain your portable air conditioner is by using a drainage hose, and this is especially true if your PAC doubles up as a dehumidifier as well. However, if hoses aren’t quite your style, there are other options you can take to keep it empty and clear — including emptying it by hand once or twice a day. No matter which route you choose, the good news is that they’re all very simple to follow. 

There’s no doubt that purchasing a portable air conditioner is an excellent choice. They are reliable machines that work hard to cool your house down and keep the summer heat away. You might be confident in your choice to buy, but there’s one more question you need to ask. When is the best time to buy a portable air conditioner? It’s an important question, and one that has the potential to save you money while also getting the chance to pick up a quality model. 

When is the Best Time to Buy?

Your portable air conditioner should be bought during the off-season. The reason for this is that it’s likely to be at a much lower price given the season, allowing you to score top new models at a fraction of the retail price. There might be new models next year, but your discount choice will work just as efficiently to ensure that you get to stay cool and refreshed. 

You can easily save as much as 75% off the retail price, which is a huge amount and can really take the pressure off your bank account. If you want a dual hose portable air conditioner, this is even more important as these models tend to be pricier than the standard single hose machines. 

If you decide to buy in the summer, or the peak season, you may also find that the brands and models you want are completely out of stock. This can lead to you buying something that doesn’t work in the way you want it to and is potentially twice the price due to increased demand. To avoid disappointment, you need to be smart with your purchases and buy off-season. 

How to Choose the Perfect Portable Air Conditioner 

Of course, you also need to make sure that you’re picking a model that comes with all the features you want. One of the big ones is an air conditioner that also has the ability to act as a dehumidifier. This means it can keep your house cool while also removing excess moisture from the air. 

Sometimes they can even be paired with an air purifier to help clean the air in your home and relieve it of toxins and common allergens. This is ideal for those with asthma and allergies, because even collecting allergens like pet dander and dust mites to keep your respiratory system safe. Mould and bacteria can be eliminated by air purifiers, making them a fantastic investment. 

One that comes with a window kit included is a great investment as well. This saves you time and money but also makes the installation process so much easier. Window kits ensure that you can funnel the excess air out of the house safely without compromising how well-sealed your windows are. 

Automatic shutdown is essential in case the portable air conditioner overheats or leaks. This helps to prevent fires and will keep you safe if something goes wrong. Most models have this, but there are some that don’t so make sure you check your chosen AC unit carefully before you commit to the purchase. 

To Conclude

When you buy your portable air conditioner, make sure you go out of season to ensure the best results and a fantastic price. Quality doesn’t always have to cost the world, especially when you are smart about what you buy. Plus, you’re likely to find some fantastic models that are packed with exceptional additional features that will enhance your experience. 

Portable air conditioners are incredibly handy to have. They save space in your home as well as hefty installation costs, while also keeping your whole family cool throughout the summer. Setting the exhaust system up couldn’t be simpler, which is hugely beneficial to those who don’t want the hassle of a lot of DIY work. But what about dual hose portable air conditioners? What are they, and what are the benefits of having a dual hose portable air conditioner?

What is a Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner?

The dual hose portable air conditioner is different from its single counterpart in that it has two separate exhaust hoses. One of these acts as the standard air exhaust hose, while the other takes in air from the outside. But why does it have two hoses in the first place? 

The exhaust hose gets rid of all the hot air created by the unit, keeping the indoor air cool and pushing that unwanted warmth outside. The second hose helps to cool the compressor within the portable AC unit, using outside air to keep things running smoothly and prevent overheating. 

While both a single and a dual portable air conditioner have cooling technology and features included in their design, the use of two hoses makes this a much more efficient process. Therefore, it’s often worth the extra expense. 

What are the Benefits of a Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner? 

We’ve already touched on the increased efficiency of a dual hose machine, allowing for the system to be cooled quickly and also saving money on your energy bill as less electricity is being used to keep it running throughout the day. 

