How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?

As the months roll over slowly and steadily, it’ll be time for summers sooner than you will realise. While it would be a respite from the chilly months, the heat is not as much fun either. That’s where a portable air conditioner comes in!

Convenient to store and move around and practical with its cooling system – portable air conditioners offer all this and then some more!

Let’s take a look at what portable air conditioners are, how they work, and why you must invest in one of them!

Key Takeaways

• Portable air conditioners are convenient, compact, and cooling units that can be easily moved around and require minimal installation, making them suitable for small rooms like home offices.
• They function by sucking in warm air, cooling it through a refrigeration cycle, and releasing cool air back into the room while expelling heat and moisture through an exhaust hose.
• Portable air conditioners come in single and dual types. Dual hose units are more energy-efficient as they draw in fresh outside air, while single hose units can create negative pressure in the room.

What is a Portable Air Conditioner?

Portable air conditioners can be defined in 3 Cs – convenience, compact, and cooling. It’s a self-contained device with wheels on the bottom, so you can quickly move it around. Place it next to an electricity socket and a window, and you’re all set!

Also referred to as a stand-up air conditioner, the placement and movement with this portable unit are simply effortless. It requires zero installation and offers spot-on cooling, especially great for separate and small rooms like house offices.

What’s not to like about portable air conditioners in the UK?

Functioning of a Portable Air Conditioner

A portable air conditioner comes with pretty same components as other air conditioners. Let’s elaborate on the same:

• Fan: it helps to circulate the cold air around the room
• Evaporator coil with refrigerant: this component is responsible for the cooling process and turning hot air into the cold air
• Compressor: for a flawless condensation process, the compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant
• Condenser coil: when the refrigerant gets hot after a while, the condenser coil cools it down

Now, much like any other air conditioner, a portable air conditioner works the same way.

The air conditioner fan sucks in the warm air from the room. The coils cool down the hot air, extracting all the moisture from the air. Then, the cool, nice air is released back into the room.

It’s all thanks to the refrigerant, which acts as a heat exchange medium. It compresses and then rapidly expands, cooling it all down. So, when the warm air is sucked in, the compressor compresses it down, squeezing out all the heat from the air.

The cold air is pumped back indoors. The residual heat from the hot air is expelled out through an exhaust hose. So, you will likely find an exhaust vent in most portable AC units.

There are three ways to remove it from the system for all the moisture collected by the portable air conditioner.

• Internal bucket: Using an old model of portable AC unit, you will likely find an inner bucket that stores the water. It requires a quick, manual removal every once in a while.
• Self-Evaporation: New models of portable AC units utilise the self-evaporation technique. The moisture collected is dumped out through the exhaust hose and the residual hot air.
• Gravity drain hose: Again, it employs a hose that pumps the water out in the outdoor air.

Only one difference distinguishes the portable AC unit from the more traditional, different air conditioners. It’s how all the processing units are put together in a single standalone machine. The smaller the portable AC unit, the closer the refrigeration cycle.

Battle of Single-Hose vs Dual-Hose Portable Portable Air Conditioning Unit

When picking a portable air conditioner, you will have two options: a single hose or a dual hose mobile AC unit. You can’t make a pick before you understand how either one functions, so let’s take a look!

How do Single Hose Units Operate?

Single hose portable air conditioners are more affordable, easier to install, and a tad more popular than others. It comes with a single exhaust hose.

The functioning is relatively simple as the AC unit pulls the indoor air, cools it down, and releases it back into the room. All the excess moisture and heat collected throughout the cooling process is expelled from the exhaust vent.

Although, there is one problem with a single hose AC unit.

It constantly pulls in the indoor air and cools it down. There is no replacement of air occurring during this process since there is only one hose. So, it essentially creates negative pressure in the room. That, in turn, draws air from other multiple rooms through the gaps between the doors and windows.

The AC unit has to work double to constantly keep the air in one room cool, impacting the unit’s efficiency. So, make sure there is proper insulation and the hot, humid air from other rooms does not seep in your room.

How do Dual Hose Units Operate?

A dual hose portable air conditioning unit comes with two hoses. While the presence of double hoses makes them harder to install and a bit more expensive, their energy efficiency is a lot better. Instead of recycling the indoor air, it draws in fresh air from outside the room.

One exhaust hose expels all the heat and moisture collected during the cooling process. The other hose pulls in outside air, cools it down to the required temperature, and pumps it inside the indoor room. It eradicates the problem of negative pressure.

Since there are two hoses, the AC unit doesn’t have to cool down the room air constantly. So, it’s more efficient than a single hose AC unit. Additionally, it replaces the inside air with the fresh, outdoor air speeding the whole cooling process.

How to Maintain Portable Air Conditioning Units?

For any machine to work at its prime optimum state, it’s significant to maintain it as well as you can. It will help the air conditioning unit to last longer and work better.

But, what’s the right way to maintain portable AC units?

Since the portable air conditioner has no ducts, it’s essential to maintain the air filter by properly cleansing and changing it. It mostly depends on your usage level, but as a thumb rule, cleaning the air filter every 15 to 30 days is excellent.

Additionally, if you have a pet, you might need to clean the air vents and filters even more often. The pet hair and dander can block the air purifiers and deteriorate the air quality.

