How do portable air conditioners (AC) work?

We are all acquainted with the traditional variants of air conditioners. However, in the recent, portable air conditioners have been gaining quite a recognition. They are an amazing option when it comes to cooling a specific room. Plus, the portable variants also serve as an amazing device for assisting the central units that do not keep up with the increasing demands within a commercial or residential space. Any machine, however durable it is, will need the keen eyes of professional maintenance service providers. In such cases, make sure you consider expert help from service providers for air conditioning repair, Fort Worth, TX.

For example, imagine that the central AC located within your commercial space is designed to fit the needs of 100 people. Now, you are conducting a seminar, and there is an unprecedented rush of 500 individuals within the building. In such cases, your central AC might not be able to cool down the premise as per your requirements.

So, how does the portable air conditioner help in this case?

In this scenario, introducing a portable air conditioner will allow the temperature of the room to be constant without exerting much pressure on the central AC.

In our blog post, we will address all the common questions related to portable air conditioners and how they work. With the guide’s end, you will surely understand the portable air conditioners in a much better way.

So, without any delay, let’s get into the workings of this cooling machine!

Basic Requirement of Portable Air Conditioners

Depending on the model of the portable air conditioner, the basic requirements will be evidently different. The central theme of a portable air conditioner is the removal of hot air within the space & cooling it simultaneously. Due to this feature, these units require a method to remove the warm air and vent it somewhere else. The common methodology opted for the same is through outside windows. However, you might find some models that come with exhausts that are present within the drop ceilings or walls within the house.

After your technician for air conditioning repair, Dallas, TX, is done setting up the exhaust, all you have to do is plug the AC unit & hit the start button.

  • Most of the portable AC units can function efficiently with the generic 115-120 Volt Power
  • They will not require any special plug-in outlet or specific wiring system
  • However, these units tend to consume 14000 BTUs or more which might require them to have a separate circuit to avoid load shedding
  • Make sure you check the user manual and assure that the set-up is done in a proper manner

As you already know, most air conditioners tend to consume a large amount of the overall energy consumption within the home, it is critical that you opt for circuitry that doesn’t lead to load shedding.

Use of Portable ACs in One Room or More

Depending on the particular portable unit, you can cool multiple rooms or adjacent rooms in one go. Just like the generic ACs, these machines have the capability to cool down the concerned area. However, the cooled air has the capability to travel all the way to long hallways/doorways that are connected in some way or other with the room.

If you plan on cooling 2 different rooms with very large openings amid them, it might bring the temperature down, but the temperature between these spaces might not be the same. For small spaces, you don’t actually need large units. So, depending on the size of the space and the model of your portable AC, you can cool down one or more rooms. When it comes to the installation of such units, it is advised that you opt for professional services by technicians for AC repair, Plano, TX.

Portable ACs: Single vs. Dual Hose

The way portable ACs work for cooling down the room is via the use of the hose that is vented towards the outer periphery of the residential or commercial space. Portable air conditioners will either come with one or two exhaust hose designated for passing hot air.

If the unit picked by you has just one hose, the AC will take air from your room within which it has been placed and returns most of it post-cooling. However, a small chunk of air tends to get removed during the process which might lead to negative pressure within the space.

On the other hand, with units that come with two hoses, the first is designated for bringing in air and the other for taking the hot air outside. Portable ACs with dual hoses do not create any negative pressure. However, given the design, it can lead to decreased efficiency. If you are worried about the decreasing efficiency of your portable AC, you can always seek help from expert technicians for AC repair, Dallas, TX.

Can the Portable AC’s Exhaust Hose be extended?

When it comes to the extension of exhaust hose in portable ACs, the same isn’t something you should opt for.

Why?

This is due to the fact that the machine has been designed to fit a specific hose length. However, extending the existing hose might cause the unit to experience overheating or decreased efficiency. Further, it might also void the warranty provided by the manufacturer of the unit.

Venting via Sliding Doors or Windows

Most of the portable ACs can be vented through the use of sliding glass doors or windows. However, you might need to use the window kit to do so. It can also be used with traditional windows. When it comes to using sliding doors, the process can be rather tedious and complicated. The window kits do not have enough length to fit well with the complete height of your door. You might have to consider the use of two different installation kits.

Plus, you need to use plywood or Styrofoam to cover any open area in the sliding door. This provides proper insulation within the room. Regardless, you need to cross-check the user-manual to assure that the fitting process is done properly. If you aren’t sure of how to do that, you can always seek help from service providers for air conditioning repair, Plano, TX.

Conclusion

This is all that you need to know about portable variants of air conditioning units. They usually require regular moisture removal. Your portable AC unit might have buckets installed within the same. So, make sure you empty it whenever the need is, depending on the bucket’s water holding capacity. In general, your portable ACs will need to have their buckets emptied after every eight hours. However, this duration can vary depending upon the moisture content inside the room and the temperature outside the premise.

Looking for a reliable technician for your portable AC repair, Fort Worth, TX? At Enertia HVAC/R, we provide top-notch services for HVAC repair, replacement, installation, as well as maintenance needs. We ensure that all parts embedded within your HVAC system are of top-quality and bring you a promise of longevity for years to come.

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