Whether your air conditioner is not functioning properly, you have an increased need during the summer heat, or you don’t have an air conditioner, a temporary cooling system can be the ideal way to beat the summer heat. Whether for your home or business, these units can be effective cooling solutions that come at a much more affordable price than built-in air-conditioning systems — particularly in buildings that do not have the ductwork already in place. If you are shopping for a temporary cooling solution, here’s what to look for in your unit.
KNOW THE TYPES
As you search for temporary cooling options, you will find that four basic types exist:
Evaporative coolers (swamp coolers)
Portable exhaust tube air conditioning
Refrigerant-cooled portable split type air conditioning
Water-cooled portable split type air conditioning
Exhaust tube air conditioners work great for areas where you have access to an open window, because they work by drawing heat out of the space and through the window. Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, work well in areas without high humidity. They work by evaporating water to remove the heat. Finally, split units, whether water-cooled or refrigerant-cooled, provide an option for rooms that do not have a window. They have two units, the room unit and an external condenser unit, to provide the cooling effect.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BTUS
The second factor to consider, and perhaps the most important, is the number of British thermal units (BTUs) of cooling capacity the portable air conditioner provides. The size of your room will determine how many BTUs you need. For instance, a 7,500 BTU unit will provide enough cooling for 150 square feet, If your room is heavily shaded, you can decrease the capacity by about 10 percent. If it has a lot of sun, you will need to increase by 10 percent.
OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER
Each portable air conditioner has its own unique features, and choosing the right one can be challenging. As you shop, consider additional features that will make it work better for you. For example, you may want a system that has an automatic on/off feature controlled by a thermostat. This will ensure that your area stays cool, even if you are not present to turn the system on.
Many portable cooling systems also offer dehumidification, and this can be vital in several applications. For instance, if you are adding cooling to a server room or other technology center, humidity can have a very damaging effect, so dehumidification is vital. You will also want a unit that dehumidifies if you are concerned about mold, as humid, hot areas encourage fast mold growth.
The variety available in temporary cooling systems is astounding. As you shop, be sure you have a clear idea in mind of what you need, so you will find a system that meets that need well.
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