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Portable Aircons - Worth it?
- Thread starter InternetSwag
- Start date
A proper split unit is always better.
However...
I've been using a Sunbeam portable A/C (bought at Game about 5 years ago) and it works a treat.
The exhaust pipe is a PITA, but the unit I bought doesn't need to be drained (uses evaporative trickery to get rid of the water & condensation via exhaust).
The noise is deafening and it's awesome! Neighbours' dogs and kids do not bother me when sleeping in on a Saturday morning.
Yes, these units are bulky, noisy and need some attention (my previous unit needed to be drained - about 3lt per night into a bottle, filters need to cleaned regularly etc.) - but they do work IF:
a) you set the unit up correctly,
b) you do not sit too close to it (it radiates heat at the back, most of which is expelled via the exhaust),
c) the room isn't too small or too big,
d) you set it to about 23-24C (too low it keeps running and ices up, too high there is no effect)
e) you don't expect it to cool the room to sub-zero temps in 10min.
Lastly, the "Portable" in the name is just for marketing - these units are heavy AF, and don't like to move around as much.
TL;DR - Portable A/C's do work, not as well as split units though.
However...
I've been using a Sunbeam portable A/C (bought at Game about 5 years ago) and it works a treat.
The exhaust pipe is a PITA, but the unit I bought doesn't need to be drained (uses evaporative trickery to get rid of the water & condensation via exhaust).
The noise is deafening and it's awesome! Neighbours' dogs and kids do not bother me when sleeping in on a Saturday morning.
Yes, these units are bulky, noisy and need some attention (my previous unit needed to be drained - about 3lt per night into a bottle, filters need to cleaned regularly etc.) - but they do work IF:
a) you set the unit up correctly,
b) you do not sit too close to it (it radiates heat at the back, most of which is expelled via the exhaust),
c) the room isn't too small or too big,
d) you set it to about 23-24C (too low it keeps running and ices up, too high there is no effect)
e) you don't expect it to cool the room to sub-zero temps in 10min.
Lastly, the "Portable" in the name is just for marketing - these units are heavy AF, and don't like to move around as much.
TL;DR - Portable A/C's do work, not as well as split units though.
myBBexpert
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For normal windows, get a perspex sheet, cut out a hole the exhaust pipe and silicone it onto the window frame.
The window stays open permanently, so lets hope you have decent security.
The window stays open permanently, so lets hope you have decent security.
garyc
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Something further on the efficiency of portable aircons. I measured the power consumption on mine and it costs R3 per hour to run at current rates. It is set at a temperature of 26C (fine for T shirt and shorts). The room is 4m x 5m and has a high ceiling that slopes from 2.2m up to 4m, so a reasonable volume. This is in PTA where there can be a lot of heat to get rid of.
On a really hot day I will gladly pay the R3 per hour. The room has a normal window where I just open it and stick the hose outside. This is one extra step compared to installing the hose more permanently, depends if it is going to bug you.
On a really hot day I will gladly pay the R3 per hour. The room has a normal window where I just open it and stick the hose outside. This is one extra step compared to installing the hose more permanently, depends if it is going to bug you.
I ran one for a while. Some "tips". Buy the highest BTU unit you can get your hands on. I had, I think a 14 000 BTU unit, and it barely cooled my bedroom in my apartment. When I installed a split I installed a 12 000 BTU unit which cools it comfortable.
Noise on these things is absolutely insane. They are just so noisy, I never really got used to it, but it was so hot that I couldn't sleep without it.
Last but not least, my unit started leaking. They have some kind of irritant they mixed into the Delongi unit's gas that nearly killed my GF at the time.
I wasn't in the room and I hear her coughing and chocking (in her sleep).
Walk in and I can barely breathe.
I called the fire department and they laughed at me thinking I was "soft" or something.
Went in, came out and changed from laughing to being seriously concerned about how dangerous this thing is (while having coughing fits)
TL;DR these things can be really scary.
But there is no doubt they cool the room, they do work for sure.
Just very noisy and very inefficient as far as heat pumps go.
Noise on these things is absolutely insane. They are just so noisy, I never really got used to it, but it was so hot that I couldn't sleep without it.
Last but not least, my unit started leaking. They have some kind of irritant they mixed into the Delongi unit's gas that nearly killed my GF at the time.
I wasn't in the room and I hear her coughing and chocking (in her sleep).
Walk in and I can barely breathe.
I called the fire department and they laughed at me thinking I was "soft" or something.
Went in, came out and changed from laughing to being seriously concerned about how dangerous this thing is (while having coughing fits)
TL;DR these things can be really scary.
But there is no doubt they cool the room, they do work for sure.
Just very noisy and very inefficient as far as heat pumps go.
Bought a GMC 12000btu portable aircon and in the shop it was blowing COLD air
At home, its like a strong fan, NO cool air, even if not ducted perfectly or even with a window slightly opened with gaps, surely it should still blow COLD air?
