Whether you’re deciding to purchase a portable air conditioner or not, you’ll want to know all the facts about what they can and cannot do. For example, how much noise they make, how much BTUs they can deliver, and how much energy they consume.
BTU rating
Getting the right BTU rating for your portable air conditioner is a key factor in selecting the best unit. A higher BTU rating indicates a higher cooling capacity. Choosing the right air conditioner is important to save energy, which can help lower your bills.
Portable air conditioners are rated using two different methods. One is the BTU ASHRAE rating, which measures cooling power based on 80degF dry-bulb temperature. The other is the BTU SACC rating, which uses a weighted average to account for other real-life conditions.
The BTU ASHRAE rating is an old standard that is still used by HVAC professionals. However, this is not the best method to determine the cooling power of an air conditioner.
The Department of Energy recently developed a new BTU rating for portable air conditioners. This new rating is called the Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity (SACC) rating. This new rating was created to better account for changing conditions and infiltration air.
EER rating
Choosing an air conditioner with high EER rating means less electricity and fewer energy bills. Purchasing an air conditioner with a high EER rating will also help protect the environment.
An air conditioner’s EER rating is determined by calculating the efficiency of the unit at fixed indoor and outdoor temperatures. It is the ratio of a unit’s cooling capacity to its power consumption during normal operation. It is most often used to determine energy efficiency of room air conditioners.
CEER, or Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio, was created by the Department of Energy in 2014. It is a standard measurement of an air conditioner’s efficiency. It takes into account the standby mode.
If you are looking for an air conditioner with high EER rating, you’ll also need to make sure it has advanced features. High-speed compressors and other advanced technologies make energy-efficient air conditioners more durable and effective.
Noise levels
Depending on the room, a portable air conditioner can make a lot of noise. This can be annoying, especially if you’re trying to watch TV or talk to someone. There are a few things you can do to reduce the noise.
For example, you can place the portable AC on a rug or soft surface to lessen the vibration. Then, you can turn the fan on a lower setting. You can also set it to sleep mode to keep the noise to a minimum.
In general, portable air conditioners produce noise levels between 50 and 70 decibels. While this is not an official number, it’s a good rule of thumb. A small increase in the decibel level can make a big difference.
If you’re prone to hearing loss, you should experiment with different settings. You might even want to consider a sound dohm for your bedroom.
Weight
Generally speaking, portable air conditioners waste a lot of electricity. The amount depends on the size of the room and the type of AC you are using. They are not as energy efficient as window air conditioners.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is an indicator of how well the unit uses energy. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity by the average power consumption. It is more common to see this figure on window air conditioners than on portable air conditioners.
In a new round of tests, the Department of Energy has lowered the rating on all portable air conditioners. The new rating is based on a calculation that assumes that 80 percent of people will run their air conditioners at 83degF. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story.
Cost
Getting a portable air conditioner is a great way to keep you cool in the summer. However, the cost of portable air conditioners can vary greatly, depending on several factors. These include the type of portable air conditioner you want, your personal preferences, and your budget.
A typical portable AC can cost between $250 and $500, depending on its features and design. In addition to the air conditioner itself, you will also need to purchase a condenser coil, which will be the costliest component of your portable AC.
Portable ACs are typically more expensive than window air conditioners. The cost of portable air conditioners is influenced by the type of materials used, the design of the unit, the power output, and the market dynamics.
Most portable ACs are designed to work in conjunction with a home A/C unit. This dual hose system allows cold air to spread evenly and quickly.
