- Portable air conditioners are air conditioners that, as the name implies, can be moved from one place to another without having to be installed or attached to an existing heating and cooling system. The purpose of portable air conditioners--to heat, cool, or adjust humidity in the air--is identical to that of non-portable air conditioners. Portable air conditioners can be small enough to fit in one's hand, or they can be as large as window-mounted air conditioning units.
- Portable air conditioners have varying designs based on the manufacturer and therefore have different means of operation. Some small air conditioners, such as the Handycooler Personal Air Conditioner, operate by using a small fan to blow air over a wet sponge, and really are more like low-key cool-mist humidifiers. Other larger models use a freon or ionization cooling system just like non-portable air conditioners. Some larger models have designs that are complex enough to allow the conditioner to perform multiple functions, such as acting like a heater, humidifier or cooling unit all in one.
- Portable air conditioners can be used in the home, office, garage or any other space where the air becomes hot, dry, humid or cold. Some models, such as the KoolerAire air conditioner, even are designed to work in your car or RV and operate using the cigarette lighter connection in your vehicle or a cool air source like a cooler of ice. So, you can enjoy a portable air conditioner even when you are traveling.
- Cost of portable air conditioners depends on the technology and materials it uses and how large the air conditioner is. A very small unit may sell for as little as $40, while a large, floor based model can run several hundred dollars. Some models that are more expensive may pay for themselves in the long run if they are designed to be energy efficient.
- A main benefit of a portable air conditioner is that you can condition a very small amount of air. By conditioning less air, you save energy even as your comfort level improves. In addition, portable air conditioners may fix temperature and humidity problems in certain areas of the home that aren't sufficiently cooled, heated or moisture regulated by a central heating and cooling system. This allows a homeowner to spot treat the home as the environment changes without opting for a costly HVAC revamp. Lastly, portability means that you can adjust the temperature and humidity in your personal space more easily without having to adjust the temperature and humidity around others, leaving everyone more comfortable.