It has a better life expectancy than the models with a single hose. This is because the single hose portable air conditioners have a lot more unfiltered air going through them, leading to clogs and blockages that can ultimately lead to your portable air conditioner breaking down before its time.

The dual hose air conditioner works similarly to a central unit, which makes it a bargain for what it is as well as way more efficient and convenient. Additionally, its ability to remove allergens and pesky particles from the air makes it more beneficial to your health — especially for those who suffer from allergies. 

What are the Downsides to a Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner? 

The main disadvantage is the price, as it’s a lot more expensive than a single hose model because of the added functionality. However, it’s worth the added expense for a portable air conditioner with all of the benefits in the previous system. 

Having an extra hose also means an additional window kit to make sure that they are filtering and operating correctly to keep the cool air flowing and the system itself cool. This can be a little fiddly, but it’s worth it for a machine that has greater capabilities and versatility. 

To Conclude 

Portable air conditioners are an absolute must for any home during the humid summer months. Choosing a dual-hose model might seem more expensive right off the bat, but you’re getting a more efficient machine that is also likely to last a lot longer than a single hose portable air conditioner. 

The disadvantages of a dual hose machine are minimal when compared to the advantages of having one, so if you’re going to pick one, make sure it comes with two hoses instead of one — your energy bill will thank you. 

It goes without saying that babies need clean circulated air that is neither too cold nor too hot. Since little kids breathe faster, they inhale more air than we do, meaning the quality of this air should be uncompromising. Cold air can lead to serious respiratory illness and colds, while high temperatures combined with humidity can cause rashes, dermatitis, fungal infections, and even heatstroke. As a responsible parent, your job is to ensure a stable and comfortable temperature in the nursery. Many parents rely on climate control systems to adjust the room temperature, but are portable air conditioners safe for babies?

So — Are They? 

We trust air conditioners to create a comfortable environment in our houses and save us from sweltering. What’s good for an adult is usually always good for a little one. However, you must understand that your notion of “good” and comfortable is probably slightly different from what’s best for babies. You might enjoy chilling +20C in your home, but that’s going to be too cold for your kid. In fact, the ideal temperature for nurseries is somewhere between 23C and 26C. As long as you keep your baby’s needs in mind and consider some precautions, a portable air conditioner for a nursery is completely safe.

Things to Consider When Installing a Portable Air Conditioner in a Nursery

The possibility of hypothermia due to too low temperature in the room is always there, especially when it comes to a fragile baby’s body. Although pediatricians have defined a temperature range that most babies will be comfortable with, your little one may not fit within that range. To find out which temperature best suits their physiology, you can first set your portable air conditioner to 26C degrees and observe their body’s reaction. Check the back of their neck — if it’s wet and hot then your baby is still hot. You need to gradually lower the temperature by 1-2 degrees until you find the one that your baby likes the most.

Keep it in mind that even relatively comfortable ambient temperatures can cause hypothermia. If your baby’s cradle is in close proximity to AC’s vents, they could be exposed to extremely cold air. Indeed, the air coming directly from an air conditioner will be much cooler than the temperature you set on the thermostat. In no case should your baby be near these air currents. After all, the task of an air conditioner is to cool the room and not a little human. Therefore, before leaving your baby alone in their room, you need to make sure that a portable air conditioner is not blowing on them.

One more important thing to consider is how clean your portable AC is. No, it’s not about its external neatness but rather about how clean it is from the inside. An aircon makes air and everything it contains including dust particles, pollutants, and fungal spores pass through its innards. All this muck settles on the filter and after a while, it must be cleaned or replaced. If you do not do this in a timely manner, the pollutants will get back into the air, and naturally this is not good for your child’s health.

Air Conditioner vs Natural Ventilation

 Many parents are concerned that air conditioning might be harmful to their children. Indeed, if you do not take the precautions we have just described, the risk of hypothermia and illnesses is extremely high. For this reason, many people prefer natural ventilation over portable air conditioners. But is it the best alternative?

