Are Portable Air Conditioners Safe?

Are you planning to buy a portable air conditioner? If yes, then this blog is for you!

Portable air conditioners are gaining precedence all over the world and some brands are immensely popular now. Nevertheless, a general understanding and research on such portable air conditioners and their workings are a must before investing in one.

To help you with precisely this, we delve into some of its key aspects that you should consider before investing in one. So, read on!

Key Takeaways

• Portable air conditioners are generally safe to use, but they may not provide the same level of fresh air circulation as window units, potentially affecting indoor air quality.
• When using a portable air conditioner around babies, ensure the room temperature is suitable, avoid directing cold air at the baby, and keep the unit out of the child’s reach.
• To make portable air conditioner units safer and more effective, proper installation, using ceiling or portable fans, and blocking sunlight can enhance their performance.

Safety Aspects of A Portable Air Conditioner

The answer to whether a portable air conditioning system is safe is, yes but with some reservations.

Eczema episodes can be greatly triggered by the change in temperature and humidity. Air conditioning thus helps maintain a comfortable and cool temperature inside the home and helps you steer clear of these problems.

Moreover, combining air conditioning with air filtration can help avoid health issues for these filters remove VOCs, allergens, viruses, and cigarette smoke, and provide greater health benefits.

However, the biggest catch to using a portable unit is that they aren’t as safe as a window air conditioner. This is because portable AC units do not bring in fresh air while cooling.

One tends to instead breathe the same air repeatedly in a closed system which may lead to some breathing issues in the long run. Moreover, indoor air quality has a huge impact on allergies, asthma, and other atopic conditions.

To delve into the safety aspects of such units further, let’s delve deeper into some more things that should be considered.

Portable AC and Your New-Born Baby

A small portable air conditioner works well for new-born babies, and even more so during the summers. But we do suggest you take some precautions while using the AC unit.

Firstly, you need to ensure that the temperature is appropriate for a baby. It should be in the low 70s. Moreover, the cold air stream should not be directed at the baby.

Additionally, the AC unit should be far from the child’s reach to avoid any mishappenings or accidents. We strongly recommend dressing your baby in proper clothing and covering their heads and ears in air-conditioned rooms.

Lastly, the portable air conditioner should be in good working condition to avoid any negative effects on the new-born baby due to poor functionality.

Portable AC and Your Pet

Portable air conditions are safe to use around your pets but we would still recommend going for units with automatic shut-off and the tip-over prevention feature to reduce accident risks.

Certain pets such as dogs have a habit of overheating. Therefore, portable air conditioners help minimize heat-related health issues in dogs.

Next, let’s understand the working of portable air conditioners to use them as safely as possible.

How Does a Portable AC Unit Work?

In the case of any air conditioner, the heat must leave the unit. This is the basic principle behind air purification and producing cool air.

Window AC units are set up in windows, for the heat to leave into the atmosphere and not move around in your room. In the case of portable air conditioners that sit on the floor, the exhaust hose is responsible for removing the warm air inside.

This means that it is essential that you look at the length of the hose of the portable air unit before buying it, which should be around 5 feet. You might need some extra length if you are installing it in a difficult position.

Unlike window AC units, if you want to move the unit to another room, you will have to re-adjust this hose to reduce the hot air.

Additionally, these portable units also have a special feature- dehumidifying. This removes the extra moisture in small spaces which is often not available in a split system or window AC. This means that on days with excess humidity, you use can the portable unit as a non-cooling dehumidifier.

Lastly, you should be mindful of the space size and weather severity that the portable unit can handle. A window unit or non-portable air conditioner on the other hand works better in more unpredictable situations and has a wider spectrum of cooling capacities.

How Can You Make Portable Air Conditioner Units Safer to Use?

If you wish to purchase a portable air conditioner, certain steps can be adopted to make the experience very safe and effective for your home.

Installation Should Be Proper

If you don’t want warm air in your already cooled room, we strongly suggest making sure to install the portable units properly.

Follow the manual closely for the instructions and ensure the connections are tight enough without any gaps.

Using a Ceiling Fan

Many experts suggest that you should try to use a portable unit with a ceiling fan or portable fan. Both of them together can provide you with the desired temperature in your living space faster.

Block the Sun

We recommend you stop the sunlight from entering with the help of shades and curtains. This can overheat the room and reduce the overall performance of a portable AC.

What Are the Negatives of Using a Portable AC?

Along with the many benefits such as low running costs, easy installation, and the fact that they are easy to move, there are also many disadvantages to using a portable AC unit. These include:

Noise

The portable unit runs with a compressor motor and a fan which means that the system will produce greater sound. This noise can also be caused by picking the wrong size of air conditioning unit concerning the space of one’s room.

