Portable Air Conditioner

The First timers Manual to Portable Air Conditioning

Jonathan — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:05:51 +0000

Almost 70 years have elapsed since the air conditioner was initially invented, but the Earth isn’t getting any colder! Though it is evolving into a virtual necessity even before summertime comes around, air conditioning is even now a luxury for a wide range of folks. A central air conditioning unit remains a costly acquisition for the home and may be unnecessary in more compact houses. It’s a good thing that portable air conditioning has landed as it’s a practical option for property owners who want to defeat the hot summers inexepensively.

An Examination

A portable air conditioning unit is distinct from a central cooling or wall-affixed system in that it’s compact and movable. Nearly all portable systems are 29-34 inches tall and weigh 30-36 kilograms. There’s absolutely no need to conduct a permanent installation when a portable air conditioner is implemented. This means walls can stay unchanged!

Occasionally, the words “portable air conditioner” and “portable air cooler” are made use of interchangeably, although this shouldn’t be the case. The former uses a compressor and Freon as a coolant, while the latter functions on the principle of water evaporation. With this in mind, portable air conditioners are able to cool a full home way more successfully than an air cooler, in addition to having a dehumidifying effect.

Just how Does It Do the job?

A homeowner or renter will require the following to be able to set up portable air conditioning:

Room for the machine
A power outlet
An exhaust vent for the hot air flow

The process of portable air conditioning is equivalent to old fashioned air conditioning units. The system cools an area by implementing a refrigerator cycle and Freon, as stated above. A portable air conditioner contains a box-frame incorporating hot and cold sides ?n addition to an exhaust hose used to expel hot air outdoors and is typically 5-7 feet long. The moisture build-up or condensation that results from cooling is reused to cool the equipment itself, although surplus condensate can occur once in a while.

There are two options to eradicate extra condensate:

Manual eradication – the condensate accumulates in a pail or plate inside of the unit and preferably should be purged from time to time.

Evaporative elimination – the condensate evaporates and is eliminated by the principal vent hose via a drop ceiling, window or wall.

Venting is mostly implemented through a window and can be accomplished utilizing an adaptor kit. This is generally included with a portable air conditioning machine. The kit will serve to keep the vent hose in place and additionally insulates the partially-open window or space.

Exactly where Can I Take advantage of One?

As a result of their small size and great flexibility, these air conditioners are ideal for smaller spaces that need quicker spot cooling. Good examples include flats, home offices, server rooms and any other location where setting up a big air conditioning system is unfeasible. In the interests of energy efficiency and fast cooling, they can be put to use in larger properties to cool down several selected rooms as well.

Why Should I Use One?

Effortless set up – a system can be shifted from one room to another without problem as it doesn’t need to be permanently fixed to anything.

Flexibility – a large number of, if not all, portable air conditioners are preloaded with rolling casters. That way, the device can be placed literally wherever you wish it to be and moving it isn’t going to give you a hernia in the process.

Multiple operation – not merely do they cool the air, the cooling method itself allows for the machine to behave as a dehumidifier. In addition, ever more portable air conditioners incorporate air cleaners to ensure cleaner air flow for the consumer.

Power efficiency – portable systems run you a great deal less to run ?n comparison to central air conditioning units owing to their more compact size. There is also significantly less power wastage where smaller sized systems are involved mainly because they’re ?n a position to cool a particular area a good deal more quickly.

Budget – the absence of installation charges, fundamental operating standards and the specifications of a portable air conditioning system aids to keep prices lower. A more electricity-efficient unit will set you back a little extra, but even this will be more affordable than the final price of a regular air conditioning machine. Maintenance of a portable device is also a good deal simpler and inexpensive, and it’s painless to execute small repairs on your own.

Portable Air Cons have come a long way since the advent of air conditioning and they are continually improving. Though often not as powerful as their stationary counterparts, the benefits they bring in cost, efficiency and flexibility make them a fantastic investment.

Air Conditioning: Evaluating Your Choices

Jonathan — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:24:56 +0000

If you’ve ever had to deal with the agonizing experience of those brutal, sweltering days combined with humid summer nights, you’ll undoubtedly be aware of the benefits of possessing an air conditioning system at your home. The advantages are countless and the relief of an air conditioned environment can’t be overstated.

