Anyone know anything about Portable AC units?

[sudsmaster]

I've had my eye on a dual hose portable that also could double as a space heater in the winter. But at something like $550 I've put off getting one, although I'm intrigued by the heat exchanger capability. Now that I know about the noise issue I'm less inclined to get one anyway.

For now I have two 5500 BTU Daewoo window units. These were very economical. Got $50 rebates from the local power company for each one, so they wound up costing about $50 each. I ran them both in the summer of 2008, but last year I left them in storage and didn't miss them that much. In this climate even when the days are in the 90's, it generally cools down to the 60's at night, so I just run fans at night to cool the place down (open windows) and then seal the place up in the morning to keep out the heat until I get home. Having R45 above the ceiling and a ventilated attic helps. This summer I'm planning on finishing installing under-floor (R13) insulation and that should help even more.

The windows here are all horizontal sliders, but the Daewoos are narrow enough to fit on the sill with the window about 80% open, and I rigged up a plexiglass panel above each one to complete the installation, along with some minor alteration to the outer aluminum frame on the window to accept the lower bracket. My main complaint is that with them installed, I lost a window needed to cool the place down at night. Last summer may not have been as toasty as some in the past, but I got through it without needing to reinstall either A/C unit.

 

[richardc1983]

You have made the right decision dont waste your money on portable units, at least get the window units. The portables are noisier than window units as the comppressor and all the fans are in the room,

I had to turn the tv up really loud when it was on as it was so loud, constant buzzing from the compressor.

Certainly could not sleep with it on at night!

Use some of those high velocity air circulators at open windows to pull the heat and cooler outdoor air through.

 

[whirlcool]

I'm thinking at your house in SFO an attic fan as CircleW described would work fine. I think those work best in an area where it's hot during the day and cool at night.
We had a house once that had one of those. When you turned it on the shutters in the hall would bang open with a loud noise and within moments everything not tied down in the house would be flying around the place. Open the windows and a nice cool breeze would be flowing over you.
I have seen some really cold and foggy days in SFO in the summertime. Days where you actually need to wear your jacket.

 

[philcobendixduo]

The BEST Portable A/C unit!

Hello - I was most fortunate to find TWO of these units online - one from Craigslist and one from a contractor in Montana. They are not available any more, as far as I know and are VERY hard to come by. Why no one besides Delonghi makes them anymore, I don't know as they are the BEST portable A/C units out there. I have a Delonghi PACT100P (Costco special) and it is a two hose unit. Still, it is VERY inefficient as there is a HOT hose in the room whenever it's running that adds a lot of heat to the room that then needs to be removed. The units pictured in this and the next post are by FREECOM. If you can find ANY portable split system A/C unit, BUY IT! They are the best. The two I have cool the ENTIRE downstairs of my 2400 sq. foot home. Much easier install than trying to lift a window unit each season.

 

[philcobendixduo]

Outside part FREECOM unit

This is the part that goes outside - connected by a hose that requires minimum window opening to pass through.

 

[spankomatic]

How does it work?

How does this Freecom unit work. Is it a freon line that goes through the window? Is there a drain pan to empty. Looks like it might be a better way to go...

 

[philcobendixduo]

FREECOM RCS-3000T

This is a true split system (almost) with the condenser and fan outside the house connected with a flexible line set that includes power, refrigerant, and condensate drain tube. There is nothing to empty unless the pump fails for some reason.
It is 12,000 BTU, has automatic turn or OR shut off (countdown timer) and motorized vanes for good air circulation. The compressor IS in the indoor unit, but it is very quite rotary design and can barely be heard over the blower when on high.
This is just the best design in portable A/C units and I don't know why they are so expensive (new list is $2500 I think). I paid $1400. for the pair - a bargain for me as it was going to cost about $20k to install new furnace, A/C, improved ducts, etc.
Plus - I can just turn on one or the other or both as needed - like a zoned system.
You can still buy a unit from Delonghi but the price is HIGH and the features are LOW (like a MECHANICAL timer and controls!)

 

[volvoguy87]

Controls.

Honestly, I like mechanical controls. Digital controls make me nervous because I've found them to be less reliable than mechanical controls. I wish I could find high-efficiency models that feature mechanical controls.

I'm still reading this thread, keep your experiences coming,
Dave