Portable Air Conditioner Buying Tips
Portable air conditioners provide efficient cooling
for smaller areas, and some of today's more energy-efficient models
can even handle larger spaces with ease. The key to purchasing
the right portable air conditioner is to correctly determine how
much cooling you need. Many consumers make the mistake of
assuming that more power is always better, but this isn't always the
case.
The Importance of BTUs
If you purchase a portable air conditioner with a higher BTU
rating than needed, the unit will cycle off too
quickly and not properly remove humidity from the air.
Moreover, a portable AC with an insufficient number of BTUs will not adequately cool a
room. That's why experts often advise consumers to pay close
attention to a room's floor plan in order to figure out how many
BTUs the space requires.
How to Size a Portable Air Conditioner
Calculating a portable AC unit's BTU requirements is simple.
First determine the room's square footage by multiplying its length
by width, then look to the chart below to get a general idea of how
many BTUs you need. We've also included some portable air
conditioner recommendations
based on room size to make your purchasing decision easier:
Please note that the numbers listed in the above
portable AC chart are estimates based on typical room conditions in a moderate
climate. Certain exceptions may apply, and if any of these are
applicable to you, increase or decrease your BTU requirements as
needed:
|
 |
Second Story Homes and Very
Sunny Areas: Add BTU amount by 10% |
|
 |
Shaded Areas: Reduce BTU amount by 10% |
|
 |
Each Additional Person Over 2
Persons in a Room: Add 600 BTUs |
|
 |
Kitchens: Add 4,000 BTUs |
For more details on sizing a portable air
conditioner, see our
portable
air conditioner sizing guide or take a look at our
portable air conditioner buying guide
for more product recommendations, comparison charts, and other portable
AC information. |