Consider Your Choices

Similar to any other purchase, there is some need to do some research prior to parting with any precious cash and this fundamental research will pay rewards in the end, guaranteeing that the right sort of air conditioning unit is purchased. It’s not difficult to source the guidance as it is easily at your disposal through the Internet alone.

Portable Air Conditioners – The Flexible Option

Portable Air Conditioners are a good choice for smaller homes or rented homes on the grounds that they do not need to be permanently fitted into a wall or window. They do nonetheless require that the equipment be vented by positioning the bendable hose to a window, and all units provide kits which make it easy for the hose to be kept firmly in place. Foam is supplied which helps to insulate the opened window.

Portable Air Conditioners are quickly transferred from room to room as they usually have casters so they really are flexible choices and can be adaptable to an individual’s demands.

If you require something considerably more powerful, then you may perhaps want to decide on a Fixed Air Conditioning unit. These must remain fixed permanently by means of a window or external wall. These can be effective choices but they are expensive and can be noisy to use.

It is worth considering that a large number of units have supplementary features such as that of dehumidifying and also, heating when the weather turns icy.

It is worthwhile spending a little time taking into consideration the length and width of your surrounds because choosing a model that’s too small will just be insufficient and a waste of time and money. Too big a device will be inefficient and expensive.

If you are fighting to handle the high temperature on a daily basis, then look into the following things first to make sure that that your purchase is a happy one:

1. Breathing space – Gauge your surrounding open area diligently so that you opt for the air conditioning unit with enough power for the task.

2. Contemplate your preferences – would you rather a portable device so that it becomes an adaptable resource for your residence or would you give preference to a completely fixed unit?

3. Finances – Decide what you can pay for and then contemplate your own personal requirements. Air Conditioning Units are now significantly more economical but as it’s a longer term investment, take your time.

4. Atmosphere – Match your machine so that it integrates into your home and choose energy efficient designs.

The gains of acquiring air conditioning for your home are tremendous because they deliver the results to provide you with a relaxed atmosphere irrespective of the conditions and thus provide a long-term investment in your future. In muggy climates, they can even advance the saleability of your home. Once hooked up, the relief from those severe weather conditions will be instant and you are likely to ask yourself exactly how you ever managed to do with out.

The Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide

Jonathan — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:40:07 +0000

Nothing compares to the comfort of cool air on a hot summer day. But what do you do when there’s no central air conditioning? Because the weather is so pleasant most of the time, most buildings in Australia do not have central air, and may not even have window screens, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. When the temperature rises, a portable air conditioner can help you keep your cool without breaking into walls, reconfiguring windows, or altering the structure of a building in any way.

ADVANTAGES:

Portability
Lower energy costs
Environmentally friendly
Can be plugged into standard outlet
Lowers humidity
Provides heat without open flame

MOBILITY

Portable AC units allow you to take the cool air with you as you move from room to room, avoiding the expense of cooling an entire house or apartment full of unused rooms.

Because of their easy maneuverability and small size, portable AC units work well in apartments, workplaces, computer server rooms, or anywhere installing a traditional AC system may not be practical. Portable air conditioners commonly have caster wheels that allow them to be easily moved from room to room.

EASE OF USE

To install, be sure your portable unit is properly vented. This doesn’t mean it must be sitting in a window, but a flexible hose should be extended from the unit to the outside for venting purposes. Most portable ACs utilize standard electrical outlets.

While a central air conditioning system is a complex and expensive installation process, the portable AC unit is simple and easy enough for just about anyone to use.

VERSATILITY

While portable air conditioners are great for supplemental or spot cooling, many models also come with built-in heaters and/or air purifiers. Portable air conditioners remove moisture from the air, providing the added benefit of acting as a dehumidifier. Some units also include air purifiers, fans, and even space heaters. This kind of versatility means portable AC units can provide comfort in a variety of environments and interior spaces.

OTHER BENEFITS

Another problem portable a/c helps resolve is insects invading our inner spaces. Sometimes leaving the windows open isn’t an option due to the mozzies (mosquitos). Just one mozzie can really wreak havoc with a good night’s sleep.

Portable air conditioners often include air filters and sometimes even ionizers and activated carbon filters to help improve air quality. These features help decrease indoor pollutant levels. It has even been said that filtered air can improve immune system, and decrease the occurrence of asthma and allergy attacks.