Ventilation is certainly important, and you just need to open a window several times a day to let in the fresh air. But will natural ventilation help maintain a comfortable ambient temperature in the nursery? This is doubtful. If it’s hot outside, the flow of warm air will not help lower the temperature in the room. And if this hot air is also humid, it doubles the potential threat to your baby’s well-being. A humid, hot environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Even if you live in a temperate climate and hot days are rare, natural ventilation can do more harm than good. The cool breeze blowing from the window and a small child are incompatible. If your child’s room is small, it may be challenging to provide airing so that the flow does not affect the baby.

Natural ventilation has its limitations and disadvantages. However, it cannot be neglected. The best thing you can do for your child’s health is to combine airing and air conditioning. If you adhere to certain safety rules, both ventilation and a portable air conditioner will be absolutely safe.

During the summer, many people suffer from unbearable heat that goes hand in hand with high humidity. If the air in your house is excessively humid, you will soon notice mold flourishing on the walls and the ceiling. Let alone breathing a dense hot air is a sheer torture! Because you have two interconnected issues — heat and humidity — does it mean that you need two solutions to cool and dehumidify separately? Or maybe there is a solution that kills two birds with one stone?

If you’re lucky to live in a house with a central AC system or a window unit, you probably noticed that the air gets drier when you turn it on. It’s true that these types of conditioners produce a dehumidifying effect, although it’s not their primary job. So if you have one of these, you shouldn’t worry about purchasing a standalone dehumidifier. But what about portable models? Are all portable air conditioners dehumidifiers? Or maybe they have to sacrifice their moisture-absorbing ability for the sake of portability? Let’s learn if dehumidification is within their scope of tasks.

How Portable Air Conditioners Work

To answer the question of whether or not portable conditioners are also dehumidifiers, we first need to take a look at their principle of operation.

Every portable AC device will have three critical components: a fan, compressor, and refrigerant. A fan helps suck the hot air in and pass it down to cold coils. These coils are filled with refrigerant gas that is responsible for the cooling effect. While the air gets colder, the moisture present in it settles on the coils as frost or water drops. Have you ever noticed how a glass of icy water gets sweaty on a hot day? Something like that happens within an air conditioner.

After a portable AC extracted moisture out of cooling air, it gives the air off into a room. At the same time, water condensate along with exhaust heat produced by the system as it works is discharged via a hose through the window or drainage system.

So what we just learned about portable air conditioners suggests that they really are dehumidifiers. Although dehumidification isn’t their primary goal, the way they operate allows removing moisture out of the air and vent it out outside the house. Because moisture doesn’t suck back in, the air in the room gets progressively drier the longer an air conditioner operates. 

Are Portable ACs Better Than Dehumidifiers Then? 

Saying that portable air conditioners are better than their dehumidifying counterparts isn’t exactly correct. Although both devices work in a pretty similar way — they remove moisture from the air through rapid cooling and occurrence of condensation — the scenarios of their applications are slightly different.

Air conditioners cool the air. As they operate, they produce some heat but they make sure to vent it out outside so that the temperature inside a room drops down faster. Therefore, they become lifesavers in the summer.

Dehumidifiers, since they have cold coils, also cool the air to some extent. However, their design does not envision the removal of hot air generated during their operation, so they are not able to significantly lower the ambient temperature. They actually raise the temperature a little bit because hot air flows into the room. You may experience a slight cooling effect because dry air feels cooler than hot air, but a thermostat will not detect any notable temperature shifts.

Because dehumidifiers warm more than they cool, you can use them during the cold season. Although indoor air is usually not so humid in winter, poor ventilation in the kitchen or bathroom will undoubtedly lead to condensation. Unless you’re a fan of fungus, a dehumidifier will come very in handy.

The bottom line is that you can use a portable air conditioner as a dehumidifier. On the other hand, you can’t utilize a dehumidifier as an air conditioner unless you’d like to make the air a tad warmer — but yes, less humid.