Additionally, forcing the unit to work at full power at all times too can add to the noise. In such cases, you can carpet the floor to muffle the noise caused by the vibrations.

Usage of Energy

CEER stands for the ‘Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio’ for air conditioning. This value is based according to the amount of energy required during the running of the unit. Higher this rating, greater the efficiency, and this eventually result in low energy bills.

Since portable AC units are not very energy efficient you can use the sleep or timer mode to reduce this energy bill.

Environment

Room air conditioning as a whole has many negative effects on the environment and promotes climate change. You should therefore invest in proper maintenance, recycle the refrigerants, and seek EPA certified reclamation for better efficiency to reduce the impact on the environment.

One Room

Since portable ACs have a one-directional flow, you will be able to cool down the heat in only one room at a time. This is why they work best with small spaces where the British thermal units do not have to be extremely low.

If you want cooled air for a bigger space, we recommend you to go for a more permanent air conditioner.

Case Study: Ensuring the Safety and Efficiency of Portable Air Conditioners

Background

At Heat Pump Source, we frequently advise customers on the best cooling solutions for their homes. A recent client, a young family living in a two-bedroom flat, was concerned about the safety of using a portable air conditioner, particularly around their newborn baby and pets. The family sought our guidance to ensure they could use the unit safely and efficiently.

Project Overview

The goal was to assess and implement best practices for the safe use of a portable air conditioner in the client’s home, addressing concerns about indoor air quality, temperature regulation, and potential safety hazards.

Implementation

1. Needs Assessment: We evaluated the size of the rooms, the layout of the flat, and the presence of vulnerable individuals (a newborn and pets) to determine the most suitable type of portable air conditioner.
2. Unit Selection: A portable unit with a suitable BTU rating was selected to match the room sizes, ensuring efficient cooling without excessive energy use.
3. Installation and Placement: We provided detailed instructions on proper installation, emphasizing the importance of securing the exhaust hose to prevent hot air from re-entering the room. The unit was placed in a location where it could operate effectively without obstruction.
4. Safety Measures: The family was advised to set the temperature to a comfortable range, avoid placing the unit near the baby’s crib, and use the unit’s features, such as a programmable timer, to maintain a consistent and safe environment.
5. Maintenance Guidance: We instructed the client on regular maintenance, including cleaning filters and ensuring the exhaust hose was free from obstructions, to maintain air quality and unit efficiency.

Results

• Enhanced Safety: By following our guidelines, the family was able to use the portable air conditioner safely around their newborn and pets, avoiding direct exposure to cold air and potential overheating.
• Improved Air Quality: Regular maintenance and proper ventilation helped maintain good indoor air quality, addressing concerns about potential respiratory issues from recirculated air.
• Efficient Cooling: The unit provided effective cooling in the specified areas, allowing the family to maintain a comfortable indoor environment during the summer months.
• Cost Management: The use of a programmable timer and the selection of an appropriately sized unit helped the family manage their energy consumption and costs effectively.

Summary

Portable air conditioners can be a safe and efficient solution for home cooling needs, provided they are used correctly. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and careful placement are crucial to ensuring safety and performance, particularly in households with vulnerable individuals. By following best practices, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of portable air conditioning while mitigating potential risks. At Heat Pump Source, we continue to provide expert advice and support to ensure our clients’ comfort and safety.

Expert Insights About Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners provide a convenient and versatile solution for cooling specific areas of your home without permanent installation. While generally safe, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation to maintain good air quality, especially when used in smaller, enclosed spaces.

HVAC Systems Specialist

To optimise the safety and efficiency of portable air conditioners, regular maintenance and proper setup are key. This includes checking the exhaust hose for secure installation and ensuring that the unit is placed away from walls and furniture to avoid overheating.

Safety and Compliance Officer

Using a portable air conditioner around vulnerable individuals, such as infants or pets, requires extra caution. Always set the temperature to a comfortable level, avoid direct cold air exposure, and place the unit out of reach to prevent accidents.

Residential HVAC Consultant

Heat Pump Source: Reliable Heating and Cooling Solutions

At Heat Pump Source, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to serving the UK with top-tier HVAC solutions. From the efficiency of heat pumps and the cool relief of air conditioning to the warmth of boilers, radiators, and underfloor heating, our dedicated team is always at the forefront of innovation. We understand the unique needs of every household and business, and we strive to provide dependable health and cooling products and services that are tailored just for you. Ensuring your comfort and satisfaction is our utmost priority. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require support, we’re always here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re eager to be of service.

Wrapping up

So, folks, this is our take on the overall safety and usage of portable air conditioners. With some steps such as proper maintenance, monitoring, certifications, and spacing, you will be able to make the most of your portable air conditioning.

If in any case, it does not work for you, you can always resort to window AC units.