A portable AC also helps with energy efficiency. One of the biggest advantages of using a portable air conditioner is the ability to cool only a specific area. Central air conditioning cools all rooms evenly, but portable air conditioners can provide more cooling for the warmest areas, such as the upstairs rooms, where heat rises.

If you have central air and you want just this one area cooled, you would have to lower the temperature of the entire house. So a portable air conditioner can save a lot of energy. By not having to turn down the thermostat to comfortably cool all living areas, you’ll save on energy and electricity, for a more “green” planet, as well as more green in your wallet!

Like many households, perhaps you have different family members who like their rooms cooler for sleeping, while other family members always feel too cold. A portable air conditioner could be the perfect solution to give everyone the comfortable climate they desire.

Portable fans and paddle fans are good for circulating air, but they can’t cool or heat it, nor do they reduce the humidity. For these benefits, look to portable ACs. If you have an area that needs cooling, but conventional air conditioners won’t work for you, a portable AC could be just what you have been looking for.

Horsepower, BTU’s, Kilowatts, Square Meters and more – know the Air Conditioning Lingo

Jonathan — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 07:34:38 +0000

You may have seen these terms posted on the box your air conditioner came in, or maybe you paid a bit of attention to the air conditioning repair man when he was telling you what the problem was. Heck, you may just be curious – and that’s good. Knowing air conditioning lingo could help improve your living conditions, and even save you a bit of money. Learning these could be a small time investment that just makes cents.

To Portable or not to Portable, that is the question

If you don’t have an in home air conditioning system, chances are you may have seen, or may be interested in buying a portable one. These don’t cool quite as well as a home unit, but they make up for this in versatility. Maybe you don’t need your whole house cooled. Maybe you have a small room or apartment that just doesn’t require a big ol’ air conditioning unit.

But which portable air conditioner should I pick? Well, they all have different functions, and as a general rule, you’ll get what you pay for. More specifically, though, the types can be broken down into:

Evaporative: Evaporative units are one of the cheaper units you can buy. This doesn’t make them a poor choice by any means. These air conditioners evaporate water and then pull fresh, outside air through the evaporated water. The downside to this is that the water doesn’t fill itself – that’s your job.
Single Hosed: This unit will draw in air and push it through a refrigerant area, where it will then be pushed back out to cool the room. The hose is then used to vent out excess hot air.
Double Hosed: These work similarly to the single hose units, however, they are a bit more powerful. Because of this added power, the second hose is necessary – it allows the unit to pull even more air to be cooled.
Heat and Cool Units / Reverse Cycle: These air conditioners don’t just provide you with cool air, but they provide heat too! They do this by doing the exact opposite of normal air conditioners. Where the others blow warm air out, these will suck it in. They sometimes have dehumidifiers with them, which will give you added control over the room’s humidity. Because they can do so much, they are often more expensive than the previously mentioned types.

These units will generally have filters (like home air conditioning units) and a drip tray (this collects excess moisture) that you need to occasionally empty. Filters need to be cleaned about once every two months to keep the air flowing and clean.

Now that you know the types, it’s important to find the correct energy requirements.

Kilowatts(kW) and BTU’s: These determine the amount of energy (electricity) used to power your air conditioning unit. Depending on the part of the world you live in, it is going to be either Kilowatts(kW) or BTU’s. The more energy your air conditioner uses, the cooler the area will become, and the more money it will cost to run the sucker.

However, if your air conditioning unit does not use enough energy, you will end up with a room that is not being cooled. Overworking the air conditioner, on the other hand, will just cost more money, and may even lead to it breaking (and you just bought it, too!). Because of this, it is important that you know how much energy it takes to cool an area. This way you aren’t wasting money, or over cooling/dampening the room.

A good rule of thumb is 80 watts (.080kW) per square meter for bedrooms, while for a living room you’ll want to go for 125 watts (.125kW) per square meter. That means if your bedroom is approximately six square meters, you’ll want to have an air conditioning unit running at about 480 watts (.48kW). For those using BTU’s, one watt is the equivalent of about 3.4 BTU’s. So you’re going to want to run about 272 BTU’s per square meter for bedrooms, and about 425 BTU’s per square meter for a living room area.

In addition to this, areas that get a lot of sunlight will require about 10% more energy to cool. So if your bedroom has a lot of windows like mine, tack on a bit more to your calculations.