Next, dump out the water reservoir to make sure that the sanctity and cleanliness of your room aren’t spoiled.

If your portable AC unit can transform itself into a portable heat pump, then it’s a perfect solution to fight off cold winters. But, if that’s not the case, it would be prudent to pack it away in winter.

Give a quick cleaning to the portable AC and ensure that the water tray doesn’t hold any moisture before you store it away. Otherwise, the next time you take the portable unit out, you may find mold growing on the damp water tray.

Soap water and washcloth work well to clean the portable AC unit. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight because that may negatively impact the AC unit’s colour.

The Ultimate Conflict: Are Portable AC units Better than Window Units and Central Air System?

All said and done, but the biggest question remains: Are portable AC units better than a window air conditioner? Better than a central air conditioning system?

Why is Portable AC Better?

The most attractive thing about portable air conditioning units is the easy installation process. It comes with a window kit, which allows you to place an exhaust hose through which the heat is dumped outside.

Many homeowners have an issue with the air conditioning unit stuck outside the window. But, with a portable conditioner, nothing is sticking out of the window. So, that issue is resolved, too.

Additionally, you can move portable AC units to whichever room requires cooled air. So, depending on your needs, you can shift the portable AC. It is not the case with window units, which are firmly fixed in one place.

Let’s not forget the installation flexibility! You can use an extended portable AC installation kit and install the unit through the door. No windows involved!

If that wasn’t enough, you could employ the portable units through the ceiling vents, too! With a ceiling vent installation kit, installing portable units become effortless!

It offers you excellent mobility and less of a headache when it comes to installation. Use as per your need!

Why is Window Unit Better?

If you prefer your living space to be decluttered, then a window air conditioner might be one for you. Since it does not stand inside your room and is installed on the window, it hogs no space at all.

The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient and effective cooling with window units. So, it might slightly be more energy-efficient due to the BTU rating.

Window units also offer several other features like timers, thermostats, and remotes, but portable air conditioners may also provide the same. Depends on what model you choose!

You can also install some window conditioners through the wall if it comes with a particular installation kit. So, if you don’t have an appropriate window, this is an option you can explore.

Why is Central Air System Better?

Old HVAC systems often require a lot of space for installation, but the newer models also resolve that issue. They are more compact and easier to install. Although, nothing can beat portable air conditioners regarding ease of installation, movement and space.

What gives the central air conditioning system an edge over the others is its versatility. So, one can use HVAC systems during both hot and cold months. It provides both hot air and cool air, thus being more affordable and convenient.

Again, due to its simultaneous cooling and heating system installed in one place, maintaining it is also more streamlined and effortless.

The newer versions of central air systems are more eco-friendly and are a bit more energy-efficient, too.

What is the Verdict?

It solely depends on your requirement, your affordability, and the space available in your house. All three options offer something that the other options might not, whether it’s the ease to move it around or multi-purpose cooling and heating systems.

Your personal preference, along with the factors concerning your house, will play in your decision, along with well, the budget.

FAQs

There might still be some queries and doubts in your mind concerning the portable air conditioners. So, let’s quickly straighten out some of them!

What Factors to Consider Before Buying a Portable Air Conditioner?

There are three essential factors that you must think about before you invest in a portable air conditioner.

First, chalk out a budget. It will help you filter out your choices based on what you can afford.

Second, consider the space available in your room. It’s crucial to figure out which portable AC units might fit well in your area.

Third, pick out a modern model that fits your bill depending on the budget and space availability. Try to choose a dual-hose unit for better efficiency. Plus, if the model of your choice also offers a heating system, that’s even better. You can use it all around the year, then!

Is it Important to Have a Window Near the Portable Air Conditioner?

A portable air conditioner comes with an exhaust hose that needs a place to vent out. But that doesn’t specifically require a window. You can put the exhaust vent outside through the roof, door or wall.

Can You Leave the Portable Air Condition On the Entire Day?

A portable air conditioner may require manual water drainage, but if that’s not the case, you can leave the air conditioner running the entire day. Although, it would be best not to. Letting the air conditioner run while not in use would waste energy and considerably increase your energy bills.

How Energy Efficient are Portable Air Conditioners?

Generally, a portable air conditioner is not energy efficient.

While the portable air conditioners work, they expand heat, which increases the cooling time and process significantly. It just means that the unit will run for longer. So, per se, this is not an energy-saving solution, and your energy bills will see a noticeable change.

Are the Portable Air Conditioners Loud?

When the portable AC units work, they create quite a lot of noise. Since they are standing on the floor, the vibration area is increased, thus increasing the chances of noise. Choose a model that comes with a lower decibel rating. Plus, you can also keep a rug under the portable AC to mitigate the noise to some extent.

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

The preference for air conditioners over other heating methods in the UK has been on the rise in recent years. The increasing demand for cooling solutions reflects the growing need for effective climate control, particularly as summers become hotter and heatwaves more frequent.

Portable air conditioners offer the advantage of on-demand cooling, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable indoor environment. Their mobility and ease of installation make them a practical choice, and while they may not be the most energy-efficient option, their convenience makes them a viable solution for seasonal cooling needs. So, this season, stay cool and comfortable with the convenience of portable air conditioning units, regardless of the external temperature.