The upcoming weekend is expected to bring intense heat, and for those unable to install a permanent system, portable air conditioning is a viable alternative for cooling, which can also be used in winter to heat the home, as noted by DECO PROTeste.
Costs
The consumer protection organization states, “the electricity consumption of portable air conditioning is slightly higher than that of fixed air conditioning,” adding, “the annual bill is almost 10 euros more.”
“If a fan runs 10 hours a day to aid ventilation in the room, depending on the power, it could cost up to 5 euros per month in electricity without actually cooling the room,” the organization also notes.
DECO PROTeste “compared the consumption, cost, and impact of use (in CO2 emissions) of a fixed and a portable air conditioning unit,” considering “for this annual estimate, four hours of use, five days a week, during the three hottest months (June to August).”
The results were as follows:
Comparison between fixed and portable air conditioning units © DECO PROTeste
These values, according to the organization, “result from an estimate for the described scenario, considering average values of efficiency, power, and electricity consumption, based on tests conducted on these devices by DECO PROTeste.”
“For lab evaluation, DECO PROTeste selected ten models of reversible portable air conditioners. All feature ventilation (without cooling), dehumidification, cooling, and heating functions,” it adds.
Noise (and weight) considerations
The consumer protection organization notes that “most portable models emit more noise than the indoor units of fixed systems, which benefit from having the noisiest component, the compressor, located outside the dwelling.”
“It may be uncomfortable at night or in work environments,” it cautions.
Additionally, there is another issue: “Do not be swayed by claims of portability. On average, portable air conditioning models weigh about 30 kg and are somewhat bulky. They usually come equipped with wheels for easier transport.”
“Even though the flexible hoses they come with are between 1.50 and 2 meters long, the concept of portability is compromised by the need to place the hose in the window and connect the power cord. You will also need to periodically empty the condensation tank included with these devices,” it advises.
How do they work?
DECO PROTeste explains that to cool the air inside a room, “the hot air is absorbed, cooled, and dehumidified, and then released in the same room.”
“The hot air is transported outside through an extendable exhaust hose, which is generally placed in a window. The most suitable way to do this is to use a portable air conditioning window kit, which allows the window to remain open to pass the hose to the outside and prevent the reentry of expelled air through the window opening,” it states.