A basic example might be:

Your browser may not support display of this image. If it was sunny in there, we’d then multiply .72 kilowatts by 1.1 (giving a total of .792 kilowatts to cool the room).

Horsepower: This is the speed which your air conditioner’s motor is running, and is also another way to find out how much energy is being used. 1 Horsepower (HP) is the equivalent of 2.55 kilowatts, or 2,550 watts, or 8,706 BTU.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): You may have also seen this on the box. Just as you would assume, this lets you know how efficiently your unit is running. The higher the EER, the cooler the air conditioner will make your area. So, if the rating on your air conditioner is 4, then it won’t require quite as much energy to cool down the area as say, an air conditioner with a rating of only 2. The higher EER ones will generally cost more initially, but they’ll save you money in the long run.

But what does this have to do with me? Well intrepid reader, picking the correct air conditioner and running your air conditioning unit at the proper energy levels will save you a lot of money AND keep your area well cooled at the same time. So don’t run your air conditioner to death, and know what you’re going to buy before you go shopping at the store. It’ll all pay off in the long run!

An Introduction to the Wonderful World of Air Conditioning

Jonathan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:24:15 +0000

If you have ever endured the uncomfortable sensation of an intense, sticky heat associated with humid summer nights and hot arid days, then you will soon realise the benefits of having an air conditioning unit stored at home. The benefits are numerous and the relief of experiencing air conditioned surroundings following an uncomfortable heat is overwhelming.

Evaluate your Options

As with any potential purchase, there is some need to research prior to parting with any hard earned cash and this basic research will pay dividends in the end, ensuring that the right type of air conditioning unit is bought and it is not difficult to source the information as it is easily accessible through the Internet alone.

Portable Air Conditioners are ideal for smaller homes or rented homes because they do not need to be permanently installed into a wall or window. They do however require that the unit be vented by positioning the flexible hose to a window and all units contain kits which allow the hose to be kept securely in place and foam is provided which helps to insulate the opened window. Portable Air Conditioners are easily transported from room to room as they usually have casters so they really are flexible options and can be adapted to an individual’s needs.

If you fancy something much more permanent, then you might wish to opt for a Fixed Air Conditioning unit and these have to be fixed permanently through a window or external wall. These can be useful options especially if finances are tight, as these are the cheapest type of unit to purchase and so worth looking into but be aware that they can be noisy to operate.

It is worth considering that most units have additional functions such as that of dehumidifying and also, heating when the weather turns cold.

It is worth spending a little time considering the size of your surroundings because purchasing a unit that is too small will just be inadequate and a waste of time and money. Too large a unit will cool the air around you too quickly but this will not feel comfortable either.

If you are struggling to cope with the heat on a daily basis, then check out the following points first to ensure that your purchase is a happy one:

1. Space – Measure your surrounding space carefully so that you choose the air conditioning unit with enough power for the job.

2. Consider your needs – would you prefer a portable unit so that it becomes an adaptable resource for your home or would you prefer a permanently fixed unit?

3. Finances – Work out what you can afford and then consider your needs. Air Conditioning Units are now much more affordable but as it’s a long term investment, take your time.

4. Environment – Match your unit so that it blends into your home and opt for energy efficient models.

The benefits of purchasing air conditioning for your home are immense because they work to give you a comfortable environment irrespective of the seasons and therefore provide a long-term investment in your future. In hot climates, they can even improve the saleability of your property. Once installed, the relief from those extreme weather conditions will be immediate and you will wonder how you ever managed to do without.

Evaporative Coolers vs. Portable Air Conditioners

Jonathan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:55:45 +0000

Portable cooling units, such as evaporative coolers and portable air conditioners, are a great alternative to purchasing a centralized air conditioning system. Due their compact shape and mobility, these units are especially smart choices for those who live in an apartment or small rental property.

Unlike window units, portable cooling units can be moved from room to room as they do not require permanent installation. For consumers concerned with only cooling specific rooms rather than an entire house, portable cooling units are often a very cost-effective and energy-efficient option.

However, not all portable cooling units are created equal. Evaporative coolers and portable air conditioners work very differently, and consumers should understand how each of these units works to effectively cool a room before choosing the best option for their needs.

How They Work

Portable air conditioners are box-like units that work by drawing in warm air through special inlets. The warm air is then circulated through evaporator coils with refrigerant running through them, and then, the cooler air is blown out through the front of the unit and the warmer air is vented out through an exhaust hose.

