The 5 Best Portable Air Conditioners in 2022 | Rare Techy

Air carrier FAQs

What should you look for in a portable air conditioner?

When shopping for a portable device, consider the size of your window, the size of the room, and the additional features you need. You need the appropriate Btu rating for your room size (see below). Also, find an AC with window tape that fits your window.

What is a Btu?

An international measurement of energy, Btu measures the amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water at sea level by 1 degree Fahrenheit. In the world of ACs, the Btu rating describes how much heat a portable AC removes from a room per hour.

How many Btu does it take to cool your room?

You need 5,000 DOE Btu for a 150-square-foot room, 6,000 Btu for a 250 sq. ft., 8,000 Btu for 350 sq. ft., 10,000 Btu for 450 sq. , and 14,000 Btu for 700 sq.

The cost, size and weight of an air conditioner increases with the Btu rating. However, it is important that you get the right cooling skills for your room. The AC will not remove the humidity properly if the Btu rating for the space is too high. If it’s too small, the room won’t cool down enough.

Why do portable ACs have two Btu numbers?

According to Joanna Mauer, technical director for the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the DOE Btu rating is more accurate than the ASHRAE because it takes into account hot air infiltration and heat loss in appliances. tube

Mauer said that ASHRAE, the Btu manufacturer, does not account for the excess heat released into the room by the ductwork. There is also no uniform test standard.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) established standard tests to show how much heat is returned to the room. We highlight the DOE standards in our guide.

What do you do if you have an AC that doesn’t have enough Btu to cool a room?

Mauer recommends a clean filter. Also, during the day, close the curtains and blinds to reduce the heat in the room. Finally, he said to operate the fan to circulate the cold air.

Which is better: a portable air conditioner or a window/room heater?

According to Jones, window treatments are more efficient than portable units. In our tests, the best portable AC still used 60% more energy than our top window model. The window unit is cheaper and cools better.

We highly recommend buying a window AC if you have windows to support. Portable units are better if you don’t have single or double windows.

Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without a window?

Yes, but the hot air has to have a way to leave the space. Otherwise, the unit will not be able to provide the cooling benefits. Your portable AC needs a large opening for the cooling duct to let the heat out.

How do I clean and maintain my portable air conditioner?

To keep your portable air conditioner working properly, you should clean the filter at least once a month, more often if you’re using it. Below are some additional cleaning tips to ensure you get the most out of your unit.

Every week:

• Remove the coolness: Always remove the coolness that comes out of the cooling process. There are many portable units that are easy to install in water or a water hose. When you leave the AC on for a while, you need to remove the coolness to prevent mold from forming.
• Keep the tube short: You can improve ventilation efficiency and reduce dust and moisture by keeping the hose short and straight.
• Wash the outside down: Run a damp cloth over the outside of your device to remove dust.

Month:

• Clear the filter: The filter helps reduce allergens in your air and allows for better air circulation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how often to clean the filter. Vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner in place will get the job done. You can also wash the filter with water, but make sure it is completely dry before you put it back in.
• See description: To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, make sure to keep the insulation in place and seal any cracks. If your unit doesn’t come with foam seals, consider getting some inexpensive adhesive strips. Apply protection every time you move the AC.

Twice each time:

• Turn off the condenser coils: To access the cooling coils on the back of your unit, grab a screwdriver to remove the back panel. To keep your AC running smoothly, use a vacuum with a crevice attachment and run lightly over the coils. Do not press too hard. You don’t need to draw circles.