If window air conditioning units are not allowed because of building restrictions, a portable air conditioner is a great alternative. A portable air conditioner is easy to move from one room to another and does not require any major reconstruction to install. These units may be vented through an already existing window using a flexible hose, or the hoses may be vented through a hanging ceiling or wall.

The cooling power of a portable air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units or BTU’s. The compact units may be as small as 5000 BTU’s for cooling of tiny areas, or more powerful units can be purchased with as many as 30,000 BTU’s. By choosing the level of cooling necessary to fit the floor space, consumers can be sure that these portable air conditioners are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Inexpensive portable air conditioners provide for simple cooling needs, but more expensive models provide additional features. Some units also dehumidify the air. Some have variable speed options for the fan. Others even have a convenient remote control included. Although some portable air conditioners require that the condensation collect in a pan which must be emptied daily, other units are self-evaporating or contain a pump which eliminates the need for a pan.

While many window air conditioners are excessively noisy, many portable air conditioners function with only a slight hum, no louder than the sound of a computer modem. These units may also be attached to a generator in case of a power outage. They can even be less expensive to operate than some of the other methods of cooling a room.

Portable air conditioners are an excellent source of emergency cooling, particularly for rooms that contain sensitive electronic equipment. Some of the models even provide heat as well as cooling. These would be especially useful in emergency situations. Because installation is quick and easy and these units can be stored away when not in use, portable air conditioners can be the ideal solution for many homes and businesses.