In this way, air is continually cycled through the unit by the portable air conditioner until the room reaches the desired temperature setting. Also, the refrigerant works to not only cool the air but also dehumidify air in the room.

In contrast, evaporative coolers operate somewhat more simply and do not use refrigerant technology to cool the air. Rather, warm air is drawn into the unit through water-cooled pads, cooled by a large fan up to 20 degrees and then blown out through the same water-cooled pads to the room.

Things To Consider

Since these units work so differently, consumers should consider the following factors before purchasing a portable air conditioner or evaporative cooler.

Cost: Before selecting a cooling unit, consumers should first review their personal budget for this purchase. Evaporative coolers, which do not use refrigerant technology, are significantly cheaper than portable air conditioners and would be a good option for those on a limited budget. However, evaporative coolers are much less effective at cooling a room than portable air conditioners, so consumers should consider other factors as well.
Cooling Needs: Next, purchasers consider their cooling needs by asking how much they would prefer to lower the temperature in the room. Since coolers utilize water and evaporative cooling to lower the temperature of its airstream (by as much as 20 degrees) they are much less effective at cooling a room than portable air conditioners. Consumers with significant cooling needs should probably consider a portable air conditioner as their best option.
Humidity Level: Whether consumers live in humid or dry environment is a very important consideration before purchasing an air conditioning unit. Portable air conditioners’ refrigerant technology also works to lower humidity levels in a room so they are good options for those who live in a humid environment (humidity level above 20 percent). Also, since evaporative coolers actually add moisture to the air in a room, they are usually only good options for those who live in a very dry environment.

While they are vastly different; evaporative coolers and portable air conditioners are both good, versatile options for cooling specific rooms in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. With just a little research, consumers are sure to find the best option to suit their specific cooling needs.

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An Intro to Portable Air Conditioner Installation

Jonathan — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:54:09 +0000

Installing an air conditioner, a portable unit at least, does not require the services of a professional. You can easily install your own portable air conditioning unit, following a few helpful tips. First however, it may be important to understand the reasons that you should opt for a portable air conditioner.

Benefits of Portable Air Conditioning Units

There is minimal installation effort required. This is the main advantage of using portable air conditioning. You do not have to have a professional to install the unit. Additionally, if you need the unit in another room, it can easily be moved throughout your home.
Portable air conditioners are, well – portable. Many include rollers that help you to easily transfer them from one room to another so you always have cool air in the room where you need it most.
Increased Functionality. Although the main reason people purchase portable air conditioning units is for the cooling effect, they do have other functions as well. They provide dehumidification throughout the room in which they are installed. Newer units may even have heaters and air purifiers built in.
Affordability and Energy Efficiency. Portable air conditioners are much more affordable than larger, more complicated units. In addition, since these units are smaller they are much more economical and can help you to save energy as opposed to having a larger unit installed.

Installing a Portable Air Conditioning Unit

Installing your portable air conditioner will not be difficult, but there are a few crucial steps that you should keep in mind. First, it is vital that you check the size of your window before you begin installation to ensure that it is neither too large nor too small for your air conditioning unit. Most portable air conditioners today work well with virtually all window sizes, but be sure to do a quick measurement just in case.

If the window where your air conditioner will be installed has a lip on the frame, find a small strip of wood to lip under the air conditioner. This will help to ensure the stability of your unit.

You will need to position the air conditioner in your window so that the unit lip reaches the very edge of the window. You can then close your window as far as possible to ensure that the unit and window edge are fitting tightly together.

To properly position the portable air conditioner, you can open the panels on the side of the unit so that they are touching the side of each wall. You may have to position the unit again to ensure that you have it centered. When you have the unit completely centered you can attach the side panels to your window frame with the screws that were include with the unit. Once you have it connected to your walls, be sure that you insert a foam strip into those areas that are showing light. You want to be certain that you are not allowing outside air in through cracks between your window frame and your air conditioner.

Once you have your unit completely secured, screwed into your wall and have placed foam strips around where needed, you can then plug in the unit to the nearest wall outlet. Be certain that the air conditioner is turned off before you insert the power plug into the outlet to minimize the risk of damage to the unit as well as injury to yourself.