Yes with an open window then its not able to cool the room and keep it constant but there is NO Cold air, im so frustrated
Also the venting pipe thing. Theres little to no air pressure. Cant feel anything whilst the aircon is on full blast blowing strong ROOM temperature air in this heatwave :-(
At home, its like a strong fan, NO cool air, even if not ducted perfectly or even with a window slightly opened with gaps, surely it should still blow COLD air?
Yes with an open window then its not able to cool the room and keep it constant but there is NO Cold air, im so frustrated
Also the venting pipe thing. Theres little to no air pressure. Cant feel anything whilst the aircon is on full blast blowing strong ROOM temperature air in this heatwave :-(
Went_For_Beer
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Check if your water tank isnt full
Sagax
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Those units can be finicky.
This might sound obvious but ensure the top light in the function list is lit for aircon (normal fan is 3rd light from the top).
Try lowering the target temperature to 18 degrees or something like that and give it a moment, it might still run in normal fan mode for a minute or three and then suddenly switch on the air conditioner unit. (this generally happens when you switch from aircon to other functions and then back to aircon)
Temperature displayed on the unit works as follows:
Aircon - Target temperature
Heater - Target temperature
Fan - Current room temperature
If the aircon activates you will definitely hear it since it makes a lot more noise than the normal fan mode.
Also, keep in mind that the unit will switch to fan mode once the target temperature has been reached and then switch the aircon back on when the temperature goes above the target again.
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Toxxyc
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I wanted to buy one of these the other day, dude said it worked wonderfully. Visited him, yes it makes cold, but his room was super insulated and sealed off to prevent as much hot air from outside coming back in, it was just not worth it. I decided against it, will rather do a proper AC when the money comes. For now, I do a wet cotton t-shirt contest every day. I'm the only participant and I'm also the winner every day, so it keeps me happy.
But seriously, a wet cotton shirt with a fan on it works very well to cool you down.
But seriously, a wet cotton shirt with a fan on it works very well to cool you down.
PaulGherkin
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These things are work.. no doubt about it.
You have to seal the windows off, and insulate well. Also that kak pipe they supply radiates heat. You can improve this by getting a foil pipe from the Builder's warehouse.
To keep emptying it automatically, I used a power supply, a VW Golf windshield washer pump, plastic PVC hose, and a MAJOR TECH time switch put into pulse mode
HAL 9000
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Midea U-Shaped Air Conditioner Review: Beat the heat
Welcome to the future of cooling! The Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Inverter Window Air Conditioner is a game-changer in home climate control. Designed with innovation and convenience in mind, this air conditioner not only cools your space efficiently but also offers a host of unique features that set it apart from the rest.Innovative U-Shaped Design: This unique design allows you to open and close your window while the unit is installed, providing unobstructed views and fresh air whenever you want.
Ultra-Quiet Operation: Thanks to its advanced inverter technology, this AC operates as low as 42 dB, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed environment.
Incredible Energy Efficiency: The Midea U is ENERGY STAR® certified and uses the latest technology to save up to 35% more energy than traditional units, reducing your electricity bills.
Smart Control Options: With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control your AC from anywhere using the MideaAir app, or connect it to your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for voice control.
If you're looking for a powerful, energy-efficient, and ultra-quiet window air conditioner, the Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the perfect choice for you!
Other YT reviews:
W@P
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My 12k BTU inverter Midea has been running for 2 years every day in my office. No issues.
They make good products.
PsyWulf
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Is the AC Compressor actually starting up or is it just Fan mode blowing?
Thanks so much for this guidance.
I did change modes and fan speeds etc to check if the Compressor kicked in and Nope, nothing.
At their showroom, the demo model was blowing cold air AND noisier than my really expensive GMC fan on the hottest day!
On AIRCON mode, just the Fan, its the same in air temp, flow and noise irrespective of which of those modes I run it on.
Really disappointed
PsyWulf
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If it's on AC mode definitely - Gas/compressor/air filter/other issue
On a brand new unit? The consultant did even say to check this.
Said to turn if off, leave it off for a while and AFTER turning it on, give it a few mins for the Compressor to kick in.
It never did.
PsyWulf
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When you transported it,did you place it on it's side?
Sagax
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It might be a faulty unit then, might be worthwhile to contact the place where you bought it and find out if it can be swopped out, or they must check and fix it under warranty. Or at the very least they can tell if you are perhaps doing something wrong.
I've found on my unit that the water storage only fills up when I run the dehumidifier. When the tank is full a red light (I think?) will activate and the unit will not circulate air. So if the unit is still circulating air then a full water tank is probably not the cause of the problem.
Sidenote: If there is a lot of moisture in the air then the tank fills up quite quickly. Open the outlet valve with the unit in the shower or outside otherwise you'll end up with water on the floor... or even worse, carpets.
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