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Environmentally Friendly Air Conditioners

Jonathan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:12:44 +0000

Whether you are looking to reduce your own carbon footprint and effect on the environment or merely aiming to cut costs in the way of your home utility bill, you may be interested in learning that the leading culprit for home energy consumption comes in the way of your heating and cooling methods. When the temperatures outside list to one side of the spectrum or the other we are then more inclined to compensate for that inside. This means that when it gets hot and humid outdoors we are apt to crank up the air conditioning so that we aren’t left sweaty and uncomfortable.

Portable Air Conditioners: More Efficient

A standard central air condition unit is going to supply your entire house will a steady stream of cold air through a network of vents, which means that even if you are not currently using all of the rooms in your home your air conditioner will be working to keep them just as cool as the ones you are in. This means that you are unnecessarily wasting energy to cool these places and in turn increasing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and inflating your bills. Portable air conditioners then can limit the amount of energy you need by only cooling the areas you are currently using, passing that reward on to you in the form of savings as well as being easier on one Mother Nature.

There are many different models of portable air conditioners you can choose from depending on your own specific needs, but generally they are all between 60 and 100 centimeters (28 and 34 inches) tall. They are set upon rolling wheels that allow you to easily shift them from room to room. What’s more is that because they vary in size you can make a selection based on the amount of space you need to cool; you can limit the necessary amount of electricity consumed by pairing a smaller portable unit with a similarly smaller room.

As a rule of thumb, for each square meter of space in a bedroom you need 80 watts; for one square meter of space in an open living area you need 125 watts. Portable air conditioning units can then cut back on the amount of wasted energy you use and in turn make your home all the more green.

Go for the Greener Air Cons

Another concern regarding air conditioners is the fact that they contain refrigerants that have chemicals that are damaging to the environment. While it is not yet possible to remove all chemicals from the air conditioning unit, there are more eco-friendly refrigerant options. Not all chemicals are created equal and if you are looking to outfit yourself with a unit that is less polluting you can opt for one with R410a refrigerant and still other that don’t produce any ozone.

There are still other ways you can make your portable air conditioner more eco-friendly:

Compare the Energy Rating between the different models. This is a star rating from 1-6, and the higher the rating the more efficiently they will use the supplied electricity and in turn use less energy overall.
Look for models that contain a light up control panel with LED lights. They are exponentially more efficient than standard light bulbs.
Keep the air filter properly cleaned and maintained. As well as increasing the lifespan of your air conditioner dramatically, this will reduce the amount of toxins that are trapped in your house from everyday cleaners, dust, and household products which will in turn make for a cleaner, healthier, living space. This is especially beneficial to anyone with allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system.

Air conditioners are our friends, not our enemies – but we should pay careful attention to the way in which they are used and relied on. By limiting the amount of energy used with a portable unit you can lessen your carbon footprint and help the environment. The added benefit of a smaller electricity bill shouldn’t go unnoticed either!

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How Powerful does my Portable Air Con Need to Be?

Jonathan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:24:30 +0000

Like Goldilocks and those three bears, the perfect air conditioner is one that is not too big, not too small, but just right.

Keeping cool involves more than grabbing the biggest air conditioner you can find, plugging it in, and sitting back to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort. When it comes to air conditioners, bigger is not better. If your air conditioner is too big, your rooms may feel damp and clammy. Too small isn’t good either. If your air conditioner is undersized, you may still suffer from the heat.

A Primer on Portable Air Conditioners

Using a flexible hose positioned near a window, most portable air conditioners will pull the warm air from outdoors, send it over coolant-filled chiller pipes, and blow the air into the room with a fan. When coolant in the pipes changes from a cool liquid to a gas, heat is moved outside. Another fan blows any heat away from the air conditioner. To keep this cycle working at its best, choose an air conditioner that is the right size for your room.

Air conditioners are rated in BTUs which stands for British Thermal Units. The larger the area, the more BTUs are required to keep you cool and comfy.

Consider these factors when selecting the perfect size air conditioner:

What size room are you cooling?
How many windows are in the room?
How many people will be in the room?
Is your room shady or sunny?

Here’s an easy calculation to help you find a happy medium between cool and comfortable and damp and humid in 7 easy steps:

Step One: Grab a tape measure and measure the length and the width of your room. Multiply the length of the room by the width to find the square meters.
Step Two: Multiply the square meters times 25.
Step Three: Add 10% for a sunny room.
Step Four: Subtract 10% for a shaded room.
Step Five For every window add 1,000.
Step Six: For 3 or more people in a room, add 600 for each person.
Step Seven: Add 4,000 for a kitchen.

The number that you’re left with is an approximation of the BTU level your Portable Air Conditioner will need to be.

An Example:

A 10m x 10m room = 100 sq. meters.
100 x 25 = 2,500
Add 10% for a sunny room: 2,500 + 250 = 2,750.
The room isn’t shaded, so we’ll skip this step
Add 2,000 for 2 windows: 2,750 + 2,000 = 4,000.
Add 600 for 3 people in the room: 4,000 + 600 = 4,600.
We don’t need to account for a kitchen, so we’ll skip this step too.

Based on the above calculations, you’ll need to choose an air conditioner with a power rating of approximately 4,600 BTUs.

Still confused? For a rough estimate, this chart should help to get you started:

Room Size and BTUs

100 – 200 sq. meters = 2,500 – 5,000 BTUs
300 – 400 sq. meters = 7 ,500 – 10,000 BTUs
500 – 600 sq. meters = 12,500 – 15,000 BTUs
700 – 800 sq. meters = 17,500 – 20,000 BTUs

Adjust the figures on the chart, for sunny or shady rooms, windows, or extra people as shown above.

Are you cooling rooms that are different sizes? Obviously all other things being equal, it’s better to have too much power than not enough. Ideally, you should choose an air conditioner that will cool the larger room on its ‘high’ setting, while being able to cool the smaller rooms on a ‘low’ or ‘medium’ setting.

Gather your figures, head to the nearest dealer, and grab your new portable air conditioner. Plug it in, sit back, and enjoy air conditioned comfort. Ahhh, just right!

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10 Cheap Ways to Stay Cool when the Heat is On

Jonathan — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:32:25 +0000

Does the warmer weather have you begging for a reprieve? Is your pocket book at odds with the temperature? Never fear- here are the top ten ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank…

1. Head to the Beach- An easy fix for the sweltering sun, pack your bags and plan a day on the coast. In Western Australia, consider the ever popular Palm Beach in Sydney, Hyams Beach, Mission Beach of Queensland or Bells Beach in Victoria. Ride a wave or play in the surf- either way, you’re sure to cool down in a hurry. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

2. Check out a Museum- Now you can cool off AND enjoy some culture- just cruise over to your nearest museum. Many museums offer discounted rates or free admission, and the air conditioning inside blended with the educational value makes this a great fix for the heat wave.

3. Stay Hydrated- The easiest way to overheat during high temperatures is to become dehydrated. Remember to keep drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day. H2O = nature’s remedy. It’s not just for your body, though. Placing small bowls of water around the house can help as well, as evaporation aids in cooling the air.

4. Buy a Portable Air Conditioner - You knew we were going to slip this in somehwere! But seriously, stationary air conditioning bills are enough to get your blood boiling these days and are simply not feasible if you’re renting. The solution? Consider buying a Portable Air Conditioner. Even if you can’t afford to keep your house or office an igloo, having a portable unit turned up and pointed your direction will make you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury.

5. Catch a movie- There are a wide variety of cinematic gems gracing the silver screen these days, and movie theaters still know how to keep you cool. Cheaper than developing frost on the inside panels of your home windows, this will cool you off AND keep you entertained.

6. Shut the curtains- This small step has two advantages. Not only will shutting the curtains keep your home dark and cool, blocking out the hot sunlight that can bake your living room, but the privacy means you can wear as much or as little clothing as you like!

7. Stick your clothes in the freezer- This may seem like an odd step, but nothing feels more brisk than pulling on a cold t-shirt in the middle of a hot afternoon. Leave a couple of articles of clothing in the freezer for an hour or two, and experience the refreshing touch of ice cold cotton as your reward.

8. Take a cold shower- Cool off quickly by taking an ice cold shower. This cheap option gives you the refreshing nature of the beach or the pool without having to don a swimsuit in public. Bonus!

9. Chow down on some spicy food- It may seem counter-intuitive, but spicy food can cool you down. Foods like chili have chemicals that make us sweat more readily, which in turn can cool you down.

10. Take a mental vacation- Can’t afford to hit the slopes and escape the heat? Read about it. Reading books set in cold climates can help distract you from the current temperatures. The more free time your mind has to wander, the more likely you are to focus on the thermometer.